GO CATS

Dad has never been happier!

ESPN3 doesn't come out on normal digital TV so we hooked up Ryan's big Apple computer screen for him to watch his U of A Wildcats play last night.
He was all smiles!  What a great series! GO CATS!!!

1 Year Anniversary

Hello everyone!
It's been a long time since I last updated you.
Dad celebrated his 1 year anniversary on May 20 for being alive, strong and determined to get better. He's still going to his regular therapy sessions at St. Mary's and he's improving slowly but surely. We are slowly accepting the fact he may never be able to function his right side like before but that's okay. You may recall me writing about this last year after the first surgery (coil), the Dr. came out to tell us he couldn't save one small blood vessel near the aneurysm and he couldn't tell us what that particular vessel fed blood to. All he knew is that it would effect some part on his right side. We all have hopes of the brain repairing itself and who knows this may still happen. It may take just a little longer for the repair to occur.  The good news is that he is walking down the long hallways at St. Mary's. He's doing this with his walker and the assistance of Lisa and the therapist. Once he gets a rhythm going, it's hard to slow him down.
He's still learning how to breath out, using his diaphragm, when speaking. He still thinks people can hear him when he's whispering. He thinks he's speaking out loud so when he begins to whisper, we have to remind him to breath out  And of course my mother is yelling in the background, "Speak Louder Joel". We have to remind her to lower the volume on the TV when she wants to hear him. It's even harder when you have 2 parents hard of hearing to begin with.
We're now taking him out more often and he really looks forward to getting out the house and he loves to go out for lunch, to the mall, and to family functions. As a matter of fact, he's going to tonight's U of A, ASU baseball game with Lisa's family. He made sure we renewed his football season tickets because he's going this year.  There's nothing that will hold him back. And adding to this, mom is starting to go out with all of us as well. Still not quite sure why she prefers to stay home. Time mends all wounds I guess. Tomorrow we're going to a birthday party and he can't wait.
We've gone out to lunch with some close friends. However, it's difficult because restaurants can be soooo noisy making it hard to concentrate, listen and speak.
As mentioned above, 1 year has passed so I thought I'd get a couple of recent photos up for all of you to smile, reflect and continue to pray for a full recovery.
We love you and thank you for continued love, support and prayers.
Don't they look great?
David

PS I will upload additional photos soon!

Friday February 24, 2012

I would like to start by thanking everyone that has taken the time to login and read dad's blog. Many great things have happened since my last update.
Dad's mind is really starting to wake up and evidence of this can be seen since the last blog.  He can almost reach his mouth with his right hand. He can know cross his left leg with his right without any assistance. If any of you ever witnessed him during a meeting, he usually has his arms crossed with a pensive look on his face. Well, when now listening to his therapists, he assumes this position and character. He's standing in his stander for longer periods of time. And because of these exercises, he's now able to stand from his wheelchair by himself and pull up his pants. He's able to do this using his bed rail. Once up, he's able to move both legs taking small steps side to side all on his own.
Dad can now take his own shoes off by himself. He still thinks he can get out of bed on his own. Although a good sign of progress, we have to make sure we're always close to prevent him from doing so. 
He's getting out of the house more often than before. We took him to the Feb. 18th, U of A baseball game. He was greeted by Frank Acosta, who made it possible for our family to share the festivities at High Corbet with Coach Lopez and Athletic Dir. Greg Byrne. Dad received a special tour of the new facilities and stayed to watch the game. This weekend was special for dad because the U of A recognized the baseball lettermen alumni.  For those of you who don't know, dad pitched for the U of A while attending college way back when. The funny thing about this is that they never gave him his letter. When dad became VP for Business Affairs, someone realized this and officially gave him his letter many years after the fact. Although I didn't attend the game, because I was sick, Lisa told me that everyone was so happy to see him. We took many pictures. We would like to thank those who made this possible for him to cherish forever. We plan on going to many more games.
He now wants to go to a U of A basketball game, (woo hoo). We're now planing this and who knows, you might soon see him at McKale. Don't be shy, come by to say hello.
Have a great weekend and may God Bless all of you!
GO CATS!

Happy New Year!

