Welcome friends and family of Alex and Dane!




This Blog has been created by friends and family of Alex and Dane as they make their way down the road to recovery, after being struck by lightning 10/5/2010. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as this road will likely be a long one. Feel free to check back often for status updates on both Alex and Dane, and be sure and leave your well-wishes when you visit. The boys will be shown this blog when they are awake.

We sincerely Thank You for your concern and friendship. Alex and Dane will always remember the support of friends and family like you.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Sunday Test Results- Alex

Ok - ready, set, go - heres an update on Alex from his mom -
Alex can move his entire body and uses his size to try to get out of the bed.  Hes in the Pediatric unit and was in a childs bed, but due to his size and strength, they put him into an adult bed.  He came up with some creative moves to bust loose of the bed.  So we know he can move.  However, he isnt having controlled movement with fingers and toes on the left side.  Right side is fine.  We were hoping that the lack of movement in his left hand was because of the burns on his fingers.  But to be safe an EEG (Electroencephalogram     http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/electroencephalogram-eeg-21508)  was ordered for Sunday am.
Saturday night was very restless - lots of mumbling, tossing and turning (well wanting to turn, he cant, his arms are tied to the bed).
Sunday am bright and early rounds started.  First the Burn Care team came in - there was about 6 of them checking his chart.  As they left the EEG Tech came in and started prepping him for that test.  Alex has so much cream on his face for the burns that it was difficult to get the wires attached, it took over an hour to prep him.  As soon as he left the Burn Team came back to clean (scrub) his wounds.  His face is looking great - I dont think there will be any scaring at all on his face - he will still be Mr. Handsome.  His neck is going to require a skin graft.  His chest and legs look ok, but around his belly button (where his belt buckle was) is also going to also need skin grafting.  The docs think it will be done sometime this week, using skin from his thigh.  Then the Neurologist came in to give us a report of his EEG.(all this was done prior to 2pm).   Neurologist says, the test shows Moderate brain damage to his right central parietal.  Now since Im not a doctor and not thinking too clear I cant really explain it in medical terms.  But basically, Alex might have some balance issues on his left side and some memory/defused slowing in speech and thought.  They put him on an IV of  Keppra (which is used for seizures).  He isnt having seizures but this medicine should help his brain activity .  He will get Keppra for 3 days then another EEG will be done.  I think he will be fine, I think he is just slow moving due to the accident, due to all the drugs they are giving him and just all the stress.  So we will stick with my diagnosis not the doctors for the next 3 days. :)
I do have to say that the things Alex is saying help support my diagnosis because he is saying some pretty incredible and funny things.  I will start posting some of them, but you all better not tease him about it in a few months when he gets back to school - lol
He wanted some water yesterday (he cant have any because he dosent have a gauge reflex yet)  So he kept asking the nurse for water, she keeps telling him no so  He says "I was perfectly fine playing video games drinking gallons of water until this happened, you wont give me any water and that is unexceptionable"

13 comments:

  1. Kaleen, we also like your diagnosis better than that of the doctors and that too is what we are praying for. Alex is a strong boy and has the drive and determination to make a full recovery. Again we want to tell you what an incredible lady you are. I can't imagine running on twelve hours of sleep in a weeks period but I guess as moms we do whatever we have to for our beautiful children. Know we are here and if there is anything at all we can do we will be there for you and your family. Stay strong, you are truly an exceptional woman!
    Love, Cindy and Amanda

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  2. Kaleen, You are one amazing woman! Not only have you been at Alex's bed side for a week straight, you take time to keep us all updated. Moms know their children like no other could, so like Cindy, I am believing in your diagnosis. We are here for you in what ever is needed. I know your birthday wish, we are all praying for the same.

