This day has been quite a ride, through much uncertainty and information, procedures and questions.
We have a few more answers now and along with them, more questions.
Sage underwent two procedures today: a lumbar puncture (LP) and a transesophogeal echocardiagram (TEE). The LP was entirely normal in its findings and there was no evidence of bacteria or blood in the cerebrospinal fluid. The TEE showed no evidence of lesions in the heart. Both these findings are positive outcomes and make the possibility of active infection much less likely.
Both these procedures were ordered due to the results of last night's MRI and CT scan, which were read this morning by the attending Neuroradiologist. It was determined that Sage suffered a subacute (meaning more than a week old) infarct, or in non-medical terminology, a stroke, in the left cerebral hemisphere. This explains why Sage has a flaccid right side, as it is the left side of the brain that controls the right side of the body. Neurology will continue to follow with repeat scanning tomorrow and Monday.
Sage continues to be weaned off her sedation. While this is a step in the right direction toward recovery, it is also a difficult step to make because she is awake and alert and much more cognizant of her environment and the people in it - and also therefore aware of more pain and feeling disoriented. She was able to cooperate with her neurologic exam: blinking her eyes, holding up her thumb when asked, squeezing with her left hand.
For now, Sage sleeps. She was given a bath this evening, and hair even washed!, by nurse Jen. She continues to get rid of fluids at a wonderful rate, and is off all antibiotics.
The tracheotomy is delayed until Monday.
Thank you for your continued positive prayers and words northward. They make such a difference to Sage and those around her.
With all the prayers and love for you, Sage, you're not alone going
ReplyDeletethrough the briar patch, the magnolia blossoms...all of us, (including
complete strangers - me) holding you in our thoughts and hearts...a
safety net of love and prayers for you...
Ann Gollin
Dear Sage and Sofie,
ReplyDeleteI've been praying, watching and waiting all of these days.
Sending a big burst of healing love to you!
jaime
Bug, I am with you. Always, everywhere and endlessly. There was a huge great rainstorm that swept across the prairie tonight. Lightning in six different places at the same time. The sun spilling its riches over the edge of the clouds, a great mix and mingle of all the forces of nature. But they figured it out. We will too. xo t
ReplyDeleteDearest Sage and Sophie,
ReplyDeleteWe see your strength again, and know it will carry you through this latest complication in what is, nevertheless, an march to health, however slow. We know you can do this, and watch with awe as your strength, joined to the love and good thoughts of your family and so many friends, brings you closer to health and joy. We'd like to put a small brick into that vast wall of love that surrounds you.
Much love,
Akosua, David, Audrey, Hannah, Sasha, Jennifer, Addie, Michael, Miriam
you all continue to be in our prayers. xoxoxox
ReplyDeleteDear Sage,
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking of you every day. I'm so grateful to know that you are making your way through this very difficult recovery. I am proud of your family for the rocks of strength and endurance they have been. There are so many of us who are pulling for you. Lots of love, honey, hang in there. Have you ever heard that song with the lyrics, "Ooo--oo child, things are gonna get easier...oo-ooh child things'll get brighter." They will, they will, they will.
Love,
Teddy Kellam, Arden, Caden, Rosie & Isaac
Dear Sage and Sophie,
ReplyDeletewe are there with you, thinking of you, sending all the positive energies from far away. We check in several times during the day hoping for more and more positive developments. Sage, continue fighting !!!!! Hopefully the doctors will get a thorough understanding as to what created this situation for you. You have gone a long way and there are always little ups and downs on the way to recovery. We know that you will win this battle and it is just a matter of time until you get to the end of the tunnel. Just follow the path to the light which can be seen so clearly. xxxxxooooo Micha&Sue
sage and sophie-
ReplyDeletewe are still thinking of you, sending love,energy, light every day.
we celebrate your triumphs and we join hands and hearts in prayer when the going gets rough, but we always believe in you and your amazing family and friends and guardian rabbit
you can do this- we are behind you, beside you believing in you and your strength and endless love
susie
Sage, Sophie & Family-
ReplyDeleteYou are never out of our prayers and thoughts. Sage, you are a fighter and can kick this out of your body. Stay positive and tough. Lots of love to you.
libby macdonald & family
There is only love coming your way from Lucy and Kira here in Brooklyn. We send it all the time over to your little bed in NH.
ReplyDeleteSage, the sun is twinkling on the leaves in my trees this morning. It turns my thoughts to how the Sun twinkles within us too- how the Light is moving in you, weaving healing into you.
ReplyDeleteThe Light Is. And it's present. And it's actively working within you- and your doctors. This is the truth that I am holding for you today.
How loved you are!
Cecilia
Sophie and Sage, our hearts are strong and constantly with you both. The updates are so important to us, who check them several times a day, and as difficult as they must be to write, I am so thankful for them.
ReplyDeleteWoody, Julie, and Sophie
We are with you, sending prayers and love and all kinds of goodness your way. Keep fighting the good fight! Your corner is full of love and light and strength. Love, Auntie Anne, Uncle Rano, and cousins Tori, Mason, and Caden
ReplyDeleteA bit like a hard walk, up and down too much for my liking. The words
ReplyDeleteare frightening, and all we can say is that we hope so very hard that
she will be OK in the long run. We think of you and, even if we are
not capable of praying, we love you very dearly and are with you,
Sophie, and with all those around Sage, at every moment. Be as strong
as you sound. Quite far, but near, Suzy and Sandro
Dear Sophie,
ReplyDeleteBeen following your blog for 3 weeks, since Tina updated me ago at the '"onslaught", and have followed since. Oh Sophie...... I think of you daily in that IC room!!! I went through 3 months of my father in a similar progresssion - exactly, actually! A nightmare really, and then working full time, interviewing for a new management position, running the household, and constantly there.....my heart goes out to you!! We all feel the same here, and are all praying for her return!! My father's saga was 3 months long, but he was in poor shape to start, a chain-smoker, and 76yrs old! They kept giving him hope, so figure Sage will pull through based on how strong she is - and how strong everyone is around her!!
Much love to you Sophie!! We're still at the same # (604-983-2424). Call anytime!!
Love,
Lorraine, Forestt, Celeste, Michael & Keegan
Sophie, I've been reading about the brain lately, and so when I read your latest news I immediately thought about what I've learned. The medical community and researchers continue to discover how powerful our brains are, and how they are capable of incredible healing! I'm sure the news about the stroke is daunting at first, but I also know you won't let the fear of the unknown stick to you. The healing possibilities are also unknown, in the positive direction! Healing is not only a function of the medical options-- it's also a function of intention, spirit, courage, hard work, and divine intervention. You are full of these things, Sage is too, and you are both surrounded by it. We remain hopeful and prayerful.
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs from Carol, Andy, Aidan and Luke
Much love, hope, and strength to you from us. Jonathan continues to ask me for updates and I read this blog regularly. We are oh so amazed at her ability to keep fighting and know that she'll get through this. You all will. This nightmare WILL end, and she will live her life again, eventually.
ReplyDeleteI hear other challenges rising up now that Sage is coming out of sedation. The same happened with my father last year. It's baby steps. Slow, slow, slow. They will figure it out and she will keep moving towards recovery and away from managing crises. She will be ok. I hope you are finding time to rest and eat and are finding support for such an unexpected crises.
We send Sage a big, but tender, healing hug and lots of love. And we wrap her and the entire family in warmth, protection, support, understanding, hope, strength, stamina, and love.
Beth, Jonathan, and Margaret