What a Workout!

Dad was pretty busy yesterday. Not all on his own, but none-the-less... VERY BUSY!

The staff got him out of bed and into a wheel chair, plus gave him a much needed shower yesterday morning (only sponge-baths prior to now, so I'm sure that felt great!).

On a roll, Dad who accidentally (yeah, sure it was an accident) had yanked out his IV this morning, went outside for a walk... actually, I guess it'd be a ride. A tad windy, but Trish said it was nice to get him rolling outdoors for a bit none-the-less.

He ate some breakfast, and stayed in his wheelchair "people watching" until a little past lunch. Mostly responsive (a lot of nods, but a li'l verbal as well) throughout 'til it was time to head back to bed & get his IV re-inserted. Nap time calls!

After all that exercise he slept the majority of the afternoon. Comfortably and calm.

Pastor Scott & family (think I'll get to be a part of the 'CB & C' dinner, Melissa?) stopped by for a short visit. Dad stayed pretty quiet but awake for most of their visit, finally nodding off holding Melissa's hand just before they left. It was pretty funny though, to watch her jump every time he hiccupped.

Woke again and finished off about 1/2 his dinner... and then nodded back off to sleep for the night! Another super, beautiful day.

I can only speak for me here, but each step (or roll since he's using a wheelchair) Dad takes is more encouraging than the last. Our God is an Awesome God! A Graceful God! A Loving God!

Pray for God to fill dad with strength and determination!
John

Cool, clear water!

That's what Dad needed most!

Since he's been struggling with swallowing (especially liquids), he'd been getting extremely dehydrated!

So, they started an IV on Monday night (about 7:45pm) to get some much needed fluids back into his system! And Praise God, it seems to be helping a bit already!

He started out Tuesday quietly, with Trish reading to him... while he continued to not eat or drink, and still wasn't very responsive. As the day went on however, the benefits of some fluids definitely started to show.

One of the nurses got a thumbs up, and later Dad, responding to the nurses' question, Can you hear me?, gave an "I can hear you fine."

A few visitors came right around lunchtime... yes, visitors are once again welcome to stop by for brief visits. Just get ahold of one of us for info (or call the message line or e-mail the PrayforBuddy address).

Family friend Barb, who helped Dad through lunch, said he ate well without much prompting needed to swallow. She'd spent a lot of time with him on Saturday, and said he was much more responsive since they started hydrating.

She told Dad, I know you are aware of how loved you are to which he nodded in agreement.

I stopped by myself very briefly on the way home from work, and when I asked how he was feeling, he whispered a raspy "pretty good".

Tricia Lynn, who was there throughout the evening, said Dad ate about half his dinner, and seemed much more alert (eyes dancing around the room checking things out) when he was awake, although he kept pretty quiet. Probably wore out from his busy day!

His muscles were pretty stiff (try lying in bed for 2 months and see if you don't get a bit stiff), so she gave him a pretty good massage. He's been getting a lot of those (from all of us) lately.

Some food, conversation, a little more mobility... Great day compared to where things have been, don't you think!

God is Great!
Johnny:)

Psalm 118:24

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Dad made the move! We're not sure why, but it seems like every time he goes through a move to a new location (whether it be a new room at the hospital or further away), he's had a bit of a setback. This trip was no exception!

Friday evening, as well as Saturday were both spent primarily snoozing. Breakfast, lunch & dinner consisted of about 3 bites each... and took an hour or so to make it through even those. To say that he's been having difficulty swallowing would be an understatement!!

What a difference a day makes though!

Dad's eldest son, Jim; who flew in from southern California Thursday night, said Dad ate most of his eggs & oatmeal this morning. He's still not speaking much (okay, not at all) so there was no Sunday sermon given today; but the fact that he ate... spoke volumes! What a great way to start out a Sunday.

His memory still faded & his strength's still pretty zapped... but we continue looking to God for the miracle that we know he can provide!

It's another beautiful day!
Johnny:)

It's Moving Day once again...

Dad will be leaving the hospital today (no, he's really not being transported by U-Haul) and heading to a south sound SNiF facility. It's a different facility, but the same basic scenario from before.

His medical condition remains stable, and while Dad's not quite where he was physically when he was released from Harborview 2 weeks ago, we're looking forward with anticipation to what the next few days hold in store for him!

