#77

Today was an interesting day but a great one! Staci and Elaine went to Hoag this morning for her PT and PT therapy sessions. At OT they worked the entire time on her posture. Along with her arm "waking up," the pain is also caused from her inconsistent posture. The stroke obviously caused muscle weakness, and as a result, she isn't able to roll her shoulders back and pinch her scapula together without prompts. It seems that for now, her brain is only able to receive the message one way, by placing her arm straight behind her. This is actually a good sign that her brain is able to receive the message at all. Often times, it is lost and unrecoverable. It will take some time for it to become automatic for her brain, but the great news is, it will eventually! The therapist shared with us that this is an exciting development!


Elaine spent the next hour walking and her strides and steps were the best we have seen! It was also a big graduation day. She didn't have to wear the big heavy vest with a cord attached to the ceiling. They are so confident that she won't fall and that she is so stable. It was incredible to watch her walking heel to toe. They are continuing to work on her straightening her knee as she steps, as well as taking equal size steps. She has been so focused on her left that she takes a great step with her left leg and a smaller one with her right. Oddly enough, her right leg has weakened because of the focus on her left leg and her knee is bending and rolling in. The therapist recognized that quickly today and had her doing some side step exercises with band to strengthen BOTH legs. If its not one thing, its the other! She did great though! She is without question the hardest worker in the room and you can see all the therapists trying to watch her too. They appreciate her dedication and work ethic.

After therapy, Staci and Elaine headed over to see the oncologist. We weren't sure why the appointment was necessary, but we went anyway. Even the oncologist finally agrees its most likely (they never will say anything with 100% certainty) not cancer. None of us were concerned anymore but it was comforting to hear her say it. She has was the last to agree because it is rare to have scar tissue there. We have always told Elaine, she never gets the normal things! They scheduled one last CT scan to make sure the spots are shrinking or at least not growing, but there are no indications that we should be worried. It was great to hear! She was very impressed with Elaine's progress and hard work. She could tell that she had been loyal to her therapy, and that it is definitely paying off!

Staci and Elaine celebrated the nice morning with a delicious lunch and then Elaine took a nap. UCLA called this afternoon. They are the hospital conducting the Fast Mag clinical trail that Elaine received in the ambulance that morning. We are quite sure she received the real Magnesium, and obviously we are believers it helped. She agreed to be part of the study which includes some follow ups visits throughout the past 11 weeks. They are coming down next week and we are sure they will be very excited with her progress and the possibility that the Fast Mag helped.

Julie cooked a wonderful healthy dinner tonight and they all relaxed at home. Elaine is excited for a rest day tomorrow with no therapy. Julie and Elaine have an exciting afternoon planned though. Those two will be loose on the town again. Its so hard to believe that 11 weeks ago tonight, Elaine was just leaving the Francois house after dinner and playing with the kids. She drove herself home and none of us could have possibly imagined what happened the next day. God and Elaine's angels were looking out for her because it happened at the only time she could have been saved that morning. We are so grateful for so many things.

#76

Today was a great day! Elaine started off with a two hour therapy session with Paul. He hadn't seen her for a few days. She worked a lot on walking. They are trying to get her to straighten her leg after a step. Since her stroke, because of her muscle weakness, it is very hard for her to straighten her leg  - specifically because of calf and hamstring weakness. We actually noticed a difference when she was walking today. It was really cool!

After therapy, we took a homemade (thanks to Julie, who is a superb baker) to the paramedics that took Elaine to the hospital that fateful morning. Unfortunately, the paramedics that were on the call that morning were not at the station but the ones that were there were thrilled. They were going to try and save a few pieces for two of the medics that will be back in on Saturday. They were so excited to see Elaine moving so well. One of them remembered hearing the call when it came through and hearing her situation was dire. Elaine was much happier to be on the outside looking in at the ambulance this time around. The firemen and medics were so nice and even gave the kids a tour of the engine. It it something Elaine and Julie have wanted to so for some time now. The station was truly happy to see her doing so well. They said it is rare they get to hear or see the outcome of people they rush to the ER and to have a happy ending made their day. We are certainly indebted to them!

After that, Elaine had a burst of energy! She and Julie went to the mall and literally shopped until they dropped! The sisters had a fun afternoon together and share such a special relationship. We still aren't sure where Elaine gets her energy from. We are quite certain that Grandma Ida sent her some extra strength today to get her around the mall and was especially proud when they browsed the shoe section.

Julie cooked a delicious dinner tonight and hopefully they will have a good night tonight. Both Fred and Elaine slept really well last night. Little Darlin' is still in pain. Elaine was telling Paul (her PT) about all the pain she is in. He agreed its good and has heard how painful it is from other patients.

