Note: For 2006 updates, please click here.
Wyatt reported that on New Years Eve, they enjoyed staying up
to watch Garrison Keillor’s New Year’s Eve Special from
Terry’s sister reported that Terry had had a really good weekend with lots of visitors and socializing. On Sat. they all went downstairs and watched “The Devil Wears Prada” and drank cokes. Terry didn’t want any popcorn because it’s still a little bit difficult to swallow large chunks with the trach tube still in place.
Yesterday some visitors whom Wyatt has known since he was a
child and who live in the
Today there was a goodbye party for five patients who are
returning home in January and Terry exchanged phone numbers with one woman
she’s become acquainted with. Mexican food was brought in and Terry especially
enjoyed some avocado and black beans. (Her appetite has picked up once she
stopped taking the antibiotics). This afternoon the Earps’ sister-in-law and
teenage nephew flew in from
There’s some good news about addressing the pain in Terry’s left arm. They discovered a hospital-strength drug for arthritis and muscular discomfort and have been applying this liniment to the arm two to four times a day. Apparently it helps a little with the right arm but is a major improvement with the pain in her left arm. Hooray!
These days, Terry spends most of the day in her wheelchair. Usually she goes back to bed after dinner, depending on when she has her shower. Her wheelchair has been set up so that she will control it with her right arm. She will use a u-shaped device that she’ll move with her hand, using the muscles in her arm. They are working on that in therapy.
Some more positive steps, this weekend, they took the”pick” out of Terry’s arm that was used for insertion of IVs.
The snow is melting; the sun is out; and we will all be thinking sunny thoughts for Terry for the coming year!
As in A Tale of Two Cities, “It was the best of times and the worst of times.” That was how Wyatt described Terry’s day today (besides being wonderful).
First the best of times part:
· Terry spent some time making her arm work her wheelchair, which must have been frustrating at times. She could make it go straight for a while but ended up going in circles. Practice makes perfect, they say…
· The staff got Terry into the standing device and brought her to a straight-up position for the first time. Terry became dizzy so they let her down to rest a bit and then put her back up to 60 degrees for a while. Little by little…
· Good news about the blood clot. In the Fatigue Clinic, they worked on her arm and determined that the blood clot is almost gone. Consequently she no longer has to take blood thinners.
Then the worst of times
part:
· Terry has the brace on her left arm for four hours at a time now. They are using the analgesic (Banalog) and can put as much on her arm as they need. However, the brace is being tightened over time to help straighten her arm to a normal position. Wyatt describes it as a torture device, exceedingly; painful. In the past they used some muscle relaxants but Wyatt says it’s now up to “grit.” The analgesic is blue and Wyatt more lightheartedly describes it as “Smurfing her arm” when they apply it.
· Terry has braces on both feet and both hands for 12 hours a day. The braces on her feet help prevent “drop foot,” which is when the nerves are no longer functional and the foot drops down. Terry can feel that a little, especially after 12 hours.
The last couple of days were pretty much like today but Terry was fighting lucidity due to not sleeping at night because her Circadian rhythms are out of sync. Terry noted that “Sleeping all the way through the night does not get accomplished overnight!” Fortunately she no longer has nightmares since a particular pain med was stopped.
With all this activity, Terry has something to look forward to
tomorrow. At
It’s obvious that Terry is working very hard on her recovery and it’s definitely not easy and she is very brave! We will be wishing her more good nights of sleep to help her along. She appreciates all the cards and emails that you sent. Please keep it up!
Some big news—Terry drove herself in her wheelchair from her room downstairs to the Rec Room. And later she demonstrated for her sister and brother-in-law. That’s a lot of progress in two days!
This afternoon Terry and Wyatt created a couple of tie-dye t-shirts. Wyatt admitted that he thought it would be boring but turned out to be fascinating. And the resulting shirts looked great!
Terry and Wyatt had hoped to go on Terry’s first field trip today, to a museum and to an I-MAX film but unfortunately another snowstorm spoiled the trip. However it was rescheduled for next Wed. so we’ll hope for the best. It would be Terry’s first trip away from the hospital! Instead of the field trip today, they watched films on Lewis and Clark and on Antarctica, which Wyatt noted were effective and inspiring.
Tomorrow is an open day so Terry will probably visit with visitors and perhaps see a movie, take it easy after a week of hard work.
Monday Terry will begin some “T-Zone” activities, which are designed to help patients connect with the outside world. They read newspapers and books, view talk shows on TV, and socially interact with other patients and staff.
You can all see how hard Terry is working. Keep up with all your encouragement!
Terry had a busy Monday, including driving her wheelchair to classes.
· In her first “t-Zone” session, they watched Myth Busters on TV and then discussed the program.
· The physical therapist gave her a hand massage and they conversed during that.
· Wyatt worked on Terry’s legs.
· Terry attended a class on stress. The word is that it’s best to avoid it!
More progress—sometime this week the trach will be removed from Terry’s esophagus and the hole closed. The opening will be patched with a dressing and the opening will be allowed to heal. That should make it much easier for Terry to talk, a real step forward.
Sunday was an easy day. Wyatt said that they coasted through the day, kicked back with Terry’s sister, Gerri, and her husband, Mike, and went to the rec room to make root beer floats. No doubt it was a well deserved rest for all concerned!
Wed. Terry and Wyatt are scheduled to go the aquarium in
downtown
Stay tuned for more on Terry’s great progress!
Around
Wyatt said that Terry has been in classes just about every single hour today so it’s been one of her longest/busiest days so far.
By the way, she no longer has to wear her neck brace. Currently it’s adorning one of her teddy bears.
Let’s all rejoice that Terry is able to go on this field trip and enjoy some of the outside world again! Be thinking positive thoughts for her!
It’s getting cold in
Terry and Wyatt toured the whole aquarium on Wed. night and had a delightful time viewing all of the fish and other marine specimens. Being up for so long that day and al the excitement made Terry very tired but consequently she slept through the whole night! By the way, she rode in her motorized chair (not a special chair, as mentioned above) on the bus with the three other students. However, she recently she has acquired a back-up wheelchair for use when she’s not in the motorized chair.
Yesterday Terry went on a second
field trip! She and Wyatt attended
the play “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder at a beautifully refurbished theater
in
Today there was the possibility of yet a third field trip, to a rodeo at the Stockmen’s Show. However, because of the cold temperature, they weren’t able to go. It’s possible she may be able to attend the rodeo next week.
The staff feels that the field trips are most therapeutic for Terry, something to get her into the outside world.
Besides the field trips, the last couple of days have been pretty routine. Terry had physical therapy, occupational therapy and worked on driving her wheelchair. The next big step will be the removal of the trach tube, which is being postponed until the doctor can examine her with a bronchoscope, hopefully next week.
Please continue sending your emails and cards to Terry. This certainly helps keep her tuned into the outer world!
*** The update below came right from Terry! ***
Hi!
This is Terry sending my first update by email.
I had my first two maiden voyages out into the world this week. They were
not easy but they were steps forward. I went to the Aquarium and to a
play
that had 3 people in wheelchairs. I got rescheduled for the Stock Show
this
week and hopefully I will have my metal trach out and it won't be too cold.
I've seen more snow in the last three weeks than I have in the last 40
years. I
like seeing it from inside!
No one dresses in hospital clothes here including the doctors and nurses.
The food is usually good and I am usually not hungry which is common--sort
of an unscheduled diet. I have even lost my taste for chocolate!
Thanks to all of you, I have the neatest looking room in the entire place
with reminders of all of you - your cards, flowers, gifts and emails. My
sister Gerri, who lives up here in Broomfield, is typing the email as I have
no use of my hands as of yet. But I do have use of my arms and I am
driving
my wheelchair!
