Thursday, November 17, 2011

Update: Thursday, 11/17/11

Great news to share! It must be all your good vibes coming this way, or maybe it's Forrest's fighting spirit, or maybe it's a combination of the two, but he had a great 2 days. Last night he laughed and smiled watching Rush Hour outtakes. Because the shunt assist devices that were implanted Saturday are becoming more effective and his ventricular hydrodynamics are stabilizing, he is able to sit up without his ventricles over-draining. Today he sat up on the side of the bed and held his head high and straight for a couple of minutes!! This is the first time he's sat up in more than a month! Maylin and our fearless leader Mom were there today, along with their blindingly bright optimism.

The other great piece of news is that because his hydronamics are improved and he can sit up, he can now return to therapy. We are incredibly excited to return tomorrow to his same room at NRH that has been held for him with all his pictures, lacrosse sticks, notes and gifts from friends. While the nurses and doctors at the 2EI and 4G ICU units have been incredible, we are looking forward to getting Forrest back to work and on to the next chapter of his return home. To his friends(the majority), I hope you had a great first semester, and we would love to see any of you that have time next week. We've been telling him his friends are coming to see him next week. For those that can't squeeze it in, I guess your families might want to see you too :) , we'll see you over winter break. Contact Maylin or I as soon as you know when you might be able to visit (mine is 540 729 2620, Maylin's is on the "Visitors" update).

All the best, keep rocking it Team Forrest!
Austin and Team Forrest

Maylin working with Forrest while he's sitting up






























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16 comments:

  1. AnonymousNovember 18, 2011 at 5:06 AM

    Good to hear! It's a long way!
    Greetings from Germany,
    Gerit

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  2. PatNovember 18, 2011 at 7:51 AM

    Wonderful news!!!! There is much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Go Forrest!
    ....the Packards

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  3. AnonymousNovember 18, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    Great news! We hope things continue to progress and that Team 44 will celebrate Christmas at home. All of you are always in our thoughts.

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  4. mary thomasNovember 18, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    fantastic news, you rock forrest!!! :):)

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  5. AnonymousNovember 18, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    Fabulous news! Forrest, you are a truly amazing young man! You and your family will be in our thoughts this Thanksgiving as we celebrate all that we have to be thankful for - including all of your amazing progress! Stay strong - keep fighting - you are truly a winner!
    Love and hugs from the Rafferty Family

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  6. Mary LooneyNovember 18, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    YEAH! So happy to hear the good news. Forrest, you look great rocking that green hat. I still have to get mine from Hill. Keep those smiles and laughter coming. We are all sending happy thoughts and prayers you way. Lots of hugs xoxo The Looney family

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  7. MiddlebloggerNovember 18, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    Forrest, we are so proud of you and your team. I think we've read this quote on your blog before, but, remember, "It does not matter how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get up."(Vince Lombardi). But, enough of this "knocking down" stuff, already..its time for some answered prayers and good luck to let you get back to rehab and back to Brightwood! Keep up the great work! You are awesome.
    lots of love
    The Elgins

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  8. AnonymousNovember 18, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    Beautiful smile - again! So great! "On the road again" popped into my head as I read this blog - do you even know that song?!?:)- if not, have your dad sing it to you! Anyway, hoping it is straight and smooth without too many curves or bumps as you begin your rehab. So very glad to hear of your progress. There is, indeed, despite everything, and awful lot to be grateful for. We are grateful for you, Forrest, and all of Team 44. Much love from all the Shermans, lisa

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  9. Joyce in MissouriNovember 19, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    How wonderful! I'm so glad to hear that things are looking up again and moving forward! I know you'll enjoy moving back to your old room, Forrest and getting back in to your Physical Therapy. Keep pushing forward!!

    Love & Prayers,

    Joyce and Wilbur

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  10. LynnNovember 19, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    Moving back to the old room....love it! It is the deluxe suite on that floor you know. The nurses told me that. And they saved it for you. Of course they can see that you are going to make some great progress. No more germs...upward and onward. Love you much. And as we head in to this holiday week I am THANKFUL for such a loving family to which you were born and I am THANKFUL for all those wonderful friends who take time to cheer you so much. Prayers and blessings Forrest and team.

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  11. AnonymousNovember 19, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    Great news abour rehab, Forrest. I'm sure you will recoup all losses and forge ahead in no time!It's nice to see that wonderful smile again.

    Much love from all Woffords

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  12. KellyNovember 20, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    What a great smile! Love it! Thanks for the great update! Happy thanksgiving this week to all of Team 44!!
    Love,
    The Jensens

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  13. JessicaNovember 21, 2011 at 12:12 AM

    What great strides to be thankful for this week! May there be many more moments of thanks this holiday week!

    Love,
    Troy, Jessica, and Camden

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  14. Shannon DavisNovember 21, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    I'm with Lynn as I read this glorious post.

    THANKFUL! FULL of thanks! Overjoyed that you are rewarded this week of Thanksgiving with such extraordinary progress.

    All our keenest prayers that this progress continues and Dr. Armonda and his medical expertise continues to aid and support Forrest's fantastic return to the surface.

    The picture of Forrest's smiling face caused tears of joy in this house, I can tell you that, and huge gratitude. Thank you for this uplifting post, but more importantly, the gift of such pure faith.

    So much love to all of you,
    Shannon and all the grateful Davis family+

    Perhaps it takes a purer faith to praise God for unrealized blessings than for those we once enjoyed or those we enjoy now. ~A.W. Tozer

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  15. AnonymousNovember 21, 2011 at 10:40 AM

    SO Much to be thankful for! Team 44 will be part of our Thanksgiving prayer. I love the picture of Forrest smiling. Fist pump :)! Love the gang at Rabbit Hill XXOO

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  16. Sally HostaNovember 21, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    Forrest, So happy you are moving forward again! It is truly a Thanksgiving present for everyone but especially your immediate Team 44. You and The Team are an inspiration to all. Keep Rocking On!

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