Dear Friends,
Latest updates from Marlene tonight:
1. Melissa is still having some fever issues. At 7:00 p.m., her fever rose from 99.1 to 101.3. Her doctors still don't know what's causing the fever.
2. Melissa's whole body was trembling this evening. Her expression looked like she was scared. Her eyes were rotating. Not sure what the trembling means but it's not a seizure.
3. Melissa’s heart rate increased to about 150. This could have been a direct result of the fever and trembling. Nevertheless, the heart beat is still too high.
4. Wednesday, the G-tube was put in. By all observations, it was a success. Melissa looks like she’s gained a little weight. Because of the G-tube, she will be less confined.
5. Melissa has been able to exhibit some facial expressions. She had a painful look as she reacted to blood drawing. Another instance, she expressed frowning when she was being adjusted on the bed. These are good because it implies her ability to have feeling is improving.
6. Depending on the recommendation of the neurosurgeon, Melissa may be transferred to the less critical ICU by next week. Since the NG tube was taken out, her heart beat has been more stabilized.
7. In about 2 weeks, if her neurosurgeon recommends, Melissa may be transferred to a sub-acute
facility to begin some rehab.
8. Melissa still likes family and friends to visit. As she is gaining more strength and awareness, she likes visitors. As always, please keep your visitation duration manageable.
All in all, God has allowed Melissa's condition to either stabilize or improve. We have much to be thankful for. However, we still have much more prayer needs.
Prayer Requests:
1. Melissa’s fever will return to normal.
2. Melissa’s heart rate will return to normal.
3. God will take care of the finances as medical bills are starting to come in. In addition, the future costs of rehab. and care for Melissa. Pray that God will help the family navigate through the insurance maze as well as provide financial resources to enable them to maintain a semblance of normalcy.
Thanks,
Steve
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Update from Steve, Tuesday Evening, 5/27/08
Updates from Marlene tonight:
1. Yesterday it appears that Melissa’s fever broke. Right after, the fever gradually came down to 101.1°.
2. The G-tube procedure is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., Wednesday 5/28/08. The procedure will take place in the room.
3. Melissa has been attempting to lift her right arm, she looks frustrated, but she keeps on trying.
4. Medication is still being gradually decreased so her body will be less and less dependant on it. Her body system is trying to gain strength.
5. Her response to Marlene is that she still likes to see her friends. This is a good sign.
6. Physical therapy is continuing. Pray for strength.
7. Continue to pray for adequate rest for Michael and Marlene.
8. Pray that God will continue to strengthen the bond between Maurice, Melissa, Melodie, Mildred, Michael and Marlene.
Thanks,
Steve
1. Yesterday it appears that Melissa’s fever broke. Right after, the fever gradually came down to 101.1°.
2. The G-tube procedure is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., Wednesday 5/28/08. The procedure will take place in the room.
3. Melissa has been attempting to lift her right arm, she looks frustrated, but she keeps on trying.
4. Medication is still being gradually decreased so her body will be less and less dependant on it. Her body system is trying to gain strength.
5. Her response to Marlene is that she still likes to see her friends. This is a good sign.
6. Physical therapy is continuing. Pray for strength.
7. Continue to pray for adequate rest for Michael and Marlene.
8. Pray that God will continue to strengthen the bond between Maurice, Melissa, Melodie, Mildred, Michael and Marlene.
Thanks,
Steve
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Update from Steve, Wednesday evening, May 21, 2008
Dear Family,
Some updates from Marlene tonight:
1. Physical Therapist assisted Melissa in sitting up today. Melissa was able to hold up her head with her own strength.
2. Occupational Therapist gave Melissa Popsicle to determine her ability to swallow and to see if leakage were evident on the treach. Yesterday and today, Melissa was able to swallow and there appears no leakages.
3. Melissa is less and less dependent on certain medication. This suggests her body system is improving.
4. Because numerous physical therapy activities are occurring daily, Melissa has become very tired. The good news is that the exhaustion causes Melissa to sleep better at night.
All in all, the past few days have produced positive momentum for Melissa to stabilize.
Let's all keep praying for strengthening Melissa's body and efficient rest for Marlene and Michael.
Sorry, a couple of things I overlooked
1. As Melissa ate the popsicle, she displayed a frown expression. This suggests she can taste and feel the chill of the popsicle.
2. Early this evening, Sheue-Ling said Melissa had a fever of 38.6 C or 101.5 F.
Continue to pray the fever to stay down and allow her body to naturally combat the fever.
Thanks,
Steve
Some updates from Marlene tonight:
1. Physical Therapist assisted Melissa in sitting up today. Melissa was able to hold up her head with her own strength.
2. Occupational Therapist gave Melissa Popsicle to determine her ability to swallow and to see if leakage were evident on the treach. Yesterday and today, Melissa was able to swallow and there appears no leakages.
3. Melissa is less and less dependent on certain medication. This suggests her body system is improving.
4. Because numerous physical therapy activities are occurring daily, Melissa has become very tired. The good news is that the exhaustion causes Melissa to sleep better at night.