I have a conference this week and I should get a better idea of when I will
be coming home. The earliest might be the end of February.
Craig Hospital is preparing me well for needs on the outside, like housing
and cars I will need, so I am learning a lot. I have therapy and
education
classes every day. My schedule is full but I get to rest on
weekends.
Getting well and functioning is a full time job. Today I'm resting,
watching videos, having a facial and getting ready for another busy week.
Thank you everyone for all of your good wishes and prayers. I need them
all! I will send updates as I can. I look forward to seeing you all
when I
get back to
Much love and gratitude,
Terry Tess
Terry’s last few days have been pretty typical: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and educational classes.
She’s been working on controlling her wheelchair. Today she actually got going a little faster than she’d intended, a bit of a joy ride. She steers with her right arm and Gerri says that arm is getting visibly stronger.
The staff is continues to work on Terry’s arm and she still has a brace off and on several times during the day.
Wyatt will return from
Terry has a conference
coming up and is planning on sending an email on Sat.
Wyatt is back in
· The abdominal wound is almost healed.
· She’s off antibiotics.
· She’s’ wearing a binder around her diaphragm that they’ve wanted her to have for abdominal support.
· The spasticity in her left arm is reduced enough that her hand has regained 40% more range.
· Infections are gone.
· She’ll have her trach tube removed after her doctor does a procedure to correct her vocal cords, which will give her more resonance and volume.
· The medical staff wants to do a thyroid scan to help define her chemistry.
· They’re working on a “recipe” for the wheelchair that she will use when sue returns home. It will be customized to meet her lifestyle and personal needs.
Today, in addition to the consultation, she’s worked on improving her use of the wheelchair and received an acupuncture treatment on her left arm to help with the spasticity.
The field trips seemed to have helped Terry’s Circadian rhythms as she’s slept seven nights in a row with no problems and consequently has experienced seven days of being fully alert and attentive, not sleepy. At the end of next week, the Earps hope to attend a field trip to a museum and the IMAX Theater, similar to one that was canceled.
Let Terry know how happy you are with the great progress!
*** The update below came right from Terry! ***
Hi Everyone!
Gerri is helping me Email again. I am still learning how to drive my
wheelchair (to everyone's terror!). I ordered my personal wheelchair this
week and we are looking at vans with ramp and wheelchair facility. Also,
Wyatt is exploring ways to make changes in the house for wheelchairs and
beds and bathroom. I will need 1 or 2 procedures to strengthen my vocal
cords and then I can get rid of my trach. It will be easier to eat,
breathe
and speak after it is gone. I never realized the easy things in life
could
be so much work. I am finally sleeping all the way through the night,
which
I hope continues!
It is great seeing Gerri and Mike and their family on a regular basis as
well as another friend of Wyatt's, Jean Ann who grew up with Wyatt since
they were 11 years old, and stops by to keep me company when Wyatt is in
Phoenix doing shows. Glenda continues to be much help both in
in
I am trying to take as many outside activities as I can to help my
stamina.
There has been a lot of snow and it is very scenic because I only view it
from the inside. I remember why I no longer live in
hospital.
I guess that is all that is new. Stay tuned!
Thank you for all of your support, prayers, care and concern! I have no
firm
date yet of when I will return to
Terry Tess
“Awesome” was the word Glenda used to describe Terry’s wheelchair driving today. She’s doing tight turns and even asked them to turn up the speed!
Besides the normal occupational therapy and physical therapy, Terry has been using a machine that assists her legs to move in a bicycle-riding fashion, small circular movements that improve the muscle tone and help the spasticity in her legs. The technicians pull her wheelchair up to the machine and then attach her legs. They’ll use a similar machine with Terry’s arms once she has enough range of motion.
Terry attends patient education courses Monday through Thursday. The instructor goes over all aspects of spinal cord injuries to ensure that the patients understand about their bodies and what to expect. Today they talked about skin and how to take care of it, for example, when sitting for long periods in a wheelchair.
We’re got a caffeine freak coming up! Recently Terry’s been advised to drink lots of coffee (maybe four cups during the morning and lunch) to help get her blood pressure up.
Tomorrow the focus is expected to be on range of motion for Terry’s arm. As Terry uses her arm more to drive her wheelchair, it is getting significantly stronger and she is better able to control the chair. In addition, some patients are leaving and they’ll be an ice cream social before they check out of the hospital.
Wyatt is back in
The Earps would like to express their thanks for much help from
two couples in
Please note that because
of Patty and Gene’s trip to
What a change in Terry
from over two months ago when we saw her in
And what a wonderful place
The physical therapist was working with Terry’s left shoulder in extra sessions to help the pulling in of her arm toward her body. She has a new splint for that arm and she is working up to wearing it 8-10 hours a night to increase the range of motion. Soon they will begin to tighten the splinto, little by little, to help the arm. She still has splints on her feet at night to keep them up and wears splits on each arm during the day. In addition, she wears the wide band around her mid-section to keep things where they’re supposed to be when she’s moving around.
During the day she had been scheduled for four respiratory treatments. Although the order was given to decrease it to two a day, she needed to call for a third treatment the day we left. Some mornings she gets her lungs suctioned out, depending on how much mucous has accumulated.
While we were there, Terry had some problems with spasms in her arm, a possible sign of infection. This evening Wyatt confirmed that she has infections in her lungs and urinary tract, which are being treated with a two-pronged antibiotic. The infection might be the reason for the mucous that need to be suctioned.
One of her regular class hours was devoted to a family conference which we sat in on. Wyatt reviewed plans for their home modification in anticipation of Terry’s return. The three staff members thought the plan looked great and made some suggestions regarding ramps and pocket doors.
Terry has been testing two different wheelchairs and is now outlining the specs for the one she’s decided to order.
A highlight of the trip was attending a field trip to the Natural History Museum near downtown Denver with Terry and Wyatt. Terry looked great all decked out in a new, brightly colored silk cat scarf and a bright red quilt and stole made for her by her devoted “tech” Danielle. Wyatt rode with Terry in one of the patient buses while we rode with Glenda in Wyatt’s car. The bus trip itself is a bit uncomfortable for Terry as there weren’t shock absorbers on the wheelchair. Once we reached the Museum, we saw “Dolphins” at the IMAX Theater, had lunch, and toured the gem and mineral exhibit. Hopefully you’ll see a few photos in the next few days on the photo page.
The hospital has a special arrangement with the Marriott at
Visitors came by several times. Jean Ann is often with Terry at
times Wyatt or Gerri or Mike or Glenda can’t be there. A special visitor was a
friend of Terry’s from her growing up days in
We ate at the hospital several times and the food wasn’t at all that bad! Terry’s still concentrating on soups and soft foods due to the difficulty in chewing and swallowing.
Terry’s sense of smell is still pretty weak but she was able detect the scent of some strong orange-ginger lotion from our hotel when the container was waved in front of her nose.
Wyatt is back and forth between the hospital and
Terry is still in a very delicate condition and can use all the cheer and inspiration, you can send. Wyatt continues to read all of the messages and letters to Terry out loud to her. Terry loves all of the cards and letters! Her address is:
Craig Hospital, Room 306
3425 S. Clarkson St.
Englewood, CO 80113
You can still send email messages to weloveterrytess@yahoo.com and/ or getwellterry@wyattearp.biz.
It will doubtless be an emotional time as she contemplates
making the critical transition from the hospital to home in
Gerri has reported that Terry drove her wheelchair all around the hospital yesterday. First they were sent to the rec room for a class, then directed to the gym, then sent back to the rec room—so Terry got lots of driving practice. In addition, while she was in the therapy room later she drove the wheelchair without having her arm in the supportive sling and also without the hand support she has been using (kind of like gloves without fingers). The only time she got stuck was in one of the elevators.
