tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21003168479056537582024-03-05T01:29:36.564-06:00The Latest NewsFor Those That Haven't Heard...
On February 17th, Randy Miller had a brain aneurysm, and was treated at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock TX. He is now located at the New Mexico Rehabilitation Center, 31 Gail Harris, Roswell, NM. 88201
I will be posting updates on his condition as often as I get the chance. Thank you all for your prayers and support. - Felishafelishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-5693201225995971212008-08-15T23:17:00.003-05:002008-08-15T23:45:21.639-05:00Hello Everyone!<br /><br />So much has happened since I wrote last, it's hard to know where to start. Let's start with, THANK YOU DIANE, for updating the blog for me, and for your kind words. I LOVE YOU, TOO! As Diane says, we are quite impressed with our stay at NMRC! The entire staff has really done an outstanding job trying to meet Randy's needs. He has made some great improvements, and we are all very proud of his accomplishments! We have had some issues from time to time trying to get his medications to the appropriate levels. His doctor has prescribed a higher dose of blood pressure medicine due to his increased level of activity. He has also prescribed some meds that help reduce the spasticity of his muscles. For much of the time, his muscles and joints have been very rgid and tight. The new meds seem to be allowing him to be more flexible, which will allow him to build the muscle tone needed to walk and transfer his weight. Adjusting his meds has slowed some of the progress in therapies, but he has still come a long way since he has been here.<br /><br />To see pictures of Randys Rehab, click here: <a href="http://www.randysrehab.blogspot.com/">http://www.randysrehab.blogspot.com</a> <br /><br />Now for the best news...Randy will get to go home next weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We will be staying with Diane and Ronnie for a while. We feel like this will be the best location to fit our needs, and we are so thankful that we have a super home and family to go HOME to!! The work toward Randy's recovery is far from over, but we are still making progress, and we work on rebuilding our lives each and every day. <br /><br />Again, thanks to EVERYONE for your prayers, support and words of encouragement, for without all you have done for us, we wouldn't be where we are today. I love you all.<br /><br />Felishafelishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-54565594052367682082008-07-27T14:17:00.004-05:002008-07-27T14:57:36.563-05:00Randy's new placeHello to everyone. This is Diane, Randy's sister. I'm updating the blog for Felisha this time, and we have good news for everyone.<br /><br />First of all, he had his skull flaps replaced on July 7, and it went great! He already had a follow-up on July 17, and is healing well. He looks wonderful! As soon as his hair and beard get grown out, he will look like the Randy we all know and love! He will go back to Lubbock in September for an angiogram to make sure everything is still looking OK.<br /><br />Now the best news: Felisha and Mama took Randy to Roswell to the New Mexico Rehabilitation Center on Thursday for evaluation for admission. They admitted him that day, telling us he was an ideal candidate for rehabilitation. He spent most of Friday being evaluated by physical, speech, and occupational therapists. He spent an hour in PT in the morning, 30 minutes with ST after lunch, then back to PT for 30 minutes, to OT for 30 minutes, and back to PT for 45 minutes or more.<br /><br />In PT, they got him on the parallel bars and had him stand 3 or 4 times, then put him on a cycling machine for 15-20 minutes. He was able to flex his left foot and ankle much more than he has. The physical therapist has asked his doctor for a mild muscle relaxer to reduce the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tightness </span>in his muscles so he will be able to do more in therapy.<br /><br />Both PT and OT worked with him on learning how to use a board to transfer from his wheelchair to bed. Randy was paying attention and working hard with them on everything they asked him to do. The OT said he improved on that task 100% from the Thursday evaluation to the Friday therapy session. He also had to work on sitting on the side of the bed and keeping himself balanced and upright. He tends to lean to the left in his chair and while sitting on the side of the bed, so that's something they will work on.<br /><br />The speech therapist did 12 parts of his evaluation Friday. He did pretty well, but he sometimes uses the wrong words or gets stuck with using the same word over and over. She said that was very common. She will finish her evaluation Monday, which is 6 more tests including some reading and writing tasks. She told us the writing was often the most difficult skill to recover. I think she'll be surprised with Randy, however. He is often able to write with more clarity than he is able to verbalize. Once she has all of the evaluations completed, she puts the information into a computer program which helps determine the deficits and skills they need to focus on.<br /><br />Felisha, Mama, and I are very impressed with the care Randy is receiving. The doctor is great, and the staff is very attentive. Randy pushed the nurse call button while the doctor was there Thursday evening, and there was a nurse in the room within 45 seconds. All of the staff is professional and caring. We feel a such a sense of relief in knowing that Randy's needs will be taken care of without one of us having to be there full time! We have not felt that confidence in his care since he left Lubbock!<br /><br />His doctor also said Randy's overall health is an "A-" with slightly high cholesterol, but everything else is OK. Some slight iron deficiency that they may give a supplement for, as well. His pressure wound is still not good, but the nurses there will check it periodically, and change the dressing as needed. Felisha was also very pleased with the type of dressing they were using, which should reduce the irritation to the rest of the area.<br /><br />We don't know at this time how long he will be in Roswell. They mentioned three weeks minimum to get him to a level where home-health care will be an option, but that's still not certain. He is not on a regular schedule yet since he checked in on Thursday afternoon, but I think after Monday he will have a regular schedule we can let you know about. From what I saw of the other patients' schedules, he will have PT, ST, and OT in the morning AND the afternoon. This place is SERIOUS about the rehab, and we are thrilled!!!