The address of the hospice is:
Pine Acres Care Center
1212 2nd Street
DeKalb, IL
Directions from I-88 are:
- Exit Peace Road
- Peace Road North (right if exiting going West)
- Left at first light (FairView)
- Right on 4th Street
- Left on Barb (immediately after DeKalb High School) -- note that the sign for Barb street is ONLY on the left side of the street. The street going right is something else.
- Right on 2nd Street
- Pine Acres is on the Right about 1.5 blocks
Tara is in room 109.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Hospice update
Some good news. Kevin and the hospital/health insurance group found another hospice in DeKalb, on 2nd street, that can take over the care of Tara. The plan now is to move her there tomorrow (Thursday). This will be great news for the family, making it much easier to be with Tara 24x7 now that she's closer in DeKalb, rather than Rockford. It will also make it much easier for her co-workers and local friends to visit her.
Wed Update
Tara's status/condition is still the same. No major changes.
A number of people have been asking if they could visit Tara in the hospital, and the answer is "yes". We all think it would be wonderful if Tara's friends visited her in the hospital. We have family with her 24x7, so anyone who stops by just has to be prepared to also interact with parents, uncles/aunts, cousins, etc. ;-) Tara's room at the hospital is very small, so no more than 2 people at a time would be all that we request.
As for plans to move Tara to a hospice, that isn't going to happen right now. Unfortunately the DeKalb hospice is full, so Tara will be staying in the hospital until further notice.
A number of people have been asking if they could visit Tara in the hospital, and the answer is "yes". We all think it would be wonderful if Tara's friends visited her in the hospital. We have family with her 24x7, so anyone who stops by just has to be prepared to also interact with parents, uncles/aunts, cousins, etc. ;-) Tara's room at the hospital is very small, so no more than 2 people at a time would be all that we request.
As for plans to move Tara to a hospice, that isn't going to happen right now. Unfortunately the DeKalb hospice is full, so Tara will be staying in the hospital until further notice.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Monday update
Yesterday Tara had quite a few visitors, including Tracy & Steve Dirst from Peoria, and Tara's good friends Leanne and Lynn. In addition, my parents and Kevin were there as well. My parent's spent the night with Tara at the hospital.
Her condition is basically the same. Tara is still running a slight fever. The only major change yesterday was she did cough and sob a bit, with tears running down her face. We don't know what caused this.
We are looking at moving her into a hospice in DeKalb, right on Sycamore street about a 1/2 mile from Kevin/Tara's townhouse. Hopefully the insurance company will give the green light, and then the hospital can arrange the move. Having her near home would help greatly, and allow more people to visit.
Her condition is basically the same. Tara is still running a slight fever. The only major change yesterday was she did cough and sob a bit, with tears running down her face. We don't know what caused this.
We are looking at moving her into a hospice in DeKalb, right on Sycamore street about a 1/2 mile from Kevin/Tara's townhouse. Hopefully the insurance company will give the green light, and then the hospital can arrange the move. Having her near home would help greatly, and allow more people to visit.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Friday update
Kevin stayed the entire night on Thursday in the hospital with Tara. Aimee and CJ's parents stayed with Tara today. Uncle Bud and Aunt Carol also visited today, as well as Tara's good friend Chuck who flew over from Europe after hearing the news. I took over from CJ's parents tonight and I'll stay until Saturday morning, when Charles and Loretta will take over. I'm hoping Kevin went with Kiera tonight to their friends house for 'gaming', which was a tradition Tara/Kevin and their friends had on Friday nights. I know Tara would have wanted him to go, and I know how important friends are at this time.
We finished reading Ender's Game to Tara tonight. I finished the last page around 10:30pm this evening. Thanks to everyone who took turns reading to Tara here at the hospital. I believe that included CJ, Aimee, Kevin, and Charles/Loretta.
CJ's dad sung Tara old Irish folk tunes today. I'm sure Tara enjoyed them, even if CJ's mom insisted that dad was off-key.
My dad Jim is feeling better this evening, so my mom and dad plan on visiting the hospital tomorrow (Saturday). Jim caught a bug that's been going around, since it also hit CJ and her boys.
No real changes in Tara's status. Her fever is still running low at 99.8, but otherwise she's still the same.
We finished reading Ender's Game to Tara tonight. I finished the last page around 10:30pm this evening. Thanks to everyone who took turns reading to Tara here at the hospital. I believe that included CJ, Aimee, Kevin, and Charles/Loretta.
CJ's dad sung Tara old Irish folk tunes today. I'm sure Tara enjoyed them, even if CJ's mom insisted that dad was off-key.
My dad Jim is feeling better this evening, so my mom and dad plan on visiting the hospital tomorrow (Saturday). Jim caught a bug that's been going around, since it also hit CJ and her boys.
No real changes in Tara's status. Her fever is still running low at 99.8, but otherwise she's still the same.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Still the same
Last night passed with no major changes. Tara is still running a slight fever (101), but otherwise everything is the same. I asked a nurse how long people in similar situations had lasted, and she responded that some have lasted weeks. I somehow feel that Tara is suffering in her current situation, so I certainly hope this doesn't continue for weeks. I know it's extremely tough on Kevin and my parents, especially to see Tara every day and yet know she isn't coming back to them. I know it's tough on me. I also see the strain in CJ, Karen and Aimee's faces as well.
Today Charles & Loretta took over for me after I stayed the night last night. Their daughter, Emily, joined them at the hospital. Tonight Kevin will be spending the night at the hospital, while my mom takes care of Kiera at Tara & Kevin's home. My dad is home sick with some bug he probably caught at the hospital. He just needs to rest.