Tomorrow we are off to more therapy and a visit to the cancer doctor. We aren't exactly sure why but hope this will be the last time we EVER see her.

This was a funny pic we wanted to share of Franny climbing the lemon tree for Elaine. Elaine loves her lemons from the desert and thanks to someones takes about a lemon a day to keep everything away.

#75

It was back to the grind for Elaine today. She went back to Hoag for her two hour therapy session, after her Easter break "vacation." It went well and she continued to improve. The first hour they focused primarily on walking. The next hour was spent on Little Darlin'. Elaine did have a self-described "meltdown" in the middle of therapy. She looked at herself in the mirror and didn't like what she saw and began to cry. The therapist was actually very happy to see her feeling those emotions. She said it is all part of the healing and recovery process. It makes her human to have those moments, and if she didn't, it wouldn't be normal. She continued to fight after that and worked her butt off.

Her brother Marino came by this afternoon and was thrilled with her progress. Her siblings have all said they don't know where she gets her strength and determination. They look up to her so much and they are in awe of her. She continues to make everyone proud and have such an impact on everyones' lives.

Tonight, Julie, Richie, Fred, and Elaine had dinner together. Elaine is tired tonight and has therapy in the morning. Little Darlin' is still plugging away - still in pain but not really getting worse. A moment doesn't go by for us that we don't think about Elaine, all that she is dealing with, and her dedication to get better. She is our inspiration and makes whatever our challenges are seem like a cakewalk. We are in constant awe of Fred as well. He is equally dedicated and through is actions has shown us what true love is all about! We are so lucky to have such incredible role models.

#74

April 9, 2012

Carry over. That is today's word. Fred and Elaine left the desert today, but their spirit lingered on. Elaine's courage through this ordeal has been amazing and her willpower has been contagious. Our great friend Drew epitomizes the multi-generational appeal of Elaine! She has not taken the bracelet off since she received it!

To emphasize the adult appeal of Elaine, her great friend Pat ordered a round of drinks to celebrate the progress!

Elaine had a wonderful weekend in the desert. She was exhausted and Little Darlin' was tried and achey from all the attention! We were all touched by everyone that visited, said hello, or called. It gave Elaine so much strength and felt she felt so much love. She was anxious to get back to therapy, which starts early tomorrow morning and continue on with her amazing progress. She wants her life back!

#73

April 8, 2012

Happy Easter! Elaine was as busy as the Easter bunny today. She will probably feel like she is on vacation when she gets backs to Newport and her regular therapy schedule.

The whole crew headed out to Madison for Easter Brunch. Elaine looked absolutely gorgeous with her hair done and beautiful white dress. We all managed to stuff ourselves with multiple courses including desserts.

After they pried the forks from our hands, the kids enjoyed an egg hunt on the driving range. We left the club and had a great visit and home tour with Michael and Lori.  Their home is stunning, and their kinds words and love mean the world to Fred and Elaine.

Fred and Elaine headed home for an afternoon of relaxation with plans to watch the final round of The Masters. They had a few visitors stop by to say Happy Easter. Pat, Scotty, Kris, and Brendan (and Sean) popped over and shared some laughs while watching a few holes of golf.

Suzy and Mike came by the house to check on Elaine's amazing progress in person.  Suzy hadn't seen Elaine in the hospital and was floored by how great she looked and all the progress she has made since then.

This trip back to the desert has been eye-opening for our family. One recurring theme that we have heard is that Elaine is an incredible inspiration to everyone whose lives she has touched. Several people have recounted stories of instances when something isn't going right for them or they are challenged in some way. Instead of getting mad or feeling sorry for themselves, they look at their wrist and see that little pink rubber bracelet and are instantly inspired to complete their task and have a positive attitude about it. They think to themselves that if Elaine can fight and win her battle after such a dramatic setback, then they can definitely get past whatever issues they are facing.

We certainly had a wonderful Easter and have so much to be thankful for. Kris (who used to work with stroke victims) also agreed that the pain Little Darlin' is feeling is a very good sign and said she will also feel burning as her body is waking up. Sure enough, as she was getting ready for bed tonight, her arm has a burning sensation. Elaine is very excited! Staci and Ben have given Elaine hand/arm, and foot massages the past few nights and Elaine is convinced that has helped, too. She actually slept well last night and is eager to keep Little Darlin' active. Happy Easter!

