Two related stories in the Bluffton News-Banner today... one happy and one sad. Both about the same girl. Haley Chaney and three other Knight girls were named to the NHC all-conference basketball team. Haley Chaney was also a passenger in the car-Norwell school bus crash yesterday, leaving her in critical condition at Lutheran.
We have probably all been involved in car accidents in our lives and they are terrifying even when there is no injury. Please, everyone say a little prayer for Haley Chaney and all those involved in the accident.
Update: Haley is now registered at CarePages.com more info here.
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Haley is in critical condition and was heading into surgery late today. Please pray for her and her family.
Thank you so much for keeping us updated on her condition. We certainly will be praying for Haley and all the students and teachers at Norwell during these sad days.
Haley has gotten a little worse. The doctors are going to put something in her head to drain some of the blood from all the bleeding and relieve the pressure. She also is most likely going to have a very difficult recovery, but no one knows how much damage has been done. She may have memory loss, as well.
Please keep Haley and her family in your prayers.
Text message received from family around 9:00 AM
Haley had a decent night
Cat scan this morning appeared to show nothing worse than yesterday
Cat scan appears to be even show some improvement
Praying that the damaged spots on the brain will heal
Praying for complete restoration of ALL FUNCTIONS of brain
Praying for bleeding to absorb and go away and for no more swelling
Pray for Tony Chaney- He is really sick and starting Zpack medication
We will continue to update as we know more. Forward as needed
Mr. Mohler & Administrative Team NHS
Lindsey Stronczek and a friend went up to see Haley after school today and good news. She is becoming more responsive, almost TOO responsive. Trying to open her eyes and seems to know more when people are in there. The nurse pinched her hard twice and she responded both times. Sounded very encouraging!!
Sevens member Sherri Kumfer passed along an email from Haley's Aunt, Lisa Gerber, which I've turned into a quick web page you can click on to see below. This mail was sent out around 10:00am this morning, before the prior two comments.
Prayers are Desperately Needed
I have heard in email that Haley's friends and family have been staying with her at Lutheran around the clock. At various times her condition is now better, now worse, but hopefully trending better.
Prayers are appreciated for Haley and her family and also for Alyssa Shutt who was also injured in the accident.
The whole Northern Wells community has been put to a trial... suffering, forgiveness, prayer, acceptance and trust in God -- a crash course in everything we've heard and read about in church for all our lives.
News from a phone conversation with Tony at 7:20 this morning & text
messages throughout the night.
1. Doctor not in yet this morning, Tony will call again after he
meets with him.
2. Now registered on CarePages.com under the name of Haley Chaney. Updates will be posted there daily.
3. Haley had a quiet night.
4. Concern about fever.
5. Brain pressure still normal.
6. Yesterday the Dr. pinched her hard on both sides of her body. Both sides reacted.
7. She digested food given her through a tube.
8. Concern about rattling in her lungs; possible fluid on her lungs.
9. Keep praying and loving.
Keep Praying and Believing
Greg, Doug, & Brent
As described in the note above, Haley Chaney's condition is being updated at this site:
http://www.carepages.com/
Care Pages.com
You have to register and search for her Care Page which is "haleychaney" with no spaces. Here is the most recent update on that page:
Well, 48 hours have come and gone since Haley's accident on Tuesday, February 12, her seventeenth birthday. There has been an AMAZING outpouring of prayer, love, and support! And, it's coming from everywhere! When a specific medical concern arises during the day, Angie sends a mass text message for prayer. By the time it gets passed around, several hundred people are praying for that issue right when Haley needs it. Your prayers and support mean everything to her and us right now. All the little miracles are the results of your prayers. God is so good! Thank you for your faithfulness!
Haley had a good day today. Her morning CT scan revealed that some of the blood in her brain had dissipated. She still has a long way to go, but all the doctors were encouraged and so were we. Doctors surgically installed an ICP probe into her skull yesterday to measure pressure inside the cranial cavity. If there is any swelling of the brain, this probe will give one of the first signals. Last night and today the pressure values remained within what the doctors called "normal". Doctors are anticipating some swelling to occur. Praying that God surprises them.
She had some trouble with fever today. It's not a concern if it stays around 100. She's experienced a lot of trauma. However, her fever spiked as high as 102.8. They used Tylenol and a water pad to reign it in. For about 30 minutes we did it the old-fashioned way and used iced down towels.
The big scare today was blood pressure. It spiked to 209/103 and no one knew why. Angie sent a mass text for prayer. The nurse prepared to do some more aggresive intervention, but after a few minutes it started to drop.
They weaned her off of the sedatives for just a few minutes today. They have done that every day just to see if she will respond to stimulus. The doctor pinched her really hard. Haley lifted her shoulder and tried to lift her arm. It's a good thing she was strapped down or the doctor would have been bleeding.
It may be a while before we get some pictures loaded. Angie and I just want to get some general info to all you who have faithfully prayed for us since the accident.
Continued Prayer Requests-they mean EVERYTHING to us: Bleeding to stop in the brain and dissipate. Swelling in brain to be gone. Complete healing of nerological pathways. Continued wisdom for doctors and nurses. Complete restoration of all bodily functions.
Thank you so much!!! May God receive all the glory.
Tony Chaney (Haley's dad)
Subject: Re: Update Haley Chaney
Received Text Message at 9:30 AM (2/15/08) Friday
They just took her off sedation to see how she would respond
She opened her eyes half way and blinked some
Didn't like to have bottoms of her feet scratched
Still waiting on doctor to come around and probably pinch her and stuff
Other than high temperature
Seemed like a calm night
Keep praying for brain functions
* We will keep you updated as we received them.
Thanks,
Mr. Mohler
An Update from Haley Chaney's Care Page:
2 February 15, 2008 at 07:47 PM EST
Haley had another calm night last night. All her vitals remained strong. The nurses and doctors in this place are incredible. God truly does perform some of His most amazing works of grace through ordinary people! Life's challenges simply become the opportunity to see it all happen. The people in this hospital and all of you in the community are a testimony of God's grace and love. Do you want to see a miracle? Look in the mirror today. We love you all.
Haley's fever continued to be a nagging problem. They have been keeping a watchful ear on a "rattling" noise in her right lung. Fluid was building up in the lower portion. They tried rotating her through the night to see if it would help. They took x-rays of her chest this morning and determined that she is in the early stages of pnuemonia. Dr. Patel directed staff to give her antibiotics to combat this.
She did well with the pain stimulus again today. Haley is completely sedated...she does not even breathe on her own. However, once a day she is weaned from the sedative to see if she responds to voice, touch, or brief "pinching." Right now she primarily responds to the pinching. This does not surprise the medical staff at this point. The doctor pinches and she responds with a jerk. Today she moved legs and arms...she also blinking her eyes for a while.
He also wanted her feeding tube changed today. Haley's digestive system started functioning last night and they wanted to increase her intake. YAY! But, the NG feeding tube was taking liquid nourishment to her stomach. Haley apparently experienced some reflux which later ended up in her lung. The new feeding tube would deposit nourishment directly into her intestine.
