Buzz,
Charlie, might have you topped, he's originally from Lodi.

Rick,
Michele is doing much better. She has moved to a facility so that she can get some PT. She'll be there for a week or so. She is much more comfortable where she is now and Charlie says she is getting much stonger and things seem to be getting much better.
I spoke with Charlie last night and I think that the pace is really starting to wear on him, fatigue is setting in, but he is holding up well.
Again, I know that he is very appreciative of all of the support that he is getting here, thanks.


Ken

 

4/14/02 Sunday
9pm

Michele remains at Betty Bacharach Rehab Facility. She was admitted wed. While there she has had P.T. and is coming along nicely but has more work to do. We are very pleased with her recovery it is truly remarkable considering were she was Easter sunday just 2 short weeks ago.

Today we had lunch outside and my parents who have been doggy sitting Mr. Pockets since her surgery brought him over for Michele to visit with. He was very excited to see her and it was a nice afternoon.

On tuesday Michele will go back to the University of Penn for a follow up with the surgeons and some blood work. She still has the 2 drains in her sides and there still is a little bit of bile in the one but with time we pray it will heal on it's own.

On wed. she will leave the rehab center and go to my parents home which is down the road from there and my Mom will take care of her for as long as needed. While at my parents she will have out patient rehab 3 days a week for as long as needed.

We plan on staying at my parents during the week and then return to our home friday night for the weekend and then back to my parents so she can be taken care of while I work.

So all is moving along nicely and I will update everyone on her progress when she gets out of the rehab facility and is at my parents home.

Till then,
Charlie

 

It is truly wonderful to hear how good she is doing.. You are all in my prayers!

 

Charlie:

How are things now with Michele and Kristen? I haven't been able to check in for a few days, and I'm anxious to know how things are going!

I'm so happy that things are going well for Michele, but you need to make sure YOU are getting enough rest too! It sounds like you are getting more exhausted by the day, and Michele will need you when she is well enough to go home!

You all remain in my prayers!

 

Charlie is temporarily out of touch. He and Michele staying at his parents and there is no computer available.
I spoke with him today and here is a short update.
Michele left the rehab center on Tuesday, and went over to HUP for a check-up. All seems to be working properly and all of her tests came back negative. The issue with the bile duct leak is subsiding and the doctors are very encouraged, they are considering removing one of the drains next week.
As for Kristen, she is doing very well, so well in fact, that she will be leaving the area next week and returning home to the west coast.

All in all, Charlie is very upbeat, although I think a bit fatigued. He is looking forward to taking Michele back home probably in the next 10-14 days.

Ken

 

4/19/02 Friday
11:am

Michele and I are staying at my parents home which is near my work and the rehab center.

This is much easier b/c we live about 40 miles away from my work, rehab and my parents.. While at my parents Mom is taking care of Michele's needs and I pop over for lunch and tend to her at night. She is weak but improving. Her short term goal is to be able to get out of bed and a chair without assistance. Once she is standing she is able to walk around and excersize a bit.

I am busy at work since it is our season here at the shore area and my parents don't have a computer so keeping in touch is kinda hard. I will try to when time is permits at work.

Kristen is coming to see Michele saturday to say goodbye before she heads backr to the Bay Area Sunday. I will take pics of them and post them when I go home on Sunday to do some things around our house.

So things are moving ahead and I am tired but before you know it we hope all the more difficult days will be behind us.

Thanks so much for all the prayers and well wishes as well as the many private messages many have been sending me about there own hard times and how they got thru them.

Better times are coming I can feel it

Later
Charlie

 

04/22/02 Monday
2pm

This is a message I wanted to share with you from my wife. She wanted to pass along to her friends and all the people who kept her in their thoughts and prayers.
================================================== =========

Hi,

Thanks so much for all the cards,well wishes,thoughts,
and prayers.They have helped brighten up my many down
days.

I am so happy to be alive and forever grateful for my
cousin and "real live angel" Kristen for giving me the
gift of life. If it were not for her I would have
surly died. I am also happy and relieved to say she is
doing well and is back home in California.

Please remember Charlie in your prayers as well. I
would never have been able to get thru this time
without him. He has been at my side faithfully, to
give and give and never complain. He has amazingly
kept up with e-mails, phone calls , being at my side
for hours on end, taking care of things around our
home, and working in his business.

I am still extremely fatigued but will begin my
out-patient physical therapy soon. I know I have much
weight and muscle to gain and a long,difficult journey
ahead but I will prevail.

I credit my strength in God, my religous pilgrimage
to Lourdes,France, and my family and friends.

Michele

 

Thank God all worked out well and you live to see another day. The best gift you can give back is being a living witness to the glory of God and all His miracles. Be happy and stay strong.

God bless.......

 

It's great to know you are now well enough to type. My prayers continue to go out to the two of you. What you have achieved is truly a miracle. You are an inspiration to us all.

Cheers,

Aly

 

I must first apologize for not having followed this thread.

It is so moving and inspiring to know that there is so much faith and goodness out there. I too will offer up my prayers to you and Michelle. The two of you may have already given more to all of us than we could possibly ever give back.

May God Bless