Thursday 11/26/09
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
There is so much to be thankful for on this beautiful day and I hope all of you have peace and love today and every day.
Mike and Bette went to Spencer, Idaho to spend Thanksgiving day with Uncle Ted and Mary. They had a lovely time and Mike was in good spirits. He has been able to find some things as the unpacking continues. When everything has been gone through, I think they will be able to go to the insurance agency for the house and request some replacement items for Mike's house. He did find some knives, forks and spoons but there is no cookware, dishes or glasses. His kitchen is beautiful. It has new cabinetry and extra counter space. I didn't see the new stove, refrigerator or microwave but Chris said they were better than before. I am, again and always, thankful that Mike and Bette survived and all was not a total loss. Mike's favourite quote is that there are only two rules in life: #1 Don't sweat the small stuff. #2 It's all small stuff. That's a great attitude to have and I have used it frequently in life and work.
Thanks to all who are continuing to view this blog and I will continue to post updates as I learn of them. Our cousin, Klaren Koompin, started radiation therapy this week. Bette will talk to him or his wife tomorrow to see how it's going. Please keep him in your prayers also. Love to all.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday 10/24/09
Talked to Mike yesterday. They were on their way back from a doctor's appointment in SLC. He said he got his mask adjusted so it doesn't pinch anymore. He has to wear it more often now to reduce scarring. They also told him he could use a little lidocaine jelly (my idea!) on some of the really tender areas on his face for wound care. They stopped by Paul's house on the way home and saw Edna and said it was nice.
He spent his first night in his house on Sunday and said it was a bit difficult but not impossible to get out of his bed. There are some things in the bedroom that he is going through and it is possible that some things were put in Bette's house. They won't know what was salvaged until all of the boxes are unpacked. He says there was nothing left from the kitchen. I told him that he could get his dream kitchen utensils and how much fun he's going to have shopping!! (I would have fun anyway)
I don't know what their plans for Thanksgiving since they are home. The may go to Ted's or Judy's place. I will find out.
One thing I know was that when I was visiting, Mike talked a lot about his work at the school district. He really enjoyed the work there and talked at length about the people. It was nice to hear some of his stories and I am glad he made some good people connections. I am thankful that they were so generous and loving towards him. Thanks to all who are checking in on this blog. Our family is very grateful for all of your prayers and help that you have extended to us. Have a beautiful Thanksgiving and be well.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Talked to Mike yesterday. They were on their way back from a doctor's appointment in SLC. He said he got his mask adjusted so it doesn't pinch anymore. He has to wear it more often now to reduce scarring. They also told him he could use a little lidocaine jelly (my idea!) on some of the really tender areas on his face for wound care. They stopped by Paul's house on the way home and saw Edna and said it was nice.
He spent his first night in his house on Sunday and said it was a bit difficult but not impossible to get out of his bed. There are some things in the bedroom that he is going through and it is possible that some things were put in Bette's house. They won't know what was salvaged until all of the boxes are unpacked. He says there was nothing left from the kitchen. I told him that he could get his dream kitchen utensils and how much fun he's going to have shopping!! (I would have fun anyway)
I don't know what their plans for Thanksgiving since they are home. The may go to Ted's or Judy's place. I will find out.
One thing I know was that when I was visiting, Mike talked a lot about his work at the school district. He really enjoyed the work there and talked at length about the people. It was nice to hear some of his stories and I am glad he made some good people connections. I am thankful that they were so generous and loving towards him. Thanks to all who are checking in on this blog. Our family is very grateful for all of your prayers and help that you have extended to us. Have a beautiful Thanksgiving and be well.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Thursday 10/19/09
Talked to Bette last night and the insurance guy for the house called her and told her that their stay at the University of Utah Guest House was up on Friday (that's tomorrow!) He told her that Mike's house would be ready and they weren't going to pay for housing any longer. I hope that means that there are appliances and his bed is set up. When I was in Pocatello, I walked through Mike's house and noticed new carpet, a beautiful kitchen with new lighting and beautiful cabinets and more counter space. The walls were nice and there were lever handles on all the doors (except the front door, which they are changing to levers). Handles on all of the cabinets need to be put on. It sounded like the things in Mike's bedroom had only smoke damage and they were able to clean most of it. His computer will have to be replaced. He will have to go through the other things and take stock of what he has/has not. I told him that this was his chance to get all new "Rachael Ray" kitchen items!
