Rachel Will Drive Again

Again, sorry for the delay. Rachel and I met with a neuro eye doctor at Henry Ford last Thursday. After 2 hours of examination the doctor said Rachel will drive again! It will be a few months and she will have to participate in a drivers therapy class. Moreover, the doctor did say she will never drive in downtown or congested areas, just local basic driving. She has lost vision in both eyes but the doctor feels confident she can make up for it and teach herself how to function with the loss. Needless to say rachel is excited! On the way back from Detroit after the good news she said, "I would rather have this than a million dollars." She is READY to get out and have her independence back. We still do not know about the bone plate and the heart procedure. I'm going to call the neuro-surgeon sometime this week. Rachel has experienced headaches for the last three days, they always come in the evening. I will always be on edge when she has a headache, however, I hope they are nothing. Her MRI report from last Saturday was good so maybe she just "over did it" this week. If she has them this week we WILL call the doctor! I'm trying to convince her not to wear her helmet this morning to church simply because she looks so good with a "buzz" and I want other women to see it. Well, off to church then the Lions game! Thanks for all the prayers and comments.

Second Opinion

The IV is out! This morning Rachel's picc line was removed and she is now free. No more alcohol pads, flushing, IV bags, tubes, etc... While at the doctor this morning we decided to ask our Infectious Disease doctor about Rachel's vision issue. She admitted that eyes were not her specialty; however, she did not buy into everything Rachel's eye doctor told us. We decided to call our neuro-surgeon and ask him. He was able to get us an appointment tomorrow at the eye institute at Henry Ford Medical Center, which is where Rachel's surgury took place. We will start all over tomorrow with the visual field test, etc... I have a feeling that we will get better news than we received yesterday. It's amazing how doctors can disagree with each other and some can be just plain wrong about things, scary thought. Nevertheless, we are pursuing it further as Rachel is determined to get behind the wheel again. I tried to cheer her up last night by saying, "hey, if you can't drive look how much money we will save on gas with just having one car." She didn't think that was funny...but I still do. We also are unsure about the bone replacement procedure. Our Infectious Disease doctor seems to think Rachel will not actually get her bone back but get a "fake" bone plate. We also are anxious to hear about the heart procedure. On yesterday's blog I noticed a doctor from St. Louis made an encouraging comment about the heart procedure. Thank you and I hope we can get the treatment you described! By the way, thanks for all the kind comments, they mean so much to both Rachel and I. This started out as a way to get information to close friends and family as it was hard to talk to everyone on the phone; however, in some ways it has turned into a counseling session, church service and prayer group. I wish I had some of your e-mails as an old Michigan Christian College friend made a comment the other day and I would love to thank him with a return email. Thanks again for all the support. As I close the 4 things we are dealing with now are.
1) Rachel's vision and driving
2) Heart procedure (when and what)
3) Skull bone replacement (when and what)
4) Rachel's speech therapy (memory)

**Rachel wanted me to add that Abbey took 6 steps tonight, turned around and took 2 more steps in the opposite direction. She's 9 1/2 months old! Does that mean talent, skill, agility, speed??? I guess she got her dad's genes.

Rachel Update

Sorry for the delay in blogging. My work at RC has been pilling up; however, I like it like that. We had a rough weekend as Rachel had ANOTHER MRI on Saturday. Since it was done on the weekend we had to wait until today to get the report and fortunately it looks ok. That's the good news. Rachel started her speech therapy (which actually deals with her memory, not so much her speech) and she did not score very well. She will have a loooong road ahead of her as she works to get her brain synapsis firing on all cylinders. The biggest blow came today as we had an appointment with the eye doctor. Rachel's visual fields were tested and it turns out she has lost significant vision in BOTH eyes. The doctor said she will never be able to drive if she does not regain more vision. We are obviously hoping that she will obtain more vision as the brain heals; however, we have no idea we just have to be patient and see what happens. She was pretty emotional as we drove home from the doctors office. Yes, we have ALOT to be grateful for, but remember, Rachel does not have any recollection of what she went through. All she knows is that she had a splitting headache and woke up 12 hours later in the recovery room. Therefore, the news of possibly not driving again is devastating. I, on the other hand, am not that concerned. I explained to her on the ride home that my experience was totally different than hers. I kissed her goodbye and was absolutely convinced that the next time I saw her she would be in a casket. So the fact that she might not drive again means two entirely different things to us. But (like a good husband should) I am allowing her to express her feelings and I am not saying much right now. I can't imagine never being able to drive again. Totally dependent on other people, not being able to go places with just her and Abbey, not being able to work out of the home...these are just a few things she is dealing with.