<br /><br />Felisha is staying in Roswell this week, but is not sure if she will stay during the week for the whole time. They definitely will be keeping Randy busy (and worn out by the end of the day) Monday through Friday, but they don't do therapy on Saturday and Sunday, so that's when he'll need company.<br /><br />Felisha has been absolutely devoted to Randy throughout all of these difficult times, and all of the family is so grateful that Randy has such a wonderful, loving, dedicated person in his life! God truly blessed us all when he led Randy and Felisha to be together.<br /><br />If you want to send Randy a card, he is at the New Mexico Rehabilitation Center, 31 Gail Harris, Roswell, NM 88201. He is in room 206-A.felishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-21940666237033836002008-07-03T20:04:00.003-05:002008-07-03T20:10:35.645-05:00In case you haven't heard yet, the boneflap surgery has been re-scheduled for Monday, July 7th. Dr. Smith had another emergency brain anuerysm to take care of, and we certainly understand how that needs to come first. <br /><br />Since we won't be going to Lubbock until Monday, we will be going to the Miller Family Reunion on Saturday, July 5th. We are looking forward to seeing everyone, and getting out of the facility for a little while. I will try to let you know how his surgery goes, just as soon as the surgery is over. Hope you all have a joyous, safe holiday!<br /><br />Love,<br />Felishafelishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-11017499439818846262008-06-27T09:54:00.002-05:002008-06-27T10:11:58.233-05:00Hey Everyone,<br />Randy's recovery has come a long way over the past couple of weeks! He has become quite vocal, and responds to most questions. Sometimes it takes him a few minutes to process the questions and think of an appropriate response, but he has really started to come around in the speech department! He has talked to many of you on the phone, and we can't thank you enough for your calls. It means so much to us to talk with our friends and family over the phone! And, as always, Randy is quite a character! We never know what he is going to say, sometimes he is serious, and other times he is really full of bulls**t! <br /><br />He is also coming along quite well with his physical therapy as well. He tried to get out of bed several times yesterday. Of course, this is impossible for him, but he doesn't fully understand why he isn't allowed to get up. We have explained that his legs aren't quite strong enough yet to support himself, and that we need to wait for the boneflap surgery before we start trying to get up. I am not sure that he understands that part of his skull is missing, so getting up is very dangerous. He acts as though he understands at the time that I explain it, but he acts very frustrated with me when I try to prevent him from doing what he wants. I suppose this is normal.<br /><br />Surgery is still scheduled for July 2nd, and we are really looking forward to a quick sucessful operation. Dr. Smith says our hospital stay SHOULD only be a couple of days, but with the holiday on the 4th, we aren't real sure when we will be dismissed.<br /><br />As always, thank you for keeping us in your prayers. I believe that our continued recovery is due to the many prayers, and continued support from our friends and family!<br /><br />Love,<br />Felishafelishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-36579503560895832762008-06-10T20:33:00.003-05:002008-06-10T20:41:32.360-05:00MORE GREAT NEWS!<br /><br />Dr Smith's office phoned today and said that his boneflaps are made and ready for surgery. Dr. Smith will be on vacation through the last of June, and wants do the surgery on JULY 2nd! They are sending us more details about the surgery and plan of care for pre-op in the mail, and I will post more information as I get it. We are all excited to have this appointment, and anxious to be through with all of the surgeries. As I understand it, they should be removing the stomach peg at the same time, and he SHOULD BE finished with all surgeries at that time.<br /><br />Thanks to everyone for your continued prayers and support.<br /><br />Love,<br />Felishafelishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-34996031837269464572008-06-09T09:54:00.002-05:002008-06-09T10:11:38.305-05:00The Garage Sale was a huge success! A very special thank you to Debbie and Ron, Chad and Melissa, Tammi, and Denise. You guys did an <strong><em>awesome</em></strong> job, and the family really does appreciate all you have done to help us out! Thanks also to everyone that contributed items for the sale, and to those that purchased items. <br /><br />I have talked to Randy about the sale, and he is aware of everything that our friends and family are doing to help us out. Though he doesn't say so verbally, I can really see the gratitude in his eyes. Please know that we love each and every one of you!<br /><br />Another reminder that we are playing music EVERY THIRD SATURDAY for the residents. We invite you to stop by and enjoy the music and witness what live music can do for the soul! Thanks to Matthew (Wolfe) for keeping musicians lined up for this. So far, we have had Jill and Johnny Mulhair, Ronnie Allsup, Diane Miller, Paul Goad, Adrian Ancira, Lynn Trimble,Tommy Williams, Chris Cox and Joe Mondragon. The next jam set will be on JUNE 21st. Hope to see you there!<br /><br />If you can't stop by at that time, just come by when you can. Randy really enjoys having visitors!<br /><br />Love to all!<br />Felishafelishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-11164881474947459912008-06-04T10:11:00.002-05:002008-06-04T10:19:44.606-05:00Hello Everyone,<br /><br />Just a quick note to remind everyone of the BENEFIT GARAGE SALE coming up this weekend, JUNE 6 & 7, at 4th & Hickory. Debbie and Ron have worked MANY hours puttting this thing together, and there will be SOMETHING THERE FOR EVERYONE! I encourage all of you to stop by and hug their necks for doing such a great job! I know they are also going to have some food there, and no telling what all, so be sure and stop by either Friday or Saturday!<br /><br />Randy has been talking quite a bit more over the last few days! He seems to be in great spirits, and he even told the preacher that he would be going home soon! He won 50 cents at BINGO the other day. That was lots of fun!