Thursday, October 13, 2011

Update: Thursday, 10/13/11

The last four days have taken a downward turn and we've just now had the time to update you all. Forrest has a suspected infection, we're still looking for the location and exact type of infection. It's taken the wind out of him, and after a fantastic week and weekend of progress (with consistent thumbs ups, as well as answering yes and no with both head nods and touching the ipad touchscreen), since Sunday night his responsiveness has greatly declined and he's been unable to use his hands and legs like before. The posturing returned today which is troubling. We've been running cultures and haven't found anything yet. He's going over to Washington Hospital Center in a few minutes for a Cat Scan and evaluation by neurosurgery. We need to rule out the possibility of a shunt or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) infection, which is less likely this far out from surgery, but the shunt will likely need to be tapped to take samples of the CSF. They will decide after reviewing the CT if he needs to be admitted to the Neuroscience unit overnight at Washington Hospital Center, where he was before.

Despite it all he's still able to laugh at Anchorman and smile watching videos of his friends encouraging him and telling stories(keep them coming please!). With monumental effort he gave me an ever so small fistbump today. He's faced and overcome more difficult obstacles and he will overcome this one. Keep him in your prayers.

Love,
Austin and Team 44

19 comments:

  1. Forrest is always,always in our prayers. Life is always full of ups and downs and I just know that Forrest will make it through this bump with flying colors. My cup has runneth over with joy, reading about all the progress this week. If he can still laugh, smile and give a fist bump,during this time, that is SO far ahead of a few months ago when he gave his first smile and we all cheered. Forrest, you are the MAN, you never cease to amaze me.

    Abby Laughlin and family

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  2. I haven't had the time to check in for a week or so and am sorry to hear about this bump. I will continue to pray for you all -- including for Forrest's doctors.

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  3. Update: we are in the ER. Will be moving to a room at WHC shortly. Unfortunately the CT revealed pnemocephaly (air in the brain). We are evaluating with docs on best course of action. He has a temp and is less responsive. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as I know you will.

    Love,
    Austin

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  4. Forrest and team 44 are always in our thoughts and prayers but we will say a special prayer tonight.
    Love,
    The Selfes

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  5. We're here for all of you, praying for a better day again tomorrow. You've got a great family, the best docs and lots and lots of friends rooting for you every second of every day.
    love,
    The Elgins

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  6. You all certainly have my prayers for healing, hope, and strength!

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  7. awww....so sad things have gone down hill. Praying tomorrow will be a lot better day and the dr's will find a quick cure. Hang in there!

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  8. Mom and Dad have been working nonstop with the docs until an hour ago to make the transition to the ICU as smooth as possible. I'm with him overnight, and he is in great care and sleeping soundly now. He was watching photos and seemed to be tracking pretty well until he finally became real sleepy. The neurosurgery team will re-evaluate options in the morning when the head doctors arrive. We can do this.

    Love, Austin

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  9. Oh, guys~ you're all in my thoughts and prayers as this bump in the road seems to have gotten bigger.... But I have no doubt that the indomitable spirit of Team 44 and Forrest himself will not only perservere, but triumph. Our hearts are all with you as you move through this time, and we wait to rejoice with you when it's over.
    Love you all.

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  10. Such a hard thing to read....Forrest, you need to fight, again, to push through another set back...we know you and we know you can do this. Such a blessing to have Team44 who are so gifted and caring to be your "armed guard". We continue to pray for total healing. Hugs, Viki, Rick, Mandie & Ryan

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  11. I'm not sure what it was that made me check the blog last evening at 8:25, just after Austin posted that you were in the ER. That "intuition" factor has crept in before when Forrest has had setbacks. May the positive energy that has brought him through everything so far do so again.
    Lots of love, hugs and good vibrations coming your way,
    Pat

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  12. Our thoughts and positive energy are with you Forrest and Team 44. You have so many loved ones praying for you and thinking of you every day. We know you can pull through this bump in the road as you have on every past occasion. Love, hugs and doggy kisses to all of you :)
    XOXO
    Colleen and Richard

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  13. I am praying that the path for Forrest will completely clear because he is trying so hard and no one deserves an eternal break more than Forrest! I was devastated to read this post today. I pray that the doctors find the culprit and put an end to it now so that Forrest can continue to heal and come home to us. Extra hard hugs for Team 44 as you once again embrace against this challenge. Love Barbara and the gang at Rabbit Hill XXOO

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  14. I'm praying that today will be a better day for Forrest and his wonderful team. It sounds like he was making such wonderful progress--again--and I just hated to read about another setback! YOU CAN BEAT THIS, FORREST, JUST LIKE YOU'VE BEATEN EVERY OTHER SETBACK THAT'S BEEN THROWN AT YOU!

    Love and Prayers,

    Joyce and Wilbur

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  15. We are thinking of you Forrest, and your entire team, and sending you all good vibes and thoughts during this battle you are facing.

    Love,
    The Coles Family

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  16. Praying for you Forrest. You can and WILL do this. Be strong Team Forrest! Love, Laurie

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  17. We are sending so much love your way Forrest & Team- fingers are crossed and healing vibes are being sent!
    Love, Adela & Matt

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  18. Forrest and family,
    I am keeping you in my prayers today especially. It is hard to read about your setbacks, but you are SO strong in so many ways.

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  19. Sorry to hear about the setback... thinking about you guys!

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