Hello everyone,
Here is the very long overdue blog update. I apologize for the delay and hope you can forgive me:) The summer has flown by and now the kids are back in school. Garrett is in the 4th grade and has started soccer. Erica is a big kindergartner now and is loving it. She starts her Fall dance lessons soon.
The summer has been filled with lots of rehab. I go to Lenox Baker for physical therapy twice a week and now I also have a third visit each week in the pool. The pool therapy seems to be helping with my balance a lot. I also have speech therapy twice a week at Rose Manor to work with the vital-stem electro-therapy to increase my swallowing capability. The golf tournament was an incredible success and I want to thank all of you that participated in any way. It was so nice to see all of my friends together after being in the hospital for so long. You all are the greatest friends a guy could have:)
Progress on my recovery has slowed a little but I am still working hard and improving. I have started using a four post cane to walk at therapy and for short distances at home. This has been very motivating and I hope to continue the use of the cane for more walking. I have my next follow-up with Dr. Friedman on Dec 30th to check for any remaining parts of the tumor. Let's keep the fingers crossed that there is no tumor remaining. I will hopefully have my next swallow test in a couple of weeks. I think it will show improvement in my swallowing once again.
I have been able to get the kids ready for school in the morning and get them to the bus stop before I head to my therapy appointments. Over the summer Katie McCabe drove me to my appointments and since she started back to school her mom Amy has kindly stepped up to help get me to all of my appointments. I couldn't do it without them. I promise to keep more regular updates on my progress going forward. If you wish to email me please free at ewlacey@yahoo.com. I hope you all are doing well and I look forward to talking to all of you.
Deepest Thanks for all of Your Love and Prayers,
Eric
Monday, September 8, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
July 11, 2008
Rhonda Writes -
Hey guys! I'm sure everyone is wondering why in the world we haven't updated the blog since the golf tournament. Eric wants to take over the "writing" portion but still is having problems with his vision, so it's not an easy task. We keep trying to sit down for a dictation session but that isn't working either sooooo, I thought I'd write a quick note. Eric passed his last swallow test so he's able to eat now!!!! He's back up to 160 pounds!!!!!! Can you say EATING MACHINE? He can't get enough food these days and loves sweets now (something that he never cared for before the stroke). Interesting, huh? He eats ice cream with a pop-tart covered in whipped cream! I know ladies... we can gain weight just reading that. Thus, why he's putting on so much so quickly. ;) He's also taking amino acids to build muscle and is still on the testosterone patches. I keep telling him he's going to pull a Hulk move soon and bust out of his shirt. I've attached a picture taken the 4th of July to show how much weight he has put back on. He's starting to look like his old self. He's still attending therapy every week working towards getting out of the wheelchair. The golf tournament was a HUGE success and so much fun. Thanks to everyone that supported us. It was the happiest I've seen Eric since he returned home. We're so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family. Just amazing.... For you Indiana folks, Eric will be coming back to "the Burg" for his 20th high school reunion (without me and the kids) for a fun, long, bachelor's weekend. He's excited to see all his fellow high school buds! Thanks again for everyone's love and support. Eric wouldn't be making the strides that he is without it.
Hey guys! I'm sure everyone is wondering why in the world we haven't updated the blog since the golf tournament. Eric wants to take over the "writing" portion but still is having problems with his vision, so it's not an easy task. We keep trying to sit down for a dictation session but that isn't working either sooooo, I thought I'd write a quick note. Eric passed his last swallow test so he's able to eat now!!!! He's back up to 160 pounds!!!!!! Can you say EATING MACHINE? He can't get enough food these days and loves sweets now (something that he never cared for before the stroke). Interesting, huh? He eats ice cream with a pop-tart covered in whipped cream! I know ladies... we can gain weight just reading that. Thus, why he's putting on so much so quickly. ;) He's also taking amino acids to build muscle and is still on the testosterone patches. I keep telling him he's going to pull a Hulk move soon and bust out of his shirt. I've attached a picture taken the 4th of July to show how much weight he has put back on. He's starting to look like his old self. He's still attending therapy every week working towards getting out of the wheelchair. The golf tournament was a HUGE success and so much fun. Thanks to everyone that supported us. It was the happiest I've seen Eric since he returned home. We're so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family. Just amazing.... For you Indiana folks, Eric will be coming back to "the Burg" for his 20th high school reunion (without me and the kids) for a fun, long, bachelor's weekend. He's excited to see all his fellow high school buds! Thanks again for everyone's love and support. Eric wouldn't be making the strides that he is without it.