<br /><br />We are going to play music for them on Saturday Morning. This always keeps Randys spirits high. He loves our music!<br /><br />Thanks for your prayers and support!<br />Felishafelishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-69494103819815950662008-05-30T11:48:00.004-05:002008-05-30T11:53:06.157-05:00TRACH REMOVED!Just a quick note to let everyone know that we got Randys trach tube out yesterday! This is such great news, as we have had lots of trouble keeping it clean! The Dr. said that it would take a month or so for the hole to close up. We will return to that doctor in 3 weeks for a follow-up. Randy didn't say much after getting it out, so we weren't sure how it would affect his speech, but I called him on the phone this morning, and we had a pretty good phone conversation. He even laughed out loud a couple of times! Thanks for your prayers!<br /><br />Love,<br />Felishafelishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-73951829981126494082008-05-28T10:40:00.003-05:002008-05-28T11:18:21.933-05:00Thank you all for staying tuned. I know it has been a long time since I updated, but I know many of you have been calling or coming by to see Randy. We want to thank all of you for your continued support and prayers.<br /><br />Randy is doing well. We have an appointment on Thursday to see about getting his trach out. It isn't clear if they will remove it at that time, or if he will set another appointment for removal. We will be SO VERY HAPPY to have it removed! We have had a terrible time with the nursing staff about keeping it clean, and he has had several infections, and several rounds of antibiotics to clear it up. Hopefully soon we will get it out.<br /><br />Our trip to see Dr. Smith in Lubbock was a good one. Not only did he write orders to get the trach removed, he also wrote orders to discontinue the stomach feeding. It took a couple of weeks to get the orders faxed to Clovis, but we finally got this accomplished, and he is no longer on the stomach food. He is eating 3 meals a day, along with all the snacks and goodies we offer him. (Nothing wrong with his appetitie or ability to eat!) The stomach peg is still there, and we will remove it when he has the bone flap surgery. We also made a 2nd trip to Lubbock to do a CT scan. From this scan, they took measurements to have new TITANIUM MESH BONEFLAPS made. They sent off the measurements and the new flaps should be in during the last part of June. I am supposed to call Dr. Smiths office on June 23rd to see if they are in, and make an appointment for the boneflap surgery. Dr. Smith assured me that this is a simple operation, and it will take longer to prep him for surgery than it will to actually do the surgery. He said our hospital stay would be no longer than 2 days, at most. They will remove the stomach peg at that time. This will mean that he is finished with surgeries! He wants us to return in another 6-8 months for another angiogram to ensure that he is still out of danger of another anuerysm. (The only coiled 80% of this anuerysm, and he wants to keep a close eye on it!)<br /><br />Randy is talking some, more on the phone than in person. He seems to talk more in the morning than later in the day, and it seems to be more in response to questions. Not yet speaking his mind, but answering some of our questions. It is yet to be seen if his talking will increase when we get the trach out. Speech therapy has dropped us for the time being, and he gets only a little occupational and physical therapy. It seems that most of the therapy he is gettings comes from the family, as we are with him all day long, and work with him at his pace. Most days he has pretty good upper body movement, and is able to feed himself. (Except when they serve English Peas...you should see him chase those peas around the plate!)<br /><br />Overall...we have good days and bad days...just like the Dr. said. I think the bad days are fewer and farther between, and are not quite as traumatic as they were. We are still recovering, and gaining ground, but it is a SLOW PROCESS!<br /><br /><br /><strong>BENEFIT GARAGE SALE:<br /></strong><br />We are having a benefit garage sale on <strong>June 6th and 7th---4th & Hickory.<br /></strong><br />This will be a <strong><em>huge</em></strong> garage sale with many very nice items, including:<br />Furniture<br />Kitchen Appliances<br />Tools<br />Automotive Supplies<br />Fishing Gear<br />Clothes for all ages and sizes<br />Baby Items<br />Household Items<br />Nurses Uniforms<br /><br />The list goes on and on...<br /><br />There will also be a bake sale, and will be selling hot dogs at the garage sale.<br />All proceeds go to defray costs incurred by the family, and your support is greatly appreciated.<br />PLEASE MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND!<br /><br />Thanks to Debbie and Ron, and all of those who have donated items for this sale! I know this has been difficult to put together, but we do appreciate all you have done for us.felishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-8249401383246067362008-05-01T22:21:00.002-05:002008-05-01T22:35:14.275-05:00<div align="justify">Sorry it has taken so long to update the blog, but things have been kind of crazy for me. We have had some tough days, and tough moments, but we are still progressing overall. Randy picked up a stomach virus, that had us all on guard, but he seems to be getting over it just fine. I am still seeing progress in his recovery, though it is a very slow process, and seems to be good one day and not as good the next. He has some days that he is not very responsive, and other days that he seems to be very alert and sharp. Sometimes it is due to the medication, and sometimes not. We are finally getting somewhat routine with his care, though some days are pretty trying. We are still having to teach the nursing staff how to care for him at times. This is very frustrating for all of us, but we know that "THIS TOO, SHALL PASS!" </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">We have an appointment to go back to Lubbock on May 13th for a consultation with his doctor. We should be finding out when he will return again for the bone flap surgery, and more details about his progression at that time. He is still in physical therapy, occuapational therapy and speech therapy, and we are continuing to make baby steps. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">I am really tired tonight, so I'll close for now. Thank you all again for staying tuned to the blog. It really does mean a lot to me to see how many of you are still checking in, and are continuing to pray for Randy's recovery. