THANK YOU! Prouty and update

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to Team Pam for the 2010 Prouty this year.  Our team raised over $3,0000 for the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Research and Patient Support.  3 times what I was shooting for, you are all AWESOME!

Here are a few pics from the day:
All the bikers. 35 miles.
Stu (Pam's dad), Tucker, Troy, Jen (sister), Austin (nephew), Connor (nephew), Lindsay (niece), Becky (sister), Matt (nephew).
Next year we are doing 50, come join us!

Stu and some of his grand-kids:  Austin 12, Connor 14, Lindsay 13, Matt 14, Tucker 12.

All of Team Pam!  Walkers, bikers, family and friends! 

If you are reading this than you are part of TEAM PAM!



Pam has been doing well over the last week.  Things have gotten very stable and they are working on strengthening her breathing. She has been spending more and more time off the vent machine (breathing on her own).  Yesterday she did over 12 hours on her own!  This is a significant improvement.  She is getting a little stronger with the breathing every day.  Her muscle and nerve function is not showing as much improvement and will continue to be a journey.  Pam is getting some PT and this is helping to keep her range of motion and give her some small improvements in mobility (extremely small).
Pam had a swallow test this afternoon to see of she was swallowing properly.  It is extremely important that she not Aspirate (have fluids go down the wrong tube into her lungs).  Aspirating is a very bad word in the hospital as it can lead to infection in the lungs and Pam has plenty of lung issues and does not need any more.  Sadly she failed.   Her mechanical mechanisms in the throat are all working properly, just not strong enough or quick enough to keep liquids from going the wrong way (not closing off the airway when swallowing like we all do).
This means Pam will still not be able to take any liquid type foods orally for some time.  This was a disappointment as Pam was very anxious to have some soft ice cream and puddings.  This will have to wait for a while.
Progress is moving slow, but it is progress!  No steps backwards in the last week.  The next steps are to get her weaned off the breathing support full time so she can leave ICU.  Then get her strong enough to not need trach tube at all and remove it.  This will take a few weeks.
I continue to try and juggle my time between Pam and the boys.  This is getting more difficult as they are starting to show signs of wear from me not being around enough.  It is truly an unfair situation for three young boys who have the best mom in the world and can't be with her.

We are continually humbled and grateful for all of the support we continue to receive.  We are truly blessed with our families, friends, communities and medical staff.
Troy