Monday, June 9, 2008
June 9, 2008
Tom Writes -
Hey All. Just a reminder - The Golf Tournament is fast approaching. June 24th is in two weeks, and we are gearing up for a day of fun and friendship. If you want to participate, there is still time to sign up, and there are still slots available.
Also, Blue Corn Cafe on Ninth Street is hosting an after - tournament party. A percentage of all proceeds will be going to the Lacey Fund, so plan on stopping by and having a margarita, and maybe some dinner. (The margs are unbelievable, and the fajitas are the best in the area!) Party will be from 4PM until 8ish.
Chris Morris adds -
We have a great "live" band set to play from 5 til 8 at the Blue Corn Cafe'...if you are planning to come to the after party please RSVP me at cmorris@brookslumber.com or call me 336-254-0554.
Hey All. Just a reminder - The Golf Tournament is fast approaching. June 24th is in two weeks, and we are gearing up for a day of fun and friendship. If you want to participate, there is still time to sign up, and there are still slots available.
Also, Blue Corn Cafe on Ninth Street is hosting an after - tournament party. A percentage of all proceeds will be going to the Lacey Fund, so plan on stopping by and having a margarita, and maybe some dinner. (The margs are unbelievable, and the fajitas are the best in the area!) Party will be from 4PM until 8ish.
Chris Morris adds -
We have a great "live" band set to play from 5 til 8 at the Blue Corn Cafe'...if you are planning to come to the after party please RSVP me at cmorris@brookslumber.com or call me 336-254-0554.
Friday, June 6, 2008
June 6, 2008
Rhonda Writes-
Eric is getting settled into his new routines and therapies. He's getting around good at home in the wheelchair, other than a couple of mishaps that happened over the weekend. He said he wished I had a picture of this one for the blog…. He was outside with the kids while they were washing the car and Eric's wheel rolled backwards, tipped over and Eric landed on his back in the mulch and bushes. He was like a turtle on his back - couldn't move. Erica ran in to tell us and of course Carol and I ran out like wild women only to find Eric laughing saying he was okay. Scared us to death!!! He also fell the next day while walking (assisted by Carol) with his walker. She left his side for 2 seconds to grab the wheelchair and over he fell. This time wasn't so funny. He hurt his back and smacked his face on the floor. The therapist told us at DRI not to be surprised if he falls. It's going to happen and is part of learning to walk again. Needless to say though, with his weight loss and weakened bones, he could easily break something so it scares us. He had another swallow test earlier this week and passed with flying colors so he was able to move to pureed foods. He "ate" so much that he made himself sick. The tube feeds will continue but they will decrease in quantity as he's able to eat more. Pureed chicken casserole isn't the best looking stuff but Eric said it was the best thing he's ever tasted. :) He's gained more weight - actually up to 135 pounds! I told him tonight he was getting a belly! Ha-ha He's adjusting better than I would be given all the circumstances. I'm proud of him and what he's accomplishing. He's very determined to get better and that's all we can ask for.
Eric is getting settled into his new routines and therapies. He's getting around good at home in the wheelchair, other than a couple of mishaps that happened over the weekend. He said he wished I had a picture of this one for the blog…. He was outside with the kids while they were washing the car and Eric's wheel rolled backwards, tipped over and Eric landed on his back in the mulch and bushes. He was like a turtle on his back - couldn't move. Erica ran in to tell us and of course Carol and I ran out like wild women only to find Eric laughing saying he was okay. Scared us to death!!! He also fell the next day while walking (assisted by Carol) with his walker. She left his side for 2 seconds to grab the wheelchair and over he fell. This time wasn't so funny. He hurt his back and smacked his face on the floor. The therapist told us at DRI not to be surprised if he falls. It's going to happen and is part of learning to walk again. Needless to say though, with his weight loss and weakened bones, he could easily break something so it scares us. He had another swallow test earlier this week and passed with flying colors so he was able to move to pureed foods. He "ate" so much that he made himself sick. The tube feeds will continue but they will decrease in quantity as he's able to eat more. Pureed chicken casserole isn't the best looking stuff but Eric said it was the best thing he's ever tasted. :) He's gained more weight - actually up to 135 pounds! I told him tonight he was getting a belly! Ha-ha He's adjusting better than I would be given all the circumstances. I'm proud of him and what he's accomplishing. He's very determined to get better and that's all we can ask for.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
May 29, 2008
Rhonda Writes -
HE IS LARGE AND IN CHARGE…..
