THE JOURNEY INCLUDES GOOD EXPECTATION

Leif‘s day started with nourishment and centering the core by meditating on Prov. 19:27.  Medications are taken on a strict schedule. Following journaling Leif took his morning walk. He is doing well with his walking exercises. At noon, Leif went to outpatient therapy. ST, PT, and OT were linked together for a 3 hour session. Leif said that they worked him hard. ST was concerned with executive function, which deals with higher level cognitive skills. PT isolated the weaker muscle groups. The PT therapist worked with leg raises [scissor moves etc.] OT worked with exercises specific to the eye function, scanning and utilizing full vision to complete random text assignments. The pain levels were managed well today topping at ‘3’. This week Leif will see the Radiologist for a ‘Mask Fit’. This mask will be used over the course of Leif’s radiation treatments. The radiation will be directed at the remaining tumor. There are some good indicators of continuing healing in Leif’s body. Please pray that the manifestation of healing continues day by day. ‘Praises to our God’.

Blog Viewers; thanks for your compassionate faithful prayers. Our God sees, our God hears, our God takes action. God Bless!

Written by Pop

Switching Gears

The road to this point has been interesting and certainly challenging.  I have been released from the inpatient type of medical attention and from the inpatient therapy type rehabilitation. Where To Next? As I look to the road ahead, I find that I am blessed to be able attend outpatient therapies.  This allows me to shift from something like 2nd gear to something more like 3rd gear...gosh, makes me feel like I have my old Jeep Wrangler again.  I am able to shift gears due to good nutrition and being able go keep up with exercise outside of the outpatient therapies.  Looks like another blessing in disguise...thanks to your prayers!

Even the other day, I was able to receive outpatient Physical, Occupational and Cognitive therapies, as well as walk several days in a row around the neighborhood.  As I work to gain strength for upcoming treatment and management of my tumor, I have found that again your love, prayers, and support have helped me switch gears and lean into this new piece of the journey.

One day at a time. I have the strength for that.

Most Sincerely Yours,  Leif.

THE DAILY REPORT / HOPE ABIDES

This has been an informative day consisting of meetings with the Neurological Surgeon, the Radiation Oncologist, and the Hematology Oncologist. Leif has been blessed with great medical doctors. Leif has his incision sutchers removed. The Pathology report came back indicating that the remaining tumor would need to be treated with precision radiation and chemo therapy.  This phase of the healing path will begin soon.  Leif was checked for vision, coordination, blood, weight, and vitals. Leif continues to strengthen himself in body, mind and spirit. Tomorrow he begins outpatient therapy. [PT, ST, OT] Leif has a great attitude and advances on the Recovery Path with faith and practical implementation of common-sense techniques. He is looking forward to returning to work and to community. The upcoming days are KEY in this process. Leif had a good PT walking exercise this evening extending his route. He is making ready for tomorrow’s sessions.

Blog Followers; My thanks to you. There is no greater gift that you can give than to lift your voice unto the Creator of this Universe. In His presence is the love, peace and healing that Leif needs and that each of us need also. He releases these treasures unto us as we spend time with Him in prayer. Praises unto our God!

God Bless; Written by Pop

‘AMAZING GRACE’/ THANK YOU GOD

Leif is pushing hard to gain physical, cognitive, and occupational healing and restoration of health.  Today Leif increased his roadwork, walking now on the streets of the neighborhood.  PT workouts are continual but as a formal walking workout Leif engaged 3 times today. PC, ledger work, journaling made up his cognitive work. Luminosity will be added to ST this week. OT work is being seen in his return to life in the setting of the home, and going about his normal routines. Tensions still are coming into play. This week will bring new information on the upcoming treatment program. Visits to the neurologist, pathologist, and radiologist will come into play this week. Outpatient PT, OT, and ST work will take place. A visit is also slated to the Eye Institute. Please continue to pray for healing in the areas of the incision, tumor, left side weakness, left eye deficit, and all areas that require the touch of our God. Please pray for all of the medical related visits, doctors, therapists, and medical staff that will be involved with Leif this week.

Blessings to the ‘BLOG DISCIPLES’! You are so faithful and so needed. The Healing process is taking a ‘new turn’. We look to our ‘Lord’ to make the way a wonderful and divine experience. We ask our ‘Lord’ to touch Leif with his ‘Healing and Loving Hands’

God Bless,

Written by Pop


Multi-media Addendum by Leif


Finding the strength to push on and the continued motivation has come from many sources.  I have to honestly say, your love, support and prayers have played a major role in my recovery.  Here is another reason, or set of reasons, I have been using...

