Mid-Week Update--Tia Focused

Quoted from Barb:

Late Friday, Tia’s tummy began acting up again. Throughout the weekend, her tummy hurt, but she was able to eat and have a few visitors. By Monday afternoon she was in a lot of pain and began vomiting. Persistent and frequent waves of nausea and vomiting continued throughout the night and into Tuesday. Trying to uncover the cause of her sickness, several tests were ordered. She had a CAT Scan to check for possible effects due to her brain injury which came back “clear.” She was tested for pancreatitis which was ruled out. Blood tests revealed no imbalances in her system. By Tuesday evening, the terrible abdominal pain began to subside, and she was able to keep small amounts of liquid “down.” Wednesday morning she had a test of the upper-GI which showed she had no obstruction or abnormalities of her digestive system—everything is working normally. During her severe sickness Monday afternoon, the feeding tube was expelled. It was quickly decided to leave it out until she was past this illness. That did mean, however, that they had to start an IV in order to keep her hydrated since she was unable to keep anything in her stomach. It also meant that she missed many of her medications, and there was some concern that this could set her back and cause other negative side-effects. Not having the time or energy to send out a full report and request for prayer, I asked a few people that I spoke with to pray. Tia’s tormented tummy settled down and for the first time in many days she had no pain and was able to eat food and feel good! As far as this “setting her back,” wrong! As soon as she was able, we resumed her therapy sessions and her posture, cognitive, motor and communications skills had improved significantly! The therapists were dumbfounded—to God be the glory.

I must share that this amazing little girl’s tender heart and sweet personality shone through, even while doubled-over with abdominal pain and throwing-up. During a brief pause in her nausea, I dozed off in the chair next to her; I startled when she began throwing-up again, and she apologized for waking me! She was polite with the myriad of doctors as they questioned, poked and prodded always saying “thank you” and “please.” The doctors were astounded—to God be the glory.

Late Tuesday after her tummy seemed to be settling down and while resting quietly, a series of questions tumbled from her mind to her lips. Having been well coached and counseled, I was as prepared as I could be to help her when the questions came. We have been answering just the question she is asking at the time with simplicity, yet honesty. Up to this point, she knew her family was in a plane crash and everyone was hurt. Since Summer had visited, she understood her injuries, and since she had talked with Daddy, we had discussed his injuries. She also knew Mommy and Austin were in the accident and had been hurt badly. Now, her questions explored deeper. As she learned of the deaths of her mom and brother, we cried and held onto each other. Because she is not only my niece but also my sister-in-Christ and knows Jesus personally, we were able to talk about heaven and that Mom and Austin were there, and we’d see them again. While this truth cannot completely take away the pain, loss and grief, it can bring a measure of relief. We’ve had “tender heart” moments throughout the day, and we’ll continue to walk at her pace—to God be the glory.

It was only days ago that some doctors, due to the extent of Tia’s brain injuries, felt her condition may not improve and gave little hope of a “full” recovery. Today, I watched Tia stand with very little assistance and support and walk across a room with a walker smiling proudly at her accomplishment. Today, we talked about deep and complex things that she was able to understand as much as anyone her age. Today, during an assessment of her cognitive skills, I observed her following multiple verbal directions with ease. Today, as every day, I experienced love beyond comprehension. Today, as every day…to God be the glory.

Summer’s healing is no less a testimony to the power of prayer. Last Thursday following her physical therapy, she visited Tia. She was quick to remind me that I promised to take her for a pedicure when she could bend her knees. Friday morning, we not only got pedicures but manicures as well—a girl has to look good! Then, it was a trip to the mall but not before a few detours to pet and salt water aquarium stores—Summer loves animals! We had a delightful day and reminisced a bit about Mom over lunch. Today, following her appointment with the orthopedist, she stopped by to visit Tia and was given the clearance to begin bearing weight on her legs and using a walker. She and Tia are planning “walker races”! Summer has been the perfect, supportive and loving big sister, and Tia can’t wait until Summer comes to visit. Last night, Summer, Tia, Ashley and I had a “pizza party.” Summer and Tia sat next to each other in Tia’s hospital bed eating pizza and cinna’sticks while watching Hannah Montana. Knowing the power, bond and gift of sisterhood, I thankful they have each other—to God be the glory.

Greg continues his road to recovery as well and heading home gets closer every day. We know this transition will hold its own measure of joy and pain as we continue to uphold “Job” with our love and prayers—to God be the glory.