#72

April 7, 2012

Love and support.  Those are the words for the day. Spending time in the desert has made all of us even more aware of all of the love and support that Elaine has as she fights towards recovery. It is a very humbling experience to hear the concern in voices and see the love and emotion in the faces of Elaine's friends here in the desert. Everyone we run into wants to come by and see her or is insistent that we tell her that they have been praying for her.


Elaine had what is now becoming typical - an incredibly busy day. She spent the morning with Mary. Mary then took her to see Girard to have her hair done.  As always, that was a fun experience. It was really nice for Elaine to spend some quality time with Mary, one of her oldest and closest friends.

They arrived back at the Vintage just in time to have lunch with Staci, Ben, their kids, Alli and Breck, their kids, and Breck's mom.  Table for 13 please!  Elaine also had the chance to visit with Jo while they were at lunch.

There was plenty more action after lunch. Elaine headed to the gym to attempt to loosen up her back and ease the pain that Little Darlin' has been recently enduring.

After all of that, Elaine headed home to visit with more of her great friends. Kim visited from just down the street.  Pat and Carlene stopped by to say hello, bringing a gift box the size of Elaine! They joked that Jay was going to jump out. Sandy, the Plote Family, Beverly, and Barbara also came by. So did Fred's close pals, Ron and Jim. It was a great afternoon of visiting and friendship. Elaine is so touched by the outpouring of love. Sandy shared with Elaine that she is really happy to hear of the pain Little Darlin' is causing Elaine. She said it is the nerve endings waking up and while very painful, a very good sign of things to come. It gave Elaine comfort to hear that.

After a very busy afternoon, Elaine laid down for some rest.  Most people would have had enough at that point, but not Elaine! She ended up going to dinner with Fred and John and Carol!  She is such a trooper! We are so proud of her for attitude and her will to overcome!  Happy Easter!  Be thankful for the family and friends who love you and who you love!  There is nothing more important than that!

Please take a moment to read this post from our great friend Ashley. When she has every reason to focus on herself, she decides to write about Elaine.  They are both so inspirational!

http://www.lilblueboo.com/2012/04/photo-of-the-day-10-weeks.html

#71

April 6, 2012

It all began 10 weeks ago today! Pretty crazy!

The day started off well. Elaine was greeted by her three little angels in bed, each one eager to help her start her morning. They relaxed in bed for a bit with some heat on Little Darlin' since she was still very sore. Fred got up early to play a little golf and Elaine was a little lost without him, but Staci tried her best. Elaine wanted to go over to the fitness center this morning to see her friends/trainers there who have all been so supportive. It was an emotional greeting for them all and as Elaine said, " I can't believe this happened, but at least I'm not dead!" We watched the kids play at camp for a bit and then Elaine took a little rest before a very active and busy rest of her day.

Elaine and Staci went to lunch at Sammy's with Pat, Marty, Rockee and Cindy. They had a wonderful time, enjoying pizza and a very messy sundae. Initially, everyone was hesitant to order dessert. The moment it was set at the table, not many words were said until it was gone - and I mean all the way gone. There was not a nut to be had! Elaine really enjoyed having lunch with some of her best buddies. They gossiped, laughed, and educated Staci on the conversation topics as you get a little bit older. Staci definitely turned red a few times:) Elaine was very excited to have lunch with her friends - all of whom were all amazed she at how well her recovery is going!

Elaine came home and was greeted by several friends who couldn't wait to give her  a hug. Louise, Anne, Shirley, Marty and Rich, all came by. She enjoyed seeing everyone so much!






















We all went to the Palm Court for dinner. The Hackshaw family joined us. Elaine has found so much strength through Ashley and her battles. We celebrated life, Choosing Joy, friendship, and two remarkable women fighting for their lives with courage  and strength. It was really nice. They both happen to be married to incredible men who support their wives through the toughest of times and exemplify true love!

Elaine was overwhelmed with all the love from her Vintage family. She is so touched by the people that she doesn't even know who come up and say hello. Again, from all of us, thank you and please know how much you all mean to us! She is so humbled by all the love and hugs she gets from people. It gives her even more strength talking to people, hearing their stories of triumph, and just feeling the love from everyone.

Elaine was completely exhausted tonight but had a great day. Little Darlin' still continues to cause her a lot of pain. Fred was rubbing her back at dinner trying to ease the tension. Elaine amazes us with her strength and continues to inspire us. We love her so much!

In other exciting news, Elaine drove the golf cart for the first time today! It was the first time she has driven "heavy machinery" in 10 weeks. It was very exciting and we are thrilled to report that it was just like riding a bike for Elaine. She did great. She likes to drive in the middle of the road. We believe that is her sub conscious that is nervous that she will be run over by another driver.