April 30, 2008 update

Dad's breathing is becoming more labored, and the airflow in his left lung has decreased. The chaplain came in with his guitar and we sang together for dad. We kept waiting for Dad's beautiful bass voice to join in, but Dad prefered to beathe rather than sing. In this case we don't blame him. We are trying to take advantage of the time that we have with him. Thank you for all your support.

The Southwicks

April 29, 2008 update

Dad got moved out of ICU today. He's a bigger room on the fourth floor, which is really nice because all of us can hang out with him there. I'm sure he enjoys hearing all our weird conversations and humor. (Actually, he's probably rolling his eyes and calling us "pain in the neck kids.") He's off all of his medications and is only receiving food and oxygen. He's still not responding or moving and doesn't open his eyes very often. (He opened them for Samuel, the lucky boy!) We know your prayers have helped sustain us as a family through this very difficult time and we appreciate your continued prayers for the times ahead.

We love you all,

The Southwick Family

April 28, 2008 update

Dad had his tracheaostamy and his peg this morning. The prodedure went well. His blood pressure dropped drastically after, but was soon stabilized with fluids. We've had a very serious conversation with the doctors. They've seen signs of digression and Dad's brain injury is very severe. The chance of him waking up is less than two percent. We had hoped that relieving the pressure from his spinal cord would allow his body to recover. He has showed no signs of progression. We truly appreciate all your prayers for a complete recovery, but now ask that your prayers be that God's will be done.

The Southwicks

April 27, 2008 update

It was so nice to see everyone freezing along with Jamie at the benefit!!! The sun sure felt good. Thank you so much for all your kind and generous continual support. Who knew that Dad had so many friends!!!!! Or maybe, you were all there just to see Jamie and Robin. :) We'll never know. Dad has had some seizure activity that concerns the doctors. But, he is breathing on his own. Tomorrow they plan to put in a trach tube and a peg (feeding tube directly to stomach). We truly appreciate all your prayers and support. Thanks again.
Cheri, Jamie, and Robin

April 25, 2008 update

Everything here is pretty much the same. No new pokings or proddings to report. And, on the positive side, no infections! (Good job Dad!) After his very busy day yesterday, the nurses are just letting him rest. Sleep is a good thing for him at this point.

We're looking forward to seeing many of you at the benefit tomorrow. Mom and most of the family will be there.

Thank you all so very much for your love, support and prayers,

Cheri, Scott, Wendy and Steve

P.S. For those who haven't heard, the breakfast benefit for Dad will be from 8-11 a.m. at the Lincoln County Courthouse lawn in Shoshone. Any questions, call Heather Hoskisson at 309-2276.

April 24, 2008 update

What a sight! The nurses had dad upside down like a newborn baby, smacking his backside to get the junk out of his lungs. Okay, not exactly smacking his backside...but they have had his head lower than his feet, vibrating his back in an attempt to shake the gunk loose from his lungs. They've been pretty busy this morning. They gave him 2 units of blood, put in a new central line and tubing (for his medications and yummy liquid food!). They had him taking his own breaths for a few hours, with the ventilator kicking in to help. But he's still exhausted from surgery and so they have the ventilator breathing for him again. Later this afternoon, they are going to insert a humongous, deadly looking needle into his left side to remove any excess fluids that have been building up around his lungs. (Good thing he's still out like a light or he'd probably faint at the sight.) After Tuesday's surgery, they had to put him back on blood pressure meds to stabalize his blood pressure. However, this morning, they have taken him off and are hoping he can maintain a stable pressure on his own. They hope to take the ventilator tubes out of his throat and put in a trach tube in on Monday. So, he's been through quite a bit this morning and he'll probably sleep for the rest of the day (or longer). :)

A big thanks also to the doctors and nurses here who have taken such good care of dad. They have been wonderful and we sure appreciate them and their hard work and skill.

Pray for an infection free week!

Wendy, Cheri, Scott and Steve (Wendy's, not mom's!)

Surgery postdate

Surgery went well. Dad left his room around 3 p.m. and came back around midnight. It was a very long surgery, but the neurosurgeon seemed pleased. The surgery was to stabalize Dad's neck and back. They put in plates, screws, and fused bones together. He also aligned Dad's back. (That was bonus. He said old people start to stoop and Dad was no exception. :) They have to keep a close eye on Dad to make sure he doesn't get an infection. As far as we know, the surgery did nothing to reverse any paralysis that may have taken place. His spinal cord is now free of pressure, but any healing or recovery is up to Dad and Heavenly Father. We continue to pray for the best, knowing all things are possible with faith and in accordance with the will of the Lord. We can never thank you all enough. You guys are the best.