So they are packing up and will leave tomorrow morning after Mike's wound care. Bette got a primary doctor for Mike and the next appointment in SLC is on Monday the 23rd.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Talked to Bette last night and the insurance guy for the house called her and told her that their stay at the University of Utah Guest House was up on Friday (that's tomorrow!) He told her that Mike's house would be ready and they weren't going to pay for housing any longer. I hope that means that there are appliances and his bed is set up. When I was in Pocatello, I walked through Mike's house and noticed new carpet, a beautiful kitchen with new lighting and beautiful cabinets and more counter space. The walls were nice and there were lever handles on all the doors (except the front door, which they are changing to levers). Handles on all of the cabinets need to be put on. It sounded like the things in Mike's bedroom had only smoke damage and they were able to clean most of it. His computer will have to be replaced. He will have to go through the other things and take stock of what he has/has not. I told him that this was his chance to get all new "Rachael Ray" kitchen items!
So they are packing up and will leave tomorrow morning after Mike's wound care. Bette got a primary doctor for Mike and the next appointment in SLC is on Monday the 23rd.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wednesday 10/18/09
I returned to Wichita last night from a long weekend in SLC/Pocatello. I arrived late on Friday the 13th and Bette picked me up from the airport. I saw Michael when we got to the Guest House. He has the same sparkling smile and voice. There were the same hazel eyes looking back at me. It was a happy reunion.
His eyes are more open, the kind that ladies pay big bucks for with the upper eyelids lifted. There were new grafts on the lower lids that are a little lighter that the rest of his face, which was red like he'd been sunburned. He had a lot of little scabs all over his cheeks, eyebrows and around the hairline including the top of his head. These were open sores that will take time to granulate in. His hands were covered by tight, isotoner like gloves and he had dressings on his forearms. There were some open wounds on his arms that will take time to heal, as well. There was also a spot on his back that looked very good by the end of my time there. The area between his elbows and where the deltoid muscle is (shoulder muscle that lifts your arm) was burn free and there were red grafted areas on those shoulders, extending to the back but sparing the area of the spine. The graft areas looked good but had the appearance of some bubbly areas. I can compare it to putting down contact paper on a shelf but not getting it perfectly flat with some bubbles under it, if you can picture that. It also had that appearance on his nose. These areas will heal better when he is able to wear his body vest, which is made up of the same elastic, isotoner type fabric. It is designed to compress the grafted areas and help to minimize the scarring. The vest cannot be worn until the areas on his forearms heal. The areas on his forearms split open every time he stretches and so there is going to be a long and annoying process of heal, stretch, split open, dress, heal, stretch, split open, dress...etc.
His hands were very interesting. He has nails that are rugged and split, trying to grow back. The range of motion on the left hand was considerably less that the right. His left pinky finger is twisted laterally and it is one that they have to really concentrate on stretching. The wrist doesn't extend back very far, only about one centimeter and he has to work on stretching that. Every area that was grafted needs to be stretched so it doesn't permanently reduce the range of motion. Again, I use the contact paper analogy, just think if you put some on from your wrist to your palm and then try to lift your hand while laying it flat on a table. Difficult? Very.
There were open wounds on the bridge of his nose that were painful to clean. Actually, his whole face and head were very painful to clean and debride. About a two hour process that had to be done daily. I took over that task for about three days and gave Bette and Mike a break from each other. I used tweezers and sissors to excise the unwanted tissue and make a raw, bleeding area that was later covered in antibiotic ointment from 1-3 times a day. While I worked on him, he asked me if I was getting back at him for all of the mean things he did to me when we were children. ha ha
Mike got a clear silicone mask to wear over his face to apply pressure and compress the grafted areas. It was a new acquisition and he tried it once while we were in Pocatello. He calls it his Phantom of the Opera mask. There was an area on one eye opening that poked his upper eyelid and created pain so they will have to make some adjustments.
His trunk and lower extremities have 2-3 inch strips of red healing areas where the donor sites were. They were itchy. One area on his leg was still healing from the last graft surgery.