The hope is that he will continue to improve physically and, with time, regain his strength & memory, and return to physical & occupational therapy.

Pray for God to hold Dad close in his palm; providing him with comfort throughout the move and transition!

More to follow... Thanks!
Johnny:)

A Quick Thanks!

Just a quick note from all of us to say thanks for all of the support & prayers offered.

A day doesn't go by without someone we see saying, "I'm praying for Buddy!"

Even the manager at my local Safeway, Jose', saw me come in yesterday and tracked me down back in the produce department to get an update and offer support... and he's never even met Dad!

Friends, neighbors, and yes, even strangers... it's like our family continues to grow larger & larger as the days continue on.

In case we don't always have the chance to say so; On Dad's behalf, "We Thank You!"

John

Forward Progress...

Well, once again it's been way too long between posts.

Some days I just can't seem to find the words (for those of you that know me... I'm sure that's hard to believe) to pass along. That being said, I figured whether I had the right words or not it was time for an update.

Since the last post, Dad has made some great forward progress. He's awake for long periods now, eating (100% of most meals in past couple of days) wonderfully, although he's still having a bit of difficulty (at least as of last night) swallowing clear liquids.

His being awake is awesome to see! He's been pretty talkative; although still no memory of who we (himself included) are at this point in time. Only time will tell.

One of the neurologists was talking with Trish yesterday and gave her a real good message for all of us to remember. Dad’s recovery process is not a sprint… it’s a marathon! We want so much for the healing to be immediate! Boy, do we! However, we (that includes me) need to continue to be strong and supportive as each minute; hour; day or week passes… as thrilled with the ‘baby steps’ as we used to be!

Each day continues to bring challenges… some new & some old. One of the nurses asked him last night if he knew his name. Dad looked at me inquisitively. I said, “Dad, do you know? Or, do you need help?”

He said, “I need help!”

I told him that’s what we’re here for; to fill in the gaps until he’s able to fill them in on his own. He seemed to find some momentary comfort in that, but I know it must be difficult & confusing.

Some say, he probably doesn’t notice or doesn’t realize… I say he does! Dad’s a fighter! You all know that. He used to tell TL, Jimmy & I as kids, “You can do it! You’re an Ellis!” Back then I sometimes wondered whether or not that was a good thing. But now, I know for me at least, I find strength in telling him, “Dad… You CAN beat this! After all, you’re THE ELLIS!”

His life continues to be an inspiration to me, as I’m sure it does to many of you!

I see and hear from people every day that tell me how Dad has touched their life in some way. From churches, stores, at his Rotary club… all over I hear stories or read e-mails from folks of the positive ways that he’s affected them. Not so that he could be lifted high or praised… not at all! Just because that’s the kind of person that God made him out to be.

I look forward to each step we take or lap we make towards the finish line of the marathon that he’s running in. Pray for Gods’ grace to continue. And pray for continued and complete healing and added strength!

Thanks your prayers and continued support for Dad, as well as Trish and the rest of the family!

Johnny:)

A Real Mystery!

We're still waiting (and waiting) for a solution to the mystery... but none so far. I wish I was writing this morning to say, "they found the problem, and everything's all better", but it's not.

Dad has made some forward progress, and we rejoice in that progress! He's also taken some steps backwards. Sleeping continues to fill the better part of each day, although since last night he seems to have begun waking and talking more.

The clarity, however, that he once held seems to have faded... at least for now (i.e., he says he doesn't remember Trish, myself, TL or any the rest of the family that's stopped by or called for him).

Without going through all of the particulars, the doctors have been & continue to run tests (MRI, CT, CSF & blood cultures, etc), but have been unable to find an explanation why things are as they are as of yet.

It appears that the "puzzle" may end up needing to be solved less by medicine and more by prayer and faith! (Can I get an 'Amen', anybody?)

Pray for Victory!
John

ps: Trish wanted me to pass along this little anecdote.

Trish was telling Dad, "I love you, I love you, I love you!" (he still likes a lot of smooches & getting loved on).

Dad responded with "then get me a butter cake", which Trish tells me was a favorite treat he's told her about from his childhood in Cairo (GO PILOTS!).
je

Financial help still needed

A number of you have asked if there is a way you can give financially to support the family. Because Buddy's primary ministry has been as a part of the association's leadership team, we are providing this opportunity through our online giving site, SeattleGiving.com.

