Tuesday, September 30, 2008

9/30/2008

Carol made it up to the hospital yesterday smoothly. The room and facilities seem nice. A little bit rough emotionally yesterday, this morning. A little tough coming home, and then having to go back. But, we are thinking is might as well get it going. Her daily schedule is pretty filled with all types of therapy (physical, occupational, hand, psycholigical, etc.). So 6-8 weeks of this. She will be able to come home on the weekends. For anyone wanting to visit, please contact me personally for the room number. Best times to visit are the lunch time hours, 11-2, and evenings.

Well barring any insurance incidents it looks like we have this whole rehab paid for thanks to all of you. Thanks....

scott

18 comments:

Darcy said...

Glad things went smoothly. Thanks for the update. I check you blog everyday to see how your family is doing. Best of luck in the next few months. We will be praying for you here in the freezing state of Wisconsin.

Unknown said...

Scott,

We're so happy to hear about the early start to rehab, you and Carol continue to amaze us!!

For us out-of-staters, would Carol still like phone calls while in rehab (during those times you specified)? And if yes, can she still receive them on her cell or should we contact you for her room phone?

We continue to think of you on a daily basis. Good luck during this transition into the new rehab routine.

Love, the Walgreens

Stephanie said...

Scott,

I am happy that she'll be able to come home on the weekends. I, too, would like to know the past phone number to call her on. I don't want to tie up weekend time with you and the girls to call her while at home.

Thanks,
Stephanie

Carolyn Wing said...

Keeping you in my prayers. Carolyn Wing grandma to Laura Stage IV neuroblastoma carepages.com page name LauraVDB

Nadine said...

Love and prayers from Calgary.

Unknown said...

that's amazing news about your insurance..although I don't know you personally i feel very touched by your story and your dedication, I can't imagine what you are going through with your two young daughters and taking care of your wife. You are a walking miracle...what a great man you are!!!

Ally Van Leuvan said...

Hey Scott,

Transitions are such bumpy times. We're glad to hear that her main focus will be on rehab for now, but the back and forth can't be easy.

Mahtee and Heathuh wanna call, too. Cell??

Love,
Ally & Pete

Nancy at the Farm said...

From the state just below you, we hail from the Willamette Valley in Oregon and send you our love and prayers. We read your blog every day right after we read the blog for Stephanie and Christian (http://blog.cjanerun.com/). Both blogs are inspiring and even though we do not know you, you touch our hearts and we think of you daily. Send you our best prayers and crossed paws, we are,

Dozer, Dottie and Cooper Edwards

Jaina said...

What a relief. I hope she progresses quickly.

Shane and Michelle said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Shane and Michelle said...

That is awesome that Carol is able to start rehab already. She has amazing strength. We are all rooting for her. Her life is touching others across the nation. Read a good quote today:

Sometimes God calms the storm...sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His children

Scott and Carol Decker said...

Carol's cell isn't in Seattle quite yet. It will be tomorrow night. Her room phone would be the most appropriate and welcomed until then. Text me and I will text back her room number if anyone wants it. 206-714-6284

marie said...

That is great news! I had this devotion this morning and thought of Carol, here is part of it: Blessed by God in the darkness of illness, Carol is showing us how to live with passion, humor and purpose! Right on Carol! :) As always, thanks for the updates. They are truly appreciated.

Love and Hugs,
Marie

Lindsey said...

You're family is such an inspiration to me. Even though I personlly don't know you, my family lives in the Seattle area and hear's about your story. I thank God that you guys are making it through this tough time. You guys are in my prayers often and I love the updates. Continue to be strong....you not only inspire you're family, but those who are addicted to your daily blog. Cornville, AZ is thinking about you.

JMF said...

I am just some guy in Henderson Nevada - I check your blog every day. I am always impressed by your optimism. You leave everyone else who deals pessimistically with much lesser problems entire without excuse.

Anonymous said...

Dear Scott,
Your girls, all 3 of them are beautiful! I know that Carol is receiving counseling and I trust you are too. I am sure you have gotten lots of advice along with support but I want to vigorously suggest a few things...I know from which I speak.

1) You MUST make time for YOU! Whatever your leisure activity was prior to the medical melee you should continue!! Whether it be running, golf, bicycling ... Or start something new that is all yours. Enjoy yourself away from the worry and responsibility of your new life. This will make you a better husband, father and caregiver. It will recharge your battery AND in the long run even make Sweet Carol feel less of a burden (and she will). This is JUST AS IMPORTANT as prosthetics for Carol! The girls will be okay with an hour less of time with Daddy, the dishes CAN sit in the sink, and doctor's appointments can be scheduled all in one day.

2) Carol NEEDS to feel like the wife and a mother she is and NOT just a patient only able to do things with help! She NEEDS to feel PRETTY to YOU!!! Find something she can do right away for the girls. Since reading to them is out til she learns braille and picking them up on her own and swinging them around is also out find something NOW that she can do without help and assistance from others that is special just for her babies and her. Music is an option!! Did she sing with them befiore she got sick? Whether she sings like a frog or like an angel, learning some songs and perhaps taking voice lessons are something she can do in a chair, blind and without 3 limbs that will be special and ALL HERS just for her babies! She can sing to them over the phone, make tapes for the time she is in rehab and sit on the floor at home all by herself with the girls and they will know that this is special for them just from Mommy. It will be what they remember as they grow NOT that Mommy is disabled. Mommy is PERFECT to them and Carol needs to feel like a "REAL" Mommy that is perfect not a mommy on the sidelines. I'm sure you can find a voice coach to volunteer their services.

3) And finally, Carol needs to feel like a wife! She NEEDS to feel pretty! She needs time with you away from being a patient. She needs to feel like she is bringing something to you that makes your heart pound. She needs to be a WIFE! MAke sure that she has pretty and even sexy pajamas. Make sure she gets her hair done just like before she got sick. Have her mom take her shopping for a new outfit and let her surprise you with a makeover then take her out for a candle light dinner alone. If there was snow on the ground she needs you to throw some snowballs al her!! If there is something you need on the other side of the bed don't get up and get it yourself ask her to get it for you . She must feel needed and wanted and useful both for herself and for you. Buy her a new necklace and give it to her in bed away from everyone else. She may not be able to see it with her eyes but she can feel it with her hand and most importantly with her heart. Get to know each other again. Fall i love with each other again. Help her find her womanhood again. Help her find herself again!!! This too is just as important as rehab and prosthetics!

I know that money for all the medical and living expenses are prohibitive but use some for what seems like the small things that make you and Carol and the girls people, parents, husband and wife. Don't get lost in all the big things or everything will be for naught. I want to donate to your family fund since people helped my family when we were slammed with medical problems...the old pay it forward...but I would much rather buy you a hot shot new bicycle (or golf games or running shoes....) and a gift card for Nordstrom clothes for a "makeover" for Carol so that you don't have the option to use it for "bills" because that's what you (and I) would do. But truly theses seemingly non important things in the big picture really do make a HUGE difference!!! Please let your friends managing the volunteer effort and benevolent funds contact me so that I can donate to your family specifically for the emotional well being aspect of your lives not for the overwhelming medical and living expenses.

Our family keeps your family in our thoughts!
Tracy

Unknown said...

I'm also checking your blog daily to check in on you, your wife and beautiful daughters. I'm humbled by your wife's strength and yours. Many are caring about you around the country...I'm in Boston! :)

Scott and Carol Decker said...

Thanks for all the posts....

In particular Tracy, thanks...best post eva!!!

scott