We went to Pocatello on Saturday afternoon and stopped to have some lunch. Mike noticed the waiter looking at him and said "This is what happens when you cook with grease and have a house fire and try to put it out". Mike can wear a glove on his right hand and do a lot of things now. Bette told me not to help him do anything because it was therapy. He reminded me of it too and said he would ask for help if he needed it. It was snowing on the way up to Pocatello so the going was slow.
Even though I spent over twelve years in SLC going to college and working, it has transformed into a completely different city. I walked around the Guest House area and realized that I was in Fort Douglas, that used to be the small active military base when I was in college there. I recognized the commissary where I used to shop when I still had a student military ID. It was pretty trippy.
I will write more about our visit in Pocatello but wanted to let you know what's up so far.
One thing we did hear was about a very dear relative of ours who was diagnosed with cancer this week. If you could put Klaren Koompin on your prayer list we would appreciate it.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
I returned to Wichita last night from a long weekend in SLC/Pocatello. I arrived late on Friday the 13th and Bette picked me up from the airport. I saw Michael when we got to the Guest House. He has the same sparkling smile and voice. There were the same hazel eyes looking back at me. It was a happy reunion.
His eyes are more open, the kind that ladies pay big bucks for with the upper eyelids lifted. There were new grafts on the lower lids that are a little lighter that the rest of his face, which was red like he'd been sunburned. He had a lot of little scabs all over his cheeks, eyebrows and around the hairline including the top of his head. These were open sores that will take time to granulate in. His hands were covered by tight, isotoner like gloves and he had dressings on his forearms. There were some open wounds on his arms that will take time to heal, as well. There was also a spot on his back that looked very good by the end of my time there. The area between his elbows and where the deltoid muscle is (shoulder muscle that lifts your arm) was burn free and there were red grafted areas on those shoulders, extending to the back but sparing the area of the spine. The graft areas looked good but had the appearance of some bubbly areas. I can compare it to putting down contact paper on a shelf but not getting it perfectly flat with some bubbles under it, if you can picture that. It also had that appearance on his nose. These areas will heal better when he is able to wear his body vest, which is made up of the same elastic, isotoner type fabric. It is designed to compress the grafted areas and help to minimize the scarring. The vest cannot be worn until the areas on his forearms heal. The areas on his forearms split open every time he stretches and so there is going to be a long and annoying process of heal, stretch, split open, dress, heal, stretch, split open, dress...etc.
His hands were very interesting. He has nails that are rugged and split, trying to grow back. The range of motion on the left hand was considerably less that the right. His left pinky finger is twisted laterally and it is one that they have to really concentrate on stretching. The wrist doesn't extend back very far, only about one centimeter and he has to work on stretching that. Every area that was grafted needs to be stretched so it doesn't permanently reduce the range of motion. Again, I use the contact paper analogy, just think if you put some on from your wrist to your palm and then try to lift your hand while laying it flat on a table. Difficult? Very.
There were open wounds on the bridge of his nose that were painful to clean. Actually, his whole face and head were very painful to clean and debride. About a two hour process that had to be done daily. I took over that task for about three days and gave Bette and Mike a break from each other. I used tweezers and sissors to excise the unwanted tissue and make a raw, bleeding area that was later covered in antibiotic ointment from 1-3 times a day. While I worked on him, he asked me if I was getting back at him for all of the mean things he did to me when we were children. ha ha
Mike got a clear silicone mask to wear over his face to apply pressure and compress the grafted areas. It was a new acquisition and he tried it once while we were in Pocatello. He calls it his Phantom of the Opera mask. There was an area on one eye opening that poked his upper eyelid and created pain so they will have to make some adjustments.
His trunk and lower extremities have 2-3 inch strips of red healing areas where the donor sites were. They were itchy. One area on his leg was still healing from the last graft surgery.
We went to Pocatello on Saturday afternoon and stopped to have some lunch. Mike noticed the waiter looking at him and said "This is what happens when you cook with grease and have a house fire and try to put it out". Mike can wear a glove on his right hand and do a lot of things now. Bette told me not to help him do anything because it was therapy. He reminded me of it too and said he would ask for help if he needed it. It was snowing on the way up to Pocatello so the going was slow.
