Friday, July 3, 2009

What a Beautiful Day!!

We pictured today to be another one of the worst days of our lives. We went down to the hospital for our family meeting. They had conducted the MRI on Aviana yesterday, and by today she was basically on the minimum amount of sedation. The doctors were going to be able to give their prognosis to this point.

We were really having a difficult time today, up until this meeting all arrows have pointed in the direction of a poor outcome. Numerous CT scans showed global brain damage. All who have worked with Aviana have stated that any movement they have seen has not been purposeful, and is just posturing and is not good.

Our expectations of the family meeting were down in the dirt. We had always been told that CT scans are not as accurate as the MRI, so the MRI would paint us a much better picture of the amount of brain damage sustained. We fully expected the MRI to confirm the global brain damage and more. We figured these scans, coupled with the lack of purposeful movement would result in a prognosis of a lifetime vegetative state. We felt any chance of recovery would be extremely limited. I know, I know, what a horrible mindset for the day and meeting. What can I say...we were down in the dumps. I guess we had just been beaten down one too many times. We experienced a whole new level of expect the worst and hope for the best.

We met with the Chief of Neurosurgery, and were elated to find out that the MRI did not look that bad, and it did not show anywhere near the global brain damage we were told the CT scan showed. He did say there is some damage to her frontal lobe, which is where behavior is controlled. There is some fluid showing in the MRI, but is not a big deal as it can be drained before they replace the bone flaps.

We asked him to rate her brain damage on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the worst. He said he would rate her a 3. We almost fell out of our chairs. Did we hear him correctly? He also gave us the standard answer we have heard time and again through this experience, "we don't know the extent of disabilities she will have because every head injury is different." He stated that he has seen children with worse damage than hers, and they have made full recoveries. He has also seen children with minimal brain damage who didn't recover at all. It's still too soon to tell. He also stated he would not read too much into the fact that she is posturing at this time, as it is still, too soon to tell.

Prior to meeting with us, all of the doctors went in, and completed an evaluation on Aviana. He said once they put the bone flaps back on, people seem to improve significantly. They plan on putting the flaps back in by the middle of next week. We still have a LONG way to go, but one step at a time. This was a great day, and we are very hopeful.

Aviana has opened her eyes over the past few days and it has meant the world to us to have been able to look into her eyes and talk to her. Whether she can see, hear, understand or recognize us...we don't know, and nor do we care at this point. We just cherish EVERY moment.

We cannot thank everyone enough for the love, support and well wishes. I know I sound like a broken record, but we are AMAZED!! I want to thank everyone at the Roseville Sports Center for giving up your holiday weekend (which I know we all work SO hard to get to) to raise donations, and awareness of our families situation. You have always been so wonderful to Aviana and I, but this goes WAY above and so far BEYOND. We love you all!!

We will update more later, but tonight we are going to just ENNNNJJJJOOOOOYYYY these moments!!!!!

37 comments:

  1. That is REALLY good news!! I am SO happy for you to finally hear good news and have more hope. I also have heard of little children with horrible brain damage with little hope come out of it completely, and so I honestly feel in my heart of hearts that she will. It is a motherly instinct, call it, but I'm usually right..ask my sons.
    Well, sleep well tonight and keep the hope and also just count on her hearing you too when you are there, I hear it really helps them to hear your voice!
    God bless you,
    Deborah

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  2. Go Avi Go! I've been praying all week for good MRI results, and this is pretty good!

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  3. So glad to hear...I have been checking the blog all evening, hoping, praying...enjoy these moments Jen. Marco & I have been saying little prayers together all throughout the day...Get better Avi...get better really soon! Take Care...and we'll still keep up the prayers!

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  4. My daughter and I have been checking on little Avi throughout each day and praying for good news each time.  Today was a beautiful day and we are so thankful for the report.  We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers..we live in Ky. but if there is anything we could do or send we would love to.  You are such a beautiful family!

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  5. What wonderful news! Praise God for giving you this great update! Keeping everyone involved in this situation in our prayers. Lisa S. & Family

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  6. Hi Jennifer,
    I came across your blog from a friend of a friend's facebook post which incuded a link to this and I read "Praying for Aviana" and decided to read waht it was about. I was reading for a while when I came across your picture and realized I know you and Aviana. I took my son Crew to swimming lessons with Aviana last summer and we even came over to your house before. I then read about what happened and I couldn't believe it. I just want you to know that I AM praying for Aviana. I am hoping and praying with all my heart that she will have a miraculous recovery. Aviana is such a beautiful, sweet, funny, adorable, joyful little girl. I will be praying for her and your family. I can't imagine how this must be. It made me smile through my tears at how positive you and your husband are being. I am praying for your beautiful Aviana.
    Love,
    Nicole

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  7. Im so happy you got to have some positive news! We will be continuing to pray for you and keeping you in our thoughts!

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  8. Jan, Tony and NatalieJuly 4, 2009 at 12:57 AM

    We are so very happy to hear that you received positive news. When we were at the last known home of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ephesus, Turkey, we left a handwritten wish on the Blessed Virgin Mary's Wishing Wall for a speedy recovery for both Aviana and Gary. We will continue to pray for all of you.
    Love,
    Jan, Tony and Natalie

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  9. HAPPY HAPPY IDEPENDENCE DAY!!! I am so happy that you recieved hopeful news!!! Do you see the time stamp here. What does one do when the neighbors decide to celebrate inependence day at 2am well check on Avi of course. Now I just might run out in my PJ's and celebrate with them!!!! WHOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!