The Valdez family had a very happy holiday season! It was extremely special because we had dad to share it with. We tried, to the best of his ability, to keep the traditions going throughout the Christmas and New Year's festivities. Our family, on mom's side, always comes to their home to celebrate Christmas Eve. Dad wanted to keep the tradition alive so everyone came over like usual. He stayed up from 3:00 until 10:30 pm which surprised all of us. He had never stayed up so many hours without a cat nap. I put ear plugs in his ears which I think helped him drown out the noise and help him concentrate a little better. We just don't realize how loud it can get when we're all having a good time.
Before our party, one of dad's Christmas Eve's rituals is to visit with Julius and Dorothy Parker with his grand kids. Well this time was no exception. We loaded him up and drove him to visit. They were so happy to see him because they didn't think he'd show up. He talked a little, laughed, smiled for pictures; he even had a small glass of red wine. It was a great holiday season and we're all thankful to GOD for having him here!
On a better note, he's making great progress. His outpatient therapy sessions at St. Mary's have really been helping out a lot. His left eye is fully open and his pupil is still slowly moving back to it's original position. He still has to eat with his eye patch on or else he grabs for things that are not there (double vision). 
Lisa and I took him to visit the bookstore at the U of A last week after a doctor's appointment. We wanted to see how he'd react to a trip in his wheelchair. It was funny when we took him up to see Frank and Debbie. We asked the receptionist to call either one and when they were told who was there to visit, they didn't believe it was him. They were so happy and surprised to see him in the bookstore. Dad took it very well so I think we're going to start taking more trips to the U and other places as well. He can handle it!!!
I would like to share a very funny moment before I end this blog. I built an exercise table for him and placed it in the back room which has a beamed ceiling. Well Lisa decided to use the table last week and got dad on his back to begin his exercises. Well she notice that he was studying the ceiling very closely so she asked him, what are you looking at. He told her, "you know... I have a ceiling just like this in my house!"  She reminded him that it was his house and he started laughing with her.
Who knows, you just might see him soon in the hallway, on the grounds, at the store, at a game, where ever it is, don't be shy, come and give him a big hug and kiss to show how much you've missed him.
Thanks for all of your continued thoughts and prayers!!!

Friday December 9th

It's been forever since I last wrote in dad's blog. As I mentioned a while back, no news is great news.
He's no longer receiving any therapy sessions at home. He graduated last week to begin attending St. Mary's out patient therapy. This week was his first with assessments and therapy. We're so happy that he's leaving the house for exercise and therapy. All of his therapists are fantastic and we're so blessed he lives so close to the hospital. As I wrote in the last post, his eyes is now completely open and his pupil is almost in the correct position. He still sees double but at least we are certain the aneurysm is shrinking and releasing pressure on his optic nerve. He's now able to lift his right leg pretty good as well as his right arm. Still not walking on his own but slowly walking with his walker and the assistance of Lisa and his therapists. We had a fantastic Thanksgiving with his brother George and his family come down from Phoenix to be with us. We had a wonderful time all together. Dad is looking forward to having the annual Christmas Eve party here this year and we can't be more pleased with his progress. There definitely has been a noticeable change in the improvement and acceleration of improved motor skills since his surgery. It's too bad we didn't clamp him in the first place. We just didn't know the coil wasn't going to hold.  Nevertheless, he's doing much better, exercising very hard and very determine to get back to the life he once had. Thanks again for all of your continued thoughts and prayers.

Mom is starting to get out of the house a little more often and if any of you would like to take her out for lunch or a movie, Lisa and I are encouraging her to do so. She really needs a little time away from the house.

Until I write again, be safe, stay healthy and as dad would say, "be cool".

Friday November 18th

Good Morning everyone.
I do have some good news to report. First of all, dad is really starting to move his right arm and leg so much more than the last post. He's now able to move his hand up to his face. He uses it to scratch his nose or cheek and sometimes tries to reach his ear. He's also able to lift his right leg up about 6 inches off of the floor. This is enough room to get his pants on from a sitting position. All of these movements take some time to perform. However, we see this as great improvement. We believe the reason for this significant improvement is because the aneurysm is shrinking. We know this is happening because the best news of all is that his left eye is starting to open. It's about 1/4 inch open and he can see out of the eye. We were told that should the clipping on the aneurysm hold and the swelling shrink, his eye may regain control. So far, so good. Keep in mind, his eyeball is positioned to the left and down somewhat which causes him to see double. This is a okay because he's starting to regain control. The leg that has the clot swells when he really works at standing and exercising. We're going to have to just keep an eye on the swelling and make sure the swelling below the knee doesn't get out of hand. When swelling starts, we just pull back on the exercising and elevate the leg. We're going to have to decide if he'll have surgery to repair the clot or not. He will be seen again in December and we have until then to decide what we're going to do. He's also talking a little louder. This is also an indication the swelling is shrinking.
Well, I had mentioned that I'd have him out on the golf course by the end of November. That's not going to happen. I'm now going to leave that up to God and your prayers to get him out on the course.
He's still fighting more than ever and hasn't given up.
Keep on praying and sending your messages. He loves to read and hear them.
Have a great weekend and Go Cats!

November 4

Time sure does fly by.
Here's a short update to dad's progress. Allow me to begin by telling everyone, he's doing just great. We had a small set back because his right leg began to swell. This is due to the clot that was found way back in August. We went to see a vascular surgeon this week and he gave us some options. First of all, it's normal for legs to swell with his condition. The doctor told us this is due to too much activity to the leg and not enough leg rest and inactivity. The good news is that the swelling has gone way down.  We can either do nothing but try to keep the swelling down by using compression socks and elevation, put him on blood thinners or take him in to have his vein cleaned out. We have 6 weeks to decide which path we'll go. In the meantime, he's really doing well with his exercises, appetite, right side mobility. He's moving his right side more and more each week.  Still far from normal but we know he'll get there with hard work and time. Anyone that would like to communicate with him via Skype, please let me know. This will be very therapeutic for him because he'll have to use his voice to communicate. I can be reached at: davidv1@cox.net
We hope you all have a great and safe weekend. Stay warm. It's suppose to get cold and wet.