During the NG tube change, we learned that Haley does have a "gag" reflex.. Hoping she will be able to cough on her own. If not, she will need a tracheotomy because she will be on the ventilator for more than probably two weeks. Unfortunately, during the tube switch she got aggravated and bit down on the tube and partially bit her tongue. It was a little scary, but very good to see her fight the nurses. (Did I say that out loud?) They quickly sedated her again.
The doctors (especially the nurses) are encouraged. Given the extent of the bleeding/damage to her brain tissue they have not had to contend with swelling…especially in the first 72 hours. Well, 72 hours has now come and gone and cranial pressures have remained normal. We are NOT out of the woods yet! I’m only saying that something is happening that they do not see very often.
Today’s scary moment. The neurosurgeon reminded us that even though Haley has experienced no swelling, the areas of the brain that show the heaviest damage are major neural pathways responsible for an array of basic and complex life functions. His purpose was to make sure we were prepared. Well, you can never fully prepare for those possibilities. God will provide that strength when and IF we need it. We are praying and expecting miracles. We serve a God who LOVES to heal! But, God knows we will still love, praise, and trust Him whatever he brings our way. He is worthy! Right at this moment, we are thankful for the miracle of having Haley laying in the bed alive and healing.
God Bless You All!
Immediate Prayer Concerns: That all blood in the brain dissipates. Swelling in the brain to be non-issue. Cat scan on Monday. If it’s a quiet week-end, they will start weening her from breathing machine to see how she handles it. Pray her breathing mechanisms to take over victoriously. Complete restoration of damaged brain tissue.
Here is an update from Haley's CarePage at Lutheran:
February 16, 2008 at 09:17 PM EST
Praise God! For the most part, Haley had another calm day again. They will begin to wean her off various systems that support her life on Monday if she continues through the weekend doing well.
Today’s scary moment. It’s amazing. As we were celebrating and praising the Lord for all that he had done in Haley’s progress, her brain pressure shot up and stayed up for the first time since the accident. Four nurses came in to put their heads together and determine the cause. Looking at all the monitors, it made no sense. The doc was called. As they were deciding what immediate measures needed to be taken, Angie sent out text messages and the prayer started. Within minutes, her pressure came down to normal levels. That moment felt like a focused spiritual attack. We had just been rejoicing over the many little miracles in the last 4 days. I am convinced that Satan wanted to kill, steal and destroy that celebration. Your prayers are what is keeping her progress going. We love and appreciate you so much!
Haley’s fever seems to have stabilized. She is still running about a 100.6 temperature. This is not a great concern to the medical staff.
She does not like having her teeth brushed because of the sore on her tounge. She bit down on it yesterday when they tried to move her from her bed to a cart for x-rays without any sedation or pain medicine. Today when they brushed her teeth, it obviously hurt enough that, I had to help hold her arms and legs.
They took x-rays of Haley’s chest today and the doctor confirmed that the antibiotics and body rotations were working on the pneumonia. Her lung is clearing up.
Haley’s digestive system continues to gain momentum. Tube feedings increased to a rate of 60ml per hour (roughly 2oz/hr) from 40ml. What this means is that nurses are going to increase the tube feeding volume and decrease the IV fluids together. They will try to be at 75ml by tomorrow morning.
A breathing machine has been breathing for Haley at 16 breaths per minute. They have removed the oxygen mix…meaning she is now just breathing room air. Doctors/Nurses will lower the breaths-per-minute by 2 every 6 hours. The purpose for this is to force her to begin taking her own breaths and slowly prepare her to do it all on her own.
Haley got to do exercises today. She is still sedated, however, we manually stretched her arms and legs at all joints. She has been laying still for 4 days. We need to keep the muscles limber and encourage adequate oxygen levels in the muscle.
Specific prayer requests: That Haley would be able to breathe without the ventilator’s help AND keep her airway open; that the Holy Spirit would touch each area on Haley’s brain that was injured with His healing Hand and restore it to full health; and that the pressure in her brain would stay in normal range.
May God bless you and your family!
Tony
February 18, 2008 at 01:14 AM EST
The update came a little late tonight. About 260 people came up to the hospital tonight for a time of praise, worship and prayer. We used the Kachmanm Auditorium on the lower level and packed it out. There were also a few other churches meeting at the same time to specifically lift up Haley before the Father. A time of fasting and prayer began at 6PM Sunday night and will end at 6PM Monday night. We cannot thank you all enough for your continued prayer and support!
Well, it’s late so tonight’s update will be a little brief.
Haley had another CT scan this morning. It showed continued improvement as it related to blood in the brain. Bleeding has stopped and is being (slowly) removed from the brain tissue. Praise God! They are watching for swelling but definitely are not as concerned about that at this point. They have turned their attention to getting her free of all the life support and sedation.
We have entered a new phase of the healing process. The fact that the bleeding in the brain has stopped does not have anything to do with the damage done by the initial impact and hemorrhaging of neural pathways. They really cannot assess any of that until Haley “wakes up.” She is now taking as many breaths on her own as what the respirator is doing for her. Her tube feedings increase, IV fluids decrease, etc.
We are beginning to see Haley physically fight against the procedures that cause discomfort or that she simply doesn’t understand. This is good from a medical perspective. It is emotionally exhausting watching it as a father and mother and holding her down. She is a very strong girl.
Haley does have a gag/cough reflex, but she will need to be able to protect her airways on her own or they will have to perform a tracheotomy. We are praying that this does not have to happen.
Specific Prayer Request: Complete healing or re-routing of neural pathways and brain tissue; that Haley is able to protect her own airway as well as get completely off the ventilator; for great wisdom and understanding to the men and women who work on Haley; for the Holy Spirit to continue to prompt all of us to be on our knees for miracles!
Blessings!
Tony C
February 18, 2008 at 11:21 PM EST
To our family and friends…all of you who have held Haley before the Lord. We love and appreciate you so much!
We finished day 6. As of 6pm tonight, Haley is breathing without the help of a respirator. All the tubes still remain. She is doing great! Praise God for getting us this far! All of her vitals remained excellent today. They will see how she does tonight.
Tomorrow is a big day. Sometime in the morning they will take her off of the sedatives. When they do this, she will eventually begin coughing and gagging. She will be very much aware of the tubes in her throat and lungs. During this coughing and gagging, they will remove the ventilator tubes. She will need to be able to open, close, and protect her airways on her own (breath, swallow, cough, gag, etc). If she can’t, they will have to stick everything back in and perform a tracheotomy in the future. Praying that won’t happen. If the ventilator comes out and stays out, they will also remove the IC probe in her brain tomorrow. The morning will need to be bathed in prayer.
They want Haley to wake up. Angie and I are very excited…and, somewhat nervous. Everyone will need courage and strength tomorrow.
Our prayer request remain the same: Complete healing or re-routing of neural pathways and brain tissue; that Haley is able to breath, swallow and protect her own airways; great wisdom and understanding to the men and women who work on Haley; for the Holy Spirit to continue to prompt all of us to be on our knees…we are asking for miracles!
God Bless You All!