We have an appointment with the Infectious Disease doctor in the morning and hopefully we will get the IV removed! This would be a big help as we are so inconvienced by it at the moment. The next step is the surgery to replace the skull bone. This won't be until mid-February. We originally thought it would be after Thanksgiving but our doctor "changed his mind." After the skull is in she will have a heart procedure. I say procedure because we still do not know what exactly they will do. A tiny hole was found in her heart and the doctors think this is how the infection got to her brain so quickly. Instead of the blood going to the lungs and being filtered, it went through this hole and directly to the brain. To avoid this in the future the doctor wants to patch the hole. Again, we do not yet know how this will be done.

Rachel has requested prayers for her "driving situation." I, however, am just glad she is still with me. Two months ago when the surgeon told me, "we are going to do emergency surgury in hopes to save her life," I would have never dreamed we would be where we are today. It's amazing how clearly we see and how sharp our vision becomes in the midst of tragedy. I will never take a moment with her for granted again. In fact, last night I was offered front row tickets to see one of my favorite bands, U2! Instead, I chose to spend the evening with my favorite person.

P.S. That being said, does anyone know if U2 is coming to Detroit next year? Sorry Rachel, can't pass them up twice.

Dr. Mikelson / Dad / Life-Lessons

Dr. Mikelson was the original doctor that Rachel and I had an appointment with once we decided to get a second opinion. Dr. Mikelson is an Oncologist (cancer doctor) not a neuro-surgeon. If you remember from my retelling of the story, Rachel and I lived for about 5 days in limbo not knowing if her tumor was malignant or not. Unfortunately, I could not get my mind to stop thinking of the worst case scenario (malignant tumor, surgery, chemo, pain, limited time, planning a funeral, death and raising a daughter). I must admit those 5 days were the darkest and scariest days of my life. I did not know I could cry like that. It seemed like every hour or so I would just completely break down. For some reason I would cry the hardest when my parents were around. I recall one evening, my parents were leaving our house and we decided to pray as a family before they left. I did my best to hold in my emotions as I did not want Rachel to see me weak. However, I followed my parents out to the car (so Rachel would not see) and completely fell apart. I went on and on about Rachel probably having cancer, dying and raising a daughter, etc... I remember my Dad PLEADING with me not to jump to conclusions. He said, "Klint you have to take this one day at a time and focus on the here and now - we don't know what the diagnosis is yet, don't do this to yourself - we will deal with the news as we get it and whatever it is we are here for you." Although these words, to a degree, went in one ear and out the other, I still needed to hear them. I (along with my Dad) believe there is power in positive thinking.

Those who know me best know that I, more than anybody, don't like happy, glib, "everything will be just fine" statements. But my Dad is a lot smarter than me and he was right. I realize that a lot of people get a bad diagnosis and they don't experience the "season of healing" that Rachel and I are experiencing. However, all I know is that for the time being, Dr. Mikelson is not needed because my wife does not have cancer. I'm a father now, however, I'm still learning life-lessons from my father: Not all people are bad people, not all days are rainy days...And not all tumors are malignant.

Amen.

Rochester College

As most of you know I am employeed at Rochester College now. What a GREAT place to work! I can't begin to articulate the way the RC community supported me and my family throughout Rachel's illness. E-mails, calls, prayer chains, prayer books, cards, flowers, visits and meals! It was amazing to see people like John Barton, David Fleer and Jeff Cohu make visits to the hospital. Special e-mails from Sara Barton, Candace Cain, Jennifer Hamilton, Alan Waites and Brian Stogner, just to name a few! A special message from Dr. Westerfield encouraging me to "take all the time I needed." What a special place. It used to be a special place because of my rich heritage and connections. My grandfather, Lucien Palmer, was instumental in starting the College and served as President. My father, Garth Pleasant, has served there over 30 years. However, now it is special for different reasons. I am a part of the RC family and I have been touched and blessed in special ways by my colleagues. I never thought my love and loyalty to RC could get any greater...guess what? There are many beautiful sights on the RC campus, however, my favorite sight is one that does not exist YET. Above is a picture of the new Athletic Center that we are working hard to break ground on. Trust me, RC is a special place and if you have any interest in assisting us making this Athletic Center a reality, please call (249-218-2058). GO WARRIORS!!!

Two Special Women In my LIfe

The other day I posted a blog about special "guy" friends. Well there happen to be a couple significant women as well. My mother, Pat Pleasant and sister, Kim Speck are very special women in my life. For those of you who know my mother well, you will agree with the following adjectives used to describe her: kind, sensitive, thoughtful, brilliant, talented, creative, beautiful, I can go on and on. She has raised three faithful children who love God and love thier spouses...enough said. Kim happens to be the loyalist one of the bunch. Family, as it is to all of us Pleasant's, is EXTREMELY important to her. She has been a HUGE help throughout the past month and I appreciate her friendship.

