Forrest had a PEG feeding tube put into his stomach today, allowing the nasal gastric tube to be removed from his nose... he looks relatively more comfortable. He's still minimally responsive and is having neurological "storming" episodes.
Mom, Dad, and I put together a case presentation of MRI & CT scan clips, diagnostic reports, and other information on Forrest's case. Dad went up to Johns Hopkins and presented it to Neurology docs there. They've accepted him and we may be moving him by air transport (medical jet) as early as this Thursday, depending on bed availability. We are looking forward to being closer to Home and our VA friends, but we will also miss the great and generous friends (as well as wonderful doctors nurses & therapists) in Atlanta. Hopefully he will be strong enough to someday make it back to rehab at Shepherd Center, where he made such great progress before. We will let you know when he's ready for brief visits from friends.
Love,
Austin and Team Forrest
So glad to hear you'll all soon be back here closer to home! Keep working hard, Forrest - we're thinking of you often.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Lee & Lisa
Wow. You certainly have Team Forrest doing everything they can to get you well as soon as possible. I am so glad for that. It will be nice to be a little closer to home too. Our prayers on your behalf continue. And, we have a friend back here who is dealing with a brain injury. He had been over two months in his non-responsive state and he woke up the other day and is doing well now. I know it will happen for you too....I just know it. We love you so much. Aunt Lynn
ReplyDelete"Cause I've got faith of the heart.
ReplyDeleteI'm going where my heart will take me.
I've got faith to believe. I can do anything.
I've got strength of the soul. And no one's gonna bend or break me.
I can reach any star. I've got faith, faith of the heart" from "Where my Heart will take me".
Lyrics by Russell Watson
I believe you can do this again Forrest... You can come back again better than the first time.
You are stronger than even we know and we will help you Buddy!
Dad
Thanks for the update, Austin. God be with all of you as you once more move to another hospital. Still sending prayers your way every day. I feel like I know all of you by now.
ReplyDeleteRae, Norma Lou was telling me all about your Dolphin Quest locations. I didn't realize you were the president/CEO of them!! WOW! I've always thought it would be SO NEAT to be able to swim/play with Dolphins. They are just SO beautiful!
God Bless all of you, Joyce and Wilbur
WOW!! THAT IS SUCH GOOD NEWS YOU MAY BE MOVING CLOSER TO HOME. wE ARE MEETING AT CHURCH EVERY NIGHT THIS WEEK THRU THURSDAY. =LOTS PRAYERS AND PEOPLE ASKING "HOW'S FORREST TODAY"? I WROTE YOU A LONG LETTER YESTERDAY AND DIDN'T GET IT SAVED - I'VE HAD TWO 'GO AWAY'. YOU TAKE CARE HONEY/ I KNOW HOW HARD YOU ARE WORKING. I HAVE SOME FUN PLANS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WHEN YOU ARE WELL. IT WILL COME ABOUT. LOVE, LOVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FORREST. GRANDMOM ALLEN
ReplyDeleteDear Forrest and Team,
ReplyDeleteWe continue to lift each of you up in prayer. Praying for your continued healing and strength during this road of recovery. Praying for encouragement for each of you and that you will have an army of angels surrounding each of you as you make the move to JH and continue on in the next phase.
Love,
Donna
Thoughts, prayers, hope and love--24/7
ReplyDeleteHang in there
Gail
So grateful for the update, so glad Forrest and team Forrest will be closer to home. Progress seems slow but steady. I am still in awe of what an incredible family you are. All that love and energy is truly inspiring. I'm sure Forrest feels that love and support in his very core. Be safe and well on your journey bringing you all one step closer to home. Abby Laughlin
ReplyDeleteHello Forrest and Team 44,
ReplyDeleteWe continue to pray for you too!! So glad you got to get the tube out of your nose. Hope you feel more comfortable now.
How great that you will get to be closer to home!!!
Here's a neat verse I'm praying for you Forrest!
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, do not be afraid. John 14:27
I do pray you will have peace and comfort during this hard time. Hang in there! You are so amazing and we love you so much!!
Kelly, Brad, Ava and Chase Jensen
We will cover all of you in prayer as you journey northward toward home. I pray that fresh minds plus a little more time equals a healthier, stronger Forrest...as Kent says, stronger than the first time!
ReplyDeleteCome enjoy spring all over again, Forrest....the world is just waking up here...just in time to have you witness it.
God bless all of you dear, dear ones.
Shannon et al. XO
Travel to Johns Hopkins on the wings of love, Forrest. It's so hard to understand the unexpected obstacles in your journey. I am reminded of Odysseus in his quest to return home. He was tested time and time again, as you and your team are being tested now. We now envision your ship's sails filled with clear strong wind to carry you past any more storms that might be lurking out there. We see your course steady and true toward full recovery. Your loyal and able crew will support you in this journey home.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Diane & Jay
Safe Journey to Baltimore Forrest! It is a wonderful University and hospital and you'll make great strides there. "Better than the 1st time" is the new mantra!!
ReplyDeleteGodspeed to you! Praying for a smooth transition and new strength and energy to greet you! Love, Betsy Davis and family
ReplyDeleteforrest robyn (Clancey's mom) and i just read this and we both think its great that ur gonna be moving, its gonna be such a good hospital. a plus of it is that ur so close to home! we can all see you once ur ready for it, but i know that everyone down here wants to come! im sending my love and will include you in my goodnight prayers :)
ReplyDelete-Montana
Love and prayers.
ReplyDeleteYou guys will over come all obstacles,
The Selfes
I HEARD FROM NORMA THIS EVENING. I SAW THE NEATEST THING HERE IN BRANSON LAST EVENING. IT WAS A "LASER LIGHT SHOW" FOR HOMES!! IT WAS IN DICK'S FIVE AND DIME STORE FOR $99, I BELIEVE. I GOT TO WONDERING IF FORREST MIGHT ENJOY SOMETHING LIKE THAT IN HIS ROOM AND THOUGHT I WOULD MENTION IT TO YOU--LIKE TO PUT ON THE WALL BEHIND HIS BED SO IT SHOWED THE LIGHTS ON THINGS OUT IN FRONT OF HIM. IT CHANGES THE IMAGES MANY TIMES. I STOOD THERE FOR QUITE AWHILE WATCHING THE DIFFERENT SHAPES IT CHANGED TO. THEY WERE REAL SMALL, LIKE WHEN THE SUN HITS MY AUSTRALIAN CRYSTAL NECKLACE IN THE CAR AND IT REFLECTS SMALL RAINBOWS ALL OVER INSIDE THE CAR. JUST A THOUGHT!
ReplyDeleteGOD BLESS ALL OF YOU,
JOYCE AND WILBUR