Due to the infection, she’s being suctioned a few times a day but she’s feeling great so it’s not keeping her down.
In the Skills for Living class, Terry had her second lesson on using the voice-operated computer and is finding out how to correct any mistakes the computer makes in interpreting her words.
Not much planned for the weekend but there will be a Super Bowl party at the hospital—just like everywhere else!
Keep all you positive thoughts on Terry’s healing!
Terry’s had a pretty laid-back weekend. She and Gerri and Mike
made several visits to the
Gerri mentioned that Terry’s been doing great with the wheelchair and only needs help with the elevators occasionally. She has continued to drive for a while without her arm being in a sling but it gets tired more easily and she can’t do it for as long. Sometimes they place just her elbow in the sling and not her wrist. Progress!
The infections haven’t been a problem. She continues to need suctioning and receiving breathing treatments but on a normal basis.
This afternoon Joel, a patient from
Tomorrow very early in the morning Terry will undergo a procedure at
This week has started out in a big way with two surgeries.
·
The first one began at
· The second surgery was to insert a supra-public catheter into her bladder, which will make it easier to drain urine during home care and to keep that area clean and free of infection. That surgery was slated to take only 20 minutes and happened this morning. Wyatt reported that it went well.
In addition to the surgery today Terry spent time doing physical therapy and stood for 25 minutes in the standing frame. In addition, she’s learning how to turn pages of a magazine using a stylus held with the brace on her hand.
Wyatt said that today she’s just worn out. However, Terry has an intense schedule the next couple of days with physical therapy, occupational therapy, the patient education group, time in the standing frame, and a re-entry program to teach how to cope with real issues out in the world, such as dealing with insurance benefits and other topics.
Thursday is Wyatt’s performance of “Wyatt Earp: A life on the Frontier” at Craig. Hopefully Terry will have her voice back and can introduce Wyatt to the audience.
Terry needs a lot of energy to cope with all this activity. Send her all your thoughts and positive
energy for strength!
By the way, please check the photo page for some new additions!
This week has proved to be somewhat exhausting for Terry, after two surgeries, both with some anesthesia. She is waiting for her voice to return talk but she can whisper. Apparently the substance injected into her vocal cords to make them swell also makes them hard. Her voice should return as the swelling subsides. It wasn’t clear to Terry and Wyatt that it would take this long for her voice to return but Wyatt thinks he hears signs that it’s improving.
Terry’s been working
with a functional electronic stimulator (
Earlier this week she was placed in the standing frame (kind of a sandwich arrangement that holds her upright) for 20 minutes and is expected to repeat that three times next week.
On Thursday, Wyatt performed “Wyatt Earp: A life on the
Frontier” to a full house. He described it as a “sentimental” performance that
was filmed by
This afternoon a national rugby team for quadriplegics will play a game in the Craig gym. Wyatt said it’s rather like ice hockey, soccer, and roller ball combined. Players are coming from all over the country. He mentioned that a prize-winning documentary called “Murderball” about the life of quadriplegic full-contact rugby players was filmed in part at Craig last year.
Terry has changed rooms. She is now in Room 311, same address:
Craig Hospital, Room 311
3425 S. Clarkson St.
Englewood, CO 80113
Gerri says Terry can see a tree (maybe some birds?) and look across to the east wing of Craig hospital.
It’s not too late for Valentines! Send Terry one to show your love!
Wyatt reports that Terry is looking forward to Valentines Day tomorrow! She slept well last night and has been attending the typical sessions but has been doing better in each of them. In one of the classes this afternoon the doctor and educator discussed all the different alternatives to spinal injury recovery. Wyatt felt that it was very positive.
Terry’s voice still has
not returned to full strength but she’s talking “with a stronger whisper
voice.” Today, in a second opinion the doctor discovered some scar tissue
in the esophageal area.
The
Terry is eating a more varied diet and more solid foods, according to Wyatt. Possibly she’ll be thinking about some chocolate tomorrow!
Wyatt mentioned that it’s slightly snowing but he sounded relieved that it was not sticking to the ground.
Likely Craig will have something scheduled for Valentines Day but Terry will be looking at the numerous valentines she’s received at least!
Send Terry love on
Valentine’s Day!
Terry is carrying on with her normal busy schedule at Craig. Still without a voice, her doctor says
that it’s just a matter of time until it returns. Meanwhile, a doctor from the
She continues working out on the
Terry prefers driving the wheelchair without use of the sling so she’s been practicing that way. She has a couple of new wrist braces. They continue to place her left arm in a special brace at night and her arm is straightening out more and more.
Something rather neat—last night at
It looks like it’ll be a restful weekend for Terry. She and Gerri may go downstairs later to see a movie, “Employee of the Month.”
Wyatt is in
Quick note-this evening you can go to the Channel 9 website and
access a video clip of the interview
with Terry & Wyatt mentioned above: http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=64975. Click in the lower left this time.
It’s not too late to view
a video clip of the interview with Terry & Wyatt mentioned
above: http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=64975
on the Denver Channel 9 website. Click
in the lower left under Wyatt’s photo.
Gerri reports that Terry’s still talking in a strong whisper and the two doctors are making evaluations.
Terry is getting better control of her arm and today she paged through a couple of magazines using a pencil.
She stood straight up in the standing frame and rested her arms on a table. We may possibly have a photo of this before long!
The physical therapy staff has increased the resistance on the
She’s been driving her wheelchair really well and maneuvering in and out of tight spaces with greater ease.
Terry has been away at
The video on Denver Channel 9’s website is still available: http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=64975. Take a look if you haven’t viewed it!
This seems to be a week of entertainment for Terry. Wednesday evening she and Gerri went to the Aurora Cinema Grill for a movie and dinner! It’s set up in tiers similar to a movie theater but with tables and chairs instead of rows of seats. You pay for the movie and then order dinner. The movie playing was “The Pursuit of Happyness” and they all enjoyed it. Tonight a local saxophonist is playing downstairs for the Craig audience. This weekend they’ll be doing what many of us will be doing—watching the Oscars!
Terry has been carrying on with her normal everyday routines and Gerri mentioned that she’s a lot stronger with the wheelchair.
This week they replaced Terry’s trach with a smaller one that doesn’t protrude as much and has a neat small white cap.
Terry’s still a whisperer. The doctor has reiterated that, although it doesn’t usually take this long for a voice to return, it’s just a matter of time. The substance injected into the vocal cords has to dissolve back into the body.
As of today, you can still see the video clip on Denver Channel 9’s website of the interview with Terry and Wyatt: http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=64975.
Terry loves hearing from you. The address is:
Craig Hospital, Room 311
3425 S. Clarkson St.
Englewood, CO 80113
Keep up the good cheer!
Note: The next update
won’t appear until late next week, around March 1—not a cause for alarm.
Terry has moved again,
this time to a better room, nice and bright, and it has a bay window with a
view! The apartment building where Wyatt
stayed can be seen in the distance but no buildings are right in front of the
view. This room also features a roll-out couch so that Wyatt can stay at the
hospital with Terry. He’ll be moving his belongings over from a friend’s place
in
Craig Hospital, Room 318
Englewood, CO
According to Wyatt nothing startling has happened but everything is getting stronger:
· She’s driving her wheelchair better.
· She continues being placed in the standing frame regularly.
·
Her work on the
· She’s been acing the psychological tests recently administered. Wyatt says that Terry’s aptitude entertains her doctor.
The Earps have bought a
specially-built van that will accommodate Terry’s wheelchair. Both the van
and Terry’s customized wheelchair are expected to be delivered next week, at
which time the van will be adjusted especially for Terry’s wheelchair. They
have also ordered a standing frame and an
Yes, Terry’s still whispering. Her vocal cords are anatomically OK. It’s just taking time for her voice to return.