Today Charles & Loretta took over for me after I stayed the night last night. Their daughter, Emily, joined them at the hospital. Tonight Kevin will be spending the night at the hospital, while my mom takes care of Kiera at Tara & Kevin's home. My dad is home sick with some bug he probably caught at the hospital. He just needs to rest.
March 22 Thank You
This is Tara's husband, Kevin, again.
I just wanted to thank some of the many people who have been helping Kiera and me through this difficult time.
First of all are Tara's parents and my parents, who were helping watch Kiera before the accident, and have continued to do so even more since, despite the obvious additional pressure on them. In addition to watching Kiera and helping her continue to feel as normal as possible, both sets of grandparents have been helping me around the house with laundry, meals and other chores. I appreciate all of them tremendously.
Interim Dean Mary Munroe and all of the people at the NIU library who worked with Tara have also been tremendously supportive, and raised a great deal of money to help Kiera and me through this time. It has been very helpful with expenses of food and travel during this time. Thank you!
While on the subject of friends at the library, Mary Sheldon and Margie Cooke sent me a plate of snickerdoodles which did not last long and a huge platter of sandwiches which did not last much longer. Food is good!
My friends at Sauk Valley Community college have also been very supportive, particularly Patrick Kennedy, my dean, and Judy Happ, without whom he could do nothing. Patrick has arranged for people to take over my classes during this time that I am not available, and also took up a collection for Kiera and me. Thanks to all of the people who contributed. Also I would like to particularly thank Tom Gospodarczyk, Charles Atchley, Ken Youel, and Ernie Etter for covering my classes. Penny Duncan, thanks for checking in on me at St. Anthony's yesterday, and Bob, thanks for sending your concern.
Special thanks:
Jeff Ahrens - Thanks for coming down from Crystal Lake to visit with Leanne, Tara, and me. We appreciated your jokes even when they were terrible, and also my love to Jennie Versteeg.
Cason and Jennie Snow - Cason and Jennie have made it possible for both me and Lynne and Michael to visit Tara at the hospital by watching our respective children. I know that Kiera has been through a lot recently, and Jen and Cason already have a toddler, so this cannot have been easy. All of us appreciate their help. Also, they have continued to host our weekly social gatherings, and Jen has continued to feed us all at these. Thanks to both of you.
Steve and Karen Woodworth- Roman - They both have visited with Tara and I at the hospital, (as have everyone mentioned in this entry), and Steve and Karen brought me a box of food and necessities shortly after the accident. They have been supportive friends.
Leanne and Drew VanderCreek- Leanne and her husband Drew, who is Tara's boss, were the 1st people to learn about the accident, and drove me up to the hospital during the snowstorm on the terrible day of the accident. They stayed with me to learn the news about Tara, and were back to visit the next day and several times since. They have also kept me company during these past weeks, and it has helped. Leanne has helped me with shopping and bills, and both have helped me talk through difficult situations since. Leanne has also helped facilitate the processing of paperwork for Tara and me at the library.
Sarah and David McHone- Chase - Sarah and David have kept me company and had me over for dinner. Sarah has made us food (excellent Thai) and David has helped me with work on the computer. They are new friends to Tara and me, and very good ones.
Lynne and Michael Thomas - Lynne and Michael have not been my constant companions since the accident, but it has been close. They have kept me company and talked with me when I was blue (which has been often). Lynne has also helped with my shopping (ok, done my shopping) and has cooked for us on more than one occasion.
Michael has been my constant source of support throughout this whole ordeal, accepting up to 10 phone calls per day from me on issues that range form life-and-death to trivial. He has helped me organize my dealings with insurance companies, pay bills, and do nearly everything else. Most of all, Michael's experience with some of these issues has made him sometimes the one person that I felt I could talk to when making difficult decisions. Thank You.
I have received an unbelievable amount of support from everyone during this crisis, and I am sure to have overlooked some of you. Just know that I appreciate all of you, including those who have sent cards and e-mails of concern. You have made a difficult time easier.
I just wanted to thank some of the many people who have been helping Kiera and me through this difficult time.
First of all are Tara's parents and my parents, who were helping watch Kiera before the accident, and have continued to do so even more since, despite the obvious additional pressure on them. In addition to watching Kiera and helping her continue to feel as normal as possible, both sets of grandparents have been helping me around the house with laundry, meals and other chores. I appreciate all of them tremendously.
Interim Dean Mary Munroe and all of the people at the NIU library who worked with Tara have also been tremendously supportive, and raised a great deal of money to help Kiera and me through this time. It has been very helpful with expenses of food and travel during this time. Thank you!
While on the subject of friends at the library, Mary Sheldon and Margie Cooke sent me a plate of snickerdoodles which did not last long and a huge platter of sandwiches which did not last much longer. Food is good!
My friends at Sauk Valley Community college have also been very supportive, particularly Patrick Kennedy, my dean, and Judy Happ, without whom he could do nothing. Patrick has arranged for people to take over my classes during this time that I am not available, and also took up a collection for Kiera and me. Thanks to all of the people who contributed. Also I would like to particularly thank Tom Gospodarczyk, Charles Atchley, Ken Youel, and Ernie Etter for covering my classes. Penny Duncan, thanks for checking in on me at St. Anthony's yesterday, and Bob, thanks for sending your concern.
Special thanks:
Jeff Ahrens - Thanks for coming down from Crystal Lake to visit with Leanne, Tara, and me. We appreciated your jokes even when they were terrible, and also my love to Jennie Versteeg.