All in all, the past few days have produced positive momentum for Melissa to stabilize.
Let's all keep praying for strengthening Melissa's body and efficient rest for Marlene and Michael.
Sorry, a couple of things I overlooked
1. As Melissa ate the popsicle, she displayed a frown expression. This suggests she can taste and feel the chill of the popsicle.
2. Early this evening, Sheue-Ling said Melissa had a fever of 38.6 C or 101.5 F.
Continue to pray the fever to stay down and allow her body to naturally combat the fever.
Thanks,
Steve
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Update from Steve, Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Some updates from Marlene:
1. A physical therapist came and helped Melissa sit up.
2. A dentist also visited and removed her bite block.
3. An occupational therapist is going to exam her more tomorrow to see if she can swallow. According to mom, even if she can swallow, she is not ready for her shark fin soup yet. CHOC wants to complete all exams and prepare her for physical therapy.
4. Since the antibiotics were eliminated, Melissa's skin is starting to show some signs of a rash. This can be interpreted as her body is getting more "normalized".
5. The family was very glad to have Melissa's small group come to visit her last Saturday morning. The girls updated Melissa with some guy stuff and the girls had a great time talking and laughing. Melissa's eyes teared up when she saw her group.
6. On Saturday, University High School held a great car wash rally for Melissa. Marlene heard there was big turn out and a long line of cars. High schoolers were encouraged by the big turn out. There were 5 friends that came to visit her following the car wash. Marlene was moved by their friendship: pure and loving.
7. Yesterday, Melissa had more friends come and visit her. Marlene then realized how important it was for them to visit her and know her condition.
8. University High School representatives came by this afternoon and delivered a Uni. high bear and a card.
The Yu family knows Melissa's school, our church, and community are rallying for her. According to many of them, Melissa is the daily subject at their dinner table. Her name has been in their family prayer daily. They love to see visitors faith grow stronger by visiting Melissa. Let us keep praying for her complete healing. Let us experience His Miraculous Work together.
Thanks,
Steve
1. A physical therapist came and helped Melissa sit up.
2. A dentist also visited and removed her bite block.
3. An occupational therapist is going to exam her more tomorrow to see if she can swallow. According to mom, even if she can swallow, she is not ready for her shark fin soup yet. CHOC wants to complete all exams and prepare her for physical therapy.
4. Since the antibiotics were eliminated, Melissa's skin is starting to show some signs of a rash. This can be interpreted as her body is getting more "normalized".
5. The family was very glad to have Melissa's small group come to visit her last Saturday morning. The girls updated Melissa with some guy stuff and the girls had a great time talking and laughing. Melissa's eyes teared up when she saw her group.
6. On Saturday, University High School held a great car wash rally for Melissa. Marlene heard there was big turn out and a long line of cars. High schoolers were encouraged by the big turn out. There were 5 friends that came to visit her following the car wash. Marlene was moved by their friendship: pure and loving.
7. Yesterday, Melissa had more friends come and visit her. Marlene then realized how important it was for them to visit her and know her condition.
8. University High School representatives came by this afternoon and delivered a Uni. high bear and a card.
The Yu family knows Melissa's school, our church, and community are rallying for her. According to many of them, Melissa is the daily subject at their dinner table. Her name has been in their family prayer daily. They love to see visitors faith grow stronger by visiting Melissa. Let us keep praying for her complete healing. Let us experience His Miraculous Work together.
Thanks,
Steve
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Update from David, Tuesday, May 20, 10:21 a.m.
Dear Friends,
Most young teenage girls that I have ever known spend an inordinate amount of time in front of the mirror; combing tangles, worrying about split ends, making sure that their lip gloss isn't crooked and no brow is out of place. After all, beauty is around the eyes of the beheld. Melissa was no different. There would be no public appearance for her without all that primping and preening.
Children's hospital has done a good job of making an otherwise sad and gloomy place as bright and light as possible with bright sky blue and cream colored walls. But, there is only so much a hospital can do. Mildred, Melodie and Erin have added to the walls their hand crafted multi-colored craft paper daisies, hung from the ceiling with string. Stars, butterflies and intertwined paper chains adorn the glass pane of the sterile fluorescent light above the bed. Big handwritten posters from well wishers are taped to the walls along with collages of high school and church friends and large pictures of Melissa with big brother and sisters. While it's not home, it will be her room for at least the next three and a half months.
There are still a few tubes and wires necessarily inserted into Melissa. Monitors still abound. She can breathe on her own, most of the time, and a feeding tube continues to provide nutrition. Although awake, there has been no movement in her arms and legs for the last two weeks. Her eyes mostly stare unfocused seemingly in a bored daze. Her only response has been the long blink of "yes" or no blink for "no." Michael and Marlene have full conversations with this primitive form of language.