Meet Abby & Luke (My Beautiful Kiddos.) Today was a wonderful day where we had some time to visit and play.

Hope you all the best this week.  We will keep you posted.

God Bless,

Leif

GOOD TO THE LAST DROP

Hey All, Leif here.

I will be moving on from the inpatient treatment tomorrow with their blessings and instructions.  This did not stop them, however, from putting a full day's agenda together for me:)  The therapies today were the most challenging yet for each of the discipline areas (Cognitive, occupational and physical).

Hidden in the middle of my day, the LORD blessed me with a great motivator.  One off my therapists that was standing in for the regularly scheduled one was a member of my church ( 4 Corners Community Church).  I got to catch up on the latest happenings and felt a great re-connection to my church family through my session.

Blog Viewers; thanks for your faithful support. Your prayers definitely are making a big difference. Stay tuned in for the next phase of healing. God Bless!

RECOVERY PATH; CHANGES AHEAD

Leif was up early and getting started with his therapy. The first session was PT.  Leif was out walking and doing steps on a longer route. The session continued with a lower body workout with leg weights. ST followed with ‘Advanced Memory Instructions”.  This was challenging and Leif did very well. After lunch OT followed. This was an upper body workout with weights done in a group setting.  Pushing the limits was the way of therapy today. The nurses are cleaning the incision area to remove clots. This will ready the area for stitch removal next week. Leif’s pain levels are lower than a week ago dropping to ‘3-4’ as a base line. Leif is looking good and has a great appetite.  As Leif shared yesterday, good changes are coming. The current inpatient therapy program will shift to an outpatient therapy program this week.  The next phase of treatment is approaching. Leif is strong in faith, being strengthened in body, and ready for the next steps. 

‘Blog Followers’, you are the ‘Soldiers of Prayer’ in Leif’s struggle. We thank you and salute your ‘faith in action’. Many victories are already in place and there will be many more to come. You have a part in these victories!  All Praise unto our Lord, the ‘Lord of Host’.

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New Horizons

Hey All, Leif Here.

Today was a productive day in many ways.  First, I was able to participate in therapy sessions that were both challenging, but also contained multiple disciplines.  For example, an occupational therapy session that was challenging physically.  Definitely got the full bit of activity today!

Today was also the day when my review and potential discharge plans were discussed with my family and me. This was so we could be aware of their professional views of what it will take to transfer me out of the inpatient treatment and rehabilitation environment and into a more self-supporting role elsewhere.  The prognosis is looking up as a recommended approach to outpatient therapies was the primary focus!!  I can't begin to express how much all your love, prayers and support have added to these victories.  That's all for today as I begin to consider these new directions.  With my sincere Love and blessings,

Leif

CHANGES COMING; GOOD STUFF

Leif’s day went well, but with challenges. Challenges come in the form of tensions that build when the timing of the medications, therapies, and meal times are in conflict.  Being ready for the therapy and staying ahead of the tensions [headaches] is the goal. The ST, OT, and PT therapists are pushing the envelope and that is a good challenge and the purpose for Leif being at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital. Cognitive work, dexterity work, and balance work were all on the table today. Leif is putting in a full day’s work on strengthening goals and working on all motor and cognitive skills. Homework is assigned for off duty work. Leif’s pain level is on a baseline of 3-4. This is coming down, but tensions sometimes drives in up. Tomorrow Leif and family will meet with the HealthSouth Therapy Group to discuss the next steps for Leif, both at inpatient therapy and at home. Leif’s attitude is great. Tonight he said that “The Lord doesn’t want us to miss what he is doing in our lives”. Thank you Lord!

Blog friends; Leif and I will keep you posted with updates. Leif is totally focused on his goals for recovery at this time. He will update you again soon. Thanks for your faithful prayers. Your prayers and compassion are making the difference and are felt by Leif and the family.

Written by Pop

Attitude Ajustment

Leif Here.

Today my Physical, Occupational and Cognitive therapies (PT, OT and ST/CT) were both challenging and  rewarding...leaving me ready for a good night's rest.  Physical discomforts were managed well today, allowing me full participation in all my activities.

In the past few days, sometimes it seems like with so many little course changes recently, I had allowed a bit of commotion to cloud my focus.

Now having had a few stable days in a row, I feel like a pilot that just made a minor course correction.  Feeling better about rehabilitation's daily positive outcomes, and feeling better and stronger every day certainly goes a long way to cultivate a healthy outlook and attitude about the future!