Tony C
Secondhand: The doctors and nurses are weaning Haley off of all of the drugs and she is responding to her mom and dad's presence and trying to wake up... she is breathing on her own.
February 19, 2008 at 03:51 PM EST
Family and Friends, praise God for hearing the prayers of his people. We have won another great victory today in the powerful name of Jesus. Today was a great day! Angie and I never thought we would be so happy just to see Haley yaaaaawwn…blink…glance around the room…then look at us with those big blue eyes.
The last time Haley was in ICU was when she was born. She was premature and only weighed around 5 pounds. They had to hook her up to some tubes then too, because she had trouble breathing. The emotion surprised us. Angie and I went back in time. It seemed strange to be celebrating the same simple pleasures 17 years later. We welcomed Haley into the world…again.
Last night around 2:00am, Haley was restless, coughing, and gagging. At 4:00am, she decided it was time for the vent tube to come out. She gave some BIG coughs, and the nurses pulled it out. She did wonderful! Her breathing was relaxed and all vitals were healthy. Haley woke up at about 8am..
They unhooked and unplugged stuff all afternoon. She is down to one IV for fluids and/or medication. She still has the nose feeding tube. NO tracheotomy for Haley! Yay God!
At around noon, the neurosurgeon’s assistant came and removed the ICP probe from Haley’s head. I watched as she unscrewed it with a little wrench and pulled it out…Ouch. It was the last piece of equipment that was a reminder of her “Critical” condition. Haley is officially classified as “Stable.”
At 2:30pm, nurses increased tube feedings and turned off IV fluids. It will take a while for all the medications to wear off. Haley is still very groggy. We are preparing for rehab and praying for miraculous healing of neural pathways and connections. She probably will be taken to the Rehab Hospital of Indiana in Indianapolis, maybe next week.
Prayer Requests: Complete healing or re-routing of neural pathways and brain tissue; for the Holy Spirit to continue to prompt all of us to be on our knees for miracles! Jesus is more than able and willing to do more than we can ask or imagine! The power of prayer is amazing. Jesus is glorified.
WE LOVE AND APPRECIATE YOU ALL SO MUCH!
Tony & Angie C.
February 21, 2008 at 01:06 AM EST
Haley is out of ICU! Today they moved her to a room in the pediatrics wing. We had more than just great care there. We made special friends….friends who felt our pain as well as celebrated the miracles. They will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Haley was very active Tuesday night. It was her first night off of the sedatives. Her brain was still waking up and she was also experiencing some withdraw from all the sedatives. She calmed down early in the morning and rested….for a little while. Then the rehab started. When it was done, she looked and felt as though she ran a marathon. By the end of the day, she had waved bye to her grandpa. We asked if she wanted a visitor and she gave a “thumbs up.” She held up the correct number of fingers when asked. She even held her phone, turned it around to face her then slid the lid up ready to text. Wow! God is amazing. We are awaiting the MRI results from today to see if Haley has extensive ligament damage in her right knee or if there is just major bruising/swelling that will take care of itself in time.
We are continually reminded that Haley’s days will be filled with baby steps. Instead of looking into the future to see what all she has to relearn, we will look at yesterday and marvel at how far she’s come.
Haley could be ready for intense in-patient rehab as early Monday or Tuesday of next week. After some research and many referrals, Rehab Hospital of Indiana in Indianapolis is showing some promise. I plan to travel there Thurs or Fri to meet the therapists and check out the facilities. There are many questions to be answered. We are so very grateful for the wise and seasoned counsel of those who have walked this scary path before us. You know who you are.
We continue to praise God for all of you. The doctors, nurses, even other patients are in awe of the support we have. How very thankful we are every day for your prayers, love, and generosity.
Specific Prayer Requests: That God would provide the miracle of complete recovery and total healing for Haley’s brain; that she would be able to eat/swallow so her feeding tube can be removed; that her broken left middle finger as well as the severe blistering due to the splint would heal quickly; wisdom as we choose a rehabilitation program for Haley.
God Bless You All!
Tony & Angie C.
February 21, 2008 at 11:35 PM EST
Family and friends,
I was in Indianapolis today talking with people at Rehab Hospital of Indiana (RHI). It's a pretty amazing place. Good people. I'm pretty tired...so I tell you about it tomorrow.
I'm not really sure how things went with Haley today. Angie seemed encouraged. So, I guess we can lean on that for tonight.
There's been a song on my heart all day (see below). The musician was from a nation who had a rich history with God. God adopted this nation as his own, and because of that, the fame of His mighty name spread to the ends of the earth.
The song is still relevant today. In the midst of all the uncertainty in our world, there's one thing we can always count on. God’s unfailing love, mercy, and forgiveness to those who turn to his Son, Jesus.
Try this. Wherever the song says “Israel”, insert your name. Wherever the song says “O Lord” or “The Lord”, say “Jesus.” Make it your song today and enjoy. It will supernaturally change your life…
Tony C.
Psalm 130
From the depths of despair, O LORD,
I call for your help.
Hear my cry, O Lord.
Pay attention to my prayer.
LORD, if you kept a record of our sins,
who, O Lord, could ever survive?
But you offer forgiveness,
that we might learn to fear you.
I am counting on the LORD;
yes, I am counting on him.
I have put my hope in his word.
I long for the Lord
more than sentries long for the dawn,
yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.
O Israel, hope in the LORD;
for with the LORD there is unfailing love
and an overflowing supply of salvation.
He himself will free Israel
from every kind of sin.
February 23, 2008 at 12:26 PM EST
Family and Friends, sorry for not getting a post last night. The Wi-Fi is down at the hospital and I had to find another location.
Haley continues to improve. She’s in there. She’s just trying to figure out how to get out. Everything she does is very, very slow but deliberate. We saw that fire in her eyes yesterday. Haley wanted out of the bed. Therapists helped her sit on the side of the bed…and then to a stand. She was absolutely exhausted. Oh, yes, and when her friends mentioned the Bellmont game, her facial expression definitely told us she was still not over it.
(No offense Bellmont girls :) She loves the rivalry. Thanks for holding Haley up as she fights the biggest battle of her life.)
When the neurosurgeon came into Haley’s room yesterday, Haley was sitting in a chair (supported) and looking around. She very slowly crossed her legs and turned her head and looked at him. Haley responded to some commands. As the doctor was leaving, he encouraged her to keep working hard and said, “She’s doing very well. Much better than I anticipated at this point.” That was a pretty large statement.
The encouraging signs yesterday: she hugged Angie and I with one arm, cracked a little smile for her friends, slowly puckered her lips and kissed Angie, smelled some flowers, twice as many “thumbs ups”, slight nodding of “yes” and “no”, sat on the side of the bed with less help, stood with less support, and sat in a chair (with some restraint) for a couple hours. She also cracked all her knuckles on the right hand. She’s getting stronger and more determined. We asked, “Haley, do you want to get back in the bed?” No response. “Haley, do want to keep going?” Her thumb popped up.
We want to keep encouraging all of you as you have all of us, but please know that Haley has a long way to go. Please keep praying for God’s miracles.
