I don't have a lot to say. Just wanted to give a little shout out to my friends and fam that made our Christmas great. I hope you all enjoyed being with family & a little relaxation as much as I did.
Merry Christmas/New Year,
Tony
Monday, December 28, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Wow, look at that thing spin...
In theory, the earth revolves on it's axis once every 24 hours. I'm not so sure. Perhaps, it's a super hero flying around the earth to speed up time, perhaps it's some sort of terrorist plot that causes our clocks to creep ever faster, I'd even be willing to consider that Al Gore is conspiring with said terrorist so he could finally support his climate change nonsense. [side note: feel free to post your favorite Al Gore jokes in the comments section. I can't get enough of them.]
Point is, seems like time is just trickling away. We all have so much to do in so little time. "Time management" tend to become "free-time allocation" "OK, so why is Tony feeding me this crap?"
Simple. Our family has had an amazing weekend. First, We have scheduled surgery to remove the legion for 2/19/2010. How 'bout that? Second, and also huge, I just accepted a job(BRG Inc. Bloomington, IN) that will start on 1/4/2010. OK now, things are looking up, huh.
So, that being said, the two biggest unknowns in our life, just became known. But for whatever reason, all of these other questions seem to pop out of the wood-work. How long should I commute to B-town? Where will we live down there? Will we Rent/Buy?
Schools? Network of friends/fam.? How about the strain of 2+ hrs on the road leaving Amanda to handle Ella by herself? When you look at these things, they all pale in comparison to what we've been through. But, we've got new challenges ahead now.
This initial period of commuting while we live, and Amanda works, in Indy will be tough but, I could emerge on the other side of this next hospital stay, as the bright, intelligent man that Amanda now wishes she'd married. I keep running into Ps. 18 type of verses. (my rock, my shield, my protector, scatters my enemies type of stuff.) So I guess I sayin', even though we worry, and life is still well outside the range of "normal", it is certainly looking up and we know we'll be fine.
And now to complete the circle, yet another prayer request, STRENGTH & CLARITY.
Amanda and I are going into a whirlwind of craziness, getting the house ready to sell, preparing for the next Clev. run, looking into homes, schools, etc. and still having the regular responsibility at home. I have a tendency to "hit a wall" and crash and that doesn't help Amanda at all. We need to not manage, but multiply our time. So, Strength, & Clarity, to know what is important & when, and have the strength and energy to accomplish it while still having time as a family.
There you go, another post that was suppose to be about 1.5 paragraphs. sorry.
Happy Christmas,
Tony
Point is, seems like time is just trickling away. We all have so much to do in so little time. "Time management" tend to become "free-time allocation" "OK, so why is Tony feeding me this crap?"
Simple. Our family has had an amazing weekend. First, We have scheduled surgery to remove the legion for 2/19/2010. How 'bout that? Second, and also huge, I just accepted a job(BRG Inc. Bloomington, IN) that will start on 1/4/2010. OK now, things are looking up, huh.
So, that being said, the two biggest unknowns in our life, just became known. But for whatever reason, all of these other questions seem to pop out of the wood-work. How long should I commute to B-town? Where will we live down there? Will we Rent/Buy?
Schools? Network of friends/fam.? How about the strain of 2+ hrs on the road leaving Amanda to handle Ella by herself? When you look at these things, they all pale in comparison to what we've been through. But, we've got new challenges ahead now.
This initial period of commuting while we live, and Amanda works, in Indy will be tough but, I could emerge on the other side of this next hospital stay, as the bright, intelligent man that Amanda now wishes she'd married. I keep running into Ps. 18 type of verses. (my rock, my shield, my protector, scatters my enemies type of stuff.) So I guess I sayin', even though we worry, and life is still well outside the range of "normal", it is certainly looking up and we know we'll be fine.
And now to complete the circle, yet another prayer request, STRENGTH & CLARITY.
Amanda and I are going into a whirlwind of craziness, getting the house ready to sell, preparing for the next Clev. run, looking into homes, schools, etc. and still having the regular responsibility at home. I have a tendency to "hit a wall" and crash and that doesn't help Amanda at all. We need to not manage, but multiply our time. So, Strength, & Clarity, to know what is important & when, and have the strength and energy to accomplish it while still having time as a family.
There you go, another post that was suppose to be about 1.5 paragraphs. sorry.
Happy Christmas,
Tony
Monday, December 14, 2009
Hello all
OK, so it's been about 2-and-a-half weeks since we left the hospital and oddly enough, the same amount of time since I posted, sorry. It's been an interesting patch of life. I'm not so much complaining, just trying to find a "known" point and take inventory.
So we left the hospital, and really, I was much better than the last trip. In September, when I got back I need about 3 day to recover. I'd get out of bed for a few hours, and the go back into hibernation. This trip, I had a slow day, and then I felt good to go. The exception being that I had some restrictions. I wasn't suppose to drive, lift more than 20 lbs., bend at the waist (bend at the knees for safety), that sort of thing.
