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Hope everyone is well and enjoying a super Labor Day weekend!

I know Mark is spreading his wings, making calls now and getting back into the groove with all his friends, little by little. I will not be sending updates as I am having rotator cuff surgery this coming Friday, 9/11/09 @ 11:00 – oh boy! (rehab?)

Mark has done so well in his recovery this past month and we sure are happy he is out of the woods, we say! Again, many sincere thank you’s for all of your prayers, support, love and care. Mark has so much to be thankful for with soooo many loving friends and relatives. He is one very fortunate individual!!!! (and of course the folks do too).

Our hugs always, Tal, Donna & Sons

Day 97 - Elmwood / Berkeley

Mark’s recovery has been coming along so miraculously. He has a great attitude and has put a lot of positive strength and effort into his rehabilitation. Another appointment last week to ‘Kaiser/Richmond’ to visit his orthopedic specialist showed all good signs of healing in his legs and no future surgeries in the forecast. He does have to wear the brass cage until Christmas but it will be a great present to have both legs free again. He’s walking quite well with a walker on his left leg hopping along. He has gained 11 lbs. — the gain much-needed.

Mark is receiving very good care, and this nursing facility is ‘on the ball’ every moment for everything. Mark could not have gotten a better rehabilitation anywhere else, I believe. Mark should be back home the end of October and he is so very much looking forward to that (and us too!). We shall see how the next months go along before he is off traveling and on the go again.

Day 87 - Elmwood / Berkeley

Good day to All!

Mark had an appt. yesterday with his orthopedic specialist at Kaiser/Oakland. Mark told me everything went well and the doctor was very pleased how his left leg has healed (with quite a long pin down the front of his shin). The right leg is healing very well and the pieces of bone seem to be calcifying together and the doc told him he did not believe he would need any further surgery on that leg either.

What wonderful news and soooooo much gratitude to Stanford Univ. Hospital for doing all of his surgeries on those legs prior to transfer.

Mark stated the doctor did tell him he could start some showers now with that brace but the brace has to stay on until December or so. Mark seems to be doing very well managing that leg in rehab and moving along in the walker for a pretty far distance now. He is getting stronger, putting some weight back on and has a good appetite again. His spirits seem high and they keep him pretty busy during the day.

Still no idea when he might be coming home but with the progress he is making — won’t be long now.

Enjoy a great holiday w/end!
Hugs, Tal and Donna

Mark's birthday - a new day!

Mark dear friend, though you certainly would wish to be elsewhere right now, the good news is you eventually will be. Years past we have celebrated your birthday in favorite spots like Big Sur. Today we will celebrate that you are here with us, getting better and stronger every day. Eat more carrot cake! For once, you can eat all you want!

May this day find you in ever stronger spirits, as your body heals and bones knit and your PT progresses. From wheelchair to walker to eventually both feet- every day you are working toward strength and healing.

And we love you, and wish you a wonderful day as you enter your 50th year.

peace and love and more cake!

Thurs Aug 6, day 65

Donna, Mark's mom, had computer trouble for awhile, hence the daily updates went silent.

In the meantime, Mark has continued his daily physical therapy and slow but steady incremental progress, at Kaiser Oakland. Little things like being able to transfer himself form bed into the wheelchair and out again, sounds small but is anything but: he has this huge metal 40-lb contraption on his right leg and it can't support any weight. The TV only has 5 channels, 3 of the Latino (his spanish is rusty) but there is no convenient way to keep an iPod or celphone handy in his bed. THe food is well, hospital food. THere are some fantastic nurses and there are some who seem to hate their job. Overall, he's in good hands, but it's still in the hands of a hospital. And It's a long way from home and while he has a room to himself, Mark would like to be closer to his folks in MountainView.

Alas, the way the insurance system works, he has little say in where he will end up; it looks like he's staying in the East Bay for now, moving to a longer-term care facility to continue the long healing process. Mark sends his love and thanks to all of you loving folks out there; he's grateful for your love and good energy, even though he's really not up to hosting lots of visitors just yet. Keep the good thoughts coming, he has a long way to go and needs all the help we can give him. As he feels up to it he'll let us know about visiting. But he knows we're out here and he says thank you thank you for all the cards and messages and love.

Day 49 - Kaiser/Oakland

Donna got in her two cents to KP management, here's hoping it leads to better care for Mark...

