Sodium, Staples and Swelling (Update for February 1, 2016)

Sodium at 139!!!

That's the text I received from Bridget this morning. That damn salt. What I had always thought I had understood — based on food marketing selling low-sodium foods and from media reports touting low-sodium diets — as well as my own ignorance, is that salt was bad. I never realized the importance of salt to your overall health. I guess I never cared. Now, we all hold our breath each morning waiting for the report on his sodium levels. And, today it was good news. We believe it is because he is now eating, and doesn't have to rely on all of his salt to come from salt tablets.

Monday's scheduled therapies.

Sam had a great day in therapy yesterday. The more he can do, the more they expect him to do. Tomorrow, we will have their weekly team meeting between all of Sam's doctors, therapists, the hospital discharge planner, and nurses ... and I will be able to conference into that call, and participate in the planning for his therapy going forward. I except to hear very good news tomorrow.

Weezy, Sam and Bridget's dog, got to make a visit to the hospital (outdoor area) yesterday so Sam could see her. Weezy was happy, but Sam might have been happier. Bridget sent me a few pictures, and Sam is smiling, sitting in a wheelchair with his helmet on, smiling.

But about today, he had a busy day in therapy today, and it went EXCEPTIONALLY well. He did 15 minutes pedaling on an exercise bicycle. He even made eggs and toast. And, according to his dad Danny Whitehorn, his attitude is excellent; he wants to go home. Then tonight, they removed the 55 staples from his head. Bridget said she held his hand, and the nurse was quick, so not much pain compared to what he has been through.

I sent Sam a text first thing this morning, telling him I missed him and I loved him (I think I might have sent him about four similar texts yesterday). He responded with, "OK woman," which is how he always responds to me when he is irritated or annoyed with me. He would never be mean, or get mad at me, he just resorts to jokingly calling me "woman" instead of "mom." It's so good to know his personality is coming back.

Sam has an appointment scheduled for his next CT scan, to see how the brain swelling is receding. We are anxious for the results, so his next surgery can be scheduled. Bridget will be taking him to all of his appointments and therapies as long as they are needed.

Sam and Bridget. One of my favorite pictures.

Bridget is putting aside her job and music aspirations to care for Sam. It's the greatest gift I have ever been given. She will be his caregiver, his transportation, his pharmacist, his spokesperson, his trainer, his friend and his future. I know Sam would do the same for her if the situation were reversed. He asked me before, "Do you love Bridget? Do you?" I said, of course I did, she was so sweet and easy-going. And he said, "I hope so. We really love each other, and we are going to be together forever." I told him I believed it, and I was happy for him. I don't doubt it at all today. There are not many relationships that can survive tragedy, or unexpected stress. I think this one can.

Sam, Molly and their dad at Crystal Bridges Museum. 

One of the reasons Sam is so loved by Bridget, and many others, is because of his quick wit and perfect comedic timing. On Sam's first day of kindergarten, I got laid off of my job at a local hospital. That meant I got to be stay-at-home mom for a few months. I picked Sam up from school every day with the other moms, and that is where I met my dear friend Tricia. We both had children the exact same ages. She came by to see me today (much love to her), and reminded me of a story that illustrates Sam's sense of humor. When he was in 10th grade, and at a honors assembly at his high school, each of the students being recognized had to step up to the microphone and say their name. He went to a huge high school, there were several hundred students being recognized AND his last name starts with a W. You can imagine how tiring it was for those watching and participating. When it was Sam's turn, he said, "I'm Sam I Am." The school administrators may not have liked it, but it sent laughter through the crowd. It woke everyone up.

My brother, Kirk, and his wife, Tonya, came by tonight to visit with me and Dan. Kirk and I are the emotional kids in the family, and we don't miss a chance to cry together. It's soothing for me to be with my brother and Tonya, to laugh and cry a little, and to provide support to each other that everything is going to be OK. We are a strong family.

My sweet babies. 

I am fortunate to have an understanding employer and boss (thanks Eric). Although I know I need to ease back into my new normal and my job, I'm afraid. I'm not even sure what I'm afraid of anymore ... just so much fear for my children's health. I feel like I'm in a high state of anxiety all the time. Both of my children now suffer with brain issues, my daughter with epilepsy of unknown cause and my son with this traumatic brain injury. My daughter was hospitalized three times in the last few years. I have to remember to take one day at a time, and as each day passes with good news and good health, it's just another win.

My friend Tricia suggested I tell everyone our good thoughts and prayer needs:
For Sam: Sodium levels UP and brain swelling DOWN.
For Bridget: Strength
For me, Molly, Dan and our entire family: Peace and understanding

Thank you again for everything, especially if you are reading this blog and thinking of my sweet son.