Back to the story, so I've gradually been gaining strength, which equals the ability to keep up with Ella. That's important as Amanda's the one that has a job right now. It is an odd feeling however, to go from being able to flip, toss, tickle, wrestle, and rough-house with my 4-year-old, to her being able to lift more than I can. No big deal though, It's not so much a strength issue as a pressure on the incisions thing, so as they heal I'm getting my requirements reduced. I got the stitches out on the 10th. Oh man, let me tell you it's nice to wear hats again. Thanks go out to my friendly neighborhood RN.
So, here's the bad news, we go rear-ended on Saturday night. It was not cool. Nobody like getting hit, especially on the weekend, or by someone who speeds off. But, I can temper this with some good news as well. There happened to be a witness who saw the whole thing got the guy's plate and chased 'em as far as they could. They came back to find us, sat at the Hardee's we were parked at until the Cop arrived(about an hour and 15 minutes.) As of yet, we have not heard from from the Police, Insurance, or Surgeon, but it is the first business day after it happened.
BTW, a friend of mine recently posted a quote by "John Lenon"
"Life is what happens while your making other plans." Seems appropriate, huh.
So there you go, People often ask, "What's goin' on man" or "Is there anything new in you life" and I've been responding with, "not really, we're just in one of those seasons where your in a holding pattern." We'll Looks like that's over. We seem to be pretty busy between the go-ing's on of life and Christmas and all of that. As we've had to depend on friends and family for... lots. It seems like Christmas is simpler. You relize in a more concrete form (not just from a pulpit) that family really is all you have. People say "At least you have you heath" I will argue that a group people that value and support is more valuable. I've heard my mother say, more than once, the gift of your time is the most valuable one. Of course... she's my mother.
So that's where we are, what we're doing, how we're using our time. You know the drill, pray please. Also, Have a merry Christmas.
I'll let you know when I get some detail on stuff.
Tony
So we left the hospital, and really, I was much better than the last trip. In September, when I got back I need about 3 day to recover. I'd get out of bed for a few hours, and the go back into hibernation. This trip, I had a slow day, and then I felt good to go. The exception being that I had some restrictions. I wasn't suppose to drive, lift more than 20 lbs., bend at the waist (bend at the knees for safety), that sort of thing.
Back to the story, so I've gradually been gaining strength, which equals the ability to keep up with Ella. That's important as Amanda's the one that has a job right now. It is an odd feeling however, to go from being able to flip, toss, tickle, wrestle, and rough-house with my 4-year-old, to her being able to lift more than I can. No big deal though, It's not so much a strength issue as a pressure on the incisions thing, so as they heal I'm getting my requirements reduced. I got the stitches out on the 10th. Oh man, let me tell you it's nice to wear hats again. Thanks go out to my friendly neighborhood RN.
So, here's the bad news, we go rear-ended on Saturday night. It was not cool. Nobody like getting hit, especially on the weekend, or by someone who speeds off. But, I can temper this with some good news as well. There happened to be a witness who saw the whole thing got the guy's plate and chased 'em as far as they could. They came back to find us, sat at the Hardee's we were parked at until the Cop arrived(about an hour and 15 minutes.) As of yet, we have not heard from from the Police, Insurance, or Surgeon, but it is the first business day after it happened.
BTW, a friend of mine recently posted a quote by "John Lenon"
"Life is what happens while your making other plans." Seems appropriate, huh.
So there you go, People often ask, "What's goin' on man" or "Is there anything new in you life" and I've been responding with, "not really, we're just in one of those seasons where your in a holding pattern." We'll Looks like that's over. We seem to be pretty busy between the go-ing's on of life and Christmas and all of that. As we've had to depend on friends and family for... lots. It seems like Christmas is simpler. You relize in a more concrete form (not just from a pulpit) that family really is all you have. People say "At least you have you heath" I will argue that a group people that value and support is more valuable. I've heard my mother say, more than once, the gift of your time is the most valuable one. Of course... she's my mother.
So that's where we are, what we're doing, how we're using our time. You know the drill, pray please. Also, Have a merry Christmas.
I'll let you know when I get some detail on stuff.
Tony
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Comming home...
I'm unhooked,showered, and getting ready to go. I should be released from my deluxe accommodations here at the EMU in room 3 soon and then we'll be headed home.
The Electrodes came out yesterday. It was less than efficient, and no time lines were kept, but that's not really news. We started 2 hrs. late. I spent 5 Hours in recovery (instead of 60-90 min.) most of this is because the nurses have such a hard time getting a hold of Dr.'s to get orders. The important thing is that it all went well and I got back to the room with out complications.
That brings us to today. After speaking with the Gonzalez (Surg), he's got a more positive outlook for things to come. The details are a bit much to explain here, but I am much relieved. Anyway, I as I've said so often, on behalf of Amanda, Ella and myself, Thank you for your prayers.
