News! Received a voicemail from Emily last night. She had gone to see Kendra and was able to observe a therapy session. Emily says that Kendra is trying really hard and the therapist said it is helping her make real strides. Emily said that Artie had visited on Thursday and Kendra said, “Hi” and “How are you?” though she did not try to speak to Emily on Friday.
Emily is very impressed with the facility and the staff. They have Kendra on some medication to help her be more alert during the day to support therapy and to help her sleep cycle at night. She is receiving excellent care and with all her Island friends close, she will be able to have more interaction with people she knows. The rest of us can keep up prayers and cards and whatever sparks you to support our friend.
I will be talking to Emily this weekend and will have a new address posted soon.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
KendraKare Update - Day 19
OK – Looks like tomorrow, Tuesday, is Kendra’s moving day. She will be going to RHCI ( Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape and Islands)located in Sandwich, Ma. She is scheduled to leave around 10 from Boston. Kendra will be getting great care, and 3 hours a day of different therapies. This is great news too, since Artie and Karen are close, and it will be easier for the folks from Martha’s Vineyard to pop over too.
Check them out at www.rhci.org
I know there is an address on the site, but I will call tomorrow and get information, room #, etc. Good news everyone, but we still have a long road to travel.
Check them out at www.rhci.org
I know there is an address on the site, but I will call tomorrow and get information, room #, etc. Good news everyone, but we still have a long road to travel.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
OK! Talked to Emily last night and boy, was that girl exhausted! She continues to work so hard on Team KendraKare and has those adorable little ones to care for too. Emily wins the GOLD!!!!
The whole Coggins family went to Boston to visit with Kendra on Thursday and Emily said Kendra was sitting in a chair, a bit tired from some physical therapy but happy to see them, and seemed very interested in the kids. Artie was there on Friday and Saturday and Kendra is very stable, body chemistry all good. Looks like the next step to the rehab facility is only waiting on the bureaucratic levels of medical care to come to consensus and Kendra will be good to go. Still looking to early in the week.
Word is Kendra is enjoying all the mail ! We took down the address anticipating a move and did not have a reasonable comfort level about the hospital forwarding mail, so….bear with me. It creates a quandary because the flow of mail is good, so the second I have the rehab address it will be posted here.
Stay tuned!
The whole Coggins family went to Boston to visit with Kendra on Thursday and Emily said Kendra was sitting in a chair, a bit tired from some physical therapy but happy to see them, and seemed very interested in the kids. Artie was there on Friday and Saturday and Kendra is very stable, body chemistry all good. Looks like the next step to the rehab facility is only waiting on the bureaucratic levels of medical care to come to consensus and Kendra will be good to go. Still looking to early in the week.
Word is Kendra is enjoying all the mail ! We took down the address anticipating a move and did not have a reasonable comfort level about the hospital forwarding mail, so….bear with me. It creates a quandary because the flow of mail is good, so the second I have the rehab address it will be posted here.
Stay tuned!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
KendraKare Update - Day 15
I just called Emily and talked to her briefly as she was trying to make the ferry. I had noticed a missed call on my cell from around noon and was concerned since Emily had not left a message. Not to fear! She had been dialing people to talk "at" Kendra and did find two. Kendra's friend BJ from the Gazette, and her cousin Karin - Oh! and I did get an e-mail for Karin about her call, and it sounded like Kendra was making efforts to communicate back and responding to Karin's voice. Very encouraging! Just sorry I missed my chance to talk to her too...
Kendra was sitting up, responsive, her eyes clear and she was working hard to interact. You know Kendra! She is a communicator!
Emily said she had talked to the doctors and the surgery to move the feeding tube went well and they are starting the paperwork to send her to the rehab facility. This could happen as early as Friday, but could wait until Monday or Tuesday. So...we will be taking down the address to Massachusetts General until we can add the rehab address. Here is a good idea, when you mail a card or letter, include a photo with you name on the back - first, it helps with memory work and second, Kendra loves photos of people she knows.
Is all this GREAT news today, or what???? Many significant, tremendous steps taken in two weeks time, each one made from prayer to a powerful God, His grace and Kendra's will!
Kendra was sitting up, responsive, her eyes clear and she was working hard to interact. You know Kendra! She is a communicator!