Cason and Jennie Snow - Cason and Jennie have made it possible for both me and Lynne and Michael to visit Tara at the hospital by watching our respective children. I know that Kiera has been through a lot recently, and Jen and Cason already have a toddler, so this cannot have been easy. All of us appreciate their help. Also, they have continued to host our weekly social gatherings, and Jen has continued to feed us all at these. Thanks to both of you.
Steve and Karen Woodworth- Roman - They both have visited with Tara and I at the hospital, (as have everyone mentioned in this entry), and Steve and Karen brought me a box of food and necessities shortly after the accident. They have been supportive friends.
Leanne and Drew VanderCreek- Leanne and her husband Drew, who is Tara's boss, were the 1st people to learn about the accident, and drove me up to the hospital during the snowstorm on the terrible day of the accident. They stayed with me to learn the news about Tara, and were back to visit the next day and several times since. They have also kept me company during these past weeks, and it has helped. Leanne has helped me with shopping and bills, and both have helped me talk through difficult situations since. Leanne has also helped facilitate the processing of paperwork for Tara and me at the library.
Sarah and David McHone- Chase - Sarah and David have kept me company and had me over for dinner. Sarah has made us food (excellent Thai) and David has helped me with work on the computer. They are new friends to Tara and me, and very good ones.
Lynne and Michael Thomas - Lynne and Michael have not been my constant companions since the accident, but it has been close. They have kept me company and talked with me when I was blue (which has been often). Lynne has also helped with my shopping (ok, done my shopping) and has cooked for us on more than one occasion.
Michael has been my constant source of support throughout this whole ordeal, accepting up to 10 phone calls per day from me on issues that range form life-and-death to trivial. He has helped me organize my dealings with insurance companies, pay bills, and do nearly everything else. Most of all, Michael's experience with some of these issues has made him sometimes the one person that I felt I could talk to when making difficult decisions. Thank You.
I have received an unbelievable amount of support from everyone during this crisis, and I am sure to have overlooked some of you. Just know that I appreciate all of you, including those who have sent cards and e-mails of concern. You have made a difficult time easier.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Wed Update
Tara has been moved to a new room (464) as of yesterday. She was running a fever earlier today, but appears to have beaten it tonight. Kevin, CJ, Karen (CJ's sister) and Aimee and Evan were here most of the day today, having relieved my parents who stayed last night. I'm currently here by myself to stay the night. I have a wireless card connected to my laptop, that allows me to still post these even while I'm in the hospital. As I mentioned, we are all taking turns, to ensure Tara has someone with her 24x7 till she passes on.
I am really happy that CJ continues to bring Evan here to the hospital. I know she doesn't have much choice on whether to bring Evan, considering CJ's in from out-of-state and still breast feeding, but I appreciate it nonetheless. He's such a happy baby, and I just love carrying him around and letting him jump and move his legs. It's a nice distraction to see someone starting their new life whilst we deal with losing someone. CJ's obviously raising him right if Evan is this happy all the time!
Aimee and CJ were good enough to bring Tara's favorite book, Ender's Game, to read. They read to Tara this afternoon, and I continued this evening. So far I've made it to page 99. Tara introduced me to this book, and the subsequent series, and I've loved it ever since. I learned today from Aimee that Tara even convinced her teacher back in Junior High to make this one of the class selected books for reading that year.
What's most depressing at this point is that Tara's facial bruising and black eye's have started to heal so well that she is beginning to look almost normal. It's depressing because now she just looks like she's asleep, and might wake up any minute--which isn't going to happen. It was easier to understand why she wouldn't awake, for some reason, when her injuries were more visually evident. It's still so hard to believe that she won't just come out of the coma and return to being the Tara we always knew and loved. However, MRI scans don't lie, and we all are just focused on making her last moments on earth as peaceful and filled with loved one's, friends, and companionship as possible. I even put a podcast of NPR (Tara's favorite radio station) on my iPod, and I'm going to let Tara listen to it tonight.
Thanks to everyone who has been helping out lately at the hospital, including CJ, Karen (CJ's sister), Aimee, Kevin, uncle Charles and aunt Loretta, and of course...my mom and dad. I just know Tara appreciates everything everyone is doing for her. Of course, I also believe her spirit has already left her body and she's watching all these events unfold with her Grandma and Grandpa Devick, with her Uncle Don and Mary, Uncle Paul, Uncle Joe, sister Lara, Grandma and Grandpa Dirst, and many other relatives I haven't listed that have already passed on. I know she's in good company.
I am really happy that CJ continues to bring Evan here to the hospital. I know she doesn't have much choice on whether to bring Evan, considering CJ's in from out-of-state and still breast feeding, but I appreciate it nonetheless. He's such a happy baby, and I just love carrying him around and letting him jump and move his legs. It's a nice distraction to see someone starting their new life whilst we deal with losing someone. CJ's obviously raising him right if Evan is this happy all the time!
Aimee and CJ were good enough to bring Tara's favorite book, Ender's Game, to read. They read to Tara this afternoon, and I continued this evening. So far I've made it to page 99. Tara introduced me to this book, and the subsequent series, and I've loved it ever since. I learned today from Aimee that Tara even convinced her teacher back in Junior High to make this one of the class selected books for reading that year.
What's most depressing at this point is that Tara's facial bruising and black eye's have started to heal so well that she is beginning to look almost normal. It's depressing because now she just looks like she's asleep, and might wake up any minute--which isn't going to happen. It was easier to understand why she wouldn't awake, for some reason, when her injuries were more visually evident. It's still so hard to believe that she won't just come out of the coma and return to being the Tara we always knew and loved. However, MRI scans don't lie, and we all are just focused on making her last moments on earth as peaceful and filled with loved one's, friends, and companionship as possible. I even put a podcast of NPR (Tara's favorite radio station) on my iPod, and I'm going to let Tara listen to it tonight.