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Love,</div><div align="justify">Felisha</div>felishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-78761509260875121532008-04-10T21:44:00.005-05:002008-04-10T22:48:05.440-05:00Another Good Day<div style="text-align: justify;">Dear Friends,<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just wanted to let everyone know that Randy and I had a great night last night. We got 3 of the 5 unedited DVD's of the Benefit Concert from Matthew, and Randy got to watch them for the first time. He really lit up like a Christmas Tree when he watched them. He understood that all of the musicians were there playing for him, and that everyone involved is wishing him a speedy recovery. I can't explain how emotionally touched he was, or how excited he was. He seemed spellbound and fascinated. These DVD's will be something that Randy and I will treasure always. Matthew is in the process of editing, and condensing them. He will try and get it down to two DVD's, and when he is finished, I will let you know. This may take a little while, so please be patient.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For MORE GOOD NEWS...Randy had a terrific day today! The wind may have been a bother to the rest of the world, but it didn't seem to bother Randy! I am not sure if this is the result of watching the DVD's or not, but he had a super good day. They have now bumped his diet up to pureed foods, which means that it stays in the spoon well enough that he was able to feed HIMSELF! (And he really shoveled it in!) He drank his milk without help from an uncovered glass, without any spills! He did the same at supper time, eating everything on his plate! Mom and Diane and Denise have told him that we can bring in some "real food" for him, because he is not fond of pureed hot dogs, or beets, or some of the other stuff they call "food!" I know he is anxiously awaiting some home-cooked food. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">He went to physical therapy, and his therapist reported that he did a good job, and verbally said "Ouch" when it hurt. In Occupational therapy, he was able to correctly choose the appropriately colored peg, and put it in the hole. He successfully completed all of his tasks in that area. By the time that the Speech therapist came in, he was full from supper, and was really fading fast, but he was able to identify pictures and words with about 75% accuracy. I am pretty sure that he would have done much better if he wasn't so tired! His speech therapist reports that she thinks that we will soon be able to up him "soft foods." Diane told Randy that "Felisha says you're having a good day!" and Randy replied "So far, so good!" It is so good to hear him talking more. It is still slow with the vocals, but he is getting there!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">By the time we got him back in his bed, he was exhausted, and fell fast asleep. He didn't even flinch when they gave him his evening shots. (He is still on a blood thinner and insulin.) Overall, today was a good, productive day. He seemed to be more like the Randy we all know. His level of comprehension was very high today. Earlier today, I showed him some pictures of aneurysms and the coiling process, and explained further about his injuries and surgeries and procedures. He listened intently, and nodded his head as though he was totally understanding the whole thing. I explained that we know that some of the therapy may seem childish to him, but we have to reconnect some of the paths that may have been damaged, and that we needed these childish things to help him build coordination skills. He seems to understand this. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Randy is an amazing person, and I love him so, and am so very, very proud of him and his progress. I hope you all continue to pray, and to cherish each and every moment with your loved ones. I think this is what life is all about. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Until next time,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Felisha</div>felishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-23895994666514976072008-04-08T23:01:00.002-05:002008-04-08T23:36:15.876-05:00Hello Everyone,<div><br /></div><div>Sorry for the delay in writing, but I've had so much to do lately. Randy's recovery is coming along fine, but it has taken some time for us to learn the ropes at the new facility. He is meeting with physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy on a regular basis now. We are seeing some improvements, but as we know, this is a slow process. He is able to use his right hand pretty good now, and can sometimes feed himself. He drinks well with his right hand. He is still gaining on his left hand, but doesn't seem to have as much control and strength on the left side. He is able to move his toes on the left side, and sometimes the ankle. He can move his right foot pretty good, but it is pretty painful for him. He seems to have pain in both knees, and in his neck/shoulders. I am pretty sure this is both from arthritis, and therapy, not to mention the lack of use over the last couple of months. He enjoys looking at books, though I am not quite sure he is reading yet. He can identify colors pretty good, and we are working on shapes and other motor skills. His long term memory is great. He seems to know almost everything that was going on in our lives before he got sick. His short term memory is improving. Last week, he couldn't seem to remember what happened the day before, or even what happened earlier in the day, but I have noticed this week, that he remembers some of the things I tell him for several days now. I think this is remarkable improvement, considering that they still give him Adavan for anxiety, and that seems to really knock him out for a few hours. I know this is going to be a long journey, but I know Randy is strong-willed, and will pull through this in time. </div><div><br /></div><div>I want to thank all of you that come by and visit with Randy. I can certainly tell that having visitors helps to keep his spirits high, which in turn helps to keep him motivated. It really makes a huge difference when there are people coming in and out. (It also keeps the nurses on their toes!) </div><div><br /></div><div>I spoke with Debbie tonight regarding the Benefit Garage Sale. She reports that we are gathering quite a bit, but we still need more. If you have items to donate, please let her know, and she will arrange for FREE pick-up of items. Debbie can be reached at work, at 218-3292, or on her cell at 799-0453, or you can e-mail her at debbiemcbride@hotmail.com We still aren't sure of the date yet, but as soon as I know, I will post it here. Thank you, Debbie, for all your hard work on this project! </div><div><br /></div><div>AND...While I am thanking people, I know that there were MANY of you that helped out during the concert, and just in case we didn't thank you personally, please know that Randy and I appreciate everything that you all have done for us. Words just CANNOT express how much that day meant to us, and we are greatful to have such good friends and family.