About this Site

This blog has been set up for Dale P's friends and family as a resource for information on Dale's condition. Updates will be posted about once a week. As most of you know Dale fell from her bicycle on July 30, 2008. No one witnessed the incident, so the best assumption we can make is that it was a bad fall off the bike. As a result of this fall, Dale is suffering from Tramatic Brain Injury (TBI). If you would like to read more about TBI, you can do a google search for TBI or check these web sites:
http://www.biausa.org/
http://www.tbiguide.com/
http://www.traumaticbraininjury.com/content/understandingtbi/tbi-understanding-tbi.html
At this time you are not able to post messages. When Dale is well enough to read, posting will be activated and we'd love to have you send your thoughts and cheerful greetings. We hope that will be soon. Thank you for all your well wishes and concern. It is heart warming to know Dale has so many caring friends.


Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Eating a bit - mmmmmm

Good news! Dale has started eating some at meals. The feeding tube is still in to ensure she's getting proper nutrition. Family or staff are with Dale at meal times as a precaution to guard against choking or problems. But, this is a positive step. Dale is talking a bit, but not a lot because she tires so easily. We're grateful that there have been no new complications this week.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Dale's Daily Challenges

Dale's physical condition remains precarious, as she continues to battle infections and clots. Clots are a common concern with TBI patients. On the bright side, Dale is now only on a feeding tube. Last week, the therapists were working to improve her swallowing, so hopefully the tube can be removed soon. On the days when Dale is physically able, she is working on learning to sit up and, with assistance, to move from the bed to a wheelchair. She is also working, with assistance, on standing. These tasks are challenging and hard work. Her speech is very limited and therapists are working on memory retrieval of words. We welcome your prayers and healing thoughts so Dale can have more continuous days of wellness in order to progress with her therapy.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Rehab ups and downs

Dale is continuing at the rehab facility. She has ups and downs as one might expect in these early stages of rehab. Because the rehab is so tiring, non-family visitation is still restricted. Sometimes family visitation is also limited since Dale needs lots of rest. Dale's strong and fighting spirit is a real asset at this time. Thanks to friends and family for your continued good wishes and cards. We sincerely appreciate your on-going thoughts and prayers.