Haley will enter intense, in-patient rehab probably on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. Because she is not eating on her own, they plan to surgically insert a feeding tube through her abdomen into her stomach on Monday. (Unless she’s able to miraculously eat before then ) Most rehab facilities do not like to take patients with nose feeding tubes because it hinders therapy.
RHI in Indianapolis was a fantastic facility with great people. They have a special brain injury unit with a dedicated team of physicians, therapists, and nurses. Monday, I will visit another organization that also comes with high recommendations. We feel confident that we have narrowed the list to the best. Whatever the decision, Haley will receive excellent care.
Specific Prayer Requests: That God would provide the miracle of complete restoration of neural pathways/connections; that she would be able to eat/swallow so her feeding tube can be removed; that her broken left middle finger as well as the severe blistering due to the splint would heal quickly; wisdom as we choose a rehabilitation hospital for Haley.
God Bless You All!
Tony & Angie C.
February 24, 2008 at 01:26 PM EST
Family and friends, I’ve wanted to keep the posts fairly short and not overdo a good thing. However, many of you have said how much you depend on the CarePage for updates on Haley’s progress.
We had a powerful time of prayer in Haley’s room on Friday night. It was almost like all of your prayers were flowing through our hands and in the room. She slept most of Saturday but had about 2 hours of rehab in the afternoon. By late afternoon/evening, Haley was VERY active. She couldn’t get comfortable. Her eyes were wide open, she had a fever, she was nodding “yes” and “no”, trying repeatedly to sit up in bed, scratching at tape, IV, and nose tube. Angie and I had to put a “mitten” on her strong hand because we were afraid she would pull her feeding tube out again.
At about 10pm, Haley was showing signs of wanting to climb out of the bed. I asked her, “Haley, do you want to sit on the side of the bed?” She nodded, “Yes.” Once on the side of the bed, she just put her strong arm around my neck and slowly stood up. It was pretty emotional for me…we just stood there and hugged for a while. After a few minutes she started rocking back and forth—alternating pressure on her feet. Then, she tried to take a step. I asked, “Haley, are you trying to walk?” Haley nodded, “Yes.”
I wouldn’t let her walk. It seemed too early and she was hooked up to IV and feeding tube. I put her back in bed. She continued to stir and sit up. Then, it dawned on me that earlier she was taking steps and reaching toward the bathroom. I asked her, “Haley, do you want to go to the bathroom?” She shook her head “yes” and gave me a look that screamed, “It’s about time!”
She took very small, shakey steps toward the bathroom. I was supporting her with one arm wrapped around her waist. Her eyes were wide open and head up straight. One of the nurses walked in when we were half way there. Her mouth DROPPED! She couldn’t say anything for a while…she just put her things down and stared. The nurse never really did say much until Haley settled back down in the bed after USING the bathroom. When she was hooking Haley back up, the nurse said, “I have a church that I go to. I believe in God and all that. And, I know only He could do what I just saw.” Yay God!
I wish the night could have ended right there, but it didn’t.
TODAY’S SCARY MOMENT: Haley tried to get out of bed by herself. I was up all night because she was so active. It was also Angie’s first night away from the room since the accident. She didn’t want to leave, but I convinced her to go over to the Hope House and get a “good” night’s rest in a bed. My goal was NO scary moments…only good news. Haley finally settled down at about 5:30am. I did too. At 5:45am I woke up to see her laying on the floor. She also removed her feeding tube again.
When we got her back in bed, I asked Haley if she hit her head on the floor. She shook her head “No.” I asked her if she was able to let herself down slow. She shook her head “Yes.” On the floor, she was turned 180 deg from the way she was positioned in the bed. She probably did her tummy roll, worked her way off the bed, and then went to the ground with her strong arm. Nurses said there were no signs of a new concussion.
I found myself sitting in a chair staring into space—wide awake. The little fart was laying in bed—sleeping like a baby. That was probably Angie’s last night to leave the room for a “good” night’s sleep for a while.
Specific Prayer Requests: protection for kids who drive to the hospital to visit. Increasingly concerned that kids are making numerous trips to the hospital…especially during poor driving conditions. Praise God that Carlee is ok after her wreck! Complete restoration of neural pathways/connections; surgery for her broken finger and shattered knuckle and insertion of PEG tube into her stomach on Monday or Tuesday; swallow test coming soon; ability to swallow well and speak.
God Bless You All!
February 26, 2008 at 12:31 AM EST
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” 1 John 3:16
“And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.” 1 John 3:23
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:10-11
These verses come from the first letter of John to the early church. I’ve always loved reading John’s New Testament letters. No complex religious theology to untangle. Plain language. Simple truth. Refreshing. Like a glass of ice water on a hot, humid day.
John’s message? Love God. Love others. The harder someone is to love, the more you become like Christ when you find ways to pick them up and encourage them. It’s not too hard, most of the time, to love those who love you back. We can do that on our own strength. God-sized love requires us to tap into His strength to love the people who rub us the wrong way or those who have wounded us. I think this is the greatest miracle I have witnessed in the last 3 weeks since Kane’s death and Haley ’s accident—-family, friends, and enemies finding Jesus and finding new ways to love each other. I pray that it will transform our community and last beyond the current crisis...
God continues to answer prayer. Haley passed the Swallow Study this morning and is now able to drink thickened liquids and pureed foods. We were supposed to ease her into it, but how do you tell someone who hasn’t eaten in two weeks that they have to stop? She held it down but ended up with a stomachache.
Haley also began forming words and sentences today. She also wrote out her name and could read various things written to her. She cried many times as well. We had a hard time understanding what she was trying to say to us. That was frustrating for all of us. We did hear her loud and clear, though, that she wanted to go home. She displayed for the first time emotion, frustration, and despair. Pray that God gives her victory over those feelings and that she would find the strength to keep pushing toward the goal.
Haley’s surgery for her finger is tomorrow at 1:00pm unless the surgery before her gets cancelled. Then she will go at 7:30am. Please pray for a successful surgery and for Dr. Schwartz as he repairs her finger.
We decided NOT to have the PEG tube inserted into her stomach tomorrow. We believe she will continue to improve in her ability to eat. The nose tube will work fine for another week or so as supplement nutrition. Plus, it will be one less surgery for Haley’s body to endure. Please pray that she will be able to eat enough calories so she won’t need further surgery later.
Angie and I will make a final decision tomorrow on an acute inpatient rehab program. We’ve narrowed the choices to RHI in Indianapolis or Parkview in Fort Wayne.
Thank you for your your love, support, and prayers!
Tony and Angie C.
February 27, 2008 at 01:03 PM EST
MONDAY:
Late Monday afternoon Haley was very restless and emotional. Her whole body hurt. It wasn’t a pain or an ache she could pinpoint. She said it just felt like her body was being tortured. After about three hours of that, she finally fell asleep. At 1:00am, Haley awoke and again showed noticeable improvement.
It seems like every time she wakes up, we see more of the old Haley. I told you that on Sunday, Haley began forming simple words. Well, by 1:00am Monday, when she woke up from her sleep, she began talking in sentences. The words weren’t sharp, but there was a full vocabulary. The speech therapist visited. She hadn’t seen Haley since Friday afternoon. Haley wasn’t talking or eating. Monday, the speech therapist was speechless.