</div><div><br /></div><div>AND...While I am thanking, I won't forget now to thank God, for our many blessings.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sweet Dreams,</div><div>Felisha</div>felishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-84713994047825562312008-03-31T09:20:00.006-05:002008-03-31T19:51:44.249-05:00<div align="justify">Hello Everyone,</div><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><div align="justify"></div><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><div align="justify">Just a quick note to let everyone know how much we all appreciate Paul Goad and Matthew Wolfe for putting on a FANTASTIC Benefit Concert. The show was a huge success, and a GREAT time was had by all! Also, thank you to everyone that helped with posters, flyers, decorations, dinner and such. It was a very special day in my life, one I will NEVER forget! A special thank you goes out to ALL of the musicians that came and played for us. And also, thank you to Joye Myers for staying with Randy during the benefit. RANDY AND I WILL NEVER FORGET, AND SOMEHOW, SOMEWAY, WE WILL FIND A WAY TO PAY IT FORWARD!!<br /></div><p align="justify"><br /></p><div align="justify"></div><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><div align="justify">If you missed the concert, you missed a great event. Thanks to Lonzo Lasiter (ENMU) for recording over EIGHT HOURS of video. Lonzo and Matthew are in the process of putting this footage to DVD. Many of you have asked to get a copy of it. I am not sure at this time, but I think we we will be selling these videos with the proceeds to go to the Randy Miller Expense Fund. I will post more details on the videos when I get them.</div><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><div align="justify"></div><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><div align="justify">Also, Debbie McBride is currently accepting donations for the Randy Miller Benefit Garage Sale. We are planning to have one huge garage sale, as soon as we can get enough stuff together. We don't have a date set for the sale yet, because we don't have many items gathered yet. If you have any garage sale items to donate, please let us know. We would be happy to pick up the items from your house! So, take a look around your house, and see what you can dig up to donate to the sale! Feel free to contact me at <a href="mailto:felisha@portales.com">felisha@portales.com</a>, or call Debbie McBride, or call any family member! </div><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><div align="justify"></div><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><div align="justify">I have some other people I want to thank publicly, so please bear with me at this time.</div><p align="justify"><br /></p><ul><p align="justify"><br /></p><li><div align="justify">The people I work with at NM Workforce Connection, for being so understanding, and allowing me to take the time off to be with Randy. I know what a hardship this has been, and I appreciate you holding my position for me. Also to Prestige Carpets for being so supportive.</div></li><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><li><div align="justify">Roosevelt County Fire Department-for responding so quickly to my 911 call. (This is NOT the first time I have called on them, and BOTH TIMES they were there in a FLASH!)</div></li><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><li><div align="justify">Roosevelt General Hospital-for the rapid diagnosis, and for getting him to Lubbock in a timely manner.<br /></div></li><p align="justify"><br /></p><li><div align="justify">Lubbock Covenent Medical Center and the ENTIRE TEAM of Drs., Nurses, and Staff. They are an awesome team, and were very attentive to all of our needs!</div></li></ul><p align="justify"><br /></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"><br /></p><ul><p align="justify"><br /></p><li><div align="justify">St. Anthony's Healthcare - Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility- for making the transistion from urgent care to long-term care possible.</div></li></ul><p align="justify"><br /></p><p align="justify">I am sure there are others that I have forgotten to mention, but on closing now, I wish to publicly add the following:</p><p align="justify"><br /></p><p align="justify">I THANK GOD, EVERYDAY--</p><p align="justify"><br /></p><ol><p align="justify"><br /></p><li><div align="justify">That we live in the United States of America, where the technology that saved Randy's life is present.</div></li><p align="justify"><br /></p><li><div align="justify">For blessing Randy and I with an incredible family, extended family, friends, and community.</div></li><p align="justify"><br /></p><li><div align="justify">For the many miracles and evidence of His existence.</div></li><p align="justify"><br /></p><li><div align="justify">For hearing and answering our prayers.</div></li><p align="justify"><br /></p><li><div align="justify">For allowing ME to witness these miracles.</div></li></ol><p align="justify"><br /></p><p align="justify">GOD DOES GREAT WORK! Just ask any of us.</p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify">Randy is doing well today, and is especially happy when people are visiting with him. It seems to give him the drive to continue. Again, thank you all!</p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify">Love,</p><p align="justify">Felisha</p>felishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-24444202041861512372008-03-27T10:58:00.003-05:002008-03-27T11:06:27.011-05:00Hello everyone!