Thanks to everyone who has been helping out lately at the hospital, including CJ, Karen (CJ's sister), Aimee, Kevin, uncle Charles and aunt Loretta, and of course...my mom and dad. I just know Tara appreciates everything everyone is doing for her. Of course, I also believe her spirit has already left her body and she's watching all these events unfold with her Grandma and Grandpa Devick, with her Uncle Don and Mary, Uncle Paul, Uncle Joe, sister Lara, Grandma and Grandpa Dirst, and many other relatives I haven't listed that have already passed on. I know she's in good company.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
MRI & update
We reviewed the results of the MRI yesterday, and the news wasn't good. She has extensive damage to both frontal lobes, the Cerebellum, and about 85% of the mid-brain. There are also numerous areas of the brain elsewhere that are damaged extensively. If Tara lives, it's likely she would either be in a persistant vegitative state, or have the intellectual capacity of a 6 month old. Myself, Kevin, my dad (Jim), my mom (Sandra) and Kevin's dad (Jay) all met to discuss what we would do. Even though it's extremely painful, we agreed that we would remove the life support systems and allow Tara to pass on. I hope no one else I know ever has to make this kind of decision. It's the worst decision anyone ever has to make. Kevin officially is the one who has to make the decision, but the Doctors recommended we all agree on the decison before moving forward. We all cried about the cruelness and unfairness that would take a new mom away from her 10 month old daughter Kiera. We also know Tara had lots to offer the world in the future, that now won't happen. But we all knew Tara would not want to survive in such a state. In addition, we know Tara has already offered a tremendous amount to her family, her friends, and her co-workers, and we need to remember that, always.
Tara's wish was to be a donar, so the Doctors called the organ donar organization, which is in Madison Wisconsin, and they began making plans to formally remove the life support systems and allow Tara to pass on and donate some of her organs to others so that they might live. The only organs she was going to be allowed to donate were her Kidneys. She had pancreas problems and high liver enzyme's, and damage to her lungs from the accident, so those were not options. At about 9:36pm the life support was removed. Tara's lungs actually started working on their own, and after 2 hours she had not passed on, so they had to terminate the organ donation process. I guess that's the rule, after 2 hours they can't use the organs due to the reduced amount of oxygen that gets to them while Tara is breathing on her own (at a much reduced amount than on the ventilator). So, Tara was brought back up to her room, and she is now being given just fluids and morphine to ease any pain. All tubes for feeding and other life support are removed, and Tara will be allowed to pass on in her own time. Jim, Sandra and Kevin stayed the night in the hospital with Tara. I drove home to sleep around 2pm. Today I am at the hospital with Tara's uncle Charles and Loretta, and Kevin and my mom/dad have driven home to shower and pack some clothes to come back tonight. They say Tara may live up to 2 days, before her organs start to shutdown, but she also could expire at any time. We will ensure someone is here all the time to keep her company and ensure she is as comfortable as possible.
Thanks to everyone who has offered prayers and thoughts and offers of help. It truly has been helpful to all of us in the family. I know Kevin, his mom and dad, and my mom and dad will continue to need your support in the coming weeks/months as they help raise Kiera.
Lastly, I'm not normally a superstitious person, but two events happened yesterday that make me believe Tara's spirit has already passed on. The first was that after I left the hospital yesterday for a short trip for food, I returned and in my old parking spot was a car exactly like Tara's -- same color, model, etc. I parked right next to it, and stood looking at it for quite a while thinking that this is some kind of sign. Then on my way home last evening, I saw a very bright shooting star fall in the sky directly in front of my car. I truly believe these were both signs from Tara letting me know that she has gone to a better place, and that she is still with us in spirit. I love her, and always will.
Tara's wish was to be a donar, so the Doctors called the organ donar organization, which is in Madison Wisconsin, and they began making plans to formally remove the life support systems and allow Tara to pass on and donate some of her organs to others so that they might live. The only organs she was going to be allowed to donate were her Kidneys. She had pancreas problems and high liver enzyme's, and damage to her lungs from the accident, so those were not options. At about 9:36pm the life support was removed. Tara's lungs actually started working on their own, and after 2 hours she had not passed on, so they had to terminate the organ donation process. I guess that's the rule, after 2 hours they can't use the organs due to the reduced amount of oxygen that gets to them while Tara is breathing on her own (at a much reduced amount than on the ventilator). So, Tara was brought back up to her room, and she is now being given just fluids and morphine to ease any pain. All tubes for feeding and other life support are removed, and Tara will be allowed to pass on in her own time. Jim, Sandra and Kevin stayed the night in the hospital with Tara. I drove home to sleep around 2pm. Today I am at the hospital with Tara's uncle Charles and Loretta, and Kevin and my mom/dad have driven home to shower and pack some clothes to come back tonight. They say Tara may live up to 2 days, before her organs start to shutdown, but she also could expire at any time. We will ensure someone is here all the time to keep her company and ensure she is as comfortable as possible.
Thanks to everyone who has offered prayers and thoughts and offers of help. It truly has been helpful to all of us in the family. I know Kevin, his mom and dad, and my mom and dad will continue to need your support in the coming weeks/months as they help raise Kiera.
