Bleeker Update 8/29/09

Scott spoke with Jennifer Sunday night.  She says that they will be moving Brian to St. Elias Hospital either today or tomorrow.  Alaska Regional has done everything they can to stabilize Brian and St. Elias will now focus on intensive rehabilitation when the time comes that Brian is ready for that. 
St. Elias is located at 4800 Cordova Street.  Jennifer is not sure of the visiting hours or policies at St. Elias, but she did say that they are very family oriented and they highly encourage visitors as "family and friend involvement plays a crucial part in recovery".  Jennifer said she will update the blog as soon as she has visiting information.  Please wait for further information. 
For more information on Brian's status, please see the blog posts from the past couple of days. 

Sunday 8/30/09

Jennifer reports that Brian was off his ventilator for eight hours yesterday.  He was bothered though with hiccups and coughing junk out of his lungs.  Jennifer thinks these distractions were making it more difficult for him to make eye contact with her during the day.

Plan is to move him tomorrow over to  St. Elias.  We will give you details about where that is when the time comes.

8/28/09 Catch UP

Brian has been through two procedures that still have him pretty groggy.  They installed the feed tube directly into his stomach and they installed his breathing tube into his trachea.  He is still under the influence of those two procedures and is part of the reason why some visitors were turned away.  The Loews and Leo Powell are two that I know of.

On the home front Brian has now been told that his shop is now insulated inside and out.  Jennifer isn't sure he comprehended that.  Also, Dave Cruz has put Mark Lacross to work doing work on the house.  They are building a handicap accessible deck for the house and venting the crawl space and finishing other things inside.  Jennifer wasn't ready to move out completely so they could do the sheetrock so that will wait for now.

Ray is working at getting the chimney problems fixed.  Will probably involve a metalbestas section installed closer to the house.

As we Agree Together

As we lift up Brian together today in prayer and fasting I thought I would post the verses that Aunt Francis is hanging on to for Brian.  If any of the rest of you want to share what the Lord showed you today- feel free to post comments.

Isaiah 41:10,13- "Don't be afraid, I am with you.  

Don't tremble with fear.

I am your God.

I will make you strong,

As I protect you with my arm

And give you victories.

I am the Lord your God.

I am holding your hand,

So don't be afraid.

I am here to help you."

Bleeker Update 8/26/09

Brian had another very encouraging day.  The PEG Tube (feeing tube) procedure went very well with no complications.  In addition, this morning, when the nurses were moving Brian, the ventilator tube (the one that he's been chomping on) disconnected and surprise, Brian continued to breath fine at 100%.  He didn't hyperventilate and his respirations remained steady.  When Jenn came in later in the morning, Brian had no tubes on his face!  He's been coughing, but he did alright all day long without the ventilator.  The Doctor says they'll plan to do a tracheotomy if necessary, but Brian did fine today with no assistance.  At one point, he did start to have difficulty breathing and the nurse went to get respiratory therapy to assist.  But when the nurse returned, Jennifer had managed to calm Brian down by singing to him and he was able to bring his respirations under control without medical assistance.

Jennifer says that all day today Doctors and nurses kept taking a double take at Brian.  They couldn't believe his progress!  Praise the Lord.  Jennifer is thankful that someone has provided a CD player for Brian and some hymns for him to listen to.  She says he's really enjoyed the music and it has visibly relaxed him.  Brian was very tired and groggy from the feeding tube procedure.  He slept most of the day, but he is still squeezing with his hands and he's started to groan and make some noise.

The court proceedings this morning were quick and easy.  Jennifer was in and out in 10 minutes.  She thanks you for your prayers for her. 
It sounds like the Doctors are beginning to consider where to move Brian when he is discharged from the Critical Care Unit.  His discharge will likely not be for quite some time, but the Doctor that Jenn talked to today is leaning toward moving Brian to St. Elias for rehabilitation.  This location would provide Brian with highly skilled staff prepared to deal with neurological rehabilitation.  The Doctors don't believe that there is anyplace in the Mat-Su that would be able to provide the neurological rehab that Brian will need.  In addition, Alaska Regional doesn't offer the rehab.  Jennifer asks that we please pray for wisdom for her and the Doctors as they consider what is best for Brian.  She asks that we pray that the medical staff would not make any random, quick draw decisions, but that God would give them wisdom in their decisions for Brian. 