Even though I spent over twelve years in SLC going to college and working, it has transformed into a completely different city. I walked around the Guest House area and realized that I was in Fort Douglas, that used to be the small active military base when I was in college there. I recognized the commissary where I used to shop when I still had a student military ID. It was pretty trippy.
I will write more about our visit in Pocatello but wanted to let you know what's up so far.
One thing we did hear was about a very dear relative of ours who was diagnosed with cancer this week. If you could put Klaren Koompin on your prayer list we would appreciate it.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Friday, November 13, 2009
Friday 10/13/09
Okay. Today is the day I get to see Mike! Won't get to SLC until late tonight but I can't wait. We will go to Pocatello tomorrow and do whatever Bette and Mike want to do. Maybe there will be time to go to the Koompins and get some lava rocks for Randy's sweat lodge. (and no, no one has ever physically died in his sweat!) Meanwhile, Mike will be continuing his physical therapy and wound care in SLC today.
I will have a lot to report soon so be patient!!!
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Okay. Today is the day I get to see Mike! Won't get to SLC until late tonight but I can't wait. We will go to Pocatello tomorrow and do whatever Bette and Mike want to do. Maybe there will be time to go to the Koompins and get some lava rocks for Randy's sweat lodge. (and no, no one has ever physically died in his sweat!) Meanwhile, Mike will be continuing his physical therapy and wound care in SLC today.
I will have a lot to report soon so be patient!!!
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sunday 10/08/09
Talked to Bette on my way home from work last night (Sunday). She said Mike spent the day with Martin. She worked on her house with unpacking some of the hundreds of boxes. It sounds like she made some progress in the bedroom. At least she can go to bed if she wants to. The painting left a little to be desired. Door frames and window frames were supposed to be finished in high gloss enamel and were done in flat paint. I thought that most professional painters should know to do that. Anyway, when you walk through and do a look to see if everything is done...it looks good, then you discover that it wasn't exactly done the way you requested....so that leaves a disparaging note.... Will they come back and fix it??? We will have to see.
Bette had just finished wound care on Mike last night and I guess that leaves her sweating and ready to shower. I will see what it entails this coming weekend. I finally got some time off work and a plane ticket to go see Mike this coming Friday. I am very excited to see him. Maybe I can help with things and give Bette a little break. They are headed back to Salt Lake today (Monday) so they can do out patient physical therapy. They will still stay in the guest house (no homeless shelter, yay) because Mike's house isn't finished yet and the house insurance will, hopefully, pay for housing until it is done.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Talked to Bette on my way home from work last night (Sunday). She said Mike spent the day with Martin. She worked on her house with unpacking some of the hundreds of boxes. It sounds like she made some progress in the bedroom. At least she can go to bed if she wants to. The painting left a little to be desired. Door frames and window frames were supposed to be finished in high gloss enamel and were done in flat paint. I thought that most professional painters should know to do that. Anyway, when you walk through and do a look to see if everything is done...it looks good, then you discover that it wasn't exactly done the way you requested....so that leaves a disparaging note.... Will they come back and fix it??? We will have to see.
Bette had just finished wound care on Mike last night and I guess that leaves her sweating and ready to shower. I will see what it entails this coming weekend. I finally got some time off work and a plane ticket to go see Mike this coming Friday. I am very excited to see him. Maybe I can help with things and give Bette a little break. They are headed back to Salt Lake today (Monday) so they can do out patient physical therapy. They will still stay in the guest house (no homeless shelter, yay) because Mike's house isn't finished yet and the house insurance will, hopefully, pay for housing until it is done.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thursday 11/05/09:
Mike and Bette are in SLC at the guest housing. He is doing out patient physical therapy. The good thing about being at the hospital is that they have fantastic care and Mike and Bette really like the food there. Bette said he didn't sleep well last night but he didn't snore too bad. She said he has been known to chase fellow campers into the woods with his snoring.
Staying in Salt Lake will be determined by physical therapy and other appointments. They will probably go back and forth for awhile.
The cleaners moved stuff into Bette's house. Boxes everywhere. She says it will be years before she figures out where everything is. Mike is sad and glad that he gets to start over.