Day 49 - Kaiser/Oakland

Arrived at 1:30 today to see Mark and also to meet with the Social Services Director, 'Clay'. He informed us that they were not going to send Mark to Kaiser Permanente Acute Center (KPAK) but most probably to a custodial care facility on the Peninsula???? Unknown right now. After my talk yesterday and let it all rip as what was going on in this hospital and the negligence of Mark's care, etc. They had a meeting with doctors, etc., regarding Mark's condition. They never told us and/or Mark as to what was happening except the Social Services person, Clay, told us that Dr. Gruensrud said that Mark's 'fixator' would be on his leg for three to six months - last Thursday it was 5 - 8 weeks. So that is what changed the status of KPAK to custodial nursing care. Is so scary to think of this right leg contraption that if he slipped or even puts pressure on that leg it could shatter the bones again. That is what will take a lot of rehab to train him how to transfer his weight all on the left side and that leg is not all healed yet either. The good part of today was he got a great shave! So the big surprise will be where next? Anywhere on this side of the bay is fine. I'm sure after their meeting today things will be made better for Mark.
Hugs for another day! Tal and Donna

Day 47 – Kaiser / Oakland

Sending Mark’s update off today due to computer problem last evening.

We took our chances yesterday and drove to Oakland to see Mark. They were supposed to transfer him on Thursday but Mark came down with an urinary infection so that keeps him there for now. Of course, we don’t know what could occur today. It was a good visit. Mark was in good spirits and they brought him his first real gooood lunch and he sure liked that.

The physical therapists got him in his chair yesterday and he said it feels so good to sit straight up but so tiring after 15 minutes or so. Getting him from the bed to the chair is something, and then getting him back into bed.

We were finally approached by the ‘patient case manager’, and she wanted to know how we were going to manage Mark in a week or so. I just looked at her like ‘you got to be kiddin’ — I guess my red hair stood straight up and I let it rip — well, hopefully he will be in a better position to ‘motivate’ as I cannot see my husband and I lifting him around?? I cannot believe the premature planning these people push for and, like it was a good thing they did not transfer him on Thursday like he is now. Anyway being told we had to furnish his transport vehicle to Richmond for his appts. on Aug 5th, I started to ask her if we should also purchase a revolver too!!!!!

Anyway, guess we have a lot of phone calls to make Monday to make arrangements, transportation and etc. We shall see what occurs along the way.

Talked with Mark this am and he does need to get lots of rehab soon at Kpak*, San Leandro. I have to go google for the map and the Internet did not have a listing for this division. She would not give us the address until we had a plan for him when he is discharged, well I will not tell you what I said. I have been in constant contact with his case manager, nurse and primary doctor in Redwood City, who has been Mark’s doctor for over 25 years. Like I said, Monday will be an all calls day for the Alexanders.

Enjoy a super weekend!
Some more hugs! Tal and Donna

(*Kaiser Post Acute Care)

Day 44 – Kaiser / Oakland

Not much news today — Mark was supposed to be transferred to the skilled nursing facility and it was put on hold.

He is scheduled for tomorrow. He was not feeling too well today and sometimes these hospitals try to get you out asap and sometimes a little premature toooooo!

Anyway, we did not go to see him today as we thought he would be in between transfer. We will try tomorrow if there is a change of schedule and if we know exactly where he is going. These things can be so frustrating if you can’t get info you want. You sure can tell there are a lot of cut-backs.

Tomorrow is another day and hopefully, stepping forward.

Hugs & prayers! The Alexanders

Day 42 - Kaiser Hospital, Oakland

Got on our way this morning on hwy 237 to 880 all the way. Left our home at 10:30 am, and arrived at the hospital garage at 11:35 am — that put an end to the route over the San Mateo Bridge.

Mark was having therapy and so we had to wait out in the lobby area. Shortly, here they come with Mark in a wheelchair — wow! He did not look happy but rather scared and shocked to be moving on wheels. They took away the catheter — yeah! The water is running again! Also, the chest tube is out. He only has an IV line for glucose and the gallbladder tube. He is getting there. Asked to speak with the orthopedic surgeon — what’s the plan?

It looks like Mark will be going shortly to Kaiser’s skilled nursing facility in San Leandro! Apparently it is the longer term (and nicest) facility they have. They have to wait and see how Mark’s right leg heals before they can proceed with any further surgery to that leg. He said the left leg is healing well and should not need any further surgery. They will give therapy shortly for weight bearing pressure on that leg. Mark was only in the chair for 15 minutes as he was nauseated. But that was another step forward.