<br /><br />I apologize for the delay in posting. It has taken a little while to get Randy settled in at our new location. We are now at St. Anthony's Rehabilitation/Nursing Facility located on West 21st Street, in Clovis, Room 216. Randy is doing quite well at this time, and seems to be totally aware of everything that is going on. He is aware of his location, and is aware of his condition. He seems to recognize everyone that visits with him, and he responds well to our questions and conversations. I think having visitors and support from family and friends has really boosted his spirits. He doesn't seem as angry/depressed and confused as he was in Lubbock. We had our first visit with his new doctors office, and got his medication and dietary orders going again. We will be participating in physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy today. <br /><br />As far as progress, I can see many changes in the past week or so. He uses his right hand much better, and even uses it to wipe his mouth with his napkin while feeding. He scratches his nose quite often, and has even been feeling his head, and scratching and rubbing his incision areas.<br /><br />On Easter Sunday, he spoke to the nurse, saying "No" to one of her questions. Later that afternoon, he spoke and said "I love you" after I told him I love him. We were not sure if these were just automatic reflex responses, or intentional conversation. On Monday, when we were trying to get him settled in to the new facility, he spoke again, and this time he told Diane "I'm hungry!" This was NOT in response to a question! We are all relieved and excited to see and hear this! We feel confident that with some time and speech therapy, his voice and speech will be fine. <br /><br />As far as his legs, we aren't making as much progress. He still has some movement, but not quite as much as before. He still wiggles his toes for us, and can shake his right leg around some. Not as much on the left side at this time. The occupational therapist has asked the family to start approaching him on his left side, which should help him to start using that side a little better. They have also asked us to bring in photos and cards that might have some meaning to Randy to keep his spirits high, and to keep his memory active.<br /><br />Plans for the benefit concert are in full swing!! Paul and Matthew are doing an outstanding job of putting together one of the best concerts you could ever hope to attend. Thanks to everyone that has helped with this project! We have posters and flyers distributed throughout Clovis, Portales, Melrose and the surrounding area. It looks to be one of the best concerts you would ever want to attend. DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS EVENT! For times and locations, click on the link under our picture. <br /><br />I probably won't have time to blog again until after the concert, as I have a lot on my plate with our grandson's first birthday plans, the concert, and my eye infection. It certainly keeps me BUSY! <br /><br />Thanks for your patience. I can certainly tell when I am not blogging, because my phone starts ringing off the hook!<br /><br />As always, we appreciate your calls of concern and prayers. Please understand if we don't have the time to get back with you as soon as you call. We are all doing our best to get settled in.<br /><br />Love always,<br />Felishafelishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-34141198917347819182008-03-23T19:50:00.002-05:002008-03-23T20:01:01.222-05:00Happy EasterHappy Easter Everyone!<br /><br />Just a note to let you all know that things are still improving. We now have his trach capped off, and we are no longer on oxygen. He is on a full liquid diet, and is enjoying his iced tea! He has even had chicken broth and ice cream! As far as I know, as of tonight, we are still on schedule to move to Clovis tomorrow sometime. (But as we all know, this is subject to change.) <br /><br />We had a pretty lazy day today. The weather made us both pretty sleepy. Physical therapy didn't come by today, so we weren't able to get up into the wheelchair. He is able to reach up to the top of his head with his right hand, and was trying to scratch his scar from the first shunt surgery. I had to explain what all was happening up there, to keep his hands off it. He inquired about the shape of his head. The swelling is down now, and he has two large indentions in his head. (They still haven't put the bone flaps back in. They said this would happen in a few more weeks.) After I explained to him why it was shaped that way, he seemed to be all right with it. I can tell that he is still a bit worried, though. Understandably so.<br /><br />I hope the next time I blog, it will be from a Clovis location!<br /><br />Love to all,<br />Felishafelishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-36043642004086496932008-03-21T11:56:00.002-05:002008-03-21T12:01:57.299-05:00Friday-The First Day of SPRING!Good Morning,<br /><br />Just a quick note to let everyone know that they have capped off his trach tube, and he is doing well with it at this point! They are supposed to do a swallow test sometime today. Depending on how well he does with that, we will know more about how long we will be on the trach. This could be a quick process, or a slow one, depending on how well Randy responds. He had a small temperature 100.2, this morning. This is the first time it has been elevated in over a week. They didn't seem concerned, but are going to run some lab work, to see if there might possibly be an infection in his catheter. It appears that we are still set to move to Clovis on Monday, if all continues to go well.<br /><br />Thanks to everyone for thier love, prayers and support!<br />Love,<br />Felishafelishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-31698332405821258472008-03-20T18:19:00.002-05:002008-03-20T18:38:02.773-05:00Sorry for the delay...Sorry you guys haven't heard from me in a few days. We kind of got excited about moving to Clovis, and sent the RV to storage, and my computer sent back to Clovis. The moving process got delayed, and I developed a bachache that needed some serious rest. Thanks Mom, for everything! But I am doing better now, and am thrilled to finally have a closer date for our estimated move! I got word today, that we will be trying to wean him from his trach tube tomorrow. We will watch it over the weekend, and make sure there are no complications in this area. (This also gives him time to finish out his antibiotics.) They are planning to do a "swallow test" tomorrow, and see what we need to do to progress in that area. If he has no difficulties by Monday, we will try to transport him to Clovis. As we all know, this is TENTATIVE, and subject to change at any given moment, for any given reason! <br /><br />We got Randy up in his wheelchair for a while today, and did a little physical therapy. Not too much at a time, but mostly just moving his joints around. This morning he was able to mouth the words "I love you", but I couldn't get him to do it again for me. He can stick his tounge out justs a little bit. (Before this happened, he could touch the tip of his nose with his tounge! Can you??!!) The swelling is down quite a bit on the left side of his head, and his left foot is swollen some. The swelling is not down as much, but the right foot isn't swollen much. <br /><br />He seems to be bored most of the time. Happy spurts, but mostly bored, and he chooses not to answer me from time to time. (I think he gets tired of my company or something!) I am sure this will get better when we take the trach tube out, and we can turn his hands loose. I just can't imagine how hard it is to be restrained all the time. I loosen it up when I am right there with him, but even when I am watching him close, he still tries to pull at his tubes, wires and such.