    Love, Janie & John

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  3. I agree with your diagnosis. Love you all so much. Happy Birthday lady. I like the cough for your birthday present. :)

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  4. Hey girlie! The doctors, although they are the genius type, only have so much information and it doesn't take into account miracles and the sheer determination of the patient (and their family). So we're choosing to side with you over the doctors. I have another friend whose daughter is in the hospital after a car accident broke her back in 3 places. The doctors said she'd be paralyzed from the waist down. Here she is 3 weeks later walking with canes. She is going to show those doctors who is boss and so is Alex!! Remember Paul Creer's accident? Geesh, good thing we don't always believe everything a doctor says :) Have a GREAT day today.

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  5. If he's making jokes he must be doing better. ;)

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  6. Well we will obviously be re-scheduling your birthday lunch my friend:) Hope today was better. Glad boys were able to come down. So proud of Alex coughing for his mom's present today! Love you all.
    Sherri

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  7. Kaleen, I agree with you too! Moms know! You seem to be handling all this so well and I can't imagine what it's been like. I'm sure Alex knows he's so lucky to have you as his mom.(yeah, you're gonna read that part to him huh? lol) Sending you love, strength, and prayers for whatever you need most.
    Kristy Goodrich

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  8. Hi, my name is Lehxi Fulton, I go to Desert Hills High School and I just had to let everyone know that I am so proud to be living in this town. I'm so amazed in a positive way that kids from all schools that rival each other can put aside their differences and come together and pray for Dane and Alex, even though some of us don't even know them. I used to live in Detroit, Michigan and if this same thing happened there people would have no sympathy, which honestly makes me sick. I love everyone that is involved in this.

    Dane and Alex, come back home soon. We love and miss you. xoxoxoxoxoxoxox.

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  9. Hello, my name is carson cloward. i go to Snow canyon high. Im good friends with Dane and im glad that hes doing well! tell him hello. also im glad alex is doing better. im praying for both. get well soon! :D

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  10. Hey Alex! This is your terrorist/movie making/karate in the garage/kid that rolled down a very sandy hill in a certain crappy movie into a verrry cold stream pal, Dusty:) Austin Hatch and I took the liberty of spreading the word of you and Dane to the whole of Dixie High costing us a very stern talking to by the principal.... haha we ditched that whole day of school to join your support group and spread the word and let people know that there is a support fund. In less than a day there was already 800 dollars.... thats like 3 decent x-box 360s! well anywho... I am planning to take a day and drive down to visit you so i can show you this BA shirt design i made up for you and i think i can smell a banana's revenge 2 in the wind }:) anyways, i love ya man and we are all keeping you 2 in our prayers and im cowboying up to beat you MW2 so dont get too comfy!

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  11. Dane, I am so thrilled to hear you've been released from the hospital! Wow, it's incredible to think that you've recovered so well already.

    Alex, Hang in there, I can tell from the posts your parents write that you are a tough one. You'll make it through this and come out on the other side with an appreciation for life that only someone who's been through something so life changing can have.

    I have been praying every single day for both of you as well as your parents and siblings. Miracles DO happen and you, Alex and Dane, are living proof! I'm so proud to be a part of a community that has pulled together and is doing everything possible to bring you boys home.

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  12. Hey, GUYS...
    Read about your experience in the "Reading Eagle" newspaper here in Reading, PA!
    ("Sorrrry to hear your science fair project went horribly wrong!" - Gregory House, MD)
    BUT, seriously, I am elated the school staff knew CPR and was there for you. You are both very BLESSED; and, glad to hear you're getting better.

    God Speed,
    Dr. House fan and
    SPC4 CPR Army Medical Instructor! (retired)
    Brian@MrSaylor.com

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  13. Hey! I'll be visiting sometime tomorrow midday. Is there anything I can bring? (Sonic Ice for example?)

    I sure love you all. Alex, keep on kicking! I want to argue with you some more! It's fun matching wits with you, although I think I'm a little half-witted in our conversations...:)

    Lots of love. Auntie Suze

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Alex on Wednesday, Oct.6

Alex on Wednesday, Oct.6

Dane Thursday Oct 7th

Dane Thursday Oct 7th
Before Life Support was removed

Alex's Room

Alex's Room
Thanks for all the love