Today Terry spent some time attempting to write. Wyatt will explain this later when he’s had time to be present at a writing session. To do this her hand needs to be turned over and some special “dyno-braces” are being used. With these, she can move her arm but when the motion is completed, the braces turn her hand back over to a pre-determined angle. Wyatt describes the braces as “mechanical extensor muscles.”
Terry would love to hear from you! All the notes and cards really cheer her on.
Wyatt’s most significant news today was that the Craig staff tested Terry without her trach for a few hours and she did well! That’s an indication that the trach may be removed completely in the near future. Wyatt helps Terry monitor her breathing capacity with a flow meter.
Last night Wyatt was thrilled when he put her wrist braces on to see that her hand was resting with the palms down. Sounds like the new braces are helping!
Tuesday one of the doctors is expected to perform a proactive procedure to infuse human collagen into Terry’s left vocal flap to reverse the state of paralysis. Hopefully the vocal cord flap will reestablish flexibility.
Here are some details on the new van Wyatt was able to secure at a reasonable price:
· Butane blue 2005 Dodge Caravan SXT with 25,000 miles on it
· Braun van ramp with power foldout
· 10-inch lowered floor
· Electric mechanism for wheelchair lockdown
· Power sliding doors on both sides.
This afternoon, Gerri, Mike and one of their sons and his fiancée are expected to come by for a visit.
At
Today’s update comes from Danelle, one of Terry’s “techs”
In the Spotlight Again!
This evening Terry and Wyatt will be attending Craig
Hospital's 6th Annual PUSH Fundraiser Dinner
Benefiting Craig Hospital's Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injury Research.
Little did Wyatt
and Terry know but upon arrival at Craig Hospital the staff assigned to them
included a tech/nursing student who had cared five years full time for Julie
Seiden ,a tetraplegic with almost identical injuries, and the same attitude and
optimism for life as Terry--the perfect match--up for “Team Terry”.
Julie and Art
Seiden are among Craig’s highest profile clients and the founders of the Push
for the Cure. Art Seiden knows about Terry and has a very personal interest in
the Earps. Without prior knowledge that Art knew about Terry or her story,
Denny O’Malley, Craig’s President, invited them to the Push for the Cure, a
few-hundred-dollars-a-seat dinner only a very select few were invited to--a huge honor.
The dinner is
one of three high-profile black-tie fundraisers to benefit Craig hospital,
founded by Art and Juile Seiden, and recognized in the Christopher and Dana
Reeve Paralysis Foundation. The “Push” alone has raised over 3.5 million
Dollars for research in the last five years. Art, an executive vice-president
of commercial sales for Fuller and Company, one of the region’s leading real
estate development companies has been Fuller’s Number One sales producer during
a career that spans 40 years. Julie was an accomplished artist and
equestrian. In January 1996 in
For this
fundraiser Art and Julie drew from a different crowd --friends and business
associates who had gotten to know about Craig only after Julie was admitted for
four months. Wyatt and Terry will be among many guests and press
representatives at this event highlighted in “BlackTie Colorado,”
including: Former Miss America Marilyn
Van Derbur Atler and her husband Larry;
the founder of Fuller and Co., John Fuller, and his wife Jeannie; Wells
Fargo regional president Tom Honig and wife Diane; many world renowned doctors
specializing in SCI; Gail Liniger, president of RE/MAX International Real
Estate; all personal friends of the Seidens, along with many other Denver
socialites.
After the
accident Julie, was left with only the use of her right hand with her fingers
contracted. If placed she could hold and utilize a paint brush, which was her
true passion in life besides husband, Art. Her vivid paintings have sold at
auctions and contributed thousands to the Push.
This year the
Push will be in Julie’s honor as she passed late in 2006. Loved, admired, and
missed by many this should be the biggest year yet!
Art, along with
many others is really looking forward to meeting both Terry and Wyatt. Be
assured this will be a meaningful, and eventful evening for all. We all pray for a cure but until then,
Terry has what it takes!
According to Wyatt, the Push event was fantastic--even better than he’d expected--and they felt honored to be there. Terry was all “dolled up” in a black outfit with a trendy scarf Wyatt had given her at Christmas and the blanket that Danelle made. Hopefully we’ll be able to get some photos and maybe some more details!
In more mundane happenings, earlier this week Terry participated in a sleep study to determine whether she’s having any problems or respiratory incongruities and to rule out sleep apnea. Sometimes after an accident such as Terry’s, different breathing patterns for night and day appear. Apparently the study went very well and there’s nothing to be concerned about .Terry had her best night’s sleep ever.
Today Terry spent some time looking at interactive computer aids, including a “quad joy” to a “trac ball”. Wyatt thinks she may select the “quad joy”. When Terry gets her voice back, she will be able to use a voice-activated program.
Other happenings:
· The van and Terry’s new wheelchair both arrived this week and this afternoon the wheelchair was being fitted to the van.
· Some more surgery was performed on the vocal cords to improve the side that has some paralysis.
· As soon as Terry is able to go a number of days without having her lungs suctioned, the trach may be removed.
This Sunday is Craig’s St. Pat’s celebration. It’s a big deal because the CEO is Daniel O’Malley! Stay tuned!
Gerri was visiting with Terry today while Wyatt is in
A few more details about the Thursday night dinner. Speakers included the governor and John Lynch for the Denver Broncos. The food was excellent. The Earps won a centerpiece to take back, which consisted of a hurricane lamp with big candles and flowers and greens. Terry had her hair, nails and make-up done for the occasion.
Gerri mentioned that Terry’s voice is improving. “She’s still on ‘hoarse’ but it’s a voice at least.”
The medical staff is evaluating Terry for possible removal of the trach soon.
Activities for the coming week include the usual physical
therapy, occupational therapy, the
Please continue to send Terry all your good vibes! She’s working hard at her rehab at Craig!
Today was wheelchair day! Wyatt bought a back-up wheelchair for Terry that is light and easy to lift. In addition, Terry’s new motorized wheelchair was fitted to her. She sat in the wheelchair and six people worked on various parts of the chair to sculpt the seat to her torso, adjust how her arms point so the controls are accessible, etc. Wyatt said, “It’s like a Formula One car but it’s a wheelchair!” It features an electronic lift seat which Terry can raise/lower to accommodate her feet under a table or counter that are different heights.
Also Terry’s chair was further fitted to the van. When a remote is clicked, the side door opens and a ramp lowers into place. Terry can roll her chair right up the ramp and into position in the passenger seat next to the driver, where it is locked into place.
She’ll have a full schedule of classes tomorrow.
Wyatt mentioned that her voice comes and goes, which is a definite improvement.
Please keep sending all the email messages to weloveterrytess@yahoo.com and/ or getwellterry@wyattearp.biz. Wyatt reads them to her regularly Terry loves hearing from everybody!
Terry’s healing continues:
· Wyatt says that her voice is sounding like her old one about 40% of the time. Her whisper voice is gradually changing to her talking voice.
· The trach can’t be removed yet since she is still producing phlegm that must be sucked out of her lungs on a regular basis. Possibly it’s because Terry’s lung muscles have atrophied and she can’t get the same amount of oxygen down there or perhaps there’s some diminishment in diaphragm response. She’s working on increasing her lung capacity by using a flowmeter up to 10 times a day and focusing on taking deep breaths. Hopefully in a few weeks the trach can be removed.
· Terry and Wyatt have practiced getting in and out of the van with the wheelchair. Wyatt mentioned that once the wheels got bogged down in gravel and kept turning just like car wheels do in snow.
The Earps’ are still waiting on approval and licensing from the City of Phoenix for their house renovation plans The plans were rejected and returned so that they could supply more information and details about electrical and plumbing changes as well as details on the structural integrity of the roofing.