Lastly, I'm not normally a superstitious person, but two events happened yesterday that make me believe Tara's spirit has already passed on. The first was that after I left the hospital yesterday for a short trip for food, I returned and in my old parking spot was a car exactly like Tara's -- same color, model, etc. I parked right next to it, and stood looking at it for quite a while thinking that this is some kind of sign. Then on my way home last evening, I saw a very bright shooting star fall in the sky directly in front of my car. I truly believe these were both signs from Tara letting me know that she has gone to a better place, and that she is still with us in spirit. I love her, and always will.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Thank you from Sandra
I'm writing to everyone this evening March 17th to Thank You, for all your prayers, and e-cards, you have sent to the hospital and get well cards sent to us. All cards have been read to Tara everyday and I know she hears everyone one. All cards are posted on the bulletin board after being read sometimes the cards are read to her several times even the nurses are reading the cards to her. C.J. is here visiting Tara from Conn. and we are playing CD music for her brain Neurons, we have seen her eyes blink, when we are talking and playing some of her favorite music even American Legion Big Band Music with her performing. We continue to pray and wait for the result of the MRI. God Bless MOM (Sandra)
Sunday, March 18 Update
This is Kevin, Tara's husband. They did the MRI, and I am afraid that it only confirms what what was previously believed. We spoke with another doctor today, who went over the MRI with us and stated that there is damage to so many different areas to the brain, including the midbrain, that she does not believe that a recovery is possible, particularly a recovery that could result in a Tara anything like the Tara we knew. In addition, the barbituate is practically out of her system, and her responses are at no better a level than when she came in. The doctor believes that if Tara woke up, which is unlikely, she would be at an extremely low level of cognitive functioning. We know that Tara would not want this, and so, as Eric has said, we may have to let her go.
I literally do not have words to describe how I feel about this, and I am sure that all of you feel the same. However, the doctor stated that if she were in this condition, she would not want her family to keep her alive, and I strongly believe that Tara would feel the same.
We will have another discussion with Tara's primary doctor tomorrow, and will keep you posted. We all miss her.
I literally do not have words to describe how I feel about this, and I am sure that all of you feel the same. However, the doctor stated that if she were in this condition, she would not want her family to keep her alive, and I strongly believe that Tara would feel the same.
We will have another discussion with Tara's primary doctor tomorrow, and will keep you posted. We all miss her.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Saturday update
Tara is stable, but they are still concerned about the severity of the brain damage shown in the cat scan. They have scheduled an MRI for tonight, so we'll have the results either tomorrow or Monday at the latest.
I know Tara enjoyed the company today, with CJ talking to her, showing her the picture scrapbook CJ made, and CJ singing to Tara. CJ and her sister Karen are such great friends for Tara, and I know Tara feels lucky to have them at her side. My dad and I even talked politics with Tara, and my dad admitted he might be starting to be swayed by her liberal ideals...hard as that is to say for a Republican. I know Tara must have laughed internally at that statement.
Now that the drug is removed, she's starting to have eye movement, and periodic body movement. We're told it's all reactive, and not likely to be cognitive driven. Regardless, it's still nice to see movement, regardless of the reason. The drug will finally flush itself out of her system on Monday, and that's when the serious analysis of her condition and future possibilities will be finalized. As I mentioned in the previous posts, the Doctors are very concerned that the damage is extensive, as shown in the cat scan. We'll have confirmation from the MRI soon, one way or the other.
I know Tara enjoyed the company today, with CJ talking to her, showing her the picture scrapbook CJ made, and CJ singing to Tara. CJ and her sister Karen are such great friends for Tara, and I know Tara feels lucky to have them at her side. My dad and I even talked politics with Tara, and my dad admitted he might be starting to be swayed by her liberal ideals...hard as that is to say for a Republican. I know Tara must have laughed internally at that statement.
Now that the drug is removed, she's starting to have eye movement, and periodic body movement. We're told it's all reactive, and not likely to be cognitive driven. Regardless, it's still nice to see movement, regardless of the reason. The drug will finally flush itself out of her system on Monday, and that's when the serious analysis of her condition and future possibilities will be finalized. As I mentioned in the previous posts, the Doctors are very concerned that the damage is extensive, as shown in the cat scan. We'll have confirmation from the MRI soon, one way or the other.
Stories
CJ put a comment in that she wanted stories from everyone on how Tara touched your life. We are all at the hospital, so if you could send them via the e-card link, we will read them to Tara. The link is:
http://www.osfhealth.com/GetWell.aspx
Make sure you enter your email address when requested, even though it isn't listed as a required field. If you don't enter it, you will get a runtime error. Room number is 365.
Thanks!
http://www.osfhealth.com/GetWell.aspx
Make sure you enter your email address when requested, even though it isn't listed as a required field. If you don't enter it, you will get a runtime error. Room number is 365.
Thanks!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Friday 3-16 update
Today I have very bad news to report. The barbiturate drug was removed today, and her brain pressure and other signs appear to be maintaining levels that are acceptable. However, the other news is very grim. The swelling on the side of the brain where her primary injury occurs has not gone down like the Doctors expected. In addition, she still has swelling on her Cerebellum, and possibly a stroke. Lastly, the latest cat scans show alot of damage to the frontal lobes, and Doctors are very concerned there is damage to the mid-brain, which is not usually recoverable. To summarize, her brain is almost in just as bad of shape as it was after the accident. A second neurosurgeon is going to take a look tomorrow on Saturday, and give an update to all of us.
