Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Feb 24, 6:11 Lisa

Great, Great News!

Joe wrote his first and last name! Stephen will scan it in and post it later. We all are amazed especially as he can't open the right eye and he's very nearsighted with his left eye. The nurse put the paper on a clipboard and then gave him the pen so he was writing with his right arm extended and not able to see very well. Keep this in mind when you see the signature

We were also told that they would be trying to get Joe into a cardiac chair tomorrow--not sure what this means exactly.

Other good news is that Joe has been off the ventilator all day and is wearing a trach collar.

He's nodding and shaking his head. He did his own physical therapy workout today for Ginny and even bent his knees and lifted both legs together to his face, lifting his hip. Ginny was so excited and thought Joe was trying to show her that he was doing okay--that he was strong.

Lastly, Joe leaned forward and gave me a kiss today after I told him I loved him--that was the 1:30 visit--at the 4;30 visit he did the same to Stephen.

We are all very, very grateful and awestruck at the progress he's made. When he signed his name, his nurse yelled it and the other nurses came to see; they were all very teary eyed and excited to show us his surprise.

All for now.

Love,
Lisa Leahy Scherer

20 comments:

  1. YAY!!! I'm in tears as I am reading this. I am so excited! This is the best news I've had for nearly 2 weeks. I am so happy for you guys!

    P.S. I am one of Dr. Leahy's old microbiology students.

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  2. That's wonderful!!!! Have they said if the right eye has a chance of recovery?

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  3. That is awesome news!! I'm looking forward to hearing more good news like this. Thinking of all of you and sending prayers and love your way.

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  4. Leahys -

    You have been and will continue to be a true inspiration to the silent majority who are out here following this bit of your life story. While we can't imagine everything you're going through, we are with you. We're laughing and crying with you as we read the posts. We're praying for you. We're thinking of you throughout our days. Thank you for sharing with us! We are truly blessed.

    -John

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  5. Very good news. All of us students are thrilled.

    Just FYI, a cardiac chair to my knowledge is kind of a like a more mobile hospital bed. It has different positions and helps patients sit more upright for better blood circulation. They also use them to transport the patients to tests or they can perform EKG's while they're the chair. My father had open heart surgery and they used one to have him sitting more erect, they did heart tests while he was in it, and they said it was good for positioning to keep unwanted pressure off the heart. I'm not a doctor, but hopefully that helps a little. Continuing to wish you all well.
    Raylan Blaisdell
    BYS 214 Student

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  6. Oops! Forgot to add that it is considered a good step up and forward, as they will not put patients in them until they feel they have reached a certain level of progress was what the cardiologist told us, so it's definitely a sign of improvement. Well wishes!
    Raylan Blaisdell
    BYS 214 Student

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  7. I went to high school with Joe, and was alerted to his condition and to these updates. I am delighted to read all the increasingly good news, and hope Joe continues to improve. We will keep Joe and his family in our prayers.

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  8. How Wonderful!! I was also teary eyed by the end of that post... incredible! There is much to be said for strong faith and lots of love in life. All the Leahys are so strong! We continue to pray for all of you - and thank you, Lisa and Mark, for these postings. I check for them all the time.
    Peace and love.

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  9. Thank you for posting the wonderful news. We can only imagine how exciting it was for all of you today to see his progress. We will continue to pray for Joe to improve with each day.
    The Riggle Family

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  10. Thank you for letting us celebrate his recovery with you. Praying for it all the way!
    -Teresa Batchelor

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  11. What wonderful news.... continued prayers for Joe's continued recovery

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  12. Fantastic news! Thank you so much for sharing your remarkable story with us. We are all praying for Joe's recovery.

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  13. I'm so glad that coach Joe is doing better. I've been praying for him everyday and I've been telling my class to pray for him. I miss him and I can't wait to see him.

    Sam Stoner

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  14. So thankful to hear of Joe's progress. He is one tough hombre. We pray daily for Joe and his family for their continued strength. It is apparent he is getting excellent medical care as these daily reports are so encouraging. Thank you all for sharing Joe's road to recovery.
    Tim and Nancy March

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  15. That is unbelievably fantastic. Today was the first true class without Dr. Leahy and it was difficult to adjust to. I will continue to pray for you guys and for Dr. Leahy as long as he is in the hospital. If you guys need anymore breakfast, lunch, or dinner I love to cook!

    Wesley Coleman

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  16. Wonderful, wonderful news! I'm so happy for all of you. May God continue to bless Joe & your families. Thanks for the update.

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  17. Wonderful news! The Leahy fight and Joe's love for his family make for an amazing recovery. Reading the blogs from his students make me cry. He is obviously well-loved.

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  18. Still thinking of all of you and cheering for the great progress he's making!

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  19. That is WONDERFUL news!!! :D
    Keep fighting, Dr. Leahy!!
    You're all in my thoughts and prayers, and thank you so much for keeping us updated on his progress!

    Brittany

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  20. Stay strong Joe, Leahy family, extended family, friends, everyone. Joe WILL work his way out of this.

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