Bleeker Update 8/25/09

Tonight, Jennifer says that Brian is continuing on the path of recovery.  This afternoon, they took the drain tube out of his brain.  Brian has been squeezing with his hand on command.  Jenn was particularly excited because Brian was able to stroke her hand with his right thumb!  Brian is responsive enough that the breathing tube is really starting to bother him.  He chomps his teeth at it and he starts to panic and gag.  If Jenn or the nurse just reminds him to slow down and take deep, slow breaths, he calms back down.  Brian will have a procedure tomorrow to remove the feeding tube that is inserted through his nose.  There is a risk of continual sinus infections if the tube is left in.  Instead, they will be putting a feeding tube directly into his stomach through his side.  In addition, they are considering a tracheotomy procedure in order to remove the tube in his mouth.  Brian still cannot swallow his secretions, so a tracheotomy or breathing tube is essential.  
Tomorrow, Jen goes to court at 9 AM for guardianship.  The kids are doing well and they are now staying at home with Jen at night.  She's excited to have them back in the house. 
Prayer Requests:

-Praise the Lord for the progress that Brian has made.

-Pray for Jennifer's strength.  She is running on a very hectic and straining schedule.  Pray that God would allow her to stay healthy.

-Pray for the children's understanding and trust in the Lord. 
-Pray for the Lord to meet the family's practical needs like the many responsibilities around the house, meal prep, childcare, etc.  Praise God for the many, many ways that He has already provided for these needs.

-Pray for financial provision for the many medical bills and praise the Lord for the many, many ways that He has provided for the family's financial needs.

Prayer and Fasting Day- 8/27/09

Greg Jacobs suggested that we set a day for prayer and fasting for Brian.  I talked with Jennifer last night and she thought it was a good idea and suggested Thursday.  Lets give that day to God and Brian and watch what He will do.

I visited Brian yesterday morning (Monday AM) and found him asleep.   I did not try to waken him.  Jennifer said that in the afternoon he was awake and they were communicating with winks.  I think one wink was yes and two was no.  He also squeezed her hand with both his right and left hand.  As far as I know it is the first time his left side has responded.

Yesterday Ray, Gerald, and Jennifer prepared the shop for the final application of urethane that is to happen today- I believe compliments of  Darell Greenstreet.  Jennifer is also thankful to have a spare tire and rim for her car now compliments of Diversified Tire.  She was turned down for medicare.  Tomorrow she goes to court for guardianship.

Shayne's Visit- Saturday- 8/22/09

The last report I got was from Shayne who visited Brian on Saturday.  He had not seen the posting about Brian's responses Friday night but he did find Brian's eyes open and he really felt that Brian was communicating with his blinking and was expressing frustration at not being able to do more.  The nurse told him that he had been on and off life system support on Saturday.

Bleeker- Waking up- 8/21/09

Rebecca talked to Jennifer earlier this evening. Jennifer shared that this afternoon Brian opened his eyes and looked around. Tonight, Rebecca and I visited Brian from about 10:45-11:15PM. After I told Jenn about our visit, she asked us to include what transpired in an update.

The nurse shared with us that Brian is completely stable and breathing on his own. After a little while I began to read Scripture to him (2 Cor. 4:16-5:9). Rebecca and I decided to sing a song to Brian called “Before the Throne of God Above”. As I sang (and throughout the visit) I maintained consistent eye contact with him. I noticed that his eyes opened up more than normal and he was blinking. I was so sure that he was aware and looking at me that I had to stop several times and just say hi. His responsiveness definitely increased when we sang to him. I continued talking to him after the song, while he continued to focus his eyes on me. He opened his mouth wide a couple times as if to say something and seemed like he wanted to communicate. I let him know that he would not be able to talk for a while, and that he should take it easy. Meanwhile, Rebecca went to tell the nurse what Brian was doing. She came into the room and began talking to him. She opened his left eye wide and asked him to follow her hand as she moved it side to side—he followed her hand with his eye, first to the right, then to the left. She asked him to squeeze her hand, but I do not think he did. It really seemed that he wanted to talk, and, for a bit, his breathing increased; he was a little worked up. I encouraged him to calm down. In response, he did calm down. After that, he continued to fixate his eyes on me as Rebecca and I reassured him that Jennifer and the kids were doing well and that their needs are being met. We talked to him a little more, prayed with him, and encouraged him to rest and let his body get strong. When we left, he was resting again.