Weekend Update

Tia:


If anyone reading this currently doesn’t believe in miracles then their lives are about to change. Tia Crane is a miracle. She has gone from a very negative prognosis where her recovery would be minimal to surpassing that anticipated recovery in a matter of 40 days. Although Tia is not back to her normal self by any means she is making amazing strides. She is now recognizing numerous new and old faces, responding appropriately to humor (a difficult thing to do considering humor as poor as mine is prevalent in society), she’s walking with support, conversed about past events, eaten semi solid foods, she’s READING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, talked with her sister and father on the phone, asked to speak with them on the phone, requested future indulgences, associated people with others not present and many more amazing feats. Tia has has some minor issues since the last update - just general not feeling well and some digestive problems. She is doing better now and continuing recovery. Her doctor has said there is no present reason Tia shouldn't be back in school achieving with her peers in two years or less. This does not mean Tia will be exactly the same but she should lead a normal life. Tia has asked a few questions about the status of her family and seems to have noticed that there is no conversation about Lori or Austin. Per the advice of the medical staff details of the event and the status of Lori and Austin are not being provided unless Tia asks directly; which she hasn't done yet. She is recognizing that things are difficult and seems to understand this is very different than it was before the crash. She understands that like Summer's legs; her brain was hurt in the crash and she has to wait for it to work like it used to again just like Summer needs to for her legs. Barbara and Tim Willis continue to provide Tia with most of her family care at the hospital and she is receiving frequent visits from other family members including Summer.

Summer:
Summer continues to progress as she has in recent weeks. She's becoming more proficient with her wheelchair and her ability to do normal tasks despite her legs being unusable. She is enjoying almost daily trips to some sort of animal store and frequent mall excursions. Summer is going on frequent visits to both Greg and Tia and this seems to be the best and most anticipated part of her day. She has started her physical rehabilitation and is practicing her exercises daily. We are hopeful that Summer will start to be able to bear weight on her legs in the next 30 days. Summer's grandparents Earl and Jan Orner are continuing to be her primary support at home and for visits to the doctor and she's spending much time with Lila and other family members throughout the week. Once Greg is home and has gotten comfortable the Orners will be heading back to Wickenburg and Jessica (my wife) and I will become her primary caretakers.

Greg:
Greg is having a very difficult time right now. He has continued to have intermittent bouts of nausea and vomiting which has greatly reduced his activity, rehabilitation, strength and weight. At this time it is unknown what is causing Greg's issues but it is apparent it's having a physical and emotional toll on him. Through the generous assistance of his friends Greg and Darren; Greg now has a mini fridge full of fruits, veggies and yogurt to help him eat despite the hospital food. It is anticipated that Greg will be discharged from the hospital within the next 7 days and he'll move onto the next course of life at home. Continued care is required at home for Greg and Jessica and I along with Greg's sister Diane will be providing the majority of this. Greg seems to have a good outlook on going home but the true effects of it will only be known when he arrives. Despite any health conditions the next few weeks will be extremely hard for Greg as he moves back into his home and life begins to resume.

REMINDER:
The Cranes will continue to have an avenue for your support by providing dinner to them. Please take a look at the food calendar at the link below to see when you can help.

http://www.foodtidings.com/SignUp.aspx?ScheduleGuid=f4cda57b-ff46-4b89-afdd-ff6fc4e59405

Vicky Crane would like to notify her friends and family that she is available for contact. You may call her or email her at vcrane@cox.net.

Day + ??

I know its been a long time since the last update – I apologize. Fortunately there's been a whole lot of catching up to do and a whole lot going on so these updates have not been coming quickly.




Tia:

So many people are extremely excited about learning about how Tia is doing and the progress she's made. The results of her EKG shortly after her arrival here have shown that the damage to her brain was greater than we'd previously been informed of. The doctors realized that Tia had received damage previously unknown due to lack of oxygen to her brain. Some of the recent blog silence has been due to our interest in knowing her situation before releasing speculative and uncertified information. The results received by family in Phoenix was not positive and concerns mounted for Tia's recovery. There are many cases like Tia's where the patient does not recover and remains in an unconscious state permanently. Fortunately for Tia this has proven to not be the case. After weeks of being relatively non-responsive and providing only limited reflexive response to stimuli she is now making great strides towards recovery. Tia is now following the commands of her therapy team, following the path of conversation among members in a room, gaining control of her limbs and recognizing faces and objects. She is answering questions with a yes or no and gaining greater control of her hands, she's even painted! (She guessed my wife and my new baby will be a girl) Although this may sound like a small feat; it is an amazing advancement for someone facing her injuries and hints at the prospects of her continued recovery. Through the faith of her family and the resilience of a child Tia is progressing extremely quickly. She remains in the neuro rehabilitation unit of the hospital – supported, still, primarily by Tim and Barbara Willis under the care of Phoenix's finest pediatric doctors and nurses. It is unknown how long Tia will remain there and how the course of her recovery will ultimately affect her and her adult life but she is and will continue to receive the greatest care and largest supply of love any child could receive. Her family, including Summer, have been to her side and she appears to be recognizing and receiving strength from this. Please continue to send your love and support to Tia and the Cranes – we anticipate a long process to recovery.