To donate online to help the family, click here.

No seizures... PRAISE GOD!!

The neurology staff came by with great news this morning. They reported to Trish & TJ that results from yesterdays’ EEG came back negative!

That apparently means there has not been any seizures. In fact, so far all of the tests performed in the past 36 hours have come back with good news. Isn't that fantastic?

Currently the neuro staff is thinking that Dad is reacting to either one of or a combination of his med's. As for what they're doing to resolve it? They're stopping nearly all of them.

The plan is to allow the medicine to clear his system completely, and then (& only on an "as needed" basis) bring them back a little at a time. We hope that cleaning all the crud out, and controlling it's return will allow him to regain his clarity.

Today, he's resting a lot, talking a little and eating (which he started last night) very well! His feeding tube is back, although hopefully it won't have to stay around long.

As for visitors, depending on how he continues to heal, some visitors may be allowed. Please continue to call first to see if that possibility exists for the particular day you'd like to visit.

As most of you know, he's a tough cookie... pray faithfully that God continues to keep him strong and heal him!

Faithfully in Him...
Johnny

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Keep Praying!

Thurs, August 17, 2006

Buddy headed back to Harborview last night, and as of this morning has been readmitted for further evaluation of possible seizures as well as complications from his medication(s).

The doctors are awaiting EEG results and altering his medication regime to attempt to resolve these issues.

We will try to post more information soon. In light of the current situation, the doctors and family request no visitors at this time.

Please Keep Praying!!

Very sleepy!!

That's the best way to describe the past couple of days...
Very Sleepy!!

Since the move from Harborview on Friday, Dad has decided he needs sleep. Lots of sleep!

Physical therapy & occupational therapy (PT/OT) began this morning. Dad however, slept through most of it. They still worked him through the routines but not much for responses on his part.

Same goes for mealtimes. He has been eating pretty well; breakfast in bed, and off to the dining room for lunch & dinner. Most requires plenty of assistance... and while he's upright (whether in bed or in his wheelchair), his eyes remain closed most of the way through.

His medical state continues to be solid. The fever remains nonexistent, with no more tubes or gadgets hooked up to him, but waking time & conversations tend to be few & far between of late.

He needs the PT/OT. We've heard many stories of how the brain, once stimulated by PT has the potential to heal much more rapidly. But to accomplish that, Dad needs physical strength to be awake! And bunches of it!

Sit upright for long periods of time; Turn his head to sounds and voices; Raise and hold his hands above his head; Push and pull with his arms & legs. Things many of us, including myself, have always taken for granted. Ask God specifically to give Dad the strength to accomplish these and other similar tasks.

I tell you this not to put a damper on the praise & rejoicing over the move... but to have us all remember that there remains a significant battle ahead!

Join us in prayer!
Johnny

Elvis has left the building!

Yes Elvis, I mean Dad, has left the building. Today was moving day! This time he's moved out of Harborview altogether.

He's now entered a facility in Pierce County where he'll continue his recovery as well as begin some rehab work. He'll be exposed to more PT than at Harborview, although still, because of his strength, less than 3 hours a day.

Praise God for the many prayer warriors, who've lifted Dad up daily in their prayers. The healing we've witnessed is without a doubt a direct result of that intercession.

We're excited by the new move. We ask you for continued prayers of praise to God for all the work he's done. At this point we also want to pray specifically that his strength will increase daily, and he continues to have the appetite needed to sustain that strength.

Please note the mailing address to the right. We are asking that any and all mail, flowers, gifts, etc., be sent to that address where they will be gathered and delivered to Buddy frequently. Space in the new facility is limited, and we want to make sure that everything makes it to him as I'm sure you do.

Visits are also limited, as you can imagine, due to Dad's condition & and the recovery plan. Please call 253.840.2744 if you'd like to see if visits are possible. As you might expect, there are not enough hours in the day to allow everyone who asks to visit. We hope you'll be understanding if you're request is not honored as quickly as you'd hoped.

Again, we appreciate all the prayers and support and are confident that the healing process will be expedited, if we allow Dad to use his strength primarily for the rehab & rest he so badly needs.

I believe more and more every day that 'THE BEST IS YET TO BE!'

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah!
Johnny:)

Revelations 19:1
After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God!"

Cheeseburger Please!