Haley tried to get out of bed by herself again Monday night. After the last incident, we made several “adjustments” to her bed. But, there was a small opening at the foot. It is encouraging that Haley is very optimistic about what she can and cannot do…even after her first failed attempt. However, it’s exhausting for parents. At some point, she saw the opening and at about 4:00am Tuesday morning, she made her move. Dad’s game was on this time. By the look on her face, she was not anticipating getting caught.
TUESDAY:
Haley had a great morning. She kept asking what time it was because she knew her surgery was at 1:00pm and she “wanted to get it over with.” We went down for surgery at 12:30; however, she wasn’t taken back until 2:30. She kept saying, “I’m scared. I’m scared.” Thank you for your prayers. She found the courage and trust she needed for that moment. The surgery was supposed to take half an hour but took over two. They had to use a plate/screws for the fracture and pins in what was left of her knuckle. Haley was in pain after surgery and through the night. Angie prayed with her a lot. Haley repeatedly called out to her Heavenly Father.
WEDNESDAY:
Haley will be going to Parkview for her in-patient rehab on Thursday morning. Last night, Angie and I made a list of all the pros and cons for the two programs under consideration. The decision was easier than anticipated. We have a total peace about the next step. Haley wants to go home.
It will take us some time to sort through visitation for Haley’s rehab stay. Thank you SO much for your patience with regard to this. We are so blessed to have all of you. However, we will need some time to get familiar with her schedule, therapist recommendations, Haley’s needs, etc. Visitation needs to revolve around Haley’s emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. Please call the hospital or us before you plan a visit…as opposed to just showing up. Angie will especially have her hands full with Haley and Parkview staff. We’ve been told that planned visitation will work best for Haley’s continued progress. I know this is what we all want.
Again, we love and appreciate all of you so much. Where would we be without you?!
Specific Prayer Requests: Continued prayer that God would bring complete restoration of neural pathways/connections (It’s working! Remember, Haley had 12 areas of her brain that showed serious signs of neural fiber shearing and hemorrhaging. What’s happening is more than amazing!); complete healing for her fractured finger and shattered knuckle…lots of pain right now; that she would be able to consume enough calories that no PEG tube will be needed. Her swallow test was successful and Haley is on restricted a diet…praise God again!
God Bless You All!
Tony & Angie C.
February 28, 2008 at 09:29 PM EST
Family and Friends,
The surge of emotions I (Angie) felt today as we left Lutheran Hospital for Parkview Rehab surprised me. I was overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude mixed with sadness because we were leaving the people who had touched our lives so deeply as they cared for our daughter. The Lord has blessed Haley so incredibly that we now move to phase two--rehab. We want to again thank all of the nurses, doctors and employees at Lutheran who loved on Haley above and beyond their call of duty. Thank you to the therapists who came in on Sundays and stayed after hours just because they wanted Haley to continue progressing. To the nurses who visited Pediatrics from the PICU floor to celebrate her progress with us. Thank you to our family, friends, and the ENTIRE community who continue to support us as we walk through this unfamiliar journey.
The move to Parkview went smooth. It wasn't until yesterday that I realized unless Haley wanted to be transported to Parkview in a thin hospital gown, she would need some clothes. Thank you Eden for packing your sister a bag! Haley thoroughly enjoyed putting on her sweats, t-shirt and ball shoes. Today was the first time she had been outside in 16 days. The cold air was refreshing on her face.
She met her new therapists and liked all of them. She did say that she’s not looking forward to tomorrow. I know she is somewhat intimidated by the long hours of therapy when she is still so tired. When asked what her goals were by the therapists, she said to compete in sports and get strong abs. I think they were thinking more on the lines of being able to walk, talk, problem solve, etc.
Therapists are doing their assessments today and tomorrow. They will put together a rehab plan for Haley and establish tentative long and short-term goals. It’s amazing what she remembers. The only thing she had trouble with today was the month, day and year.
Her hand is still very sore today. It will be in a cast for two weeks then a splint for another week or two. Most of the rehab on her left hand will need to take place down the road when she can use it. I decided to tell Haley about her hair today. I didn’t want it to come as a complete surprise to her. Tony and I took her to a full-length mirror for the first time. She looked at herself and said “Ewww!” Surprisingly, we all started laughing really hard. It’s good that she still has her sense of humor.
As Haley begins this new phase, please continue praying. She has a tough road ahead of her, both physically and mentally. The emotions she may have to fight as she works through potential limitations could be discouraging for her. I believe God will bring her full recovery; however, the Lord may take her life in a different direction than she was on before.
Specific prayer requests: That the Lord would bring FULL recovery to Haley; that she would be able to consume enough calories to have the feeding tube removed soon; that her finger would heal and be fully functional; that she would find endurance, strength and motivation to work hard on those frustrating days when her body isn’t doing what she’s telling it to.
Thank you for all of your care page comments. We will eventually print them out and create a book for Haley to read. Your notes of encouragement lift us up each day! My intentions were to write each one of you a personal thank you for the various gifts of love you’ve shown to us. I am afraid I have failed. Please accept our thanks and know our hearts are forever indebted to you!
With heartfelt gratitude,
Angie Chaney
February 29, 2008 at 05:43 PM EST
I (Angie) just praise God that He gives us laughter during the storm. Today during the speech therapy evaluation, Sara asked Haley to name as many fruits as she could think of. Haley responded by saying, “Pretzel…uh…psychiatrist…uh.…wow, that was weird.” We looked at each other and laughed so hard. Sara explained to us how the command goes into the brain. Haley understands the command, but when she is trying to process the answer, the connection is broken due to the brain injury. An answer, one that Haley knows is wrong, comes out. Just hearing Haley’s quiet laugh brings so much joy to my heart. Holding back my laughter the rest of the evaluation was quite the chore. I felt like a little kid who was told by her parents not to make one more noise or I’d get in big trouble. All I could think about was laughing. Her handwriting is not legible yet. Friends of Haley’s, I know what you’re thinking!
In physical therapy today, they had her sitting on a ball (therapist spotting) doing different activities to build up her core strength. When she was completely exhausted, Doug said, “Can you give me three more?” Haley said, “No, five more.” She expressed her feelings to the therapist today that she is a little scared that she won’t be able to do the things she could do before her accident. It was good for me to hear what she is feeling inside.
I posted a few pictures of when she was in PICU and of her therapy session today. It’s amazing how far she’s come in such a short time. Again we give all the praise to our Father.
Specific Prayer Requests: motor skills, cognitive development: reading, speaking, organizing, planning, problem solving, comprehension, etc. This is an looks to be an area where she may need to work hard to catch back up…as we all know, prayer can change that! Right now, she is struggling. Continued prayer for complete restoration; that her finger would heal and be fully functional. Thank you all again so much! We love you!
Angie and Tony Chaney
March 02, 2008 at 12:06 PM EST
Family and Friends!
