Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Less than 24 hours in ICU!

Your first word this morning rang out loud and clear, "Toliver"! And in an instant he was by your side, clearly as relieved as we all were to hear your voice!

Dr Kumar was pleased to see you looking so bright this morning after nine hours in the OR yesterday.  He explained how he was able to harvest enough bone from the back of your skull to rebuild the majority of the missing skull in front using 146 tiny custom titanium screws and plates to put it all back together.  He plans to keep you here at Johns Hopkins for 7 to 10 days to monitor you closely for any signs of infection, which is the next hurdle to overcome. But already you are strong enough to be released from ICU and move to 10 N. Several of the wonderful nurses here remember you from earlier visits and were eager to see how well you're doing and to say hello to Toliver. 

We are counting our blessings today and are so grateful for family, friends, amazing doctors, nurses, therapists, coaches, mentors, teachers, and your many faithful prayer warriors. 

We are praying now that you continue to heal, avoid infections or complications, the bone grafts all take and that, although there may be minor surgeries in your future, this is the last big one! 


Pops overseeing your respiratory therapy 



Checking out your latest "bonnet".
You are styling for sure 44!

All our best,
Team Forrest




10 comments:

  1. So happy those three little birds' song is ringing true! We have been thinking of all of you and are glad things are going well. Sending good thoughts and love your way. The Shermans

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  2. Dynamite news! Theo says WOOF to Toliver. So good to see you two together.
    Spring is awaiting you to get home!
    Pat & Packard

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  3. Thank you !!!!!!!!! Could not be better news !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All prayers and angels are still there...home is just around the bend !!!!!!!!! Forrest and family..you are amazing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love and prayers to all !!!

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  4. I have been following your story since I saw you over a year ago In "The Same Sky Project". I am a TBI survivor as well as the mother of a TBI survivor. We saw 44 at the Hill School last summer and I was so moved by it. Prayers to you for a speedy recovery!

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  5. Hey Forrest, sending you positive vibrations to you and your family from the Turks and Caicos Islands. Hopefully you will come for a visit one of these days.
    Love, Dave and Melinda Volkert

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  6. Way to go Forrest. Sending continued prayers of healing and restoration for you. Have a great day.
    Donna

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  7. Only 7 more days! What great news! So proud of you Forrest, keep up the good work, positive attitude. What an amazing operation, Hopkins is definitely the best. Can't wait to see your smiley self real soon!!

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  8. Forrest, you are superman in my book! I hope you can imagine how your strong voice and the challenges you will have overcome, will one day touch so many. Be strong and you continued health and happiness is always in our prayers. Best, Tom and Linda Neel

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  9. Great post, thanks for sharing it.

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