The weather was nice in Utah and the last I heard, Bette was trying to get Mike to go to the Zoo with her.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Mike and Bette are in SLC at the guest housing. He is doing out patient physical therapy. The good thing about being at the hospital is that they have fantastic care and Mike and Bette really like the food there. Bette said he didn't sleep well last night but he didn't snore too bad. She said he has been known to chase fellow campers into the woods with his snoring.
Staying in Salt Lake will be determined by physical therapy and other appointments. They will probably go back and forth for awhile.
The cleaners moved stuff into Bette's house. Boxes everywhere. She says it will be years before she figures out where everything is. Mike is sad and glad that he gets to start over.
The weather was nice in Utah and the last I heard, Bette was trying to get Mike to go to the Zoo with her.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Tuesday evening:
Mike was busy having wound care but was able to talk for awhile. He's a little bummed about what to do. His insurance has run out. It would have been nice to know that he was reaching his lifetime limit for insurance money more than a day before it happened. That stinks. No job. No income. No insurance. Ugh! I think they are trying to fill out paperwork for SSI right now. I think he's on a leave of absence from the school district so no job may only be temporary for at least a year while he recovers. But, if you have used up the lifetime insurance limit for insurance, is it a good idea to go back to the same job? Will he be able to perform the duties that he did before? He may have to have retraining in something that doesn't have the physical demands that the school requires. They have been good people. We are forever grateful for their open hearts and generosity. Will there be a place for Mike?? Maybe you can comment and let us know.
I notice there are very few comments since I started this blog. I did get some emails from people and am grateful for your response. I certainly will continue this as long as is necessary and maybe beyond that.
I believe Mike and Bette will go back to SLC tomorrow for another appointment. Maybe the staples will come out of his head. I hope the graft sites are good and the eyes are healing.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Mike was busy having wound care but was able to talk for awhile. He's a little bummed about what to do. His insurance has run out. It would have been nice to know that he was reaching his lifetime limit for insurance money more than a day before it happened. That stinks. No job. No income. No insurance. Ugh! I think they are trying to fill out paperwork for SSI right now. I think he's on a leave of absence from the school district so no job may only be temporary for at least a year while he recovers. But, if you have used up the lifetime insurance limit for insurance, is it a good idea to go back to the same job? Will he be able to perform the duties that he did before? He may have to have retraining in something that doesn't have the physical demands that the school requires. They have been good people. We are forever grateful for their open hearts and generosity. Will there be a place for Mike?? Maybe you can comment and let us know.
I notice there are very few comments since I started this blog. I did get some emails from people and am grateful for your response. I certainly will continue this as long as is necessary and maybe beyond that.
I believe Mike and Bette will go back to SLC tomorrow for another appointment. Maybe the staples will come out of his head. I hope the graft sites are good and the eyes are healing.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Monday 11/02/09
Talked to Bette as I got off my crazy shift at the ER...yup, it's a full moon, (no matter what evidence based medicine says that the moon phase makes no difference in patient volume or acuity) Anyway, they are both in Pocatello. Bette is going to do wound care and stretches for Mike. I don't know where he is going to do physical therapy. Bette is going to see how her house is and go from there. Mike's next appointment is on Wednesday so they will drive down to SLC. I talked to a care coordinator that I work with and she said the main thing is to get Mike back into his own state once he's medically stable to leave. The next step is to hit up the SRS office and department of health and welfare. Bette has the paperwork already. I don't know why the case workers didn't tell her to finish the papers months ago.
Okay. That's the update for today.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Talked to Bette as I got off my crazy shift at the ER...yup, it's a full moon, (no matter what evidence based medicine says that the moon phase makes no difference in patient volume or acuity) Anyway, they are both in Pocatello. Bette is going to do wound care and stretches for Mike. I don't know where he is going to do physical therapy. Bette is going to see how her house is and go from there. Mike's next appointment is on Wednesday so they will drive down to SLC. I talked to a care coordinator that I work with and she said the main thing is to get Mike back into his own state once he's medically stable to leave. The next step is to hit up the SRS office and department of health and welfare. Bette has the paperwork already. I don't know why the case workers didn't tell her to finish the papers months ago.
Okay. That's the update for today.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
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