Terry’s very
appreciative of all your notes and prayers!
Terry’s whispery voice is sounding much like her normal voice! That is the improvement that the injections to her vocal cords made.
Her respiratory issues are coming along “fabulously.” She has not had to be suctioned in quite a while, which means the trach tube should come out before too long.
Yesterday the Earps went out on a shopping expedition. Stops included a pajama purchase at Target and a mango-berry drink at Jamba Juice. Terry’s trying to get used to wearing normal clothes again but has been heard to say, “I’m the only damn person at Craig who has to wear underwear!!” Wyatt said that she had fun negotiating getting in and out of the van and into the stores.
For this evening’s entertainment, some friends are dropping by
to watch “
Please continue sending email messages to Terry at weloveterrytess@yahoo.com and/ or getwellterry@wyattearp.biz. It cheers her up to hear from all of you!
Terry has left
She flew from
Terry is currently making do in the Earps’ living room until
such time as the home modifications can me made. (They still need City
approvals and permits.) She has access to an outside covered patio which looks
out on a grassy backyard, shrubs, and blooming roses, including the Yellow Rose
of Texas and the
Naturally she has a special bed and hoist to get from the bed
to the wheelchair. A standing frame and an
It is seriously important for Terry to have the time to adjust
to her new surroundings so it is best if phone calls and visits be limited for
the time being. Not only does she need to recuperate from the exhausting trip
back to
Naturally Doc and Cowboy, the Earps’ cats, were absolutely delighted to have their mistress return.
Even though she’s back home, Terry still needs your love and support. She would love to get welcome home messages at weloveterrytess@yahoo.com and/ or getwellterry@wyattearp.biz.
The Earps and Terry’s new caregiver have been getting adjusted to the new surroundings procedures, and people.
A great step for Terry! Finally, her trach has been removed! The inner cannula was first removed and then the outer cannula was flipped out. The site was thoroughly swabbed with an antibacterial solution and then taped with Tedaderm, a kind of plastic tape. Wyatt and Terry’s caregiver will thoroughly clean the opening a few times a day and within ten days the site should be healed over. Removing the trach has made Terry much more comfortable and, Wyatt says her voice keeps getting better and better.
They’ve had some trouble with Terry’s new wheelchair. Every few
days it had ceased to work, without warning. Wyatt took it to downtown
They’re trying to go on a field trip every other day or so and one day they went to the Botanical Gardens near the Phoenix Zoo.
The caregiver has two dogs, which is proving to be quite an adjustment for the Earps’ two cats. The laid-back Doc gets along just fine but feisty Cowboy is not inclined to let any canines invade his territory! Everything takes time…
As the Earps are still adjusting, please be absolutely sure to phone and check with them before paying a
visit. They express appreciation for
all of your loving thoughts and support.
Tomorrow should be an interesting day on two counts:
· Terry, Wyatt and Terry’s caregiver, Danelle, will be meeting for the first time with the physiatrist who will be supervising Terry’s post-Craig physical therapy. They are hoping that soon Terry will be able to participate in a physical therapy program to continue the work started at Craig.
·
The Earps have finally heard back from the City
of
Today, for the first time since Terry’s return, the Earps went to the Quaker Meeting Hall to attend the Society of Friends Sunday service. After the service Terry was able to get together with all the friends she has not seen for so long. Wyatt mentioned that she was wearing a new chocolate-colored dress. (Earlier this week Terry and Danelle went on a clothes shopping trip to acquire some wheelchair-friendly clothes.)
The Earps and Danelle are in the process of establishing a
day-to-day routine. Wyatt said that the mundane has taken on an interesting
tone as the return to their
The trach hole in Terry’s throat is healing well and Wyatt expects the volume of Terry’s voice to increase as the size of the hole decreases.
Doc and Cowboy are finding life interesting. Doc maintains a passive/nervous view of Danelle’s two large dogs, while Cowboy and the dogs challenge each other. Time….
Wyatt reported that they were pleased with the meeting with
Terry’s physiatrist and said she has a proactive attitude about getting further
therapies for Terry. They will be arranging for appointments with a
pulmonologist, an ophthalmologist, PT and OT therapists, and a urologist. Terry
will probably go to Barrows Institute at
In other news, Wyatt has spoken to the general contractor and will be turning over the home renovation plans to workers sometime this week.
Early this week Wyatt performed portions of the Wyatt Earp play at a conference for a national corporation.
The following email might be of interest to those of you who
live in the
Dear friends of Terry
Earp,
I wanted to invite you to see Terry's play Coralee's epiphany being
presented opening night at the AZWTC Pandora's festival and to welcome her
home with a reception following the play.
I do hope you can attend. I am going to bring a carrot cake and some
other
refreshments. Terry and Wyatt said they will be attending.
"We knew
May theatre scene with new and provocative plays. Join the Arizona
Women's
Theatre Company as we present staged readings of new works by
playwrights May 11, 12, 19, and 20. The Pandora Festival celebrates the
talent and creativity of women from around the state, as they explore their
world and tell their stories. The Festival features full-length,
one-act
and 10-minute plays chosen by a juried panel and produced by experienced
Valley directors and actors who bring these plays to life. From
profound
to hilarious, there is certain to be something to please everyone over this
4-day, 20-play event. All performances will be presented in
the Stable Arts Theatre,
Meet featured playwright Terry Earp opening night, May 11,
staged reading of her play "Coralee's Epiphany."
Check for Festival times
and tickets at www.azwtc.org or call
480-607-7107. "
If you have any questions you can also contact me at Jute7@hotmail.com
or 6023010209
Thanks so much
Judith Eisenberg
This past weekend Terry and Danelle went on a “girls’ night out” to see “Love, Janis”
at the Herberger. (It’s a musical about Janice Joplin.) Terry looked beautiful
in a white dress, Danelle reported, and was able to visit with a number of
friends she hadn’t seen since her accident, which she enjoyed. The performance
lasted until almost
Terry’s trach hole is getting smaller so she’s not losing as much air and is talking better. And speaking of talking she’s been working with the voice-activated software. She’s currently reading into the program so that it can recognize her voice.
Terry can lift both hands all the way up to her mouth! This is very good news obviously and Danelle thinks that, after she gets into a PT program, she’ll be able to feed herself!
Terry’s friend Cheryl
taught Terry how to do a type of art project popular in
This weekend Terry may go on an outing to Trader Joe’s.
Please keep up with all
your positive thoughts!
The big news is that Terry can now give herself water by pulling her arm up to her mouth and drinking through a tube attached to her arm that goes to a Camelbak water hydration system, the same type many hikers use. This represents a big benefit because it allows both Wyatt and Danelle to get more sleep.
The new wheelchair computer box is finally due to arrive in on Tuesday so hopefully the wheelchair won’t stop unexpectedly as it has been doing from static electricity problems once the new box is installed.
Thanks to Ramona, a friend of the Earps, Terry and Wyatt are attending more plays at the Herberger. Last
night they saw Bob Sorensen in “I Am My Own Wife” by Doug Wright, a saga of
real-life Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a transvestite in
Also on the schedule are the Quaker meeting this morning, a reiki treatment this afternoon by Becky Williams of the Gunfighters, and a shoulder massage by Linda Moser tomorrow.
Some good news too is that Wyatt has been able to get back to swimming somewhat regularly.
Friday night the Earps attended a Toastmasters speech contest,
the big one for the
A new computer/book tray was purchased to make it easier for Terry to access her laptop. She’s half done with teaching the computer to learn her voice for the voice-activated program.
________
NOTE: Please send email messages only to weloveterrytess@yahoo.com.