The last visible reminder of ICU was removed today! Haley got her nose feeding (NG) tube out. Dieticians began counting her calorie intake after her meals a few days ago. Haley’s famous appetite is back! After breakfast and lunch, she consumed more than enough calories for an entire day—she still had dinner and some snack-times to come. Praise God, Haley is free of all tubes and IV’s!
Haley’s cognitive abilities are coming along. She still has trouble reading and comprehending because her vision is still correcting itself. The words on the page still move around a lot and she gets headaches easy. However, she is speaking with greater clarity, solving problems quicker, and cracking jokes more frequently =].
Haley continues to improve in her physical therapy, but her fine and gross motor skills are still struggling. The connections in her brain are still trying to find the quickest route to the muscles. She knows what she wants to do, but the message gets delayed or lost. Fourteen days in bed and sedation also took quite a toll on her core strength. Haley reminds me of the Scarecrow on Wizard of Oz after he came down off the post. He hung there so long that when he was finally released, he wobbled and flopped down the yellow brick road for a while. That’s pretty much Haley right now. We laugh a lot. But, look out world! Her strength is returning fast!
Haley continues to trust God. She doesn’t understand everything or know what tomorrow holds. She just knows that God holds it. Her prayer over the last few days has been Proverbs 3:5.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make your paths straight.”
God bless you all! We pray that you trust Him today…may he make your paths straight!
Specific Prayer Requests: continue to pray that neural pathways reconnect or reroute; complete restoration of cognitive and physical abilities; pray that Haley stays encouraged; pray against discouragement and insecurity; thank you so much!
Tony and Angie C.
March 03, 2008 at 10:11 PM EST
Family and Friends!
No rehab on Sundays….it’s a day of rest, right? Well, Kylie and G said no way. They walked with Haley most of the afternoon. Tony had her doing steps. Jaylee and Rachel gave her a pedicure. She had company all day until 9:30 Sunday night. She loved every minute of it. She even learned that she can text short messages on her phone again. It was a wonderful day for her.
Today, she was given a tentative departure date of March 28. The Parkview team made a conservative estimate. They want her to beat that projection. We know Haley wasn’t happy to hear that date. She has already informed us that she will be at Parkview two week’s max because she needs to get ready for the Campus Life Spring Break trip. “I’m going no matter what.” God will have to continue to work miracles for that to happen =].
Haley is definitely tired of the pureed foods and is ready for some El Camino. She will have to be patient, but we certainly understand. They take food like turkey, cheeseburgers, green beans, etc. and they “chew it up, spit it out and put it on a plate” as Haley would describe it. Thankfully, if you’re hungry enough, you’ll eat about anything. Haley’s swallow control is getting much better. They are doing another swallow test tomorrow. Praying that she can get back to a regular diet soon. X-rays on her hand tomorrow as well. Praying that God has continued to heal her finger too. She continues to have double vision and develops headaches often. Many of you have informed her when you visit how fortunate she is to be able to look at “two of you”.
Thank you for your continued prayers and notes of encouragement. There really are no words to express how much we appreciate each and every one of you.
Specific Prayers Requests: That God would continue to heal her cognitive thinking skills and that she would not allow insecurities of any kind to take root; for healing of her finger; that she would be able to eat a regular diet soon; complete healing of her brain; vision would be restored to normal; that when God reveals His plan for her life, she would be listening and receptive.
Our Love,
Angie and Tony Chaney
March 05, 2008 at 09:45 PM EST
Yesterday during rehab they began challenging Haley at a new level. She is progressing beautifully! God continues to amaze me. I began going over your carepage messages with her today. I know they will be as encouraging to Haley as they are to us.
Tony is back home with our other three kids. Thank you SO MUCH Grandma and Grandpa Baller for becoming instant parents again by taking care of them since the accident! What would we have done without you?
I got the “ok” from Haley’s doctor today for her to accompany me to the cafeteria for supper. I was a little nervous to leave the security of the nursing staff and go out on our own. I thought she would enjoy it more than she did. She was extremely tired and looked more forward to bed.
The x-ray of her finger today showed that the pins did not hold the knuckle in place as they had hoped. Normally I would be disappointed but after all the Lord has done for Haley, what’s a crooked finger! Haley did not like looking at it when the bandage was taken off. She said “No wonder it’s been hurting,” and looked away. I had to take a seat for the unveiling myself. She will have a scar the whole length of her left middle finger. It is still very swollen and stiff. Dr. Schwartz said the size may not go down much because of all the scar tissue that has built up. Praying God will “dissolve” that scar tissue and give her full use of that finger. The pins will be removed in a couple weeks and then she can begin rehab on that hand as well.
She had her second swallow study today. I sent out an e-mail asking many of you for prayer. Thank you so much! She passed with flying colors and can now eat “normal food”. Yay God again!
Today was Haley’s first recreational outing. As part of her therapy, Haley, me, and four therapists went to Glenbrook for a few hours. She wasn’t overly excited about going. She walked some, road in the wheelchair some, felt funny when people looked at her....It seemed to be humbling for her. She bought some basketball shorts, basketball pants, basketball slip on shoes…..still very much breathes basketball.
We were advised on Monday that Haley would need to have visiting hours. She has not been getting to bed most nights until close to 11:00pm. The nurse comes in bright and early each morning at 6:00am. Haley has been yawning during therapy. By her afternoon thinking sessions, she can barely stay awake. She is extremely tired yet her favorite part of the day is seeing her friends. It is wonderful therapy for her; however, she needs to have “downtime” while she is recovering to get maximum benefits from her therapy sessions. She also now has “homework” each night. She was hoping to get away from that! The staff and Tony/I have decided to make visiting hours for Haley from 5:30 to 8:00pm on Tuesday and Thursdays and then on Saturdays and Sundays, from 1:00 to 5:00pm. Please continue to send a text before you make the trip, because there are times during those visiting hours that they have her out of the rehab facility on recreational therapy outings. Thank you so much for taking time to come visit. She looks so forward to “catching up on life” with each one of you!
Praising God for ALL things,
Angie Chaney
March 07, 2008 at 12:38 PM EST
Please continue to lift Haley up in prayer regarding her “thinking” skills. In many academic areas, she will need to start at the beginning. During therapy, I can see in her eyes discouragement setting in. She wants to go back to school and have everything the way it used to be. She doesn’t want to be thought of as “dumb”. It’s hard for her to stay focused...so she may need to do assignments in a separate room. It takes her longer to complete tasks...so she may need extra time for test taking. Her short-term memory is still healing...so she may need tutored and assisted in many things. All of these things are constant reminders that she is “different” than she used to be. I pray and believe that God will keep doing a work in her life and bring full recovery to her. Would you please continue to join me in that prayer?
This journey is forcing me to work through a whole melting pot of joys, hopes, questions, fears, emotions. I'm still trying to figure out how to sort through it all and “file it away.” There doesn't seem to be enough compartments. I ventured out for the first time to one of Laken’s basketball games Thursday night. It was just five minutes down the road from Parkview. I found myself struggling with fear that Laken would get hurt. I struggled as I observed how much energy and emotion, from both the players and fans, was put into a game that lasts for just an hour...and in the big scheme of life, doesn't mean that much. I struggled with watching how easy it was for these young kids to move and react when Haley could barely walk. I even struggled with seeing a young girl practice her cursive handwriting knowing Haley could barely hold a pencil.
