cruise and update

This past Saturday, my dad and I drove Aron's 1967 Nova wagon in a car cruise with over 100 other Novas. Aron would have loved this event: at one point on the freeway, there was a traffic break and four lanes across and as far back as I could see, there were Novas. My dad and I were one of the lead cars, along with Amy and her dad in Amy's Nova wagon. Once we arrived at our destination, there was a banner on Aron's car for people to sign - you can see us holding it in the above photo. My dad and I held up better than I expected - but it was such an Aron event I kept expecting to see him walk by or hear a "Hey Dad" or "Hey Sister" at any moment.

He continues to receive therapy, and a few recent highlights: He can hold himself in a seated position on the edge of the bed, and the other day, he reached across his body and picked up an object (his cell phone) and transferred it to the other side of his body. This was done with help, but was a pretty big step. He hasn't spoken yet of consequence - every now and again a word comes out, but rarely. His vision was examined yesterday, and he could follow an object in front of his face when it went back and forth, however there is some limited movement in his left eye. He can identify things correctly, at times: my mom brought his graphing calculator, and told him to press certain keys, and he pressed the correct keys. I should also say there are times when he does nothing at all, even when prompted, and that is just the nature of the recovery process.

We continue to hope and pray for his eventual return.

the plan

For some time now, my parents have been working to meet with the doctors and formulate a recovery plan for Aron.

They met with doctors today, and in a nutshell, this is the plan:

For the next two to three weeks, Aron will get range of motion every two hours. He will be in and out of the wheelchair more frequently. He will receive physical therapy daily. The ultimate goal is to get Aron ready for acute rehab, where the doctors estimate he will spend several months before the ultimate goal: to get him home. The doctors do feel that Aron is responsive, and that he is more alert. They said that family support right now is more important than ever.

Some things Aron has been doing lately: holding up his head better, looking at the appropriate person (look at dad, mom, etc.), punching the correct key on a calculator when told, and doing different things with his hands.

I visited him yesterday. It was very emotional because I haven't been in a while. It was nice to see his progress, but still sad to sit with him and have a one sided conversation. He is in good health, and overall looks great. Right when we got there my mom told him to look at me, and he did, right straight at me. It was hard not to cry as I looked in my brother's eyes.

These next weeks and months are Aron's chance to become a person again. We pray and hope for the best - we want him home again.

a long process

I realize it's been a while since the blog has been updated, and I'm sorry about that.

I try to make the posts as realistic as possible and still share how hopeful we are. The reality of this post is that, while no major changes have happened, things are just very difficult.

As we pass the seven month mark, we are thankful that Aron is still alive and that he is awake. It is impossible to know how aware he is of his surroundings and his situation. My parents continue to visit him each day and encourage him, take him outside, and advocate on his behalf.

Advocating for him is exhausting for both my parents - dealing with Aron's healthcare has been difficult - getting answers, calls back, or face time with the appropriate people has been challenging.

This is a daily struggle that hasn't gotten any easier since that terrible day in June. While the shock of everything has worn off to some degree, it is as a friend of mine puts it, the "new normal". Please continue to keep Aron and my family in your prayers.

2011

In the past two weeks, we've seen some improvement! With help, Aron has been able to transfer objects from one hand to the other, interlace his fingers, remove his glasses, identify body parts, point his finger at our mom (he certainly knows who we are!), and remain in an unsupported sitting up position in bed (this was after being put in a sitting up position). Aron also seems more alert and focused. We are encouraged by these small victories. He still has yet to speak, and has trouble holding up his head - but is improving with the head control and continues to make unintelligable noises.

The EEG from December didn't indicate anything unexpected, and the same goes for the MRI. The medical professional who read the EEG did say that it is within the realm of possibility for someone with Aron's injuries to recover, it would just be VERY slow - which is what seems like is happening. We continue to remain hopeful.

On another note: my dad and I will be cruising Aron's Nova Wagon on March 5 at the CPP cruise.

Christmas

We want to take this time as we honor our Savior's birth, to thank everyone who has supported our family in thought and prayer over these past months. We are thankful that Aron is still with us, and still recovering. The road ahead will be long and difficult, but we see progress each day. Please continue to hold Aron in your prayers - that he continues to progress in therapy and that his speech will return. We have hope.

Merry Christmas!

The Shubin Family
Tom and Jill
Candace, Tony, and Augie Johnson

meeting outcome

My parents and Aron met with the neurologist this morning. The meeting went well, and Aron will be getting an EEG and an MRI to determine if it is safe to lower the anti-seizure meds. The EEG is scheduled for this Friday, and the MRI will be scheduled soon. The doctor also ok'd stimulants, and my parents will be working today to see what can be introduced.

Therapy continues, noises continue - and he continues to slowly improve. Thank you for your ongoing thoughts and prayers.

slow progress and meeting with a neurologist

Aron is still slowly progressing in therapy. Through the use of heavy equipment, Aron is held in a standing or walking position in attempt to stimulate his central nervous system and get him to hold up his own body. His neck stability continues to improve, and he is regaining some of the strength in his arms. He is also able, with assistance, to do things with his hands and arms. Things he can do with help: touch the top of his head, nose, mouth, and point to the ceiling. His therapist continues to be positive, and recognizes his tiny improvements.

My parents and Aron are meeting with a neurologist on December 14 to discuss possible treatment options. One thing my parents are campaigning for is a reduction in the anti-seizure medication, which can make him apathatic and drowsy. They are also hoping to get a stimulant perscribed, to see if that will aid in his progress during therapy.

We all continue to remain hopeful - each day Aron fights through the fog and participates in therapy, even if his responses are minimal - shows he can understand and he's trying, and that is really all we can ask for right now.