The Southwicks
aka Robin

Surgery update

Surgery was a little delayed due to some questions from the neurosurgeon. They were all cleared up and Dad is on his way to the operating room right now. All prayers throughout the next 5-7 hours are encouraged. We'll update after the surgery. Thanks again.

The Southwicks

P.S. The picture of Dad with the eyes open is a little misleading. He is not awake, his eyes open spontaneously from time to time and we managed to catch them open. Sorry to disappoint. =)

April 22, 2008 update

You all must have prayed your guts out well. :) Dad's temperature stayed down. He's scheduled for surgery at noon today. We have a consult with the neurosurgeon before to explain the procedure. We're very happy to finally have things moving forward. The surgery will be a long one. Probably 5-7 hours. All thoughts, prayers, or whatever else this day will surely be accepted by us and by the Lord. So, now we just wait. Hmmm, let me rephrase that. We just continue to wait, but this time with the knowledge that all is being done that is possible to begin the recovery process. Thank you all so much for your patience, love and support.

Cheri & Robin

Update of earlier update

Apparently Dad likes to keep us guessing. His temperature is rising again, but has not reached a fever point. We've heard that surgery will be tomorrow afternoon, but as yet do not have a specific time. We really need this surgery to happen tomorrow, so we'd appreciate it if you'd pray your guts out until it does. That darned temperature needs to stay down!!! We keep telling Dad that, but I think he just likes all the girly attention he's been getting recently. Punk. Thanks for everything.

Robin

P.S. Bill, I think you forgot to put your hearing aid in. I distinctly heard my dad say I was his favorite. :)

April 21, 2008 update

Dad has done a fabulous job of keeping his temperature low. After they switched the antibiotic to kill the bug in his ear and bacteria in his blood, his temperature dropped, dropped, dropped lower and lower until WHALAH! It is back to normal. There is talk of getting the staples out of his head today. We're kind of worried because if the sores aren't closed completely, his brains might leak out!!!!!!! We all know that he needs every brain cell that's in there. We're still waiting to hear of a finalized time for surgery. We'll keep updating. Thanks so much for all your love, concern, prayers, and support. We love you all.

Robin (The favorite)

April 20, 2008 update

Dad had the privelege of having both of his chest tubes removed. Our joy from yesterday was a bit premature because his temperature did not stay down. We are still hopeful for his surgery early this week. Dad still needs lots of help and support, so please continue with your prayers and faith on his behalf. Thank you so much for all of your support.

Scott

April 19, 2008 update

Hooray!!! Dad's femur broke!!! OOPS...Mom said FEVER, not femur...our bad. :) SSOOO...The antibiotics and prayers and faith and hope and charity and love are working! His fever broke around midnight. The neurosurgen is planning for surgery the beginning of next week provided the fever stays down. We'll keep you updated. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Robin and Scott

P.S. Hooray!!!

April 19, 2008 benefit update

We have a bit more information about the benefit breakfast. It will be held at the Lincoln County Court House lawn in Shoshone, Idaho, at 8:00 am to 11:00 am April 26th. There will be a silent auction of items generously donated by businesses and people. Item can be donated by contacting Heather Hoskisson at 208-309-2276.

Thank you

Cheri, Brenda, Robin, and Scott

April 18, 2008 update

So, we asked Dad what his opinion was of all the delays and...he just stared at us like we were dumb. We almost expected to hear him sigh heavily and say, "You kids are such pains."
A sample of the nasty icky gooey stuff inside his ear was taken to be checked for infections. There is some infection in the ear, but they are still not sure it is the source of the fever. Now they have found bacteria growing in his blood cultures, so they are certain the surgery would have spread the infection. The surgery entails inserting hardware in the vertebrate to stablilize the spine, and release pressure on the spinal cord. It will take place next week after the fever subsides. Dad takes breaths on his own, but the ventalator helps bring in adequate oxygen. Dad's response time is a little on the slow side, at least two weeks behind...or so.

Robin and Scott

To clear up some confusion, we wanted to let everyone know that Dad was wearing a helmet. It was taken off by the EMTs at the scene of the accident.

April 17, 2008 update

Much to our frustration, Dad's surgery has been delayed yet again. This time it is due to a fever of unknown origin. They suspect it may be caused by an infection in his ear and have done some tests to try and confirm that. The test restults won't be back until Saturday, and so we have no new date for surgery as of yet. For those that are fasting, please consider this your fast for Dad's surgery, whenever it may be. Please continue to pray that the doctors will guided in their search and that surgery will be soon.