Another great day today! Lately they seem to keep getting better!

More and more awake times with some naps in between. It seems (opinion, not medical analysis) like a little switch has flipped that had things making a little more sense to him.

More than once, he knew where he was... at least he knew "hospital", although still not what city we were in or what month it was. Trish told me that with 2 therapists to help, he stood and walked to the window and back.

Conversations all day were loving & sweet. Lots of I love you's shared with all of us, and some Thanks for being here's.

One of the neuro doctors came by to talk with Trish about where things go from here. Believe it or not, if he can start getting some calories in him, he'll be ready "anytime" to go to one of the SNiF.

So what did he do? He ate half of a giant cheeseburger w/bacon, onions, tomatoes & lettuce; some french fries and quite a bit of a blackberry italian soda. It was GREAT to see!

Don't forget the hurdles still ahead! Even once he moves out of Harborview, we have a long road ahead... please continue to be fervent in your prayers of praise & thanks for where Dad is so far, as well as what's ahead!

God Bless,
Johnny:)

Job 5:9
He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.

Keep On Keeping On!

What a great day Tuesday was! Dad was awake (from mine & Trish's best calculations) for 6 or 7 hours total today. Not all at once of course, but still a LOT of time awake.

On his best days prior, it might have taken 3 or 4 days to add up to that!

He woke up to spend time with son Tony (whom he greeted with a "hi, Tony") when he came by to visit. And even got to go outside again for a bit with Trish & Tony. Spent most of the time outside sleeping, but did wake on the way back to the room, and stayed awake for quite a stretch thereafter.

Elijah & I joined in the fun around 5 and he recognized both of us as we came in as well.

And he ate, too! Turkey & peas, plus a carton of milk to go along with it. He got tired and napped for a bit, then woke when TL showed up a little later, and chatted with the 3 of us for a long stretch.

Jimmy (oldest son) celebrated his birthday the 7th and missed out on Dad's singing since Dad slept most of that day. Only missed out on it for a day though... we called Jim & Dad sang Happy Birthday for him.

Followed by a "hey, he knew who I was". Of course he knew who you were Dad... who could forget that singing!

Great day! Pray Hard...
Johnny:)

Good Morning Sunshine!

Another beautiful day! One of those days Dad just loves!!

Trish had a few things to take care of outside of hospital life today, so friends Sally & Marv stayed with him until she got there.

He enjoyed a couple of bites of soup (said he wanted to get the recipe for Trish... Man, he must've been hungry), and got to be wheeled out for 15 minutes or so in the sun. My understanding is that he slept through it, but he seemed to enjoy it as you can imagine he would.

Fever up and down today. They ran more tests and took more x-rays, checking for further infections, etc.

We continue to support Dad as he works hard to get better. So many of you have asked about what to expect from here. We've heard a little more about possibilities for the near future. Things can change daily, so these are only current speculation.

The plan is that Dad will eventually (soon we hope) be working his way through a rehab program. Such programs are made up of intensive physical & occupational therapy that lasts in the neighborhood of 4-6 hours a day.

Since Dad isn't physically or cognitively strong enough for that as of yet, the short term leans towards a SNiF or Skilled Nursing Facility, until he's strong enough to enter one of the rehabilitation facilities (hopefully in the Tacoma area).

A couple of prayer requests that Trish mentioned earlier this evening:

First of all, pray for continued healing of his infection, fever & mental clarity. Secondly, that tests run (i.e., x-rays, blood, etc) show no signs of infection, bacteria anywhere... but more specifically his lungs.

Get outside and enjoy God's sunshine (and SONshine) in honor of Dad! I did... it's beautiful!!

Johnny

Flying High!

While the Blue Angels flew by outside, we were soaring a bit on our own!

Dad's fever was gone for most of the day. Trish got to enjoy some good awake time with him, along with TL and her friend Chris. Dad sat in his chair for a while and even had a few bites of corn chowder (TL's friend Chris almost beat him to it, but was too slow).

With a fresh haircut & shave, he looked great! Just in time for a few visitors. Friends Doyle & Nancy came by with Paul from PFBC for a bit, and were joined by John from Lakewood who stopped by as well. Dad was a little too tuckered out (that's for you Paul) for much conversation, but did give some good nods & uh-huhs instead.