Emily said she had talked to the doctors and the surgery to move the feeding tube went well and they are starting the paperwork to send her to the rehab facility. This could happen as early as Friday, but could wait until Monday or Tuesday. So...we will be taking down the address to Massachusetts General until we can add the rehab address. Here is a good idea, when you mail a card or letter, include a photo with you name on the back - first, it helps with memory work and second, Kendra loves photos of people she knows.
Is all this GREAT news today, or what???? Many significant, tremendous steps taken in two weeks time, each one made from prayer to a powerful God, His grace and Kendra's will!
Monday, February 15, 2010
KendraKare Update - Day 13 (2)
PM – Update to the morning update
Emily just called having heard from Artie who is with Kendra today. The doctors have encouraging news in light of some test results and Kendra’s continuing progress. They have scheduled surgery tomorrow to move the feeding tube to the stomach area. An evaluation after 24 hours will determine next steps but it is looking more that she will go to a rehab center equipped with nursing care in Sandwich, Mass which is on the Cape and is connected with Massachusetts General. Kendra could be going there by the end of the week if all goes well with surgery.
According to Artie, Kendra was sitting in a chair when he and Karen got there and really perked up! She had a couple of other visitors and tried very hard to talk, and they think she was trying to say HI. Her right side remains extremely limited but the left side “workable.” Again, she is working very hard to communicate and she can accomplish a lot when determined! Stay tuned…
Emily just called having heard from Artie who is with Kendra today. The doctors have encouraging news in light of some test results and Kendra’s continuing progress. They have scheduled surgery tomorrow to move the feeding tube to the stomach area. An evaluation after 24 hours will determine next steps but it is looking more that she will go to a rehab center equipped with nursing care in Sandwich, Mass which is on the Cape and is connected with Massachusetts General. Kendra could be going there by the end of the week if all goes well with surgery.
According to Artie, Kendra was sitting in a chair when he and Karen got there and really perked up! She had a couple of other visitors and tried very hard to talk, and they think she was trying to say HI. Her right side remains extremely limited but the left side “workable.” Again, she is working very hard to communicate and she can accomplish a lot when determined! Stay tuned…
KendraKare Update - Day 13
We received an update this morning from Bill. Artie was in Boston yesterday and today. Emily will be going back up there on Tuesday.
The medical staff is working to control the blood sugar which is the critical focus at this juncture. Kendra will be in the hospital another week, and Bill and Emily are helping to determine the next temporary residence for our friend.
Since she still needs certain medical care, and is not yet able to take full direction, it is likely she will go to a nursing home prior to the rehab facility. So – they are trying to get her into the Windermere facility on the Island. This would be optimal as it would be easy to make frequent visits and there are many people willing to visit Kendra and work on a modified “rehab” plan until she can go to the rehab facility on the Cape. This woman has a long line of support!
As for Kendra herself, she is “grunting” to communicate and only has left hand vision, meaning if she were to look at a clock she would only see a 12-6 half. She is having difficulty focusing, which is understandable, but it appears she is trying very hard, so that is a bright thought.
Any news from Artie’s visit today will be posted later; otherwise we will get the Emily report on Tuesday!
The medical staff is working to control the blood sugar which is the critical focus at this juncture. Kendra will be in the hospital another week, and Bill and Emily are helping to determine the next temporary residence for our friend.
Since she still needs certain medical care, and is not yet able to take full direction, it is likely she will go to a nursing home prior to the rehab facility. So – they are trying to get her into the Windermere facility on the Island. This would be optimal as it would be easy to make frequent visits and there are many people willing to visit Kendra and work on a modified “rehab” plan until she can go to the rehab facility on the Cape. This woman has a long line of support!
As for Kendra herself, she is “grunting” to communicate and only has left hand vision, meaning if she were to look at a clock she would only see a 12-6 half. She is having difficulty focusing, which is understandable, but it appears she is trying very hard, so that is a bright thought.
Any news from Artie’s visit today will be posted later; otherwise we will get the Emily report on Tuesday!
Friday, February 12, 2010
KendraKare Update - Day 10
No, you're not missing a day. There was no news yesterday, because of the bad weather.