I am in awe at how quickly life can change. We certainly have the ability to shape our future, but we in no way control it. Haley’s accident has made me realize in a very raw, intimate way how important it is to hold tight to Christ...and hold the things of this world very loosely.
Philippians 3:7-14
“But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ–the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
God Bless You All!
Angie C.
March 10, 2008 at 04:45 PM EDT
Family and friends,
Sorry for the long delay with an update. Angie and I became extra busy managing home and hospital life. It has been stressful, but I can’t imagine what we would do without grandma and grandpa, family, and friends. We are ready to be home together as a family. That will happen in time. I know many of you are praying to that end, but for now, we just need to be patient. Haley’s tentative discharge date is still March 28. She is VERY ready to be home. I wouldn’t say she’s discouraged…just very homesick.
Therapists took Haley, Angie, Eden, a couple of friends and me to a movie on Sunday. It was good for her to get out, but it only intensified her desire to get home.
She continues to show progress, but it feels as if we are now chipping away at the obstacles. The movie Shawshank Redemption keeps coming to mind. I see images of Andy Defresne escaping the cruel, 1947 state penitentiary tunneling through walls with a small pick hammer. It took him 19 years. He slowly chipped away at the cement one pocketful at a time…one day at a time. He used a wall poster in his cell to cover up his work. That’s the image that keeps coming into my mind when I look into Haley’s eyes. I see determination and often exhaustion. She’s trying to break through the walls that stand in the way of her “freedom.”
We have seen other patients in rehab and heard their stories. It really is a miracle that doctors didn’t have to take any aggressive/intrusive measures against any brain swelling in the first 72 hours of Haley’s injury. God gave many of the early miracles while Haley was in a coma. Now, Haley must engage in the healing process. We have been praying that God will give her powerful tools/weapons to destroy anything that would stand in the way of total restoration.
Haley’s physical rehab is getting more intense. She is gaining strength and balance and is walking without assistance. She can quickly lose balance, so we stay close. Haley still has blurred/double vision making some rehab difficult. Comprehension and processing information still remain a significant challenge. She is “chipping” away. I sure would like to get a stick of dymamite into her hands.
May God continue to bless you all!
Tony and Angie C.
March 12, 2008 at 09:20 PM EDT
Friends and Family
Tony, Haley and I had our first informational meeting today with all of Haley’s therapists, neuropsychologist, doctor, guidance counselor from Norwell and family members. The meeting was a time for everyone to share observations of Haley’s progress and possible outlook for the future. It was also a time to discuss recommendations regarding a discharge date from Parkview Rehab and returning to school. It was difficult for Haley to listen to everyone talking about her as if she wasn’t in the room. For the most part, she seemed to handle it well until she heard the words “March 28th is still the discharge date we’re looking at for Haley,” and “Initially, we would recommend a teacher coming to the house three or four times a week instead of going directly back to the full-day school routine. We would also recommend summer school.” Tears welled up in her eyes. As Haley’s brain recovers and she becomes more aware of her injury, she is also becoming increasingly frustrated. Other than fatigue, she looks and feels grea....but there is still so much going on inside. It’s hard for her not to be able to jump back into life where she left off one month ago today. Her body says “Go” but her mind just won’t listen yet.
She definitely is getting her personality back. At one of her therapy sessions today, she was bouncing the basketball while walking backwards and doing pivots on command. She began talking smack with Doug, her physical therapist, when he made her start over after a mess-up. The therapists really work well with Haley. One of them is the varsity volleyball coach at Carroll High School and remembers Haley from this past season. The other is the Northside baseball coach and knows many Norwell athletes. I think coaching high school varsity sports helps them relate well with her...they just dish the smack right back. Since they are anticipating the weather to be so nice tomorrow, Haley gets to go outside and shoot some real hoops. I will let you know how that goes.
As we walked off the elevator today, we saw one of the nurses from Lutheran that was with Haley in the Emergency Room the day of the accident. She said “I know you!” She couldn’t believe her eyes and almost began crying. She said, "You don’t understand. She is a miracle. We rarely, IF EVER, have seen someone with the extent of brain injury she had do what she is doing in just a month's time." What another wonderful opportunity to give God ALL THE GLORY! I am continually reminded of how awesome He is. I also know that He did not bring Haley this far only to go halfway. I believe He will not stop healing her until His work is complete! I also pray every day that whatever the reason He allowed this to happen will not be missed.
Thank you again for all your prayers, meals, financial help, encouraging words, love! What a wonderful God we serve! We love all of you so much!
Specific Prayer Requests: Praying God will give Haley 20/20 vision soon. Praying God will allow Haley to have full function in her left middle finger. She may get the pins out in another week and begin moving it at that time. Praying Haley will be patient but determined as she continues rehab. Praying, too, that Haley’s fatigue will lessen and that her short-term memory for learning as well as other areas of the brain that need rerouting will be completely restored.
May God bless each one of you!
Angie and Tony Chaney
March 13, 2008 at 09:51 PM EDT
Friends and Family,
What a beautiful day outside! A perfect day to “ball it up” as Haley said. The weather allowed Haley to shoot some hoops during one of her therapy sessions. I was amazed at how quickly her shot came back. The ball didn’t seem heavy at all. She played Horse with Beach, one of her therapists and....had a great time. Yes, that means she lost but only by one letter. She wasn’t able to “prove it” twice. She is still a sore loser. Her excuses were: the sun was in my eyes; it was windy; I am not used to shooting in a coat; I couldn’t use my left hand; and I am injured. She has already challenged Beach to a rematch.
During Haley’s EMS ride to Lutheran, in order for the first responders to assess Haley from head to toe, her clothes needed to be cut off. She was wearing her letter jacket at the time. Because that was her only coat, she has since had to wear Tony’s XL black Carhart jacket....not exactly Haley's first choice. Today, Wiley showed up at the hospital with a new letter jacket, patches all sewn into place, ready for Haley to wear tomorrow on her next therapy outing. No more Carhart! Thank you so much Wiley. You just made her day!
Regarding school, Haley was in the middle of two 9-week classes at Norwell when the accident occurred. Yesterday, she began working to complete two of those classes. School is officially back in session for Haley. Her goal is to finish the requirements for those classes over the next several weeks. Then, with the school’s help, we will develop a new plan for Haley so she can graduate with her wonderful Class of 2009.
Specific Prayer Requests: Continuing to pray for her 20/20 vision to return. Praying that God would reroute any areas in the brain that have been injured so that Haley can be fully restored in every way. Praying that she will have full use of the finger that was injured and that the Lord would begin to break up the scar tissue that is leaving her finger doubled in size.
We love each and every one of you!!
Angie and Tony C.
March 14, 2008 at 10:35 PM EDT
Friends and Family
Today Haley beat Beach in a game of PIG. Just to make sure everyone knew, Doug (Haley’s physical therapist) got on the PA system and announced it to the entire floor. Of course, Haley agreed that action was completely appropriate.
