Keep moving forward; 12 days and counting...

Yesterday, we went to see Graden's Pulmonologist to get "surgery clearance" and received good news: Graden is moving air (breathing!) better than he ever has.

This is especially good news because of his upcoming surgery. He needs to be as healthy as possible going in... he will need all of his strength for recovery.

Doc continued to chat with Graden, who adores him. My dad got to go with us, which made me smile. I could see the pride in my dad's eyes as he watched G interact with Doc (with little help from me). I tried telling Dad how strong Grado was, but it's so much better when you can see it for yourself. Everywhere I take him, he makes friends (Dad and Graden - ha!).

During their chat, Doc told Graden how happy he was with his progress. Our Bi-Pap machine has really helped G sleep better at night - not to mention how it lets Mom sleep a bit better, too. 

Doc said, at this point, we won't need to revisit our Pulmonologist until October (long after our recovery, we hope), and then he said, "...and yearly thereafter." Talk about music to my ears...

Of course, he did tell me our Neurosurgeon would be the doctor ordering follow-up tests (MRIs, Swallow Studies, etc.) after surgery, and he reminded us that this surgery wasn't a "cure all," which we never forget. Still, he seemed positive that Graden was reaching the point of "living successfully" with his Chiari, which we know changes over time, but it sure sounds great right now. So, the BiPap helps, along with inhalers and medications as needed... Chiari can still cause concerns, but it seems his lungs are strengthening each day. Amazing!

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Today, I took a trip down memory lane... 

As I did one last "walk through" at the old house, cleaned the floors, and backed out of the driveway for the last time, I realized how much has happened in that house. It was our first home as a family. We moved in Memorial Day weekend (ironic timing!) in 2006. A lot of memories in seven years... Sure, it drove me crazy with clutter some days as we worked to squeeze in, but most days, it was perfect, and it was ours. 

I suppose it's appropriate to move out right now, as we take the next turn on Graden's journey. But, I can't fight this feeling (oh, wow... I just typed that to the tune of REO Speedwagon... yikes!) like I'm missing something, leaving something important behind, or doing something wrong. 

I have to keep my head up, though, and remember why we made the move. It was not because of anyone or thing; it was for all of us, especially Graden. We need to be able to pay past doctor bills and save for future care. We don't know what we will need, but we have to be able to afford whatever it is... Deep down, I know we made the right choice. In fact, I can already see how much we have benefited from the move financially. 

Have you seen "Meet the Robinsons?" It's a Disney movie, and one of my favorites of theirs, too. It's about a little orphan; his name is Lewis (he reminds me of Graden, despite the glasses), and he tries to be an inventor and build a time machine. He really, really wants to meet his mom and figure out why she left him on a doorstep. While that sounds heartbreaking, he actually goes on a journey and learns through a time machine mishap that life is not about the past. In fact, his "future self" teaches him his famous motto, "Keep moving forward." 

Why am I telling you this? Because it's a cute movie and you should watch it, but also because I like this little guy. Often, I think of my own past, Graden's past... I wonder "should I have done this?" or "if I would have done this, would G be better or different?" But, then, I remember that those memories, the past, doesn't change anything now. It's too late. It's done. So, instead, I have to "keep moving forward." 

I know I can't worry about moving out of our first home; those memories are done -- that chapter is closed. We're moving forward.

I sound like a broken record, but we truly are going one day at a time, and we will certainly "keep moving forward."

The Therapy Begins.

Before I update you on Graden's newest task, I want to give a "shout out" to the people at Lutheran Hospital Outpatient Rehab. Two of the ladies that work as Speech Pathologists (maybe therapists - I always get them flip-flopped) gave Graden his Swallow Study test a month or so ago, and (I said it then, but I'll say it again) they were amazing. I've never had someone (in all our test-taking) explain to me so efficiently what they were doing while they were doing it. They were honest, friendly, and wonderful at their jobs.

None of those qualities changed when we visited yet a 3rd lady, who was recommended by our friend M (who also works with these ladies but is on maternity leave) and who is now Graden's Speech Therapist (or maybe Pathologist is her title... goodness, I need to find out). Instantly, she was addressing me but engaging Graden. She made sure both of us understood and felt comfortable with our new therapy procedures.

Can I just say right now that one of the best qualities of any medical personnel is to be confident in their work? Not the overly confident that borders arrogance... No, the confidence that would tell you they know what they're doing and if it doesn't work, they'll try something new or find someone who can help. Yep, that confidence works best for me. I'm sure if you skim previous blog posts, you will see that I've said it before.

So, our therapist taught Graden 4 exercises that he will now do 3-4 times a day, every day. We will check in with her each week to make sure he's doing them and that he doesn't become hoarse. It sounds like a lot, and, at first, I was worried. But, he's already started today and knows that if he does them right and they work, he won't have to use his "medicine" in his liquids anymore. :)

Originally, I thought we would be driving out to Lutheran several times a week, so I am quite thankful that we can do this on our own. I just hope Graden continues to be a good patient for his Mom. (We all know he can be quite the stinker!)

The therapist didn't seem positive or negative, which worried me at first, but now I realize I'm thankful. She was straight to the point -- we have to do this, and we have to do it right. Apparently (as my medical education continues), there are very few "tricks" to strengthening the muscles Graden needs help with, so it's more about frequency than duration. Meaning -- we do them a 3-4 times a day for a few minutes instead of once a day for 20 minutes. My theory? Whatever the heck works!

We go back next Tuesday to check in; please keep him in your thoughts. We have a few months, when we do a new Swallow Study, before we'll know if we're in the clear.

Additionally, his Neurologist wants to follow up with a Sleep Study to check his other brain concerns to see if they're changing/being affected while he sleeps. Did I mention his last test showed a bit more "seizure activity"? However, they want us to get through therapy first so nothing throws the test off. Fine by me -- one thing at a time.

Either way, Grado was a trooper yesterday and did everything she asked. Let's hope this little guy can keep it up!

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In other news, we are all moved in to the in-laws' basement. We are comfortable and the boys are adjusting quickly. We have a few random things in the attic and closets at the old house, but we'll get them when it's warmer. Moving in the snow is ridiculous. :)

Hey, do you know anyone who wants to buy a 3-bedroom ranch? :)