The Electrodes came out yesterday. It was less than efficient, and no time lines were kept, but that's not really news. We started 2 hrs. late. I spent 5 Hours in recovery (instead of 60-90 min.) most of this is because the nurses have such a hard time getting a hold of Dr.'s to get orders. The important thing is that it all went well and I got back to the room with out complications.
That brings us to today. After speaking with the Gonzalez (Surg), he's got a more positive outlook for things to come. The details are a bit much to explain here, but I am much relieved. Anyway, I as I've said so often, on behalf of Amanda, Ella and myself, Thank you for your prayers.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Last day with a tail
No, I'm not evolving, I'm having the electrodes removed at 1p today. I cant wait. I got these things put in on Tuesday the 24th @ 7:30a. We arrived at the hospital at 6a per our instructions. Since then, I haven't had anything more than a sponge bath. So... Amanda is ready for this to end too.
We have been telling doctors, surgeons, residents, nurses & assistants that we need to get out of here "No later than 10a Thurs. morning. They all have been saying it's no problem. I'll believe it when I'm out the door. But I do think they will make an effort.
But, I guess I should tell you about the consultation with Gonzalez(surgeon). He's giving us some options about how to proceed. As, I give you this, keep in mind he has not received the results from the latest sizzle test.
Anyway, Opt. 1) Do nothing, wait for better medicine, or better technology to develop so the risks will be reduced in the future.
Opt. 2) Proceed with the transection, go on as planned and take the risk of a "weak" arm/hand (anything from mild lose of feeling to completely useless non-functioning arm.)
Opt. 3) Still proceed, but in a different manor, preform a DTI ( a form of MRI that shows actual brain fibers.) Then, While the transection is in process, they will wake me up under a local anesthesia, and constantly test my motor function while he is removing tissue. Wow!
He is leaning toward Opt.3. He says there's about a 60% chance of completely removing the seizures, and having no affect on my hand. but with opt. 3, there is a much better chance of being able to rehab the "weakness".
It's a lot to digest when a surgeon looks you in the eye and tells you all of this and you've already come this far, with 10 holes in your head. We knew it was a possibility, but it's not what we expected for some reason.
Well I don't know that I can be anymore open/transparent than that.
They should take me to the OR in a little less than an hour so.
I'm Tony Rench
Stay classy Indianapolis
We have been telling doctors, surgeons, residents, nurses & assistants that we need to get out of here "No later than 10a Thurs. morning. They all have been saying it's no problem. I'll believe it when I'm out the door. But I do think they will make an effort.
But, I guess I should tell you about the consultation with Gonzalez(surgeon). He's giving us some options about how to proceed. As, I give you this, keep in mind he has not received the results from the latest sizzle test.
Anyway, Opt. 1) Do nothing, wait for better medicine, or better technology to develop so the risks will be reduced in the future.
Opt. 2) Proceed with the transection, go on as planned and take the risk of a "weak" arm/hand (anything from mild lose of feeling to completely useless non-functioning arm.)
Opt. 3) Still proceed, but in a different manor, preform a DTI ( a form of MRI that shows actual brain fibers.) Then, While the transection is in process, they will wake me up under a local anesthesia, and constantly test my motor function while he is removing tissue. Wow!
He is leaning toward Opt.3. He says there's about a 60% chance of completely removing the seizures, and having no affect on my hand. but with opt. 3, there is a much better chance of being able to rehab the "weakness".
It's a lot to digest when a surgeon looks you in the eye and tells you all of this and you've already come this far, with 10 holes in your head. We knew it was a possibility, but it's not what we expected for some reason.
Well I don't know that I can be anymore open/transparent than that.
They should take me to the OR in a little less than an hour so.
I'm Tony Rench
Stay classy Indianapolis
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Updates & timelines
Like I said yesterday, I had a sizzle test in the morning at 9a. That all went fine they didn't mess with me too much. They did 3 electrode groups instead of 2. When they were done, he showed me the gruops he tested and the ones he didn't. He tested 7of 10 overall. At that point I asked "why not just do them all now, so there's no chance they'll ask for more." And he assures me we have all the info we need.
So after the Physicians confrence, they roll all the equipment back into my room. Wouldn't you know it, they need more data. To be fair some of it was just changing frequency in the same spot. None the less... irritating.
So, in theroy, I'm suppose to have the electrodes pulled tomorrow morning. However, they won't give us a time. Just... morning. then an over-night stay gets us to Thursday.
We're trying to get home in time to see Ella's Christmas Program @ Pre-school, Thursday-night.
I hope to see you all soon,
Tony
So after the Physicians confrence, they roll all the equipment back into my room. Wouldn't you know it, they need more data. To be fair some of it was just changing frequency in the same spot. None the less... irritating.
So, in theroy, I'm suppose to have the electrodes pulled tomorrow morning. However, they won't give us a time. Just... morning. then an over-night stay gets us to Thursday.
We're trying to get home in time to see Ella's Christmas Program @ Pre-school, Thursday-night.
I hope to see you all soon,
Tony
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