Thanks to all your support, love, and prayers, I just look forward to the great things that are yet to come:)

PATH TO OPTIMAL READINESS

Leif had a great day today, although the pain level [7] crept back in at the close of the evening. He is looking great. Leif’s day started with the OT [Occupational Therapist]. Leif showered and shaved in this session.  After a break he worked with the PT [Physical Therapist]. Today the PT session consisted of walking and walking faster. Steps up and down were next in the session. Later Leif worked with the ST. Speech and Cognitive Therapist. His therapy evaluations are getting higher. Let’s keep these therapy sessions in our prayers because they are very beneficial. They are ‘key components’ in the pathway to ‘optimal readiness’ for upcoming treatment. Sodium levels are ok now. Leif is concerned about his rash and sensitivity in his left hand. There are some deficits to remember in our prayers, left eye vision block and weakness on the left. Great improvements are visible and clearly seen!  Praise to our God!

Leif was blessed to have two neurosurgeons operate on him who are rated in the top 1% nationally. He is blessed to have great ‘Blog Friends’ like you who care and share their hearts with our ‘Father God’.  Thank you for your faithful prayers! Our God is listening, our God is working, our God is healing! God Bless!

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A NEW PATH, THERAPY AND HEALING

Today Leif‘s day started at University NSICU.  Breakfast, medications and therapies were on his agenda. PT sessions went well, walking and exercise. He was seen by the doctors and the Pain Management Team. His regimen of medications was adjusted. During his stay at University, Leif had a chest x-ray which revealed some lung congestion.  He was given an inhale device to clean out the lungs. Leif’s blood pressure is being monitored and is a little high. Leif was seen later by his HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital Case Administrator. The path to HealthSouth was reset for 7 to 10 days of therapy. He returned to HealthSouth in mid-afternoon. This is a great outcome for Leif and will put him under the guidance of excellent PT, OT, and ST therapists. When we visited Leif tonight, he looked great and was in good spirits. His pain level was around 5+. Leif’s goals are to settle into this time at HealthSouth Therapy and to prepare to get home in a healthy way, equipped with the tools he needs to go forward in this healing process.

Blog Friends; thanks for taking these daily updates on Leif and converting them into prayers addressed to the Lord on High. All Praise unto our God.

Written by Pop

RECOVERY BACK ON TRACK

 Today was a great day for Leif. Leif looked great, relaxed and renewed! [Go Figure!]  His pain levels tonight were in the 3-4 range. This is very good compared to days before. Although there is still swelling, the problem swelling that appeared yesterday has disappeared. His blood pressure is now normal. All cognitive signs are now fine.  Leif is eating with a good appetite. His PT [physical therapy] session today was very good. He had two walking times.  Leif’s doctor came in and chatted with him.  He feels that the reason for Leif’s move to University was precautionary due to the supporting reports received. When Leif spoke with the Pain Management Team a consensus was reached that the problems the day before were possibly chemical related. [Medications]  There was a low sodium reading which came into play. Please pray that the medications are reviewed and set in place to best fit Leif’s current health issues.  As healing continues the medications will drop off by God’s Grace. The medical teams will soon decide what is best for Leif next. Continued inpatient therapy at HealthSouth or outpatient therapy from home will be the considerations. He continues to strive to remain centered through reading the Holy Text.

Blog Brothers and Sisters, God Bless each of you, as you lift Leif up in prayer and encouraging support. Your acts of faithful prayer are felt by Leif and the family. God Bless!

Written by Pop

POTHOLE ON RECOVERY ROAD

Today Leif’s day started in the normal way, breakfast, medications, and therapy. Around lunch time his doctor recognized Leif‘s blood pressure was high and that there was increased swelling around the incision area.  This condition was causing sleepiness and some disorientation.  Leif’s main health care managers and doctors decided the best solution was to send Leif to University Hospital NICU. Leif arrived at University Hospital at about 4:30 PM. We arrived a bit later and Leif shared with us that he was having a different type of pain in his trauma area, more intense. Leif had a CT scan which was reviewed by the neurologist and medical staff.  The doctors are proactive in their approach to eliminate any problems before they can get bigger. They will look at possible infections, fluids, medications, and other potential causes for this problem.  Let’s pray that the recommendations by the medical team are the right solutions to correct this serious problem. By the Grace of God Leif will be back at HealthSouth and plugging into his therapies very soon.

