She went to her therapy sessions again today, did well, but was totally exhausted again afterward. Many good and caring friends want to “just drop in for a minute,” or want to chat on the phone. Her physiatrist (rehab physician) wishes us to emphasize how important it is for her brain to have as much rest as possible. Most any kind of social or personal interaction is likely to cause stress right now, which in turn interferes with recovery. As soon as she is able, Lucia will be reaching out to all those who have hoped and prayed for her recovery. There will be a time when “cheering up” will be helpful. That time has not come. Thank you so much for caring, and for respecting the need for healing with as little distraction–no matter how pleasant–as possible.
Lucia phoned today. I always feel a great sense of relief when able to talk with her. She remains fatigued and in some pain but heavily medicated. She has a tendency to do too much–she accompanied Monica to the vet with Cody. She is still searching her memory and that of others for details. The upside of outings is that they help her realize how much support she has from the community. She is puzzled as to how she can possibly thank everyone. I tried to reassure her that the etiquette books don’t require a personal thank you note to all who have expressed concern, sent letters and email, and tangibles like food and money. Especially when you’ve had a traumatic head injury! At least in this medium, I can say a big THANK YOU for the literally hundreds that have helped, are helping, expressed concern, prayed, etc. It will be tough, but we know that she will eventually be well. (Alan Wade, father)
Lucia was was nearly exhausted today after yesterday’s therapy sessions. She slept a lot, and was in a lot of pain. Any major adjustments are going to have to come in small steps. I don’t think those of us privileged to be closest to her have a clear idea what she will face in the next few weeks in the process of restoration. We can only hope that progress will be steady, but we expect that there will be many ups and downs ahead. More treatment sessions are scheduled for Friday.
We are grateful to the many good people who have kept in touch with Lucia’s progress by checking the website. Not that we don’t want to tell you individually, but we just can’t. (Alan Wade, Lucia’s father)
Thank you again to Kidspot for their awesome fundraiser today.
Below is today’s update from Lucia Wade’s father, Alan.
Today Lucia spent an exhausting three hours at the Memorial Hospital Neurological Clinic, undergoing three different kinds of therapy. As usual, she is highly disciplined in her participation. Because of her condition (pain killers, residual damage,etc), a high degree of concentration is required, which is energy depleting in the extreme. ( In daily life, this equates to the need for very deliberate, conscious thinking–as contrasted with simply automatic response in completion of simple life tasks.) She is awaiting an appointment with a neuro-psychologist, who also will be contributing to the therapeutic team. We remain confident in the care she is receiving.
Cody waking up from a nap
Lucia made some progress both yesterday and today. Yesterday, she went with Cody, her Doberman puppy, with Monica’s help, to a dog park. Lucia was accompanied by a walker and a hiking stick, which are now s.o.p. Cody is a very large and active, and super-friendly, puppy. She was the star of the event, not Lucia, which made Lucia quite happy. Today, Lucia met with her rehab physician who will coordinate the various therapeutic opportunities that she needs. Very encouraging notes keep coming in from all those who know her. Keep it up. (Lucia’s father, Alan Wade)
Kidspot at Coddingtown is having a fundraiser
tomorrow, October 27. Proceeds to Lucia’s Trust
www.kidspotimaginationcenter.com
www.santarosapoa.com
Pasta Dinner and "High Speed Wobble" on November 12
www.eventbrite.com/event/472824230
Sunday Morning, Oct. 25, ‘09. Yesterday Lucia enjoyed a brief outdoor appearance, stepping out on her back deck with the help of a hiking stick. She described the experience as,literally, “a breath of fresh air.” She is still on heavy pain meds, and sleeps a lot. She is getting impatient with being confined, which we take as a positive sign. So far, we are encouraged with the pace of her recovery, although she can’t believe why it is taking “so long.” Cody is impatient for those three mile walk/runs, but is trying to understand. (from Alan Wade, Lucia’s father).
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There are two fundraisers in the works for Lucia’s fund. The first is coming up soon – Kidspot Imagination Center to Dedicate a Day to Officer Lucia Wade…October 27, 2008!
Kidspot will donate 100% of all paid admissions to help Officer Wade in her recovery. We will also be collecting donations from those without children wanting to stop in, sign the card and show their support.
October 27,2009 from 10am – 8pm
Please join us on Tuesday…Sign the Kidspot card and support us in raising as much money as as we can!
For more information about Kidspot, kidspotimaginationcenter.com
Good news! Lucia phoned me last night and talked for twenty minutes. She is trying to put back together in her mind work events prior to the accident. Because bathing and hair washing are so difficult, her hairdresser came to the house yesterday and cut her hair short. This she sent me a long e-mail responding to an article I sent her, regarding local police being armed with automatic rifles. Her focus is clearly on work-related issues. She has a number of mostly in-home appointments for various therapies. She seems to be getting energy and confidence back, but needs all of both for healing at this time and so , still, no visitors. Good folks have been coming to the door and leaving food and other gifts. Thanks for all of this, but please leave a note with your gifts so that dishes, etc., can be returned.
Lucia and her brother Doug
Lucia had to be taken to the Emergency Room at Memorial Hospital yesterday (Thursday, October 22) in the effort to stabilize her condition. She had severe pain, along with general weakness and discomfort. She was seen immediately in the ER, and provided additional pain medication. The services of a case manager were engaged as a step toward coordinating the several different treatment modes and therapies that she will need in the next few weeks. This is a positive development. In the past week, we have seen both the down and the upside of the health care system, with better communication among modalities reflecting the latter. Again, thanks to all for your positive energy,prayers, and notes of encouragement. Today, she is at home, and we trust resting well. (Alan Wade, Officer Wade’s father)
kidspotimaginationcenter.com