Monday, July 20, 2009

Better Than Ever

A 24 hour transformation, night and day, happened overnight...all of the following statements apply to the way in which Aviana looked yesterday in comparison to Saturday night. It was an amazing transformation if I do say so myself. We were shocked when we walked through the door. She looked "like her" for the first time.

All of the fluid appeared as though it was drained from her head. We talked to another doctor extensively. He was a very, very nice doctor with incredible bedside manner. He chose his words very carefully. He did not make any promises while at the same time did not dash all hope. He is the type of doctor we gravitate toward. He began talking statistics and this is where I tend to kind of tune out because Aviana is Aviana and no one knows her like we do. She will show us what she can do, so I don't care about any stinkin' statistic.

So now, when we go over the numbers portion of every discussion, my mind is still on the conversation, but wanders a little. I have to keep it under control though because I am THAT person who thinks of funny things in inappropriate places (school, wedding, church, discussing ones brain injured child) and cannot stop myself from laughing.

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As he and Dave were running through the numbers this exact scene from Dumb and Dumber played in my head:

Lloyd: What do you think the chances are of a guy like you and a girl like me... ending up together?

Mary: Well, Lloyd, that's difficult to say. I mean, we don't really...

Lloyd: Hit me with it! Just give it to me straight! I came a long way just to see you, Mary. The least you can do is level with me. What are my chances?

Mary: Not good.

Lloyd: You mean, not good like one out of a hundred?

Mary: I'd say more like one out of a million.

[pause]

Lloyd: So you're telling me there's a chance... *YEAH!*

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On the way home, Dave and I were laughing out loud as we kept repeating in different ways something like "OK, Doc....so you're telling me she's got a chance.... *YEAH!!*" As my friend Jen always says, "laugh or you'll cry." I now live my life according to this phrase. I find it extremely useful! :o)

Anyway, the neurologist came by to see Aviana, (another of our favorite doctors- see we are navigating through and finding some very special people) he was also surprised by the look of her head. He was pushing on her scalp and was pleased with what he was feeling. Aviana was also moving around more. This was so nice to see. At UCD they were just giving her Tylenol around the clock and heavier pain medications as needed. Once she was transferred to Kaiser, she was given Tylenol and heavier pain medications around the clock due to her rough transition. I asked the doctor if we could back off on these since she is much calmer and more relaxed. He agreed and put the order in.

Hopefully now we will be able to start seeing what she can really do. We had my Mom, Gary, Jeff and Buffi over for dinner last night. It was the first time we had all gotten together for dinner since before the accident. This dinner was the perfect end to the perfect day. We all had a great time and realized just how much we needed some family interaction and good food!

9 comments:

  1. Jen and Dave, that is awesome to hear. what the doctors are not seeing is the progression like you guys see and what I have seen in my visits. She is always on my mind and I hope everytime I go to see her that she is doing better. Of course she is and the little things I look at when I come to visit. Aviana is amazing and before you know it, she will be driving everyone crazy and doing what every "almost 3" girl does. Be prepared and very SCARED!!!

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  2. Great news...keeping prayers going!!

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  3. You are right Jen...no one knows Aviana like you and Dave. Always keep hope. No one, not even a doctor, can tell you exactly what the outcome will be with Aviana. Only time will tell. I pray for the best for her everyday. I am so happy to hear that she was looking better. Aviana is always in my thoughts.

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  4. very encouraging post !! It is so nice to see your strength coming through this, your advocacy and trust in Aviana :)

    Supporting you daily in prayer and healing thoughts.

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  5. I hope things went well today! I am working on tracking down a copy of that documentary, but in the meantime, this is an interesting interview. They seem to be having good success with recoveries from TBI.

    Back from Iraq...With a Traumatic Brain Injury
    http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106321923

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  6. Hi Jan & Dave:

    I am a cousin of (I think) your Uncle's wife. Lou told me about your little girl and we, here in England, have started praying for her too.

    We, sort of, know what you are going through because 5 years ago, we lost our 93 year old mom who was also involved in nearly the same type of injury when a careless driver backed into her.

    We are so glad there is a change for the better, and be assured that we will keep on praying for Aviana and checking up on your blog.

    Bella & Mike

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  7. Speaking of TBI, I am diagnosed with that from being involved with several IED blast in Iraq, I seem to be normal...haha, but Jillian is right about the brain being an amazing part of your body and can do things that no one can really explain.

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  8. Woo hoo!! On the sidelines cheering and praying. Can't wait to hear the continued good news. I await the day you write that you are taking Avi home and she is recovering nicely. Children are soooo amazingly strong. My thoughts and prayers are with you....your new friend

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