He was definitely responding to us tonight. What a praise to the Lord for answered prayer!

Jennifer says visitors are welcome.

The Meeting that Finally Was

About 1 PM this afternoon we finally met with Dr Cohen (neurosurgeon)  the social worker, and  the discharge nurse.  Dr Delgatto (the internist who only gave Brian a 10-15% chance of surviving) was not there.

Dr Cohen informed us that Brian's right hemisphere is very damaged.  He was cautiously much more optimistic than Dr Delgatto about Brian's survival.  He did say that if Brian survives he will probably have a significant amount of impairment on the left side of his body.  He did indicate that Brian's brain stem reflexes are working and that it is certainly worth moving him toward recovery.  He indicated that with brain injuries like Brian's the immune system is impaired and it is normal to have to deal with fluid on the lungs that can develop into pneumonia as well as urinary tract infections.  He indicated that Brian should eventually be able to speak and think normally but would be a candidate for rehabilitation after getting out of the hospital.  He anticipates that Brian will be in ICU for a couple more weeks.  Brian's body systems are mostly functioning on their own with only occasional  assistance from life support.  He  considers the artificial support as  a temporary need.

I think we were all anticipating a much more dismal report and a recommendation to stop life support.  We are thankful for hope but painfully aware that at best Brian is in for a lengthy recovery and possibly permanent limitations.  On the other hand he could turn for the worse and find himself recovering with Jesus.  Of course the option we would prefer humanly is that he would be healed outright here and now.  

We can only ask, seek, and knock on heaven's door (with thanksgiving) and patiently wait for the Lord's answer.

Another Meeting that Wasn't

A number of us met at the hospital but the neurosurgeon, Dr. Cohen, was called into an emergency surgery at another hospital so our meeting was called off.  Attempts were going to be made to reschedule for Friday.  

Bleeker Update- The Meeting- Thursday, 7 PM, 8/20/09

I spoke with Jenn today.  She said that there hasn't been much change in Brian's condition since the last update.  They are still draining fluid off of his brain and his Blood Pressure and pulse are still up and down.  Quiet, short visits are welcome and encouraged.  She asked me to remind everyone that he is in the Critical Care Unit, fourth floor of Alaska Regional.  Visiting hours are from 8:30 AM through 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM through 7:00 AM.  After 9 PM, the main doors to the hospital are locked; however, visitors can get in through the E.R. entrance and then go through E.R. to get to the tower elevators to go upstairs.

The family meeting has been scheduled for 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 20. Jennifer asks that we pray for wisdom for all the family members, doctors, and case workers involved and that the family can agree on the decisions that need to be made. 
In my interactions with Jennifer, I've been touched by the peace the Lord has given her.  She belongs to the Lord; she is His sheep; He is her shepherd, and she just seems to be at peace with her Lord. She trusts in His sovereign care over Brian and her family.  I truly believe that the Lord is giving her special grace for the situation she is in.  It is evident that the Lord is her comforter in this difficult time. Please continue to pray fervently for her.  She is very, very thankful for your prayers. 

The Meeting that Wasn't

It turns out that the meeting we thought we were arranging was actually being arranged by Brian and Jennifer's case worker.  There are a lot of players involved so it is not an easy task but will probably take place later this week.  The case worker worked with Jennifer today to get guardianship powers through the court.  They had neither power of attorney or a will so this will help Jennifer do business.

Ray and Darlene spent a good part of the day at the hospital and it is evident that the prognosis is not good for Brian.  We will not know the facts  that support that prognosis until we meet with the specialists later this week.  Of course there is time and room for God to surprise us all in the meantime.  Pray that His will be done on this piece of  "earth" named Brian.

Dr. Calls for Family Meeting- Update 1 PM 8/17/09

The Doctor's report today was very discouraging and asked for the family to get together  for a talk.  We are tentatively planning to meet with the Dr. tomorrow morning.

Update 8,9 August 15- Sonya Vaughn

I spoke with Jen this evening and Brian has taken a turn for the worse early this afternoon.  There is too much fluid on his brain and the doctors had to insert a tube to drain it.  He also has an infection in his lungs.  This evening they informed Jen that they would be doing a bronchoscopy.  They are planning on washing out the lungs with a saline solution to clean them out.