Blog Friends; thanks so much for being there for Leif. When you are in the deep, you need the prayers and the help of your friends. God Bless!

Written by Pop

TODAY WAS GOOD, BUT IT WAS ROUGH

Leif reports that today was a ‘good day’, and that he feels ‘OK’.  He was sharing his day with me as he was trying to eat. The top pain levels were in the 5-6 range today, down from 7-8 range that was common a few days ago. The next goal is to see the headache pain levels fall even more.  Leif had ‘2’ PT sessions today.  The first was with dumbbells. During this session, Leif had some brain tension and had to back it off. Later during his 2^nd PT session he had good results in his walking workout. The ST worked with Leif in the cognitive speech and visual block area. This was very beneficial. Leif let me know that ‘it is rough’, but progress is happening. Leif had the opportunity to interact and pray with other patients today in the therapy sessions. Leif shared that he was looking forward to his shower and a good night’s rest. Let’s pray that health improvements continue day by day this week! 

Blog Followers; Thanks for your faithful and steadfast support. Your comments are encouraging to Leif. Your prayers are invaluable. The Holy Text states that ‘the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and his ears are attentive unto their prayers’. God Bless!

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A BETTER DAY, PAIN LEVELS DROP

Today, Sunday, was a better day for Leif. He was more relaxed and looked better. Leif starts his day with cereal and a banana to get his metabolism moving and get some nutrients into his stomach. The intensity of his headaches came down to a level ‘5’ today. Praises!  The headaches had been in the’7-8’ range which as you can imagine are ‘hard to bear’. Factors that affected this change are prayers, controlled environment, medications and meals coming on a timely basis. Leif is pro-active in his communication with the HealthSouth staff and nurses. He understands the timing of rest, meals, medications and therapy must align to keep the head trauma managed until healing comes. The therapists will conduct a meeting with Leif to set their programs in place. Thus far evaluations and exercises have given them some basis for recommending therapies. Leif is getting stronger and has had increased outcomes in his therapies this week.

Also Leif will meet with Dr. Warnick’s representative from University Point to discuss his case. This week will consist of meetings, therapies, and appointments. Leif has said that; this has been a week of learning the ropes and that this week ahead seems to be coming together in an organized manner. Leif spends time in the ‘Word of God’ and in His presence so that he will recognize the Lord’s lamp in his life and in his day. He has requested his PC be brought to him.

Grace and Blessings unto you, Blog Friends of Leif, your strong compassionate prayers and faithful support are making the difference. This week is ‘Key’.  We will see improvements caused by our God and Savior’s loving help!

Written by Pop

‘HARD TIMES BECOME HARDER’

Today Leif’s day included Physical Therapy [PT] and Speech/Language Therapy [ST]. The therapists even assign homework. Following his morning routine of breakfast and medications Leif was tackling his therapy. It is important for Leif to maximize his therapy, but while doing therapy [PT and OT] his pain often becomes great. The pain associated with the trauma area of the brain can become severe. Today was an especially hard day for Leif. He experienced what he calls a few ‘Hiccups’. This is the current dilemma and will improve as the day of his tumor surgery becomes more distant. Please pray that Leif’s head trauma heals and that his pain subsides.

Leif was assigned a private room which will accommodate his needs better. This is a blessing. Leif has some upcoming appointments with his doctors to review all medications and treatments. 

Blog Warriors, I salute you! You are carrying the fallen in prayer as the ‘Good Samaritan’ cared for the brother in need. The Lord bless you and bless Leif with healing from his ‘High Place’.

Written by Pop

Therapy at HEALTHSOUTH; 'It is Hard'

  Today Leif was up at 6AM to have his vitals taken, receive his medications, and have his cereal and banana.  The PT [Physical Therapist] had Leif work out with Elastic bands today. He was working on 4 muscle groups doing 20 reps each.  A headache came during the workout. The OT [Occupational Therapist] had Leif doing walking and stairs today. The ST [Speech Therapist] worked with Leif’s cognitive abilities. She said his abilities are through the roof. These classes help to move Leif along on the ‘Path to Recovery’. Leif shared tonight:  ‘there is a purpose for this time in my life; I seek the Lord in order to keep my spiritual and mental balance’.

Blog Friends, Leif says ‘It is hard’. Let’s be strong and carry him into the presence of the Lord through prayer. Thank you friends! Improvements are seen in his life daily.  He has pain, he has some deficits, but he is a faithful fighter.

Written by Pop