I brought popsicles, and Lipton chicken soup, plus g2 drinks. He thought I brought him a little bit of heaven compared to what he has gotten for food. He was sick yesterday so this was so good to him. They brought his lunch in, and of all things, a beef hamburger! Mark does not eat “mad cow”. He sure was glad he had the soup — ha!

So we will see how much longer he has there, sounded like a short time if he keeps up the good work.

It is amazing how you have to take care of yourself or speak up — there were orders to turn Mark every 2 hours. It happened one time on Sunday. Today, was the first day in a week that they came in to wash him (after I had complained as to what was going on with the nursing staff). He has lost so much weight he looks like a POW. I guess his stomach shrunk so small it cannot hold much of anything. Day by day, guess that will pick up too. I have to keep the popsicles and other home food coming. His appetite is anything that does not have sugar in it. That should be me — not Mark!

Hope everyone stayed cool today! Oakland was alot cooler than Mountain View.

Some more hugs! The Alexanders

Day 40 - Kaiser Hospital/Oakland

Today was a good drive to Oakland and so nice to have most traffic at home resting until tomorrow's a.m.
Mark was feeling good today, but cannot eat the food there, it all appears to look like 'alien' origination, i.e., squares, circles - it sure is not home cookin. Mark said everything tastes like sugar - too sweet. Guess it's because his taste buds have been on hold and will take awhile to come back.
Just was great today to drink water finally, and cream of wheat and oatmeal the best tasting food for him. Tomorrow should be a busy day for him with doctors and therapy. Will have to find out the 'plan' for future surgeries seeing they put him at Kaiser Oakland for ortho-specialists?? Hopefully, we will know more soon. He is making progress everyday. He had the neck artery IV taken away and possibility of the food tube into his stomach will come out tomorrow. He is not eating much so maybe a few more days.
We want to send 'special thanks' to everyone who has brought such great food and meals to us. Gee! You have spoiled us and Tal has been so happy with all of the 'sweet goodies' too. Also, we have enjoyed your phone calls of encouragement and prayers. It is amazing how far Mark has come on this 40th day. Wow!
Hope you enjoyed a beautiful weekend! The Alexanders

Day 38 - Kaiser Hospital / Oakland - Transitional Care Unit (T C U)

Day 38 - Kaiser Hospital / Oakland - Transitional Care Unit (T C U)

Graduation day from (ICU) intensive care unit - HOORAY FOR MARK!

Another battle on the road today to Oakland, construction off of the San Mateo bridge is 30 minutes delay to the 880-north exchange.

I made a suggestion to my hubby as we were driving along – they need to close all borders and the roads too coming into California. Think we have enough people here and the rest are out of luck!!!!!!. Close the DMV's, for license plates, etc., ha! ha! No kidding, pretty soon it will take a full day to get across the bay. Dream on lady!

Anyway! A super day, Mark had his trach taken out and he has a voice, he sounds so different but clear. It will take 5 - 7 days to heal. They tried to give him food today that was a thick substance. After 37 days without food he could not eat and just wanted water, or juice but they can't give that to him, as it will go down the wrong way into the airway right now. He has to retrain his throat to swallow into the stomach - gee! Most everything tasted too sweet to him and so he did not eat. The physical therapists came while we were there and sat Mark up on the side of the bed, put his left leg down on the floor and raised it up and down. The right leg still has the big round brass cage on it with all the wires to the pins in his leg. His feet look pretty good too. He is so anxious and just wants to come home and/or get him over here to Santa Clara Kaiser.

It seems they are moving him right along now and things just have to heal. Another thing, they also took out the chest tube so that is a great sign. The gallbladder tube stays in for 6 - 8 weeks?????

So he is in the hands of the orthopedic surgeons now as soon as they can get him eating, swallowing right and the internal organs heal themselves, then the surgeries begin again. We will go over on Sunday to see him. Kevin goes over on days we don't and hopefully he can have visitors soon too. I think they want his throat to heal without a lot of talking right now.

Enjoy a fun weekend!

Hugs! The Alexanders

Blood Center's website link

Here is the link to the Blood Center's website with the story and a few 'groovy' pics of us at the BBQ

http://bloodcenter.stanford.edu/Temp_2009_7_MarkAlexander.html

FYI, there are about 60 more photos to come, on disk, in case you're interested.

Thanks again to all who showed up, and those who couldnta but woulda!

