During our 5pm visit with Deedy she was resting peacefully. This was a relief since for 2 days she had struggled so to breath with less and less assistance. Now the ventilator is giving her the rest she needs to regain her strength. Before we went into her room Dr. Landry met with us and explained her condition and the plans for the next week or so. A spinal cord injury of this kind affects everything from the C5 and C6 vertebrae down, which includes her respiratory muscles. This area has sustained a severe injury also and needs time before it can function again. The weaning process from the ventilator will be slower than before and we expect her to remain in Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge until at least the 10th of October.


There are some medical procedures that need to happen over the next couple of days. Again, they are typical after this type of injury. Dr. Landry counseled us that Beverly's rehabilitation is going to take months. Dr. John Galdamez of the Tahlequah City Hospital has been very helpful in describing the different phases of her rehabilitation and has given us important contacts to facilitate all of this. We have also received other recommendations and contacts from some of you, which we sincerely appreciate.

Many of Deedy's friends have asked if there is anything they can do. Well, as you know, Deedy volunteers with many different organizations within her church and community. Maybe you can find some time to do some volunteer work in her absence. We know she would appreciate it.