There is a slight brightness to the Kendra news. Emily was able to get to Boston today and found Kendra attentive. She was also trying to interact and was being responsive to Emily reading cards to her.
She had an MRI today, but no results yet, and the speech therapist will begin work soon. Emily said Kendra is in a nice room with a window and all her many cards (how cool is that?!) are set up on the window sill in her view. There are discussions about the rehab center selection, but no decision yet. All in all she has stabilized and that is good news.
Keep those prayers, cards and letters coming!
There is a slight brightness to the Kendra news. Emily was able to get to Boston today and found Kendra attentive. She was also trying to interact and was being responsive to Emily reading cards to her.
She had an MRI today, but no results yet, and the speech therapist will begin work soon. Emily said Kendra is in a nice room with a window and all her many cards (how cool is that?!) are set up on the window sill in her view. There are discussions about the rehab center selection, but no decision yet. All in all she has stabilized and that is good news.
Keep those prayers, cards and letters coming!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
KendraKare Update - Day 8
Nothing much new to report today. The snowstorm back east kept Emily from traveling to Boston, but she did check in with the nurses. They were running some tests today and will be starting physical and speech therapy tomorrow if all goes OK. Kendra's spirits have not improved from yesterday, she is still low. Many of us are lost at what to do, but we can think good thoughts and we can pray...
Below is a prayer sent from one of my co-workers to their prayer warriors. They send calls for action over a long distribution list and call this "Knee Mail." I wanted to share the one sent today.
God our Father - We come before you to lift up Kendra to you - to place her on your lap and in your healing hands. We know you can move mountains, restore life to our bodies, breathe into us your healing power and we ask that now for Kendra according to your perfect will. We stand firm that with you, all things are possible and nothing happens to us without having been first sifted through your fingers - those same fingers that created us from the dust of the ground, those same fingers that touch and heal.
We pray for those that are caring for Kendra - that you would provide them with a double portion of your daily bread - that which sustains us on a daily basis, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Give them your strength and enable them to care for her. We pray that you would give the doctors the knowledge and wisdom they need to diagnose and treat her. We pray for an outpouring of love and care for Kendra that will shine in all the dark places of that hospital and that all would know that You are the Lord God Almighty, You are present in that place and You are in control. We pray in your name, Amen.
Below is a prayer sent from one of my co-workers to their prayer warriors. They send calls for action over a long distribution list and call this "Knee Mail." I wanted to share the one sent today.
God our Father - We come before you to lift up Kendra to you - to place her on your lap and in your healing hands. We know you can move mountains, restore life to our bodies, breathe into us your healing power and we ask that now for Kendra according to your perfect will. We stand firm that with you, all things are possible and nothing happens to us without having been first sifted through your fingers - those same fingers that created us from the dust of the ground, those same fingers that touch and heal.
We pray for those that are caring for Kendra - that you would provide them with a double portion of your daily bread - that which sustains us on a daily basis, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Give them your strength and enable them to care for her. We pray that you would give the doctors the knowledge and wisdom they need to diagnose and treat her. We pray for an outpouring of love and care for Kendra that will shine in all the dark places of that hospital and that all would know that You are the Lord God Almighty, You are present in that place and You are in control. We pray in your name, Amen.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
KendraKare Update - Day 7
I just heard from Emily, back at the Island from her trip to Boston today to see Kendra. Emily thinks the heart attack has really set Kendra back a bit. She looks tired and sad. The doctor told Emily that often after a heart attack people can have bouts of depression.
Emily brought cards and balloons and did say Kendra tried looking at them, more interested in the pictures than words. By now she should be back in a regular room that we hope helps her spirits to not be surrounded by the mass of machines in ICU. The staff is starting her on rehab in the hospital soon.
Keep up the prayers - no one will be going up to Boston tomorrow from the Island or the Cape as they will be getting some of the snowstorm that has the east coast blanketed. Emily is in contact with the doctors so we should still have an update for tomorrow.
Emily brought cards and balloons and did say Kendra tried looking at them, more interested in the pictures than words. By now she should be back in a regular room that we hope helps her spirits to not be surrounded by the mass of machines in ICU. The staff is starting her on rehab in the hospital soon.
