Sunday, September 25, 2011

September 25th

Dad is really starting to show progress. Although his voice is low in volume, his ability to stand, sit on the side of the bed has really improved "a great deal". "A great deal to us", is sitting by himself on the side of a bed and standing on his own with very little assistance. He's even amazed at his own progress. We're going to begin taking him out of the house this week to help stimulate his mind. We're thinking about taking him to the mall early in the morning when no one is there. He doesn't want to be around many people so we figured Mondays or Tuesdays would be great. We also think the zoo would be a great place for some stimulation especially around the monkeys.
Before the aneurysm, mom and dad would go to visit my uncle Lionel and Tia Stella every Saturday morning for breakfast. So we thought this would be a another way to resume his routine and will give it a try this coming Saturday.
I'm going to order an adult stander. This will allow him to stand for long periods of time. He needs to begin training his brain to feel weigh on his right leg and this device will allow him to left one leg at a time for exercise and will allow him to do squats without having to have two people around to support him. The outpatient rehab will not except him until he's able to sit and stand on his own without any assistance. His scar from the surgery has healed beautifully and it's a matter of time before his hair grows back to cover it up.
Lisa and I went to pick up his things from his office on Friday. It was sad to pack his belongings. He has so many awards and plaques. We're just so proud of him and proud to be his children. He has set the best example as a great human being and has taught us the importance of being true to ourselves. He has always treated each and every person regardless of color or race with so much respect and love from the heart.  For all of you who read this blog, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts, for your continued love and support for dad. It's truly just a matter of time (short) before he'll be out of the house for all of you to see, hug, kiss and talk to.
Dad was very depressed to see the Cats loose on Saturday. He stayed up until the first half then conked out. He'll always be a Wildcat and has faith they'll win some before the end of the season.
I apologize for not writing as often as before but no news is good news.
Rest assured, he's making great strides and improving daily.

Friday, September 16, 2011

September 16

Well, no news is good news and it's been just that!
Dad is doing just fine! He had his stitches removed on Wed and his scar is healing just fine.
All of the therapists has told us that he's doing much better since before his operation with the exception of his voice. He has reverted back to whispering. The speech therapist said he has to learn to move wind from his diaphragm up through to his vocal chords in order to hear him. He'll get it.
Our next mission is to get him into an outpatient rehabilitation program and into an aquatic exercises. This will help rebuild his right side muscles. We also need to find ways to keep his mind stimulated because sitting and sleeping in front of the TV all day is not cutting it. Lisa and I are sick of "Law and Order", his favorite show.  I think he's finally getting sick of the show as well, LOL!
He's also ready to see visitors. Weekends will be best. Let me know when you'd like to visit so I can write it down and let him and mom know. Have a great weekend.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Happy Labor Day

No significant changes. He had a little upset stomach last night and has a cough. This is normal according to his doctor.
His scar is intense and we can't wait for the stitches to come out. My son Joel and I are heading back to L.A. where he starts his second year of school at the Animation Academy of Burbank. I made him a light table that doesn't fit in his car. He's anxious to get back to some serious drawing. Your emails to dad have been wonderful and he thanks all of you for you continued thoughts and prayers. I want to thank my wife, Karen, for spell checking my most recent blogs. She's so wonderful!!!
Have a great day!

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Saturday 3rd

The doctors discharged dad from the hospital this morning. He's now at home watching football and waiting for the U of A game to start. We want to thank Dr. Schroeder for his phenomenal doctor skills and for the professional team he put together. He's a great doctor that under promises and over delivers. All of your prayers were answered. It's now back to rehabilitation so you all can see him soon out and about.

Friday, September 2, 2011

September 2nd

I'm very happy to report dad is doing very well. Yesterday was my birthday and when I walked into his ICU room, he took one look at me and sang the first words to "Happy Birthday to you". It was so beautiful to hear his voice and to see him up and alert. I couldn't have received a better birthday gift. He spoke to mom and Lisa as well, very clear and with meaning. Other than some slight swelling over his left eye and a partially shaved head, he looked great. All of us that had a chance to visit with him all felt he was doing better than when he went in.
He's scheduled to stay in ICU for at least 2 days then move to a regular hospital bed this weekend. The Valdez family would like to thank all of you, who have continued thinking and praying for a successful surgery. All of your prayers have been listened to and answered. Have a great weekend.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

follow up

The surgery was very successful! The doctor was able to clip the neck of the aneurysm without any complications. He said we're not out of the woods just yet. We will have to see how his artery walls hold up. We should know this within the next couple of months. For now, we're all very happy and waiting to see him in ICU. He should be there for a couple of days. Thanks to all of you for your prayers. They were all answered today! I'll keep all of you posted later tonight with additional news.

September 1st

Lisa and I were at dad's this morning at 5:00 am to help mom get him ready for his trip to the hospital. Today is the big day! It's 7:00 am while we wait in a private room until 9.  The operation is scheduled for 11 am and they will be taking him back for the prep starting at 9.  The operation will take approximately 6 hours.
A team of Tucson's finest doctors and techs has been assembled to work with Dr. Schroeder during surgery.  They're drawing blood from dad at this moment and checking his vitals. Dad had to put down his morning paper for them to pick and poke him. He's more than ready to have this surgery over and done with.  He wants to thank everyone for keeping up with his blog and appreciates all of the thoughts a prayers he's received from all of you. I will keep you posted throughout the day.