Update 9.15.06

Friends & Family,

I know everyone must be eager for an update. Kris is doing a little bit better and has made some small improvements over the last 10 days. He continues to open his eyes more throughout the day and seems to recognize some voices.

We met with Kris’s doctor yesterday and she answered many questions for our family. She explained the overall goals for Kris & timeframe for those goals. She also went over the latest CAT scans and confirmed there were areas of the brain that were damaged in the accident, but until he wakes up there is no way of telling how severe or what areas have been affected. She also described the progression Kris has made in the first 3 weeks and progress he still needs to make in the next five weeks to continue rehabilitation at Kentfield.

Up until this week, the doctors felt Kris was in a vegetative state. Upon an examination this week, the doctor saw signs he was progressing to what the she called a “localized” state. This is where the patient may not follow or understand commands, but show signs they comprehend something is going on around them, such as moving their head to follow a voice. For Kris to make a meaningful recovery he needs to get to a point where he can follow commands and actively participate in his rehab. Localizing is a critical step. The doctor also described how much and what type of stimulation he needs. She emphasized we need to give him specific types of stimulation & ensure he gets as much sleep as possible. When he is awake, it is important he hears familiar voices but sleep is just as important for his recovery.

Overall, we felt positive after the meeting with the doctor and it seems Kris is moving in the right direction. She clarified a lot of questions for us and helped us understand the overall plan.

Again, thank you for all your support and positive thoughts.
The Cello Family

Update 9.4.06

Hello,

We are through our first week into the stay at Kentfield and Kris is doing good overall. He was more a little more active Monday and Tuesday, but an antibiotic he was taking caused a small seizure Tuesday afternoon. He was stabilized and the doctor discontinued the med, but his energy level seemed low until about Friday. He started his physical therapy Monday and has been sitting up in a chair for a couple hours a day. He continues to open his eyes multiple times throughout the day.

We all know how much a music lover Kris is and started playing music for him through an ipod. We also have been introducing familiar scents for him to smell such as sweet orange and peppermint. He seems to respond to both with eye flutters and small movements.

Kris and our Family continue to have a great out-pouring of support. We appreciate the steady stream of visitors and positive thoughts.

Thanks and more to come.

The Cello Family