Jen herself is still having a lot of back pain.  She was able to eat a good solid meal this evening and is feeling better in that regards but keep her physical needs in your prayers as she is still driving back and forth and sitting in the uncomfortable hospital chairs.
Her dad flew in last night so he is there with Shirley now and KariAnne and Joseph are staying with them.

Jen told me she was blessed and encouraged by this weeks Grace to You as Pastor MacArthur taught on suffering.  God also used another radio ministry on suffering to minister to Jen as she trusts in Him during this time.  She is continuing to place her trust in God's sovereignty and relying on Him for her comfort and strength.

Update 9

Jen called me at 10 this evening to let us know that the Bronchoscopy went well and they were able to clean out a lot of the infection.  The doctors have said no visitors for Brian at this time.
Please continue to uphold them in your prayers.

Shop Work Party

Today saw the cleanup of Brian's shop.  Doug Prinz, Danny Scheutter,  Greg Jacobs, and Ray, Gerald, Billy and Larry DeVilbiss stripped the loose insulation from the shop walls.  Les Lorentzen brought out a 43 foot container and we got it all loaded up and hauled away.  Meanwhile Brian's father-in-law, Tom, came down from Fairbanks and dug into the semi that was partially disassembled in the old shop and concluded it would take a new cam shaft and a lot more work than anticipated.  I think he left it ready the new parts.

Bleeker Update Seven 8/14/09 PM

I spoke with Jennifer again this evening.  She had the following to report on Brian:  This afternoon, Brian raised his right arm. His fever was up to 102 degrees.  This evening, Jennifer was able to talk to the Doctor.  He said that Brian is unresponsive to voice command, but he responds with his right hand when stimulated with a sternum rub.  His pupils are back to normal dilation; however, his right pupil is larger than the left.  Brian's temperature has fluctuated throughout the day today.  They ran cultures and confirmed that the fever is due to a lung infection that could possibly develop into pneumonia. They've put him on an antibiotic to combat the infection.  At 6:48 PM tonight, Brian moved his left leg and his fever was lower than earlier in the day.  The doctor told Jennifer that Brian is now in a natural, self-induced coma.  He is no longer sedated. 
Jennifer spent a few hours with the children this morning and she enjoyed that time with them.  She's still having a lot of upper back tension and pain.  In addition, she's still fighting a bit of nausea.  She relayed some specific prayer requests.  She asks that we pray for her to be strong in the faith; she asks us to pray that she would have right, God-honoring thoughts and that she would not allow her flesh and emotions to take over.  In addition, she asked for prayer for safety during her frequent, late night trips out to the valley; pray that God would keep the moose out of her way. 
Quiet visits, kept under 20 minutes are welcome now, as long as, Lord-willing, the antibiotics work to get Brian's lung infection under control. 

Billy Visits Brian 8/14/09 8:30 AM

I (Larry) took Billy in this morning so he could understand a little better what is going on.  I'm not sure he recognized Brian but he calmly sat down and waited for me to finish talking to the nurse in charge- Kathy.  She said that Brian is now off sedatives but is still on pain meds.  He is still unconscious and unresponsive.

If Brian could see this I'm sure he would be duly impressed.  The wires and tubes coming out of him are as impressive as any trucks he has rebuilt- and just as clean too.

Bleeker Update Six 8/14/09

I just got a call from Jennifer.  The nurse called her this morning to tell her that they need to give Brian blood.  His blood counts are down and his fever is up.  He's had a fever around 99 for the last day or so, but it has increased this morning.  The nurse also said that he is non-responsive.  However, both eyes are responding a little bit.  Previously, Jennifer had been told that the right eye was "fixed" and that they could not get any response out of that eye at all. 
Jennifer had a good night sleep and is going to spend some time with the children this morning before heading into the hospital for the day. 
Please pray for Brian's fever to come down and pray for Jennifer as she works through the many various tasks and responsibilities that she is faced with. 

Ray DeVilbiss Visit

Ray visited Brian yesterday and encountered the doctor. There is still significant brain swelling and too early for any prognosis. The right eye swelling has gone down. They backed off on some of the sedation for 6 hours but the response was not as good as they hoped and the likely pain discouraged any further reduction. Jennifer's mother lives in Palmer and has the children. 