Please do not send messages to getwellterry@wyattearp.biz as we have had technical difficulties with this site. If you have sent messages to Terry at this site since Easter (April 8), please resend them to the weloveterrytess@yahoo.com site as we are not sure we can retrieve them. Thank you for keeping in touch with Terry!
Terry’s wheelchair has now been fixed up with a new computer. It has more speed and hopefully won’t “de-program” as it has been doing. Everybody’s happy that it’s now operating better.
Tomorrow night Terry, Wyatt and Danelle will all attend a special theater presentation, “The Bad Seed,” put on by Robert Planet’s Itheater Collaborative at the Herberger. All the actors in this production have performed in Terry’s plays.
Regarding the home improvement project, the contractor is
working with the cement, plumbing and electrical sub-contractors on the plans.
In addition, the City of
Soon there will be a PLAYS 2 handicapped license plate on the new van that accommodates Terry’s wheelchair. The Earps old van has PLAYS 1 plates.
Thursday evening Terry, Wyatt and Danelle attended a staged reading of Terry’s play "Coralee's Epiphany." My cousin, who lives in Surprise, reported that Terry looked “radiant” and that everyone was obviously very glad to see her and that she had a big smile for everyone! “The play was a big hit and the acting was wonderful. It was a lovely, warm night and so many people were visiting with Terry and Wyatt.” A highlight for Terry was getting to eat the delicious carrot cake that was served in her honor after the play. A photographer from the Tribune was present to capture "Terry's return to the scene" and is expected to do an interview with Terry next week. We will hope to post some photos of the event before long.
The night before, the Earps attended Robert X. Planet’s production of “The Bad Seed” as the performance they were to have attended last week was canceled due to technical difficulties. Wyatt mentioned that almost everybody in the play had previously been in various casts that performed in plays at Terry’s On the Spot Theater.
On the medical front, Terry saw her physiatrist, Dr. Christina
M. Kwasnica, again. Next week Terry will
be receiving a botox injection in her arms that will reduce the contention
of the constrictor muscles so that the extensor muscles can get stronger. In
addition, she’ll be starting a physical
therapy program at Barrows Institute next Monday. Wyatt is hoping that she
can use the
Wyatt mentioned that Terry is now able to lift her left hand up to shoulder height, even with the dyno splint on it, which is like adding a weight to her arm.
Wyatt is very positive about the home modification work will beginning soon.
Terry participated in her first physical therapy session at Barrows Institute on Monday. Danelle mentioned that lots of Craig people go there and it should be a very positive experience for Terry.
On Monday, Terry also received botox injections in the bicep and tricep of her left arm. The botox will loosen up the arm so they can work on getting it down so that it is not as contracted and will be more useful.
Wednesday afternoon, a reporter from a
Terry is really enjoying seeing her friends and appreciates them keeping track of her through the website. To send a note to Terry, use weloveterrytess@yahoo.com.
Terry continues to stay busy!
Wyatt reported that last week Terry attended an Arizona Gunfighters party. On arrival at the home in Apache Junction, she was able to drive her wheelchair out of the van and over a fair amount of non-paved terrain to reach the outdoor party in back of the house. As she rounded the corner, the Gunfighters crowd met her with a standing ovation!. It was uplifting for her to re-engage with friends she hadn’t seen recently all of whom exclaimed how much better she looked than they had anticipated.
On another occasion, Terry spoke at the Mexican Consulate in
On the medical side, Terry’s voice is improving in volume and resonance. Although the trach hole is healing up and becoming smaller, it may be sutured to complete the process.
The interview with Terry and Wyatt may appear in today’s Scottsdale Tribune.
Keep up all your positive thoughts!
Terry has passed along some positive news! She has more movement in both arms this week and she can turn her left hand over. Danelle has been doing rotations to help increase the movement. They’re also been using a castor oil pack. This involves soaking some flannel in castor oil and then placing it around Terry’s arm with a towel and a heating pad for two to several hours. They also believe that the botox injections are helping. In addition, Terry has a little more feeling in her feet. When Danelle rubs them, Terry can tell which way she is rubbing. News to be happy about!
Terry’s sister, Gerri,
is visiting for a few days from the
Terry continued with PT this week. .She used the standing frame, which went fine. That’s good news since she hasn’t done that for about three months. In a few more weeks, the therapists may put her in the pool. They would put her in with a lift and then hold her up in the pool with floating foam “noodles.”
Happy Memorial Day! We have a couple of new photos out on the site thanks to my Cousin Linda. She took several photos at the reading of “Coralee’s Epiphany” last month and Terry selected the ones she wanted us to show. Take a peek and you’ll see how lovely Terry is looking!
Here’s some interesting news! A friend of Terry’s, Alma
Schnell, is putting on a dance
performance, with the proceeds going to Terry and another group. “From Broadway to
In other positive news, an article about Terry appeared in the East Valley/Scottsdale Tribune on Wed., May 27. Check out the article and photo on the website: http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/90438. The headline is “Road back to stage is slow but inspiring for Terry Earp.”
Ever busy, Terry and Wyatt visited the Phoenix Art Museum to view the Curves of Steel exhibit about streamlined automobile design. Wyatt reported that the surface of the Museum was very friendly to Terry’s power chair and she was able to cruise around with ease.
On Memorial Day, the Earps attended a BBQ at a friends’ and enjoyed listening to a storyteller, who entertained the group.
On the medical side, Terry can now feel temperatures, cold and
hot, on her arm, which is very exciting. Tuesdays and Thursdays she’s attending
PT and OT at Barrows. She’s been working on the
Here are a few news items about Terry:
May and Nick generously gave Terry a Vitamix machine. This will make it easier for her to get vitamins and minerals and other nutrients in home-made smoothies. At this point, Terry still doesn’t have the full range of chewing capabilities so the new machine will be very helpful when Danelle prepares meals.
Terry’s own standing frame has finally arrived on their doorstep and only needs to be assembled. Recently she has been using the one at Barrows during her PT time.
Tomorrow night the Earps will enjoy an outing to the ballet!
They will attend “Play,” the world premiere of the new work by choreographer
and Ballet
Wyatt will be heading east towards Payson and Ruidoso this weekend for performances.
Please check the June 1
update for information on the June 23 dance performance that will benefit
Terry!
We visited Terry this weekend and she reported several positive changes:
· She can feel her body all the way down, while lying on her back and possibly while lying on her side.
· Her feet are ticklish.
· She has sensation on the bottom of her legs.
· She has hot, cold and pressure feelings in her arms below the elbows.
· She felt pain when she received an IV not too long ago.
· She experiences a lot more ranging in her arms without pain. Danelle works with her everyday on the movements.
We can all feel very positive about these changes!
We went out for a late breakfast at the very crowded Chompies, where Terry enjoyed blueberry blintzes.
Yesterday, for the very first time, Terry was able to turn on her wheelchair by moving the toggle switch; in the past someone has had to turn it on for her. Danelle joked, “Now I can’t just park her down on the corner anymore!”
Terry had some blood work done recently and everything came back “perfect.”
This week Terry has a meeting with an affiliate of the Y.W.C.A.
to discuss use of her documentary “Case de Migrantes” to create awareness of
the situation with immigrant children. The head of Homeland Security in
Last week Terry was able to visit Bobbie and Bruce after Danelle created a ramp for her wheelchair. They went for dessert and were offered a variety of Flip’s Pretzels, including chocolate-covered pretzels and chocolate and white chocolate pretzels.
Terry would like to express special thanks to Bobbie and Bruce, to May and Nick, and to Betsy
(who recently brought Terry some of her favorite Sees’
Just heard some great news from Danelle—Terry fed herself for the first time today!! It was applesauce. At the OT session, they saw and were able to get the device that she needed to do this. Terry’s goal is to be able to feed herself birthday cake by July 5. I’ve heard that it might be chocolate!