Mr. Lacey is all settled in at home. He is happy, assertive and ready to continue the BIG SHOW. He and Carol have already hit the town. Eric's not content to sit at home - he wants to get out and visit. He impressed all the Kroger employees (his favorite shopping spot) yesterday when he showed up. Carol said they were all so excited to see him and so impressed with how well he's doing. We're still waiting to hear back from Lenox Baker (physical therapy) and Rose Manor (speech therapy) for his appointment times but he should start outpatient therapy next week. Home Health came in and basically confirmed that Carol was a registered nurse and knew what she's doing. ;) She passed the test and they're not coming back. We've got the medication schedule down pat. He's on 18 medications so it took a spreadsheet to organize it all.
Our house is open to any and all visitors. Don't think that it has to stop just because he's no longer in the hospital. He would love nothing more than to socialize. Come on and see us!
We visited everyone at Select before leaving the hospital Tuesday. The doctor there said Eric should be a motivational speaker, telling his miraculous story. What a great idea! I told him he should go into occupational or physical therapy or teaching. Either way, we all know something positive should come from this. It's an experience too precious not to share.
HE IS LARGE AND IN CHARGE…..
Mr. Lacey is all settled in at home. He is happy, assertive and ready to continue the BIG SHOW. He and Carol have already hit the town. Eric's not content to sit at home - he wants to get out and visit. He impressed all the Kroger employees (his favorite shopping spot) yesterday when he showed up. Carol said they were all so excited to see him and so impressed with how well he's doing. We're still waiting to hear back from Lenox Baker (physical therapy) and Rose Manor (speech therapy) for his appointment times but he should start outpatient therapy next week. Home Health came in and basically confirmed that Carol was a registered nurse and knew what she's doing. ;) She passed the test and they're not coming back. We've got the medication schedule down pat. He's on 18 medications so it took a spreadsheet to organize it all.
Our house is open to any and all visitors. Don't think that it has to stop just because he's no longer in the hospital. He would love nothing more than to socialize. Come on and see us!
We visited everyone at Select before leaving the hospital Tuesday. The doctor there said Eric should be a motivational speaker, telling his miraculous story. What a great idea! I told him he should go into occupational or physical therapy or teaching. Either way, we all know something positive should come from this. It's an experience too precious not to share.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
May 27 2008
Rhonda Writes -
Carol and I are heading up to get Eric discharged. He's so fired up and ready to come home. The kids have a bazillion games lined up to play with him... They're really excited to have Daddy coming home. All of the equipment has been delivered with the exception of the wheelchair which is due in an hour.
Carol and I have had lots of training plus Home Health starts coming tomorrow. He'll have therapy at the house for 2 weeks, then will start traveling to outpatient therapy for speech (swallowing) and physical therapy. He has another baseline swallow test in a couple of weeks but for now can still just have thickened liquids (which include smoothies - his favorite). Carol is worried that its going to be hard for him when we cook/eat. I didn't think about that. We'll try to eat only healthy, bland foods. :) Maybe that will help our diet efforts. Anyway, we'll post later once he's settled. I'll dictate a note from Eric....
Carol and I are heading up to get Eric discharged. He's so fired up and ready to come home. The kids have a bazillion games lined up to play with him... They're really excited to have Daddy coming home. All of the equipment has been delivered with the exception of the wheelchair which is due in an hour.
Carol and I have had lots of training plus Home Health starts coming tomorrow. He'll have therapy at the house for 2 weeks, then will start traveling to outpatient therapy for speech (swallowing) and physical therapy. He has another baseline swallow test in a couple of weeks but for now can still just have thickened liquids (which include smoothies - his favorite). Carol is worried that its going to be hard for him when we cook/eat. I didn't think about that. We'll try to eat only healthy, bland foods. :) Maybe that will help our diet efforts. Anyway, we'll post later once he's settled. I'll dictate a note from Eric....
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
SWIM-A-THON!
Tom Writes-
The Black Horse Run Racers are sponsoring a weekend swim-a-thon on Saturday, May 24. If you are interested in either participating in this event or sponsoring a swimmer, follow the Swim-a-thon link for more information. All donations, however large, are appreciated!
The Black Horse Run Racers are sponsoring a weekend swim-a-thon on Saturday, May 24. If you are interested in either participating in this event or sponsoring a swimmer, follow the Swim-a-thon link for more information. All donations, however large, are appreciated!
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