<br /><br />Again, thank you all for staying tuned. I will continue to post as often as I get the chance. It's just not as easy as it was before. Also, please continue to pray with me. I can tell our prayers are being answered!<br /><br />Much love to all,<br />Felishafelishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-77481337702226244742008-03-16T20:04:00.002-05:002008-03-16T20:10:34.893-05:00BENEFIT CONCERT INFO!!!!As you can see, I have added some links to our page. These links will provide you with more information on the Benefit Concert(s) being held for Randy, and the Floyd Jamboree. Please be sure and check out this information, and mark your calendars! You won't want to miss these events! We are expecting these to be awesome events, with musicians gathering from all over the place! I am e-mailing flyers to everyone with this information attached. If you would like to have a flyer to print and post, please e-mail me at <a href="mailto:felisha@portales.com">felisha@portales.com</a> and I will be sure to send one to you! Also, if you can, please forward this blogsite address and the flyer attachments to all of your contacts, to help spread the word!felishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-32075362626666114792008-03-16T09:13:00.002-05:002008-03-16T09:34:01.008-05:00Sunday MorningGood morning everyone!<br /><br />We had a great day yesterday. Mom, Diane, Ron, Denise and Walter all came to visit. Thanks everyone! Great to get away for a little while to re-group! Sorry our sleepyhead was not too awake for your visits. Last night, after you all went home, Randy was so very alert! He was communicating better with his facial expressions than earlier in the day. We watched the end of Drumline on TV. (We have seen it before, so RQ wasn't too impressed, but he remembered that I liked it and gave me permission to watch the end of it again, though he teased me about the cheerleaders!) We shared some giggles, and some love. He was very loving last night, wanting kisses just every few minutes. <br /><br />I noted that the swelling was down quite a bit last night, as the left side of his head is very concave. I have only seen it that low once, after they removed the bone flaps. There is still some swelling on the right, as it looked "normal" shaped.<br /><br />The nurse weighed him last night. He lost 5 1/2 pounds in the past 24 hours! That is incredible...I don't know if it is intended or not...but incredible just the same. They have increased the amount of liquid food, and we are nearly to the maximum amount they will offer him. (They had to start with small meals, and work their way up.) His blood sugars were at little high, at 154. They told me it was probably the food increase that caused it. They gave him some insulin. Another possibility for the weight loss could simply be loss of fluids, because as I mentioned, the swelling on the left side of his brain is nearly all gone. I asked the nurse why they were no longer getting him into the wheelchair, and she is checking into it. I am thinking that it is due to the blood clot in his leg, but I am waiting to hear it from someone who knows for sure.<br /><br />Not much else to report. I stayed at the RV last night. I needed to get away, and sleep in a more comfortable place. (I had nightmares and a backache the night before.) I slept well last night and feel much better today. I explained to Randy why I was going to the RV last night, and he was ok with this. (Not happy, but he seemed to understand.) <br /><br />Will try and blog more later.<br /><br />Much love to all!<br />Felishafelishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-29490961924601188182008-03-14T17:24:00.002-05:002008-03-14T17:38:37.698-05:00IT JUST DON'T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THISFor those that havent heard...we found out today, that we will be taking Randy back to Clovis on WEDNESDAY! He will be transported to St. Anthony Rehab and Nursing Center on West 21st Street. I have been to this facility, and I believe it is much better than the facility that I looked at here in Lubbock. The doctors have already signed the release forms, but we are waiting to make sure he isn't having any difficulties with his feeding tube, and making sure the blood clot in his left leg is gone, or under control before he leaves. Also making sure that the Clovis facility has everything Randy will be needing for his care, medications on hand etc. <br /><br />We are SO EXCITED! Folks, we have come such a long distance in such a short time! I know we still have a long way to go to get to complete recovery, but I know that God is on our side, and that prayers really are answered. We have living proof! Let us all be thankful for the miracles that we have witnessed, as we continue on the path that He has put us on!<br /><br />Love to all,<br />Felishafelishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-13436680572679182202008-03-14T08:48:00.003-05:002008-03-14T08:58:51.118-05:00Friday MorningI know that many of you are used checking in 3 times a day to get updates. Now that we are in a PRIVATE ROOM (FIRST CLASS), I will be updating at different times. I hape to see the doctor this morning, but I wont hold my breath! We had a great night! Spent most of the night holding hands, enjoying each others company! Sharing smiles, and a few laughs, and a few tears. It is wonderful to see him smile again. Just about the best thing ever. Way better than sliced bread!