August 13 Update-Quiet visits Allowed

Sonya and Greg talked with Jennifer today and we have many encouraging things
 to report on Brian's condition.  His blood pressure has stabilized
 and his heart rate came down on its own.  His condition is now
 considered "stable".  The swelling in his eye is decreasing, but
 they are still waiting for the swelling in his brain to decrease.
  He is on minimal sedatives.  The Doctor says they are just waiting
 for him to wake up.  This morning, he did have some tiny movement in
 his fingers.  They did perform a full body CT Scan to determine if
 there were any other fractures or damage.  He does have a minor
 fracture in his C1 vertebrae.  However, the Doctor believes it is so
 minor that it should fuse on its own.  The CT scan showed no other
 signs of fractures.

 Jennifer told Sonya that she is feeling healthy.  She is taking
 vitamins and she has been able to keep food down.  She also said she
 had a good night's sleep last night, although she's been getting to
 bed around 1:30 each night.  She is still wrestling with substantial
 back pain and has been traveling home each night to take hot baths
 and sleep in her own bed with heat packs.  
 Jennifer's mom brought the children over last night to sleep at home
 with Jennifer.  Jennifer said Kari Anne is still pretty quiet, but
 both children are sleeping well again.  They are still staying with
 Jennifer's mom.  
 How can you help the DeVilbiss family?
   -Pray specifically for the family and for God to be glorified and
 honored in them.    -Send Jennifer a Carrs/Safeway gas card or cash/check gift     -Deanna Nelson and Sonya are arranging meals for Jennifer's mom
 who is caring for the children and bringing food to Jennifer when
 she brings the kids over.  We're trying to get together about 3
 meals (maybe a couple frozen, but we don't want Jennifer's mom to
 have to worry about defrosting and prep too much) and then deliver
 meals a few times a week.  Please consider preparing a meal and/or
 delivering meals to Palmer.  Jennifer's mom said that Joseph really
 likes pasta.
   

Now that Brian's condition has stabilized, Jennifer said that very quiet, minimal (no more than 20 minutes) visits are okay.  

Updates on Brian's condition

The following are pasted from Rebecca and Scott Bleeker's updates.  They are members of Brian's home church- The Church in the Wildwood.

Monday, Aug 10

Dan has asked me to send out an e-mail prayer request for the Devilbiss family.  Today, Brian was doing some painting and had a serious fall.  Tonight, he was flown in to Anchorage (Alaska Regional) due to what the doctors believe is bleeding in the brain.  Please keep this family in your prayers and prayerfully consider what our church family can do to support and encourage Jennifer and the children this week.

Tuesday August 11

Brian was in surgery tonight for several hours.  His condition is critical.  Prior to surgery, he was in a very deep coma.  The swelling and bleeding in his brain was substantial.  The surgeon took a very aggressive approach in an attempt to slow the bleeding and swelling by removing a portion of the skull. 
At this time, Brian has been moved to the Intensive Care Unit.  The surgeon does not know what condition he will wake up in after they decrease the sedation. 
Please continue to pray for Brian's recovery and for Jennifer as she waits.  Also, tomorrow I'll talk to Jennifer and try to get a better idea of what her specific needs are.  I don't think she had any food, clothes, toiletries, books, Bible, or anything with her.  So, perhaps we can put together a nice basket with these items for her if she has a place in the hospital where she can keep them.  I'll send out an update tomorrow with more information on how we can help Jennifer. 

Wed. August 12

Thank you for the overwhelming outpour of love and support for Brian, Jennifer, and their family!  Brian's condition is still critical as he is not completely stable, nor breathing completely on his own.  It sounds like the doctors plan to keep him in a medically induced coma throughout the week in an attempt to allow the swelling in his brain to go down.  I will send out an update if this changes. 
Sonya Vaughn spoke to Jennifer this afternoon.  She is quite overwhelmed by the whole situation and she needs some time to think, pray, and process everything.  At this time, with Brian's condition so critical, please do not visit the hospital or attempt to call Jennifer.  She really just desires time alone right now.  The Elders, Deacons, and their wives will be points of contact for updates and for information on how you can help Jennifer.  If you have a specific message or question for Jennifer, please talk to Sonya as she will be in contact with Jennifer as needed.