Friday, Oct. 21

Go Cats! Dad enjoyed watching his cats beat-up the Bruins. He stayed up to watch the entire game.
Well a whole lot has taken place since my last post. With assistance from Lisa and his physical therapist and his walker, he's been slowly walking. His longest walk has been from the dining room to the front door twice. This is about 16 steps for him. He's been standing longer periods of time in his stander and his right leg is moving much better than ever. Still slow but with more control. He's been enjoying his wheelchair walks around the neighborhood during the morning and neighbors stop to say hello. Lisa planted some flowers in the backyard and he loves to set outside to suck in some sunshine and smell the roses.
All tubes have been removed including his G tube from his stomach. His doctor says he's doing just great health wise. We're working him hard everyday only because he's asking us to do so. He wants to stand all the time but gets extremely tired after standing for 15 minutes at a time. He's slowly building his muscle strength and his determination to walk and talk hasn't diminished one bit. He's bound and determined to get back to where he was at before the stroke.
We're thinking about having a mass for him where he'll show up for everyone to say hello. I'll keep all of you posted for when this takes place.
Have a great weekend.

Friday, October 7

This was a busy week for Dad. He went in for a cortisone shot in his right shoulder on Tuesday.
He had been complaining about pain especially when he'd raise his arm. The therapist thought this was a result from his stroke. I kept saying that he's always had problems in the past with this shoulder so we set up an appointment for some x-rays. Sure enough, it's a combination of arthritis and non-use.
Today I raised his arm higher than before without any pain. This will help him with his therapy exercises.
On Wed, with this assistance of Lisa and Adam, his care giver, he took 7 steps with his walker. This is phenomenal!  He's also standing in the stander I made him for up to 15 minutes at a time. Everyone that visits him gets to sign his stander.
Tomorrow, we're set to take him to eat breakfast at Lionel and Stella's house. He's very excited for this.
He's doing just great! Have a great weekend!

October 3

Good Monday morning to all of you!
This past week has been very good to all of us. Although we didn't get to go out of the house or out to visit family, we have decided to try again this week. Dad did, however, take his first step forward and backward with both legs with his walker. His progress increases each day and we're amazed with how much he's moving his right side. The surgery has proved so far to benefit dad's recovery rate. He's staying up longer periods of time, reading longer periods of time and exercising with greater strength. He's just about able to stand up on his own from a sitting position. We're very proud of his accomplishments.
I finished his stander and we tried it last night for the first time. With just a couple more adjustments, he'll be able to stand for long periods of time. This will allow him to learn what if feels like to transfer his weight from hip to hip.
I'm going to learn how to post photos and videos on the blog so you can see how good he looks.  Thank you for all of your continued thoughts and prayers. We also want to thank everyone for the cookies, muffins, calabasitas, posole, menudo, banana bread and all other goodies that have been brought by the house. Although dad could use about 5 lbs. and loves all of these goodies, I've gained some unwanted weight.  It's just a matter of time!

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Sunday August 28

My dad would like to thank all of you who showed up this morning for the walk to San Xavier.  34 family and friends equals 34 prayers for dad. We would like to thank Melissa Quiroz & Linda Perez for coordinating this walk and thank those who helped along the way, Tio Lionel, Walter Sr. and Karen.
Dad's surgery will take place on September 1st at 11:00 am. and is scheduled to last 6 hours. I encourage all of you to pray for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.  We will have his outcome around 5 PM and I'll post it on Friday. Should all go as planned, he should be back home by Sept. 6th or 7th. Thanks again!
I'll keep you posted.

Friday August 26

For those who would like to walk with us from Saint Augustine Cathedral to San Xavier Mission, on Sunday Aug. 28th, we'll be meeting at 6:00 am in the back parking lot and leaving at 6:15 am. Wear sun screen and a hat. Water will be provided. Bring positive thoughts and prayers.
There is power in prayer!
We'll see you there!

August 23

We found out today that dad will be having surgery on September 1st. They will be clamping the neck of the same aneurysm that ruptured in May. It appears the area affected has grown to about twice the size of the original. There's no bleeding and the only way to correct for this is to perform cranial surgery. They will most likely discharge him from the hospital tomorrow so he can rest at home until the surgery. Dad understands the delicate and dangerous nature of this procedure and we all agree it must be done.  The doctors have told us the surgery should last about 5 hours. Then it's back to ICU and should all go well, he'll be home within 5 to 6 days after the surgery. I'm sorry for not writing sooner but it's been a zoo. It looks like I will be posting on a daily basis before, during, and after the surgery to keep all of you posted with his condition. I won't be writing anything on the blog until Wednesday, August 31. Please continue to pray for both my mom and dad. We need all of the prayers we can receive at this time.