Summer:

Summer is still doing very well. She has had both casts removed from her legs and they look great! She feels substantial relief from having this physical and mental weight removed. Although she still has some steri strips keeping incisions safe she is able to move, slightly bend and stretch her legs. She still must remain in a wheelchair to get around and will continue so for another month and cannot bear any weight on her legs at this time. Some of the pins have been removed from her legs which has increased her mobility. She is now able to transfer herself easily from chair to chair and to her bed on her own. She can spend most of her day without her mouth being clamped shut and has started (aggressively) to eat semi solid foods. She's gone swimming, to the mall and spent time with family members outside of her home and seems to be adjusting well. She visits Greg frequently in his hospital room as well as doctors of her own. Summer is primarily continuing to be supported by the Orners in her home and daily interaction with her cousin Lila. Friday night Summer will be venturing out to a school event (which she adamantly says is not a dance) and will be visiting with her classmates for a few hours. She seems very excited about this event. A dinner calendar has been created for the Crane household (http://www.foodtidings.com/SignUp.aspx?ScheduleGuid=f4cda57b-ff46-4b89-afdd-ff6fc4e59405). If you would like to provide a dinner to the Cranes follow this link and sign up. I mention this in Summer’s update because she is the one we need to keep in mind when choosing a dinner; no spicy foods, something she can chew with a tender jaw and something a 12 year old would like. Please take note of the other meals that have come before and are already scheduled for after the date you want to participate so we don’t provide too much of one thing. Participants need to understand this is a service provided for the Cranes and that you most likely will not have the opportunity to spend time with them and they may not be home when you deliver the food. J



Greg:

What a week for Greg! His recovery has continued to progress well… that is until he got sick. L Physical therapy and occupational therapy have been successful in granting Greg some mobility and strength until those were usurped by illness. His physical condition was primarily the same and his energy was increasing until last Tuesday night. I arrived in his room at about 10pm for the night and we chatted – shortly thereafter Greg complained of chest and abdominal pain. The nursing staff believed it was indigestion and/or heartburn. He was given milk of magnesia to settle his stomach… it didn’t work. Greg began vomiting ten minutes later and continued so all through the night. He was scheduled to go into surgery the following day and have the hardware holding his jaw shut removed but this was canceled due to his illness. Greg continued to heave for 3 days although he had nothing in his stomach. During this time some minor leakage from one of his incisions on his left leg (tibia injury) began to increase to the hospital staff’s dismay. Due to these ailments Greg was transferred from the rehab unit to the acute hospital. The doctors initially had some concerns that Greg may have some gal bladder issues and contemplated its removal. In the hospital he had a different level of pharmaceuticals available to treat him including anti-nausea medication and antibiotics. When Greg was transferred there I arrived about two hours later for a night stay and found him still heaving – shortly thereafter his first dose of the new anti-nausea medication was administered and Greg fell asleep for the night twenty minutes later. He remained in the hospital for a couple of days and once he’d stabilized was returned to the neuro rehab unit. To date the doctors do not know what caused the abdominal pain or the vomiting and have determined his gal bladder does not need to be removed. During all this time Greg continued to need and receive the constant vigilance of his parents, sister Diane and some friends. The surgery for the removal of his jaw hardware was rescheduled for Tuesday and some investigating into the leakage in his leg as well. This surgery was set to last 45 minutes but instead lasted closer to three hours causing us some concern. When he finally came out it was found out that the surgeons found quite a bit of infected areas in his leg and knee. They determined Greg’s leg would continue to get infected and therefore have prescribed quite a regimen of antibiotics. Greg will need to have the metal in his leg removed to ensure a lifetime of infection is not required and this will have to wait until the bones in his leg are healed. A bit if a double edged sword for Greg. Although this is bad news – it is fortunate this happened in the hospital and under the supervision of the doctors. On a good note; Greg did have the hardware removed from his mouth and this has made speaking much easier and clearer. He is, just like Summer, aggressively working on regaining his ability to eat more solid foods. About four hours after the surgery I watched Greg consume more food than he had this whole time – although it was through the same method… a straw. Overall Greg is looking great, his spirits seem to be lifted and progress is being made. He can now move from his bed to wheelchair to other chairs and back on his own. It is anticipated Greg will be going home this month.

Update Coming!

There is an update coming!
I apologize for the delay in the updates over the past 14 days. We had our own medical emergency with our 15 month old son and were actually in the hospital several days--caring for him has taken all our time as of late. However, we're happy to report that we're home and healthy! Praise God.

There will be a complete update within the next 24 hours. Thank you so much for your patience and understanding. You can be sure that each one of the Cranes are doing well. Stay tuned.