Andrea

Letter to Mark

Dear Mark,

As the moderator for the blog site nearly every day I post the poignant letters Donna writes. I carefully edit and take the steps to post the many messages to make sure folks know how you are doing. I forward emails and upload photos.

The other thing I do every day is read all of those notes and messages and learn how you are doing. I share the information with the other friends who live here – Kenny and Ann – as well as the many friends I see or email often like Andrea, Penelope, Christina, Tre, Lisa, Ron and others. So far I have basically kept “radio silence” on the blog and only served as the moderator.

Tonight, I don’t know, there was something about learning you could speak to your mother for the first time in 36 days, knowing you might get to actually eat soon, reading about how you’d been moved and the process seemed to be going very well, I just…started crying…happy tears for you, and couldn’t stay silent any longer. It is so wonderful to read that you are progressing so well. There is still a rough road ahead, yet the progress is sounding tremendous.

Your mom is a rock! She has been amazing through all of this. When all is said and done she will need a massage too. Here at our house we send you healing thoughts daily and also send thoughts of strength and healing to Donna and Tal. We know this is difficult for your entire family.

There are so many people still sending love, energy and healing thoughts your way every day and I truly believe it is making a difference. You have many messages, cards and letters Donna will be reading to you. Eventually you will probably be reading the blog and maybe even adding to it. Know that everyone loves you and is thinking about you all the time, even those that don’t write a card or call because maybe they don’t know what to say, or just get too choked up to do so. You are special to many people and we all are here standing with out-stretched hands ready to help.

With love and light,

Eva

Day 36 – Kaiser/Oakland ICU

Day 36 – Kaiser/Oakland ICU

We made it to Oakland today! The last time we were there was back in the 1980s. Only took us 1.5 hours so not bad for the amount of traffic @ 10:00 a.m. Mark looked sooo better today and even could talk for the first time. They put in a smaller tube in his trachea and he had a shallow voice. He even got a sample of water to see if it would go down the right way. Hopefully, tomorrow they will try a sample of pudding. They want to be sure it goes to his stomach and not in the airway. He even had the stitches taken out of the left leg and just a small wrapping on the leg. Surgeries still planned for the right leg, but they want him to be able to eat, drink and have him totally breathing on his own first. The chest tubes are still in and also the gall bladder device for another 6 - 8 weeks????? Golly!

He has a nice view of the hills from his room (one thing better than Stanford - ha!) We are going to try and go see him every other day. As soon as he is able to have visitors we will let you know. I’m sure he will be anxious for other faces very soon.

I will cut back on my e-mails to every other day as we see Mark. If you like, please continue leaving messages for Mark. Also, today, I read the lil book of messages left by all of you since his accident. He smiled a lot and thought everyone was so nice to do that. Talked to him again about the great blood drive and next visit going to show him his tie-dye shirt from the blood drive and also, take his cards everyone has sent to him to open up. There is quite a stack from ya all. We want to thank you for the messages and cards you have sent to us too. Everyone is so

Amazing with care and love sharing with us. There is no others as special as all of you.

Many hugs again and lots of prayers –

The Alexanders

Day 35 - Kaiser Hospital/Oakland

Day 35 - Kaiser Hospital/Oakland

Today was the first day we did not see Mark. I made a call this morning to the nurses’ station and all they would tell me he was resting well. I figured it would be a day of getting settled in and no time for chitchat. We plan to go over tomorrow and see what is new there. I do intend to meet with his doctors and see what their plan for Mark is and what they still need to do. New place, new beginnings, and new progress ahead.

Hugs,
Tal, Donna & Guys

Day 34 - Stanford Hospital ICU

Day 34 - Stanford Hospital ICU

We went to see Mark earlier today as they thought they would transport him to Kaiser, Oakland. It was rumored before but we were hoping it would be Santa Clara, Kaiser. Oakland Kaiser is the only trauma center for orthopedic specialists. So here we go on another journey starting tomorrow. They ended up not sending him today, but will tomorrow. Mark was not so happy about Oakland, but they told him he has to go where the best is so that is good.

This morning Mark had another massage that made him feel much better. Told him today to be sure he hangs onto his bed and tell them if I go so does my bed - ha! Guess if you lay for 34 days you need one like he has.

His nurse was going to give him a shave, so he looked spiffy. I'm getting pretty good at lip reading now. They will put in a smaller tube tomorrow morning so he can speak. That will be so much better for him.

So we move on forward to more adventures and getting stronger and healing every day.

Hugs! Tal & Donna