Keep up the prayers - no one will be going up to Boston tomorrow from the Island or the Cape as they will be getting some of the snowstorm that has the east coast blanketed. Emily is in contact with the doctors so we should still have an update for tomorrow.
Monday, February 8, 2010
KendraKare Update - Day 6
Heard from Emily about 3PM CST. Artie and Karen took the Monday shift and had just called from Boston. Medical staff had taken an EKG that led them to believe the heart attack was not as bad as initially reflected from the prior tests. Kendra was scheduled for another EKG in the late afternoon and that would determine whether her stay in ICU would be extended or she gets moved back to a regular room.
Artie said Kendra was not very responsive, not interested in the cards they brought, and seemed to keep looking around at the machines and the medical surroundings. I imagine, it is all overwhelming, and not being able to communicate a disheartening situation.
Kendra still is unable to swallow and has the feeding tube to deal with and....there has surfaced a blood sugar problem too that now complicates things a bit in attempts to regulate. Soooooo....that is the news today. Emily takes her turn to Boston tomorrow and promised to call in the afternoon.
Stay tuned and keep on praying for Kendra, the medical staff, and Team KendraKare!
Artie said Kendra was not very responsive, not interested in the cards they brought, and seemed to keep looking around at the machines and the medical surroundings. I imagine, it is all overwhelming, and not being able to communicate a disheartening situation.
Kendra still is unable to swallow and has the feeding tube to deal with and....there has surfaced a blood sugar problem too that now complicates things a bit in attempts to regulate. Soooooo....that is the news today. Emily takes her turn to Boston tomorrow and promised to call in the afternoon.
Stay tuned and keep on praying for Kendra, the medical staff, and Team KendraKare!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Kendra's friend B.J. saw Kendra on Sunday, in ICU...said Kendra squeezed her fingers with her left hand and seemed to recognize her. Also cuddled a stuffed dog B.J. took to her...Thank you, B.J.!
Also thanks to B.J., she got the info for mail to the hospital. Kendra can get mail, even in ICU! Anything sent to the Gazette will be delivered to Emily, but here is the address for the hospital direct:
Kendra Frakes, Patient
Massachusetts General Hospital
Blake 12
55 Fruit St.
Boston, MA 02114
Sunday, February 7, 2010
KendraKare Update - Day 5
Kendra had a heart attack last night – according to medical personnel her unresponsiveness yesterday was the attack evolving.
They were unable to give her a blood thinner, due to the issues from the stroke, but are giving her nitroglycerin. She is in ICU again, and breathing on her own.
They did a test to measure the heart enzymes, (some test to measure the severity of the heart attack) and hers was significant.
Please know that Mass General is one of the top five hospitals in the United States, Harvard Medical School, and she could not be in better earthly care.
They were unable to give her a blood thinner, due to the issues from the stroke, but are giving her nitroglycerin. She is in ICU again, and breathing on her own.
They did a test to measure the heart enzymes, (some test to measure the severity of the heart attack) and hers was significant.
Please know that Mass General is one of the top five hospitals in the United States, Harvard Medical School, and she could not be in better earthly care.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
KendraKare Update - Day 4
Artie was with Kendra at the hospital today. She was in and out of sleeping, not as responsive as yesterday.
They have moved her to a regular room. Team KendraKare will be staying on the island tomorrow, but will be checking in. Artie and Emily will be coordinating trips to Mass General for the next week.
Stay tuned. Keep up the prayers.
They have moved her to a regular room. Team KendraKare will be staying on the island tomorrow, but will be checking in. Artie and Emily will be coordinating trips to Mass General for the next week.
Stay tuned. Keep up the prayers.
Friday, February 5, 2010
KendraKare Update
1:30 CST - Just talked to Emily - she said Kendra is doing even better than yesterday! She is still in ICU but they will move her later today to a room. Emily had brought her several cards from friends at the Gazette and Kendra made much effort to open and look at them. Emily says her right side is very weak, and she cannot speak but she was able to stand up, and they now have her sitting in a chair. Emily was at lunch as the medical staff had shooed them out to be able to complete some evaluations and bring in a physical therapist.
Emily said that Kendra is working really hard at movement and trying to communicate, like "she wants to show us what she can do!"
