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.