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  10. Oh what amazing news! Nothing less than a miracle!! Woohoo!!

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  11. Oh goodness I'm so happy to hear some good news. What a blessing. I've been following your blog for a few days now and am so very happy for you. What wonderful and amazing news. I will continue to pray for you all.

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  12. WOW...Is our GOD good or what? Prayers are so powerful.I have been following and praying so much for your baby angel and when I opened up the blog and saw the title..Tears of relief were flowing..What great news..She is on her way back to you all and that is a wonderful thing..Thank you for keeping us updated. You don't know many of us but we feel like we know your wonderful family. God bless. Stay strong!

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  13. That is so awesome! I would have been expecting bad news too, who wouldn't, you always have to prepare yourself, but what good news instead. I am so happy for your family and how wonderful you can look into her eyes again. have a happy 4th of July I know its not the one you planned but its now better then the one you had last expected.

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  14. Thats great! Come on more good news! We continue to hold you guys up in prayer. God bless. -HK

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  15. Praise the Lord! I'm thankful that you received some good news for once.

    May God continue to surround you with His love, grace, and peace. May God continue to watch over Avianna as she works on her recovery.

    Happy Independence Day,
    Tina B.

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  16. Happy Happy Day!!!!!I am so so happy for you all!I check on you at least 5 times a day and I am just so thrilled to read this!!!A 3 on a scale of 1-10!!!!!!!!AWESOME!!!!!!

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  17. She sounds like a true fighter! I cannot wait to hear more of her miracle!

    Praying in PA,

    Carol

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  18. I have been checking your blog a couple times a day and this is great great news. I am so happy for all of you and I will continue to pray for your sweet daughter.

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  19. that is so awesome and we are rejoicing with you in your good news. What an awesome little fighter she is. Can't wait to hear more good news and see her miracle recovery.
    Blessings and sending lots of hugs, thoughts and prayers.

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  20. That's wonderful too hear such good news. Stay strong and keep positive. She will do great. We're still praying for you and for your little warrior. She's a true miracle.

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  21. I am so glad to hear the good news. Thoughts and Prayers continue to go out to all of you.

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  22. Praying for all of you in Ohio!

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  23. What fabulous news! Go Aviana Go! Please love on your baby girl a little bit extra for all of us today!!

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  24. WOW what amazing news!!!! She is a miracle! I am continuing to pray!

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  25. This is SO great! You have a beautiful, strong daughter. We're still praying for you here in Louisiana!

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  26. WHAT A MIRACLE!!!! I know it's still a long hard road but FINALLY!!! SOME GOOD NEWS!!!! Praise God! I'm so happy for you!!!!!

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  27. this is all great news. i am sooo happy to hear the extent to her brain damage is not that bad. i have been thinking about her everyday and praying she will be ok. i know you all still have a long way to go, but i truely believe the miracle has already started. aviana is stong and i know she will work hard, especially with a mother and father who love her so much as you two do. CONGRADULATIONS jen and dave. you two deserved to hear some good news. GOD bless you all!!

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  28. Such awesome news and It was so great to feel everyones vibe change when you returned from the meeting.Jen I had a really neat visit with your mom and Gary.....Thank you for letting me be apart of yesterday.......I love you all very much and will pray constantly for more little steps to a big recovery.Thank God for all the prayers so far...........

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  29. I was praying as I loaded this blog today--knowing an update might be here and it would probably be post MRI results. I literally exclaimed, Oh yes, outloud as I saw your post title :)

    Am loyally praying, supporting and thinking of all of you :) Aviana, heal sweet baby girl :)

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  30. This is wonderful news I am so elated for the 2 of you but especially for little Aviana. She will make a full ecovery I just feel it. We are keeping the prayers coming to you and your families. OMG! I am just soooooooo happy for you guys.
    Love you, Becci an Angela

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  31. God bless this day. My daughters,my neice and myself were so happy to get the good news while we were working at the yard sale. KNCI played 'The One' by Gary Allen who is my favorite singer in honor of Aviana. We know Avi likes Gary Allen. The yard sale has been extended through July 5 due to so many people donating items for the sale. We're praying for Aviana many times through out the day. Your beautiful little girl touched all of our hearts.

    Ms Debby

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  32. Strong prayer coming from our corner too. Also jubilation over the MRI result. Thank you for sharing news of your darling Avi's progress. How glorious to see her flashy little peepers!
    Bonnie & Family (in Missouri)

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  33. This is wonderful news!!! Continuing to pray for Aviana's recovery.

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  34. Great news! Keep holding her hands and talking to her. When my son, Brian, was in an induced coma, I could tell he knew of my presence as his heartbeat would slow everytime I was there holding his hand and talking to him.

    Continuing to pray.

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  35. Wow, this is good news. It brought tears to my eyes, I am so glad that you can continue to stay positive, keep it up! I will be praying.

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  36. For all of you in Northern CA, tune into Good Day Sacramento tomorrow morning (7/5) at around 7:50 AM for a little surprise. :)

    -Jillian Jordan

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