Thanks Mom and Kim!

Love, Klint

**Oh! Happy B-day Rachel. We went out to dinner tonight!

Rachel With Hair

Picture of Rachel and I vacationing in Florida a few years ago. We hope to get away together as soon as she feels up to it. She is feeling better and we are anxious for the October 11th check up.

"Thanks For Always Being There Doc"

I have been wanting to post a blog about my friends for some time now. However, everytime I sit down to do it I seem to get distracted or called away. Last night, after I put Abbey to bed, Rachel and I were "winding down" in the living room. As I was changing channels I ran across the movie "Tombstone." It was about half over but I watched it to the end anyway. There are several great scenes in the movie but the one that jumped out to me last night and motivated me to post this blog was the a scene near the end. Doc Holliday is on his death bed and his friend Wyatt Earp comes to visit him (as he does everyday). However, this time Doc knows he's going to die at any minute and he does not want Wyatt to see him like that. He begs Wyatt to leave. Finally Wyatt agrees to leave and as he's leaving he turns to Doc and says, "Thanks for always being there Doc," and walks out. You have to see the entire movie to appreciate that, but Wyatt and Doc were good friends and they always could count on each other.
I realize that there are a lot of people out there who have close, special friends. However, I cannot imagine anybody having a group of closer friends than I do. I'm commiting the cardinal sin here because once you start naming people your bound to leave some off...but here goes anyway.

John Pleasant (my brother): A true friend and a great brother who never left my side as I walked through the "Valley of the shadow of death."

Scott Samuels: Scott, like Johnny, was there the night Rachel had emergency surgury. He followed right behind the ambulance at 110 mph and prayed over me several times as Rachel was in surgury. Thank you Scott!

Travis Bass and Andy Blackston: I don't have the words. I cannot imagine journeying through life without the two of you. Travis flew in from Idaho and Andy flew in from Tennessee. I probably would not be a faithful Christain if it were not for these guys.

Clayton Bissett: Loyalty, Loyalty, Loyalty. Clayton has stood by my side during some hard times, including this one. The epitome of a friend.

George Evjen: A long time friend. Thanks for all you do for me and my family. You mean so much and I thank you for being there for us through these difficult times.

Randy Speck: Like Johnny, not really a friend, but a brother. I appreciate the timely calls and I know you were a "prayer warrior." You are a special friend and brother.

Brian Thrift: Although I did not see Brian throughout all this he sent me an e-mail that meant more to me than any other I received. In fact, I still refer back to it for comfort. Thank you Brian!

Clint Logue: 2000 miles could not seperate us!!! And I know if you weren't paralyzed you would have been here (don't worry, we joke like that!) You are a special friend and mentor. Can't wait to see you!

Josh Graves: You voice mail meant so much to me. I appreciate our friendship.

Eric Magnuson: Thanks for making all the trips to the hospitals(s). Your kindness did not go unnoticed.

Mike Cope and Rubel Shelly: You both will NEVER know how much your calls and e-mails meant to me. Thank you.

Randy Harris: Like Andy and Travis, words cannot express my appreciation. Your voice was a source of safety and comfort throughout the scariest moments of my life. You are truly my spiritual mentor and have shaped my faith more than anyone else. Thank You.

Finally, my Dad: No son has a better one.

MRI Looks Good!

Sorry for the delay. However, I finally got through to a doctor on Friday afternoon and Rachel's MRI looks normal. She still has some swelling but that is to be expected. I was calling all three of Rachel's doctor's on Friday trying to get a report. The docotor that ended up calling me back was the same doctor that originally called and informed me of the tumor. Consequently, every time I hear her voice my heart starts to race. It feels so good to get GOOD news from a doctor. Rachel, Abbey and I actually got out of the house today. We went to the "Fall Festival" at Rochester College. We only stayed for an hour as Rachel needed her IV treatment at 2:00. We plan to attend church in the morning. Many have asked, "what is the next step?" We are waiting for an October 11th appointment with the neuro-surgeon. Hopefully, he will tell us when we can get Rachel off the IV as well as give us an idea when the surgury will be to replace the skull bone. Rachel is starting to get frustrated with her restrictions!!! Not being able to hold Abbey is hard on her. When I get some free time, I'm hoping to "blog" some things about my friends. Thanks for reading!

p.s. Abbey is 9 months old today.

Klint