Later, Grandson Elijah & I spent a quiet, restful evening with him as his fever crept back. He was still sleeping comfortably as we left for the night, prayerful that the antibiotics would continue to work on the infection & fever!

Praise God for even the smallest of victories!
Johnny

Message from Trish!

Dear Family & Friends -

All of us thank God and you, His encouragers for all of your cards, e-mails & short visits. We are confident that Buddy is soon to turn a corner in getting better!

We appreciate still when you call first to see if a visit is even possible.

Again, we thank all of you for bringing encouragment to our Master Encourager, Buddy!

Joyfully,
Trish & Family

A Room with a View...

Sorry it's been so long without an update. The past couple of days have been a little trying.

First of all, the Great news!

What a wonderful view Dad has out his new windows... yes, he moved to a new room. A room with a view. I snapped this picture looking to the NW out of Dad's window. He graduated yesterday afternoon from the NSU to the NEU (Neuro/Epilepsey Unit). They're right down the hall from each other and we still have the same Neuro team of Doctors, but because his medical condition had stablized (BP, O2, etc) somewhat, they no longer needed to keep him in the NSU (see the room number change in the sidebar).

That being said, since breakfast Friday morning (which Trish said he ate very well), he's been very feverish (as high 104.2 last night) along with extremely lethargic. The conversations and waking hours we had enjoyed with him, became mostly nods in response & lots of sleeping.

But at least now we know why. Results were passed along today from one of the many cultures that have been taken & he's developed a Pseudomonas infection; a serious urinary tract infection.

Symptoms include fever & chills, and treatments using an antibiotic called zosin (sp?) will begin tonight; 4 times a day for 10 days. Doctor Oxford (one of the Neuro team) also changed another of his meds, which he thinks may have also been contributing to his lethargy. The Doc is optimistic that in a few days Dad will be getting back to conversing with us & the staff, eating meals (yes, the feeding tube is back in) as well as returning to physical therapy, etc.

Keep him in your prayers!
Johnny:)

Physical Therapy Begins

Bill, the morning nurse was in trying to get Dad talking this morning, and Dad was answering with uh-huh's & uh-uh's for the most part.

Then Trish walked in and he started talking full force. Bill told me it was obvious he didn't rate high enough to get actual words.

As the morning progressed, the physical therapy folks showed up. Trish said they got him to stand, brush his teeth & march in place.

A great start after nearly 3 weeks!

He was pretty worn out when they were done, so he didn't end up eating much for lunch. But after a lot of snoozing, I'm told he did eat a good portion of his dinner.

As Trish headed out for Tony & Jeanine's to visit with them and grand daughters Joy & Zoe, grandson Elijah and I showed up to hang out for a couple hours until Tricia Lynn could get their from work.

Dad was sitting in his chair sleeping when we got there, but woke as soon as we said "hi". A little more clear off & on today. Watched some of the Cardinals game, and prayed with us before we headed out for the night.

TL was still with him for a while thereafter, talking with him while he slept for the most part, but enjoying being with him none-the-less.

More soon...

1 Thes 5:17
Pray continually!

Thanks,
Johnny:)

The Best is Yet to Be!

Not much activity yesterday, but Dad did have some waking moments here & there which is definitely a step in the right direction.

Barb Bristow stayed with him throughout the day and into the evening. From what I hear, after her arrival he announced to anyone that could hear something like "Barb Bristow is in charge, so if you need anything... talk to her!"

I'm sure I butchered the quote, but you get the idea (if you try you can almost hear Dad hollering across the room).

Previously, Trish's been there pretty much all day/every day and as we all know, some things outside Harborview have to be accomplished during business hours.

Thanks Barb, for allowing Trish to get those things handled!

Tricia Lynn went up there in the afternoon. Dad woke a little later and was hungry. TL was able to rustle up some macaroni and a latte (woo-hoo) from the cafeteria, which she said he enjoyed very much.

She enjoyed some good conversations. They were relatively short and sweet, and most caused him to nod off for a while again shortly thereafter (or during), but none-the-less they were conversations.

This morning before shift change, I spoke with Dad's nurse (Heather) from last night, & she said that at one point he complained about his legs hurting. When she asked him more specifics about the pain, he answered and then said "but, I love you guys anyway!"

Sounds like Dad, doesn't it? Showing God's unconditional love... even from his hospital bed!

Keep praying for more great days to come!!

Johnny:)