Here are some ways that you can continue to support this dear family (and please do!):

-Please pray for Brian's recovery and healing.  Pray that his pain would be limited.  If Brian is able to hear and understand, pray that he would also be encouraged and at peace, resting in the Lord.

-Please pray for Jennifer.  She is very tired, wrestling with nausea and trying to keep food down, and is suffering from substantial back pain.  In addition, she has a lot of decisions to make and many differing advisers.  Pray for her strength and encouragement.  Pray that she would be at peace.  Pray for wisdom as she makes decisions.  Pray for those who are close to her to have wisdom and discernment as they seek to help her and advise her.  Pray that Jennifer would glorify and honor God as she responds to everything that is going on. 
-Pray for Kari Anne and Joseph.  They are staying with their grandmother in Palmer and doing much better today.  Pray that their little hearts would be encouraged to trust in God in this difficult situation.

-Finances are an issue of concern.  Pray for God to be glorified by providing for their needs.  Please consider giving toward the family's need.  Lori Walsh and Lavonne Bennet are collecting funds to put together a basket for Jennifer and they will be giving her a cash gift.  If you'd like to contribute cash toward Jennifer's immediate needs, please talk to Lori or Lavonne. 
-If you'd like to give Jennifer a card to let her know you're thinking of her and praying for her, please give cards to one of the Elders or Deacons. 
Again, Jennifer is so thankful for all of the love and support. 

Thursday, Aug 13

Scott and I spoke with Jennifer this morning.  She was finally able to get about 6 hours of sleep last night and felt a little more fresh this morning.  Her stomach was also feeling better.  In addition, there were some very neat ways that God has provided for specific financial needs. 
This morning, there wasn't much news to report on Brian.  Jennifer said that the nurses told her his right eye has been "fixed" since he arrived at the hospital.  The doctor believes this is due to cornea damage and that he will likely lose some use of that eye.  However, the other eye seems to be responsive.  Tonight, the doctors planned to begin reducing the sedatives to see what will happen.

The nursing staff has made a decision that Brian's condition is critical enough that they will not allow any visitors outside of family.  Brian's blood pressure was spiking whenever he had visitors.  Jennifer is also still trying to rest and take care of several business manners.  She asks that she still have no calls or visitors, especially since she is sleeping when she can.  Furthermore, if she is away from Brian, her phone needs to be free for the hospital to reach her. 
If you would like to get a card to Jennifer, please mail it to:
Jennifer Devilbiss
C/O Scott Bleeker
122 Rusty Allen Place
Anchorage, AK 99504

Every couple of days or so, Scott, Dan, or Greg will take whatever cards we receive over to the hospital and drop them off for Jennifer.  You can also give a card for Jennifer to Sonya or I on Sunday.

As mentioned in previous updates, financial needs are a concern.  Many of you have asked how you can contribute financially.  Lori and Lavonne are no longer taking cash donations for a basket.  A very nice basket and all the cash donations received so far were delivered to Jennifer yesterday.  If you'd still like to contribute, there are a few options.  One option is to include a check for Jennifer in a card and mail it to the above address.  In addition, Brian's family will possibly be setting up a bank account for donations.  I will pass along information on the bank account when it becomes available. Finally, another option is to contribute to the church deacon's fund.  Again, I will send out more information (hopefully tomorrow) about contributing to the deacon's fund. 
If you are looking for another option to serve, Sonya and Deanna are coordinating meals for Jennifer's mom who is taking care of the children and has also recently had a double knee replacement. Jennifer would really like for Karianne to be able to see Brian.  Please pray that the ICU staff would allow that (ICU rules are no one under 12 is admitted). 
Please continue to keep Jennifer and Brian in your prayers.  Also, praise God for His provision.

The Scene

Here is the shop.  The scissor lift has been lowered but it looks like Brian was finishing the last layer on the last section on the ceiling- a job he has been working on intermittently since the beginning of the year.  It had been a problematic project even before his fall because of out of date urethane and freezing temperatures causing it to not stick to the metal.

He had removed the insulation on the ceiling prior to spraying it this time and some of the walls still need to be stripped.  We plan to get a team together Saturday to finish stripping the old insulation and loading it out into a dumpster prior to hiring someone to finish the spraying before the drums of chemicals go out of date.