Next week Terry will be receiving a special machine that’s very
similar to the
Terry made her first
road trip on Tuesday. She and Danelle drove to the TTT Ranch near Benson.
Wyatt performed “Wyatt” and a benefit was held for Terry. She and Danelle drove
down early and Terry was able to rest up in an area they made accessible. After
the performance Wyatt drove back to
Later today Danelle and Wyatt will help Terry use the new standing chair as it takes two helpers to support her in this.
Let Terry know how happy you are that she’s making good progress! Please use weloveterrytess@yahoo.com.
The Earp household stayed busy over the weekend. Saturday they
were invited to a Father’s Day Gunfighters show out at the Rockin’ R Ranch in
Last week Terry did visit the pulmonologist., who has recommended that Terry see an ENT surgeon about the trach hole that is not closing. That visit will take place this week. Hopefully they’ll be able to resolve the issue soon so Terry can speak better, and without tape over the hole.
The Earps send special thanks to Maria, who has been helping Terry with her hair, and also to Cheryl and Patrick for all their continuing support.
Terry is doing well. Here are a few quick notes:
Terry has decided that she wants to have the trach hole closed even though it isn’t hurting her the way it is. Closing the hole will make it easier for her to talk, however. The surgery should happen within a month, hopefully sooner.
Terry and Wyatt will be
performing “Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt Earp” in November in
Yesterday Terry enjoyed a reiki session and lunch with Becky and was excited about attending the dance performance in the evening.
With temperatures hovering around 115 degrees in
The Arizona Range News printed a story with photo about Terry following the Earps’ visit to Willcox recently. Take a look at the site:
http://www.willcoxrangenews
During the last week, Terry has been able to raise both arms above her head, a great improvement. Also, she can feel pain in the palm of her hand, which is a new sensation for her.
She spent 11 minutes in the standing chair while at PT at Barrows and has also been in the standing frame at home. Soon she’s looking forward to going to a public, semi-private pool for special needs people. A lift is available so Terry will be able to enjoy a dip in the water.
Next week, July 5 is
Terry’s birthday! Send her a greetings at weloveterrytess@yahoo.com. July 2
is Gerri’s birthday and she’ll be coming down from
On the 9th, Terry, Wyatt and Danelle will be heading
up to
Terry and Wyatt continue practicing “Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt Earp” and Terry continues reading to the computer as part of the voice-activated program.
In about a month, the surgery to close the trach hole will take
place. It’s an invasive surgery and takes about an hour and a half. They’ll
scrape around the hole to remove the scar tissue and sew it together with
layers of skin. Terry’ will be anesthetized and there’s no guarantee of success
so be sure to send lots of positive
thoughts her way on July 24.
Meanwhile we’ll all be wishing the Earps a Happy 4th of July!
Happy Birthday to Terry
today!!
Wyatt shared some excellent news about Terry. Terry said, “Look” to Wyatt. He looked over and she looked down at her big toe on the left foot and wiggled the toe on command! She has continued to be able to do this, which is the first sign of any active movement of her feet. In addition, she was able to feel her cat’s tail on the back of her leg. What great signs!
Terry spent 11 minutes in the standing frame at home—until she
started feeling dizzy. She also rode the
Wyatt planned to check out the swimming facilities yesterday in hopes that it will be a suitable location for Terry.
Gerri arrives from
For new photos of Terry and Wyatt ready to party for Terry’s birthday, click on the photo link, and scroll to the bottom.
Terry thoroughly enjoyed her birthday and Gerri’s visit and sends a special thank you to all the people who sent her cards and well wishes. She was able to feed herself some birthday cake, which was her stated goal! Danelle sends a “retraction to the” Flipzes” as they provided a delicious chocolate and raspberry birthday cake for Terry.
Following Gerri’s departure on Monday, Danelle drove the Earps
up to
Tomorrow night Terry will be attending a performance of “The
Taffetas,” an evening of memorable tunes from the 50s and 60s, at the
Copperstate Dinner Theater at
Terry especially expresses her appreciation to all those who have been following her progress on this website. It is gratifying to her to realize that so many people care about her.
More good news about movements: Terry can wiggle toes on her other foot!
She’s continuing with PT and OT: learning how to feed herself, ranging her
arms further, turning her hands over, using the standing frame, and riding the
This afternoon, the Earps and Danelle are headed to Willcox.
They’ll ride in a parade tomorrow morning and then Terry will introduce Wyatt
for a performance in the afternoon. After returning on Sunday, Terry will
attend a performance of “The Taffetas”at the Copperstate Dinner Theater at
Terry will be having the surgery next Tuesday to close the
trach hole. It’s an invasive surgery and takes about an hour and a half.
They’ll scrape around the hole to remove the scar tissue and plan to close the
opening together with layers of skin. Following the surgery, Terry isn’t
supposed to talk for at least ten days. That’ll
be an excellent day on which to send Terry healing thoughts!
Terry came through the surgery with flying colors! The trach
hole was closed with layers of skin, muscle, skin and they did not have to
clean out much scar tissue. The surgery only took 40 minutes and Terry was on
her way home at
Earlier this week, the stitches closing Terry’s trach hole were successfully removed. She is able to talk now, ahead of schedule, and Wyatt says that she sounds exactly like she did before the accident.
In general, Terry has been taking it easy since the surgery but her nephew Brad visited for a few days, which she enjoyed. Also, Wednesday was Wyatt’s birthday and Terry and Danelle surprised him with a small get-together complete with carrot cake and western theme-related games.
Terry’s activity level is picking up now that she’s feeling better after the surgery!
She has a new brace on her arm, which is different from the previous one in that they can clean underneath it—and the therapists want it on her arm 90% of the time. Terry’s had the brace only a few days but is finding it painful at this point, which might be the result of over-exertion at PT. They’ll keep working on it and Terry will have a Botox injection in about six weeks, which should help.
Some excitement for this afternoon is an expected visit to the Earps’ by Channel 3 staff to do a story on Terry. If possible, we’ll post the time of broadcast. Wyatt indicated he story might also appear on CNN.
In early September, the Earp household will take off for
On phoning the Earps this morning, I was pleased to hear Terry answer the phone! Her voice is sounding much better!
This afternoon Terry, Wyatt and Danelle are driving to
Last night the Earps and Danelle hosted a small birthday party for their friend, Betsy Dillard-Stroud. They all enjoyed good food, cake and comradeship.
NOTE: Due to vacation schedules, no updates will
appear here until the end of August.
After more than two weeks, I have a number of items of interest to mention.
Terry has been able to move her fingers! She can’t feel her fingers but she can move them. A promising sign!
On Monday, Aug. 27,
Channel 3 presented a wonderful short program on Terry. I recommend viewing
the video clip by going to
http://www.azfamily.com/video
Coming up is a benefit for Terry to help raise the $15,000 for
an
Terry’s sister, Gerri, visited a couple of weeks ago. They all enjoyed the visit and Gerri helped to organize Terry’s office.
Coming up is an important social event. Terry’s nephew is
getting married and the Earp household is flying to
Terry’s trach hole surgery is healing nicely, a little slowly because of the layers of skin, and her voice is growing stronger too.
Terry will be answering all of her emails from now on because she can use the voice-activated software she’s been practicing on (The Dragon). Many thanks to Cheryl! Please use weloveterrytess@yahoo.com.
She’s been using the standing frame every day and has also been practicing for “Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt Earp”—to be performed in the fall.
To help raise money, the Earps are selling some medical equipment on eBay. Also, some of the pens that were donated at the benefit last December were recently sold on eBay. They were made of wood from a tree by one of the original Earp’s’ homes.
Pet news—Cowboy has decided it’s his house now and he attacks the dogs when the pass by. Also, a doggy door is being made for Danelle’s two dogs.