We are all afraid we may have to let Tara go, because she would not want to live with brain damage so severe that she had no hope of recovering. It's incredibly hard for me to write this post, but I think everyone needs to hear the reality of the situation. Tara prided herself on her intellectual capacity, whether it be arguing politics, her extensive knowledge of history, her musical talents, or the great intellectual discussions she had with Kevin, her friends, her co-workers, my dad, or myself. To not have these things would be to not have Tara. The thing we keep reminding ourselves is that we all have to be strong for Kiera, her 10 month old daughter. Tara is so proud of her daughter, for good reason, and I start crying every time I think of the two of them together...so happy, and such a proud mom! However, I have to remind myself that Tara would have wanted us to be strong for Kiera, and make sure she knows how happy and proud her mom was of her. I apologize but I can't write anymore ... but I do wish that Tara could have seen the outpouring of support/prayers from all of you reading this blog. I'm sure she would have been overwhelmed, as I and the rest of her family are.
We are all afraid we may have to let Tara go, because she would not want to live with brain damage so severe that she had no hope of recovering. It's incredibly hard for me to write this post, but I think everyone needs to hear the reality of the situation. Tara prided herself on her intellectual capacity, whether it be arguing politics, her extensive knowledge of history, her musical talents, or the great intellectual discussions she had with Kevin, her friends, her co-workers, my dad, or myself. To not have these things would be to not have Tara. The thing we keep reminding ourselves is that we all have to be strong for Kiera, her 10 month old daughter. Tara is so proud of her daughter, for good reason, and I start crying every time I think of the two of them together...so happy, and such a proud mom! However, I have to remind myself that Tara would have wanted us to be strong for Kiera, and make sure she knows how happy and proud her mom was of her. I apologize but I can't write anymore ... but I do wish that Tara could have seen the outpouring of support/prayers from all of you reading this blog. I'm sure she would have been overwhelmed, as I and the rest of her family are.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Brain pressure
Unfortunately today Tara's brain pressure started to rise again so they've had to increase the drug again.
Continued drug reduction
The doctors reduced the dosage of the barbiturate drug again, thereby continuing progress towards reducing it eventually zero. The good news is the pressure on her brain has remained stable.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Cat Scan inconclusive
They performed another cat scan last night for the Doctors to review this morning. There is swelling around the Cerbellum (spellling?) but they cannot tell enough details via the cat scan. They are going to schedule an MRI, but they have to wait until she has stabilized more. So, more waiting. They don't have a definite timeframe for scheduling the MRI.
The good news is the pressure on her brain is staying relatively stable, even with the reduction in the coma inducing drug.
The good news is the pressure on her brain is staying relatively stable, even with the reduction in the coma inducing drug.
Organic Family Magazine link fixed
I fixed the link to the Organic Family Magazine site where there are now many pictures of Tara posted. Thanks to C.J. The link is along the right side of this blog under the section titled "Tara's Online Postings".
Sunday, March 11, 2007
C.J.'s favorite pic
This is C.J.'s favorite pic of Tara, from 1990. Tara loved (and still loves) the color black, and this was a favorite black leather coat.
Blog thanks
Eric,
Thank you so much for putting together this blog, and to Karen for the idea,
We wanted to say that Tara is in our thoughts and prayers constantly. We have contacted many of our friends, both present and past, and have received well over 50 responses of prayers and offers of help.
Jay and Elaine
Thank you so much for putting together this blog, and to Karen for the idea,
We wanted to say that Tara is in our thoughts and prayers constantly. We have contacted many of our friends, both present and past, and have received well over 50 responses of prayers and offers of help.
Jay and Elaine
Los Angeles Post
Dearest Tara,
It's Ruth and Frank (your aunt and uncle from Los Angeles). We just want you to know that we are thinking of you and praying for you every minute and have asked many friends to pray for you as well. Kiera is just the cutest little girl--we have a picture of you, Kevin, Elaine and Jay and sweet Kiera that we just received recently. You are such a strong person and you just have to fight because there are so many people who love you and need you, especially your family. Just know that you are in our hearts and our thoughts. We treasure you and love you so much.
Aunt Ruth and Uncle Frank
It's Ruth and Frank (your aunt and uncle from Los Angeles). We just want you to know that we are thinking of you and praying for you every minute and have asked many friends to pray for you as well. Kiera is just the cutest little girl--we have a picture of you, Kevin, Elaine and Jay and sweet Kiera that we just received recently. You are such a strong person and you just have to fight because there are so many people who love you and need you, especially your family. Just know that you are in our hearts and our thoughts. We treasure you and love you so much.
Aunt Ruth and Uncle Frank
Cat Scan
Tara is scheduled for a cat scan, with the Doctor scheduled to review the results tomorrow.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Tara with Kiera, C.J. and Evan
Thanks to C.J. for providing this picture of Tara and Kiera with C.J. and Evan. We all hope and pray to see scenes like this one again!
Drug reduced
The doctors specified today on Friday that they would start to reduce the barbiturate drug over the next few days. They will keep tabs to ensure that the pressure on her brain doesn't increase to over 20 (currently at 15). They also plan to do a cat scan later this weekend.
Another news article
Thanks to Anitha for providing the following link to an article about the accident in the Northern Star. Rather than leave it in the comments, I figured I'd post it so everyone could see.
http://www.northernstar.info/articles/?id=35677
http://www.northernstar.info/articles/?id=35677
No change
I just talked with my dad and there was no change in
I’ve also changed the blog so that anyone can post comments, not just people with gmail accounts.
If people want to post items to this blog about
Thanks
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Barbiturate drug
Today the doctors told Jim/Sandra they would be keeping Tara on the barbiturate drug for a while longer. They still see signs of swelling, and when they tried reducing the dosage of the drug, the pressure on her brain started to increase beyond the levels they wanted to maintain. We expect she may remain on the drug until mid-next week.
Thank You for the Get Well Cards!