I know this is a given, but Emily asked that people keep praying, not to stop! And send a few out for Emily, Artie and Karen too - I am hereby dubbing them Team KendraKare and know that everyone is thankful for them. Oh and add Bill, Emily's husband, who is keeping track of their kids ( 5 year old boy and twin toddler girls!!) while Emily is caring for Kendra.
Stand firm in faith that with God all things are possible and His power is not limited by anything. Pray hard, pray BIG!
Emily said that Kendra is working really hard at movement and trying to communicate, like "she wants to show us what she can do!"
I know this is a given, but Emily asked that people keep praying, not to stop! And send a few out for Emily, Artie and Karen too - I am hereby dubbing them Team KendraKare and know that everyone is thankful for them. Oh and add Bill, Emily's husband, who is keeping track of their kids ( 5 year old boy and twin toddler girls!!) while Emily is caring for Kendra.
Stand firm in faith that with God all things are possible and His power is not limited by anything. Pray hard, pray BIG!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Posting a Comment to Kendra
This blogging stuff is new to me, so bear with me.
To post a comment to the Kendra postings do the following:
1. Choose the comment link at the end of the post. It will have a number in front of it, i.e., 1 comment.
2. Type your comment in the "Post a Comment" section.
3. At the bottom, you will see "Comment As". Select the drop arrow and choose "Name/Url". Type your name and/or URL. You don't have to type a URL.
4. Then choose "Post Comment". This should have your comment displayed.
If you have any questions or this did not work, email me at glenn@ropaweb.net
To post a comment to the Kendra postings do the following:
1. Choose the comment link at the end of the post. It will have a number in front of it, i.e., 1 comment.
2. Type your comment in the "Post a Comment" section.
3. At the bottom, you will see "Comment As". Select the drop arrow and choose "Name/Url". Type your name and/or URL. You don't have to type a URL.
4. Then choose "Post Comment". This should have your comment displayed.
If you have any questions or this did not work, email me at glenn@ropaweb.net
Latest News - Reported to Lani from Emily
Lani received word from Emily that at approximately 12:30pm EST, Kendra's eyes were open and she looked at each person when they spoke (Artie and Karen are there too ) wiggled her toes for them and was able to squeeze their hands. Emily was very encouraged but they were shuttled out so the neurologist could do his exam and run tests, etc.
1:30pm EST - Just got a voicemail from Emily
Neurologist was in, Kendra is stable, they are going to move her to a regular room late today or tomorrow.
There is damage to language skills and movement but not sure to the extent yet. Apparently they will learn more when they can start rehab. Emily said Kendra was sleeping and looked rested - that things were moving in the right direction, slowly, but in the right direction.
Whew....long road ahead still, but wow what a HUGE change from yesterday!!!
1:30pm EST - Just got a voicemail from Emily
Neurologist was in, Kendra is stable, they are going to move her to a regular room late today or tomorrow.
There is damage to language skills and movement but not sure to the extent yet. Apparently they will learn more when they can start rehab. Emily said Kendra was sleeping and looked rested - that things were moving in the right direction, slowly, but in the right direction.
Whew....long road ahead still, but wow what a HUGE change from yesterday!!!
Introduction
This blog posting is to keep the friends and family of Kendra Frakes updated on her condition.
As some of you know, around 4:30pm EST, Kendra was found, collapsed in front of her apartment, by her landlords.
An ambulance was called and she was quickly airlifted to Mass General in Boston. After examination, it was found that she had suffered a massive stroke. At that time it was unknown to what extent the stroke had damaged her brain.
It wouldn't be until morning, when she regained consciousness, what they were dealing with. She was placed in ICU and attached to a respirator.
By her side were her good friend Emily Coggins and her minister and his wife, Artie and Karen.
As some of you know, around 4:30pm EST, Kendra was found, collapsed in front of her apartment, by her landlords.
An ambulance was called and she was quickly airlifted to Mass General in Boston. After examination, it was found that she had suffered a massive stroke. At that time it was unknown to what extent the stroke had damaged her brain.
It wouldn't be until morning, when she regained consciousness, what they were dealing with. She was placed in ICU and attached to a respirator.
By her side were her good friend Emily Coggins and her minister and his wife, Artie and Karen.
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