Haley’s recreational outing today consisted of going to the Olive Garden for lunch. She spent most of her time texting on her phone. I spent most of my time telling her to please put it away....just like old times. She is getting much quicker at handling multiple conversations on her phone. For awhile, she wouldn’t reply to messages because she knew she couldn’t do the conversation justice with her limited texting skills. That is changing. Facebook is still a challenge. She gets on every few days, but typing with one hand is quite a challenge.
Eden spent the night with Haley and I at the hospital tonight. We had a girls night....watched some movies, talked and laughed a lot. It was so much fun. Family is such a blessing. Every time Haley asked Eden to get something for her, Eden made Haley kiss her on the cheek first. It was a beautiful sight.
Haley's cognitive skills are improving daily. Her vision is improving, too. The Lord is rerouting pathways in the areas of her brain that were injured. The Great Physician continues to hear our prayers. Please pray that Haley would receive complete healing and that the Lord would continue to be glorified!
In Him,
Angie and Tony C.
March 16, 2008 at 05:03 PM EDT
We recently learned of an 18-year-old girl from Columbia City High School who was in a car accident last week. She is in PICU here at Parkview with a brain injury. Her name is Adela “Tara” Rowland. Yesterday, Haley, Eden and I (Angie) went down to her room and visited with her family. It was encouraging for them to be able to see and talk with Haley. It was a blessing for Haley as well to be able to give Jesus the glory He deserves for her miraculous healing. Being back in the ICU area brought back many memories and emotions. My heart went out to her family. Life truly is a precious gift. I pray I will be able to live life with more of an eternal perspective when I get home.
Spring Break is right around the corner. Tony and Eden are gearing up to leave on the Campus Life Florida trip. Haley is well aware that there are only six more days until its arrival. She is still hopeful; however, she has come up with a plan B. “If I can’t go to Florida, then can I at least go to the tanning bed when I get home?”
Haley’s personality continues to slowly come out. Sometimes she seems extremely quiet and shy. Other times, she is laughing so hard she is on the verge of crying. Too many conversations, people, or things to look at can sometimes cause Haley to go into "safe" mode by staring at things on a wall. It’s her brain’s way of shutting out all of the stimuli around her and finding something “safe” to focus on. This too is getting much better with time.
Please continue to pray for Haley’s double vision; pray that she will be able to express herself more clearly. I really notice this difficulty when she tries to tell a story. It’s hard for her to keep her facts straight and in order. Continue to pray for complete restoration and healing of her brain. Haley will most likely get the pins out of her finger next week. Shortly after that, rehab will begin on her finger. Praying for full function. Thank you so so so much!
God Bless You,
Angie and Tony Chaney
March 18, 2008 at 09:33 PM EDT
God never stops amazing me. We found out today that Haley will be discharged on Thursday. Just TWO more days (which explains the picture). I asked Haley what is the first thing she wants to do when she gets home. She said "First, I just want to walk through the house, look around, and remember the smell. Then I want to lay down on my own bed." Thank you Jesus that she gets to experience this in just two more days! What an awesome God we serve!
March 19, 2008 at 09:55 PM EDT
Wow, it's our last night at Parkview Hospital. This may sound strange, but I think I will have to fight back tears when we leave tomorrow! These people have touched our lives in such a huge way....I will miss them. We definitely will be making trips back to visit our new friends, both at Parkview and Lutheran.
Haley was not able to get the pins out of her finger today as hoped. She has an appointment next Thursday for more x-rays. The doctor did try to bend it today, but it was stiff as a board. She may need further surgery to loosen things up on the inside.
Chapter 1: Lutheran ICU. Chapter 2: Lutheran Pediatric Unit. Chapter 3: Parkview Inpatient Rehab. Monday begins Chapter 4: Lutheran Outpatient Rehab. I have to confess, I find myself fighting back anxious feelings when I think of Chapter 4. Haley will have rehab five days a week at Lutheran. We will leave home at 8:15am and return at 1:15pm. Then a teacher will come to the house in the afternoon for her schooling. She will continue to have doctor appointments, CT scans, x-rays, school meetings... Not to mention there are five other people in the house with schedules who will need mom’s love and attention. We praise Jesus for bringing us to Chapter 4!!! I’m just a little nervous to turn the first page. Thank you for traveling this road with us! We have never felt alone. I wish there was a way you could see into my heart. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus.
Specific Prayer Requests: Praying God would begin to break up the scar tissue in Haley’s finger, loosen up the ligaments, and give her finger full function. Praying God would restore Haley’s vision to 20/20. Praying for complete recovery of Haley’s brain. Please ask the Holy Spirit to intercede in prayer in any areas that we do not see.
May God bless each one of you!
Angie and Tony Chaney
March 20, 2008 at 09:28 PM EDT
Family and Friends,
I overestimated my ability to hold myself together until it was time to leave today. I cried when I folded up my bed this morning. I cried when I paid the cashier for my last meal in the cafeteria. I cried as I walked up the quiet stairwell after breakfast. I cried at the conclusion of each therapy session. I cried when Haley’s therapists surprised her with a cake wishing her their best. THEN, I cried as we said our goodbyes. I cried as the elevator shut and we headed down to the van with Haley by our side. Haley didn’t cry at all! She was ready to go!
Haley’s physical therapist told me today that although nothing can compare with what we just went through in the past five weeks, this next chapter could be difficult in another way for all of us. Haley is leaving a very controlled environment. She will want life to pick up where it left off when she gets home. We are praying that she will not become too frustrated in the coming weeks. He told me while the brain is still healing that even a small bump to the head could cause her brain to start bleeding again. So, Haley’s overprotective pre-accident mom just got more protective =].
We arrived home at 4:00pm. When we entered the house, Haley went straight to her room. She began looking at all her cards. She, too, was amazed at how many people are praying for her. The rest of the night consisted of taking her to the tanning bed =], going to Wal-Mart, eating a wonderful meal brought to us, and watching a movie as a family. It was a cherished night!
May all of you have a blessed Easter week-end as we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Savior!
Angie and Tony Chaney
March 21, 2008 at 07:32 PM EDT
Haley continued her card-reading marathon last night until midnight. Then she closed her eyes, snuggled down beneath her favorite covers and fell fast asleep. She didn't get up until 10:00am this morning. At 3:30pm, Haley and I headed over to the Youth for Christ building to see Tony and Eden off on the Campus Life Florida spring break trip. It was hard for Haley to wave good-bye from the parking lot instead of on the bus, but she took it in stride. Praying everyone has a safe trip and that lives will be touched for Jesus.
Good Friday, the day we remember Christ’s death on the cross….the ultimate sacrifice expressing a love like no other. Without today, we would have no hope. Easter, the day we celebrate Christ’s triumphant resurrection….the celebration of new life. Without Easter, we would have no hope. It took both his death and resurrection for His plan to be complete. It took the closing of one chapter for another one to begin. Thank you, Lord, for chapters. Each one brings us hope and each one is part of your plan.
Monday starts Chapter 4….outpatient therapy at Lutheran. We are looking forward to unraveling the story Jesus has already written.
In Christ,
Angie and Tony Chaney
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