Many of Tara's friends at NIU have been sending email cards to the hospital, and it has been extremely touching to see all the support from everyone! I think we're over 40+ already this week. It's obvious Tara had a ton of friends at the Library and elsewhere at NIU. Kevin and myself both have read the cards to Tara. I'm hopeful she can hear us, and that the words of encouragment, support, and caring will allow her to bolster her strength to survive and return to us all as a wife/sister/daughter/friend.
The URL to send an email card is http://www.osfhealth.com/GetWell.aspx
The URL to send an email card is http://www.osfhealth.com/GetWell.aspx
News article on the accident
Here is the link to the news article about the accident.
http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2007/03/07/news/news04.txt
Thanks
http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2007/03/07/news/news04.txt
Thanks
Accident Info
On Friday, March 2nd, shortly after lunchtime, Tara was returning from her Townhome to work at NIU. DeKalb was experiencing blizzard like conditions due to the high winds (25mph, gusting to 40mph) and snow. For whatever reason, instead of taking First Street to her workplace, she instead elected to take Annie Glidden road. Somewhere around Dresser road a semi was approaching Tara's car in the other lane. A passenger truck moved out to pass the semi, thereby entering Tara's lane. Her only choice was to drive into the snow-filled ditch to avoid the passenger truck. Once her car entered the snow filled ditch, it started to slide, and her car slid directly into the path of the oncoming semi. She was broad-sided on the passenger side of her car. Tara did have her seat-belt on, but it didn't protect her head from hitting the driver side window, and likely other parts of the vehicle. When the police arrived she was breathing on her own, but she was unconcious. The driver of the passenger truck, after causing Tara to drive into the ditch, did not stop and continued on, ignoring the crash that occurred behind him/her (f**cking a**hole!). The semi driver was only able to identify the passenger truck as being dark colored. Tara was taken to the local DeKalb hospital where they determined that her head trauma was too extensive for them to treat. Tara had a depressed skull fracture on the right side of her skull. She also had multiple orbital fractures around her eyes, thereby causing her to have extreme black eye's with bulging eye-sockets -- referred to as racoon-eyes by the medical establishment. As an example of how hard the collision was, Tara had a ring on her right hand, with a very thick band, which was compressed in half, and the stone was broken out of it. The decision was made to have her transferred to St. Anthony hospital in DeKalb, because they have specialist Neurosurgeons on staff, as well as Trauma Surgeons. Unfortunately, due to the poor weather conditions, they were unable to transfer her via helicoptor, as would be normal. They instead had the helicopter personnel drive Tara in an ambulance to the hospital, which is approximately 1 hour away from DeKalb. They successfully transferred her, and she went into surgery around 4pm.
In surgery they first addressed her depressed skull fracture, and removed the pieces of the skull which had been pushed into her brain. They removed 2 pieces, I believe. Then they cut out part of her skull to (a) give her brain space to expand as it swells from it's injuries, and (b) so they could assess the damage to the brain. They removed the skull on the same right side of her head where the depressed skull fracture occurred. In their investigation of the brain, they determined that she had bruising to both frontal lobes, as well as Subdural Hematoma, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, and numerous Brain Contusions. She also had multiple Orbital Fractures (around the eyes) and Maxillary fractures (cheeks). They placed a patch and dressing over the portion of the skull that was removed, and inserted a type of instrument in the left side of her skull to allow them to measure the pressure on the brain. Their primary concern was that they effictively monitor the pressure on the brain, since the brain will expand due to swelllng for 3-4 days after an injury. Obviously they want to minimize or keep the brain from swelling more and thereby injuring itself. As the brain expands, since it has no where to expand inside the skull, in compresses downward, thereby damaging and hurting portions of the brain, which then cause more swelling, which then causes more damage...and this cycle can continue until you have brain death. The Doctors also determined that Tara had a Pulminary Contusion to her right lung (bruise to the lung), which was causing her lung not to function properly. The Trauma Surgeon worked on her lung to address the Pulminary Contusion during the the surgery. By this time Tara was on a ventilator.
Kevin had been given a ride to St. Anthony by friends. My dad had called me and he and I had met my mom at Tara's townhouse, where my mother was caring for Kiera after Tara had been transferred from the DeKalb hospital. My dad and I drove up to St. Anthony's. Around 6:30pm the doctors finally finished surgery and came out to discuss the situation with Kevin, my dad and myself. They explained that the surgery went 'as planned', and that they were now going to watch her for the next 3-4 days, specifically focusing on ensuring she received sufficient oxygen to the brain, and that the pressure on the brain caused by the swelling did not exceed the levels they wanted to maintain. Tara was kept on a ventilator to ensure she was breathing. Tara was in a coma. Kevin's parents drove up to be with Kevin and they stayed in a hotel near the hospital. My father and I drove back to Tara/Kevin's townhouse, and my father and my mom stayed with Kiera that night.
On Saturday, the pressure on Tara's brain increased beyond 20, which was a level the Doctors did not want to maintain. They then put her on a barbiturate drug to induce an extremely deep coma. This drug basically shuts down the brain, as well as other functions of the body such as the bowels. The reason for doing this is to decrease the activity in the brain with the hope of reducing the swelling. The good news is that this drug had the intended effect, and her brain pressure was reduced to around 14-15.
On Sunday Tara was still in the same state, and she will likely continue in this state until the Doctors determine to take her off the drug. Once the doctors take her off the drug, it will take up to 72 hrs to flush itself out of her system. After that period, then the Doctors can begin to assess Tara's recovery options. So, we expect that it will not be until next weekend, or early next week (the 12th) before we can determine how she was impacted by the brain damage caused in the accident. After the drug wears-off, the Doctors will either wait for her to (a) regain consciousness and assess her mental capabilities, or (b) if she doesn't regain consciousness, begin to administer some reaction tests to determine her current brain function.