They’re all looking forward to cooler weather in
Here’s some terrific news! Terry received a call from the ariZoni Award
staff saying that she was going to receive a Lifetime achievement Award for her
contributions to the theater! The ariZoni Award ceremony is at
Terry, and Danelle arrived back in
Terry received a great review from the doctors at
The ariZoni Award Ceremony is next Monday, Sept. 24, and
Terry’s really excited about it. It’s at
Below is a press release provided by Ginger Fleishut.
For Immediate
Release
Theatre magic doesn't just happen. It requires vision, dedication, and
commitment, which often springs from a single individual who goes the extra
mile. This year, the ariZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence will bestow its Outstanding
Contribution Award to honor a woman who has gone several extra miles and is
finally back and making her magic happen onstage: Terry Tafoya Earp.
Was she surprised by receiving this year's award? Absolutely! "I'm
thrilled to be recognized by the theatre community," she says, "but
mostly, I want to thank all the people who have worked with me over the years
without whose help I could never have done the work."
Terry has been writing plays since 1988. Many of her approximately 35 plays and
scripts have received recognition both locally and nationally. "Wyatt
Earp: A Life on the Frontier" won an ariZoni Award in 1996 and has been
performed in the
In 2006, Earp suffered a spinal injury after being hit by a car while riding
her bicycle. The past year has been spent in recovery through surgeries, lengthy
hospital stays, rehabilitation, and physical therapy, all enhanced by her
remarkable inner strength and courage. Although still confined to a wheelchair,
Earp will continue her work. "I plan to continue writing and performing.
The accident will only change my methods."
Earp is expected to personally accept her award at the ariZoni Ceremony at
Terry received the Outstanding Contribution Award at the
ariZoni Award Ceremony to a standing
ovation and much applause. Obviously she is a much loved and respected
member of the
A few more events are coming up in the next few months.
A benefit will be held on Nov. 19 at the Phoenix Theater,
including a wine reception at
Also, the premiere performance of “Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt Earp”
will take place in
Health wise:
· Terry is working on building up her lung capacity, using a volumizer two-three times a day.
· They’ll be working aggressively on her hands because Terry really wants to be able to feed herself. She received some botox injections this week, which will help relax certain muscles to better enable her to turn her hands over.
·
At the suggestion of her pulmonologist, Terry
has seen a speech therapist to work on breathing exercises, vocal cords and
enunciation.
· Terry will also be visiting an endocrinologist in the near future.
Wyatt reported that Terry rode 7.1 miles on the
They have been rehearsing for “Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt Earp” with the director, Robert X. Planet. Terry mentioned that the voice lessons/swallowing therapy has helped considerably. She has even been able to sing a little during rehearsals (a song from “Girl from the Golden West”).
Terry raved about “George Gershwin Alone,” a one-man play performed by Hershey Felder for the Arizona Theatre Company. She said he could play and sing incredibly well.
It’s been a while since an update due to sickness, trips, jury duty!
However, Terry has continued to make progress. As of last week, she started feeding herself. It’s a big step for her to be able to participate in her care.
She’s continuing with the voice therapy, which she reports helps a lot. It has actually made it easier for her to eat particular foods than before.
Terry and Wyatt attended a performance of “Dance-abilities” by
AXIX Dance Company, which features dancers in wheelchairs, amputees, and also
some able-bodied dancers. Terry’ described it as “amazing”! She said that if
AXIS ever returns to
Wyatt took the role of Wyatt Earp recently in a teaching court
case at the law firm of Snell and Wilmer. The fictitious case concerned the
fallen gunfighters at the famous gunfight in
Besides the benefit for Terry on November 19 (the performance
of her play “In My Humble Opinion” at the Phoenix Theater), a benefit by the
Arizona Gunfighters will be coming up to raise funds for an
This weekend the Arizona Gunfighters annual gathering took
place at Pioneer. Wyatt participated in two of the gunfighter shows during the
day and Terry came by for a couple of hours. A raffle raised about $800.00
towards an
It sounds like the renovation on the Earps’ house to add a room for Terry downstairs is nearly underway! Wyatt said that he expects workers to break ground within the next 12 days. He said that Vance Marshall, a member of their church, has been tremendously helpful. The addition will be wonderful for Terry—it will give her a place of her own rather than the living room and much more space to move around in.
This week Terry continues rehearsing for the “Mr. and Mrs.
Wyatt Earp” play on the 16th in
Last week the Earps attended a performance of “Monsieur Chopin,” a one-man play starring Hershey Felder, the same actor as in the one-man Gershwin play. Terry thought it was excellent.
This afternoon, Terry and Wyatt both related some excellent news about progress with Terry’s arms! Today at the OT
session, Terry had the chance to use two machines she hadn’t tried before. One,
the Vita Glide, is kind of like cross country skiing for your arms--moving them
back and forth. The other, the Active-Passive Trainer, is like a bicycle for
your arms. Terry did about five minutes on each entirely on her own, that is, without the electronic assistance
provided by the
Terry is back in the
acting world! This past weekend, Terry and Wyatt finally performed “Mr. and
Mrs. Wyatt Earp” in
This evening a benefit will be held at the Phoenix Theater,
including a wine reception at
Last week, the Earps received the excellent news that the
donations from the benefit on Nov. 19 gave them enough money to purchase the
On Thanksgiving Day Terry fed herself the dessert. Just last Thanksgiving Day was when she ate her first real food in quite a while. We’re thankful for the improvement in her condition! She’s continuing to operate the arm exercise machines that work her biceps.
Another first for Terry! She was able to use both hands to bring something up to her face! In this case the items were chocolate and fruitcake served during her book club meeting. Wyatt said that she was used her hands to pinch the items Good for her! Terry said that she was also able to turn some pages while she was reading.
For those of you in the Phoenix area, Terry was featured in an article in the Phoenix Magazine December 2007 issue, pp. 39-40. The article included some nice photos too!
And some more good news—lumber was delivered to the Earps’ yard in anticipation of the home remodeling to accommodate a new room for Terry.
December 19,
2007
Terry’s FES bike arrived this week! A professional from Denver whom the Earps had met at Craig Hospital came to set up the machine and Terry exercised for an hour, covering 9.7 miles. Terry said that the bike automatically adjusts to her efforts so that, if she’s not working hard enough, it makes her work harder. It can be moved around pretty easily and was first set up in the living room so Terry can watch TV when she’s exercising. Later it’ll be in her new room.
Wyatt mentioned that the bike works in four different ways. It recharges the muscular tone of her legs; it increases the volume of oxygen she can take up; it raises her blood pressure; and it improves the cardiovascular system.
They celebrated the arrival of the bike by eating at El Bravo, a favorite Mexican place. Terry topped off her dinner with a chocolate chimichanga, which she said was loaded with calories. The Tafoya family from New Mexico owns the restaurant and possibly Terry is related to it.
The new room is coming along. Currently they’re working on the foundation. Terry said the noise hasn’t been too bad.
Recently they went to a theater party and spent an evening with Tom and Charlotte Hocking, long-time friends.
The Earps are extremely
grateful for all the kind and generous donations that made it possible for her
to have the FES bike!
December 27,
2007
Terry and Wyatt celebrated Christmas with friends and are looking forward to a visit from Terry’s sister and her husband and one of their sons.
The Earps have purchased a machine for Terry’s arms that is somewhat similar to the FES bike. She can use it for up to 15 minutes a day to help straighten her arms.
She’s been working on the FES bike regularly too.
As far as the home addition, the foundation will be poured soon and the plumbing is in. It’s expected to take at least three-four months but no completion date has been set.
Among other holiday outings, Terry and Wyatt went to see “Alvin and the Chipmunks.” Terry said it made her feel like a kid again!