<br /><br />I was reminded that during yesterdays excitement of getting into the new room, that I forgot to mention to everyone that they got his stomach peg in. They won't start feeding him through it until today sometime. It is just teriffic to have the feeding tube out of his nose! So far, his recovery has been much faster than any of us could have imagined! I am so proud of him, and his accomplishments! I should have known this would happen, after all he is a Miller!<br /><br />Love to all,<br />Felishafelishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-79761555565648764522008-03-13T20:38:00.002-05:002008-03-13T21:27:16.639-05:00Hey Everyone...<br /><br />I know you're just not gonna believe this, but.....ok, here goes...Randy has been joking around with me ever since I got back from Portales this afternoon! He has been pretending to spit his chewing tobacco/snuff into a trach tube that the nurses let him hold. Eyes just shining, grinning from ear to ear! He is a very happy person right now, as am I!<br /><br /><br /><br />I really can't put into words, the amount of improvement I can see over the last 24 hours! His facial movements have improved a great deal, and it is just awesome to see him joking around and smiling. He is very glad I am back, and is just clinging to me, and sqeezing my hand so tightly!<br /><br /><br /><br />As I was leaving the room tonight, I had to restrain his hand to prevent him from accidently pulling on his trach tube. He seemed ok with this. I told him I was going to find something on TV for him to watch while I was gone. He reached out for the remote. I told him he probably couldn't have that, for fear that he would be hitting the nurses call button, instead of the tv button. He shot me a look. So, I asked him if he could see which button was the TV button(remember he doesn't have his glasses on at this point). I showed him which buttons were which, and he gave me the biggest grin, nodded his head and gave me the thumbs up symbol! He knows how to operate the remote! (I have always known that this was a "HARD WIRED TRAIT!") We have just giggled all afternoon! He really, really seems happy tonight. And I am too!<br /><br /><br /><br />Love you all,felishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-68418709617793925292008-03-12T14:05:00.002-05:002008-03-12T14:44:12.173-05:00AWESOME NEWS AGAIN!Randy is off of the ventilator and breathing fine on his own! They have him on a waiting list for a private room, and are hoping to have him in a private room sometime this afternoon! This is just awesome news, because this means that when we leave here, we can get him into a rehab-nursing facility in Clovis, close to HOME! <br /><br />They will insert his stomach feeding peg early next week, and if all goes well we could be going home towards the end of next week...I THINK!<br /><br />I am going to go to Clovis/Portales tonight and get some paperwork going. Cindy is here, and will be staying the night here, so Randy won't be alone. He is in good hands with Cindy...(I THINK! Ha Ha) I hope to return to Lubbock tomorrow, if all goes well at home.felishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-39968712853047876822008-03-11T21:30:00.002-05:002008-03-11T21:40:09.477-05:00Tuesday Night?Hey everyone,<br />Randy was awake this evening when I went in for our visit. He was watching Discovery Channel, and holding me real tight with his left hand. He seems to have more strength in it this evening than before. The left side of his head now seems more concave, as the swelling is going down. I assume this is a good thing, and that the swelling is continuing to go down. His mood troubled me some. He seemed to be worried. I told him that I had to go to Portales tomorrow to do some paperwork. He REALLY didn't like that. He almost acted mad at one point, and sad at one point, but overall, I just think he might be worried and scared. He has overheard me talking to the nurses, and I think he is aware that he will be going into a nursing faciltiy, and not home. I am pretty sure that has made him feel down. I have tried to explain things the best I know how, but I still think this is the reason he seems so blue and worried. I can only imagine what he is thinking. He sends his love. I know he understands how much we all love him. He responds accordingly when I tell him. <br /><br />Going to get some rest. Tomorrow will be another long day. Thanks to everyone for everything.<br />Love,<br />Felishafelishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100316847905653758.post-62819148745892989092008-03-11T12:28:00.004-05:002008-03-11T13:08:50.162-05:00FANTASTIC NEWS!<div align="justify">Good Morning Everyone!</div><p align="justify">I was totally shocked this morning when I went in to see Randy. He was SITTING UP in a wheel chair! They have cut his veltilator back to what they call CPAP (don't know yet what that stands for) but it means that he is BREATHING ON HIS OWN! He is totally alert, and comprehending every word. He reached up and shook hands with Kayla, one of our favorite nurses, and I could see the "thank-you" look in his eyes. He even smiled at one point, and the wrinkles around his eyes were absoulutely the best thing I have seen in weeks. I knew at that moment that we were in the midst of a GOD thing, and it was just awesome to witness. The nurse said she would ask the doctor and SEE if MAYBE he might be ready for a private room soon. This process takes several days, due to the many patients, and lack of room availablity. She thinks he may be ready to get on the waiting list for a room, but the doctor may not think so. </p><div align="justify">At one point, he was able to cross his fingers at me. (This is an inside love story that we share daily, about how he and I are so tightly wound around each other that we cant tell where he ends and I begin) He nods his head yes, and shakes his head for no. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">He was up for about an hour, and his arm muscles were trembling from exaustion. Before I left, they got him back over into his bed, and he was sleeping. I know this wore him out, but it was a HUGE step, and I am SO PROUD OF HIM!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">After all of this great news, I have a favor to ask. May we all bow our heads in prayer, and thank the Lord for the many, many blessings he has bestowed upon our family. I know how easy it is to ask Him for help, and we all need to remember to thank Him for our blessings!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Love to all,</div><div align="justify">Felisha</div>felishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09411552745216640826noreply@blogger.com0