My mom and dad (Sandra and Jim), as well as Kevin's mom and dad (Jay and Elaine) will be taking turns helping Kevin watch Kiera this week. I certainly understand that the distraction of taking care of Kiera helps all of them cope with the situation, rather than allowing them to focus on the negative possibilities.
For those of you who have a medical background, or want to look items up on the internet, the following are the various injuries she has received.
Brain - Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Subdural Hematoma, Depressed Skull Fracture, multiple Brain Contusions
Face - Orbital Fractures, Maxillary Fractures
Lungs - Pulminary contusion
I'll keep you posted throughout the week if anything changes, or if more information becomes available. Please continue to pray for Tara, and her family, as I know you have all been doing.
Thanks
In surgery they first addressed her depressed skull fracture, and removed the pieces of the skull which had been pushed into her brain. They removed 2 pieces, I believe. Then they cut out part of her skull to (a) give her brain space to expand as it swells from it's injuries, and (b) so they could assess the damage to the brain. They removed the skull on the same right side of her head where the depressed skull fracture occurred. In their investigation of the brain, they determined that she had bruising to both frontal lobes, as well as Subdural Hematoma, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, and numerous Brain Contusions. She also had multiple Orbital Fractures (around the eyes) and Maxillary fractures (cheeks). They placed a patch and dressing over the portion of the skull that was removed, and inserted a type of instrument in the left side of her skull to allow them to measure the pressure on the brain. Their primary concern was that they effictively monitor the pressure on the brain, since the brain will expand due to swelllng for 3-4 days after an injury. Obviously they want to minimize or keep the brain from swelling more and thereby injuring itself. As the brain expands, since it has no where to expand inside the skull, in compresses downward, thereby damaging and hurting portions of the brain, which then cause more swelling, which then causes more damage...and this cycle can continue until you have brain death. The Doctors also determined that Tara had a Pulminary Contusion to her right lung (bruise to the lung), which was causing her lung not to function properly. The Trauma Surgeon worked on her lung to address the Pulminary Contusion during the the surgery. By this time Tara was on a ventilator.
Kevin had been given a ride to St. Anthony by friends. My dad had called me and he and I had met my mom at Tara's townhouse, where my mother was caring for Kiera after Tara had been transferred from the DeKalb hospital. My dad and I drove up to St. Anthony's. Around 6:30pm the doctors finally finished surgery and came out to discuss the situation with Kevin, my dad and myself. They explained that the surgery went 'as planned', and that they were now going to watch her for the next 3-4 days, specifically focusing on ensuring she received sufficient oxygen to the brain, and that the pressure on the brain caused by the swelling did not exceed the levels they wanted to maintain. Tara was kept on a ventilator to ensure she was breathing. Tara was in a coma. Kevin's parents drove up to be with Kevin and they stayed in a hotel near the hospital. My father and I drove back to Tara/Kevin's townhouse, and my father and my mom stayed with Kiera that night.
On Saturday, the pressure on Tara's brain increased beyond 20, which was a level the Doctors did not want to maintain. They then put her on a barbiturate drug to induce an extremely deep coma. This drug basically shuts down the brain, as well as other functions of the body such as the bowels. The reason for doing this is to decrease the activity in the brain with the hope of reducing the swelling. The good news is that this drug had the intended effect, and her brain pressure was reduced to around 14-15.
On Sunday Tara was still in the same state, and she will likely continue in this state until the Doctors determine to take her off the drug. Once the doctors take her off the drug, it will take up to 72 hrs to flush itself out of her system. After that period, then the Doctors can begin to assess Tara's recovery options. So, we expect that it will not be until next weekend, or early next week (the 12th) before we can determine how she was impacted by the brain damage caused in the accident. After the drug wears-off, the Doctors will either wait for her to (a) regain consciousness and assess her mental capabilities, or (b) if she doesn't regain consciousness, begin to administer some reaction tests to determine her current brain function.
My mom and dad (Sandra and Jim), as well as Kevin's mom and dad (Jay and Elaine) will be taking turns helping Kevin watch Kiera this week. I certainly understand that the distraction of taking care of Kiera helps all of them cope with the situation, rather than allowing them to focus on the negative possibilities.
For those of you who have a medical background, or want to look items up on the internet, the following are the various injuries she has received.
Brain - Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Subdural Hematoma, Depressed Skull Fracture, multiple Brain Contusions
Face - Orbital Fractures, Maxillary Fractures
Lungs - Pulminary contusion
I'll keep you posted throughout the week if anything changes, or if more information becomes available. Please continue to pray for Tara, and her family, as I know you have all been doing.
Thanks
Why a blog for Tara
As many people know, Tara had a terrible accident on March 2nd, 2007. Many family and friends have asked to be kept up-to-date on her recovery. We thought a blog would be a better way to convey her status, and allow others to post their own comments/replies. Hopefully all of you who read this agree.
Everyone in Tara's extended family (me, Karen, Jim, Sandra, Kevin, Kiera, Jay, Elaine) have been overwhelmed with the support and prayers from all the great people Tara has touched in her life. We all are extremely grateful for all the offers of help and support, and we appreciate all the prayers everyone has been lifting up to God in support of Tara's recovery.
Thanks - Eric
Everyone in Tara's extended family (me, Karen, Jim, Sandra, Kevin, Kiera, Jay, Elaine) have been overwhelmed with the support and prayers from all the great people Tara has touched in her life. We all are extremely grateful for all the offers of help and support, and we appreciate all the prayers everyone has been lifting up to God in support of Tara's recovery.
Thanks - Eric
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