Thank you for your love and concern,

The Family

April 16, 2008 update

Sorry this is comeing so late, but Dad is just resting up for the surgery tomorrow at 9:30 am. He hasn't got up that early for a few weeks, he may be quite grumpy when that time rolls around. Some things just don't change. Thanks again for your support and prayers.

Cheri and Scott

April 15, 2008 update

They are inserting a filter in the bloodstream close to the heart to catch any large blood clots that might break loose and cause problems. The procedure in similar to doing an angiogram. The filter is a little smaller than a stent. His temperature goes up and down and they are not sure of the cause. They have put support boots on his feet to provent drooping and heel sores. His surgery is scheduled for 9:30 Thursday morning, the 17th. He is still unresponsive, but stable. Please continue to pray for his complete recovery. Thanks so much. Love, Cheri and family

April 14, 2008 update 2

We have just found out that the surgery has been rescheduled for Thursday morning at 8:30 am. If you have already begun to fast, please continue. We know Dad will be blessed by your faith. Thank you so much.

Wendy, Robin, and Scott

P.S. Dad was so angry about the delay, he refused to say a word... :)

April 14, 2008 update

Dad is still doing well and is stable. He was bathed and shaved and was caught sporting a stylish shower cap. He looks....weird, but a good weird. He had a slight fever yesterday, but today it is going down. Robin says that his wrapped arm stinketh, but I don't believe her because I haven't smelled it yet. As of 12:24 pm an operating room has not been secured for Tuesday. We are praying that one will soon become available. We will keep you all updated on that situation. Thank you all for your prayers and support.

Robin and Scott

April 13, 2008 update

Dad is dead...haha...just kidding. Dr. Montalbano took the pressure monitor out of his head and used staples to close the wound. They are giving him medications to help drain the fluid accumulation in his body. He has been taken off of the blood pressure medications and has been the most stable in the last 48 hours. Surgery is still planned for Tuesday, but the time is still unknown. A fast is planned for Monday evening through Tuesday evening for all those who would like to participate. The community is planning a benefit breakfast for the 26th of April, more details will follow.

Verlon, Robin, and Scott

P.S. Brenda, Jamie, and Mom did not approve of opening statement, but we prevailed!!! :)

April 12, 2008 update

No real changes since yesterday. Keep the memories coming, we enjoy them greatly.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers,
Cheri

April 11, 2008 update

Dr. Montabono spoke with us last night and said he would remove the bolt out of Steve's head, it measures the pressure in the brain, some time today. He also said he is looking towards possibly doing the surgery on Tuesday. More blood tests were done today. Not much planned over the weekend, just waiting for surgery.
Thanks for your continued prayers,
Cheri

April 10th update

Steve had a CT of his head and chest yesterday afternoon. They found fluid around his lungs. They put a chest tube in each lung. When they did they got one liter of fluid from each lung. The chest tubes should stay in until after his surgery. This should help him breathe much easier.
Thanks for your continued prayers,
Cheri

April 9, 2008 update

Steve is stabilizing more, so surgery on his neck and back fractures will happen in the near future. We will let you know the date of the surgery. They are allowing Steve to breathe on his own at times, he is still on the ventilator and still unconscious. Steve has opened his eyes a few times, nurses say it is a reflex.
Dr's say that Steve's spinal chord has been damaged so there will be some paralysis, but we are praying for a full recovery. Thank you for your prayers, please pray with us for a miracle.
Cheri

April 8, 2008 Morning

We are overwhelmed with all the love and support for Steve and our family. We know we can call on all of you if we need any help. Not much anyone can do at this time, your prayers are most helpful. Please continue to pray for him. We would love to hear of any incidents or stories about Steve, and how he has affected your lives for good, or funny stories you have experienced with Steve. We could read them to him and he and our family would enjoy reminiscing with you.
We know he is in God's hands and trust his will, but we are praying for a miracle.
With all our love,
Cheri and Family

Steve's condition has not changed. He has several C and T fractures and is still unconscious and the doctors cannot operate until he is more stabilized.

The accident occurred on Friday April 4th at about 6:50 p.m. on state Highway 24 near mile marker 63 in Lincoln County.

Stephen Southwick was driving his Honda motorcycle eastbound on Highway 24 when he veered off the left side of the road. He then lost control, struck a barbed-wire fence and was thrown from the motorcycle, according to a news release issued Saturday by the Idaho State Police.

Police say it is unknown what caused him to veer off the roadway.

Southwick was transported by air ambulance to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise. He was listed in critical condition Saturday evening.