Last week Marlene noticed something quite disturbing. Melissa was a little more active and looked up at the ceiling, past the colorful stars and butterflies. She looked directly at the pane of glass above her, and caught a glimpse of something she did not like: herself - emaciated, tubed, hair shorn nearly bald. At that instant, Marlene says, Melissa's mood changed. She stopped trying. After that her arms and legs stopped moving. Her eyes were more dazed than focused. She did not want to see anyone. Although her vital signs were fairly normal, her voluntary functions began to regress.
Last Saturday some young friends came to visit Melissa in spite of her objection. Girlish chatter and laughter filled the room. Talk of boys and gossip about school brought merriment. There was no ability to apologize for her looks, as if she needed to. Her eyes focused with recognition and participation. Her right arm moved a few inches. She was once again connected to her friends and a little part of the world she has not seen for the past 89 days.
Sunday, the next day, Melissa continued to focus her eyes on visitors. Blink in response to her conversant’s questions. Her spirit has rebounded, and she is once again fighting her way back, making progress that is measured in inches rather than miles.
Last evening, Michael was talking to her about her friends’ visit. A little tear appeared in the corner of her eye. "Look," Michael exclaimed, "Marlene, Look! she has a tear for her 'beh-bAH'."
David
Most young teenage girls that I have ever known spend an inordinate amount of time in front of the mirror; combing tangles, worrying about split ends, making sure that their lip gloss isn't crooked and no brow is out of place. After all, beauty is around the eyes of the beheld. Melissa was no different. There would be no public appearance for her without all that primping and preening.
Children's hospital has done a good job of making an otherwise sad and gloomy place as bright and light as possible with bright sky blue and cream colored walls. But, there is only so much a hospital can do. Mildred, Melodie and Erin have added to the walls their hand crafted multi-colored craft paper daisies, hung from the ceiling with string. Stars, butterflies and intertwined paper chains adorn the glass pane of the sterile fluorescent light above the bed. Big handwritten posters from well wishers are taped to the walls along with collages of high school and church friends and large pictures of Melissa with big brother and sisters. While it's not home, it will be her room for at least the next three and a half months.
There are still a few tubes and wires necessarily inserted into Melissa. Monitors still abound. She can breathe on her own, most of the time, and a feeding tube continues to provide nutrition. Although awake, there has been no movement in her arms and legs for the last two weeks. Her eyes mostly stare unfocused seemingly in a bored daze. Her only response has been the long blink of "yes" or no blink for "no." Michael and Marlene have full conversations with this primitive form of language.
Last week Marlene noticed something quite disturbing. Melissa was a little more active and looked up at the ceiling, past the colorful stars and butterflies. She looked directly at the pane of glass above her, and caught a glimpse of something she did not like: herself - emaciated, tubed, hair shorn nearly bald. At that instant, Marlene says, Melissa's mood changed. She stopped trying. After that her arms and legs stopped moving. Her eyes were more dazed than focused. She did not want to see anyone. Although her vital signs were fairly normal, her voluntary functions began to regress.
Last Saturday some young friends came to visit Melissa in spite of her objection. Girlish chatter and laughter filled the room. Talk of boys and gossip about school brought merriment. There was no ability to apologize for her looks, as if she needed to. Her eyes focused with recognition and participation. Her right arm moved a few inches. She was once again connected to her friends and a little part of the world she has not seen for the past 89 days.
Sunday, the next day, Melissa continued to focus her eyes on visitors. Blink in response to her conversant’s questions. Her spirit has rebounded, and she is once again fighting her way back, making progress that is measured in inches rather than miles.
Last evening, Michael was talking to her about her friends’ visit. A little tear appeared in the corner of her eye. "Look," Michael exclaimed, "Marlene, Look! she has a tear for her 'beh-bAH'."
David
Monday, May 19, 2008
Update from Steve, Monday May 19, 2008, 6:49 a.m.
Day 83 in PICU, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, California
Hi Friends,
Here are some updates from Marlene:
We have much to be thankful for.
1. Melissa still has a low grade fever. However, her body is able to reduce the elevated temperature naturally without Tylenol.
2. Her white blood cell count has reduced significantly from 40,000 to 17,000 and now to around 9,000. 9,000 is within the normal range. This suggests her body is getting stronger and is able to fight off whatever is caused the white blood cell count increase.
3. Her white blood cell count in her brain was over 2,000 and now has been lowered to 170. 170 is within the normal range. This also suggests her body system is getting stronger and was able to to fight off whatever is caused the white blood cell count increase in the brain.
4. In the past few days, many of the antibiotics were stopped. This allowed the doctors to take cultures and examine the situation more accurately. At this point, all culture results are negative. However, the doctors are still examining despite the negative results in order to not overlook any other possibilities.
5. There has been numerous visitations by family and friends. This past weekend, Melissa was able to take a more active role in greeting visitors by trying to lift her right hand as to shake or touch on a voluntary basis. At this time, her left side still does not have any movement or strength.
Prayer Requests:
1. Pray that Melissa can see the inner beauty as God created her and that God will provide her comfort during this stage.
2. Continue to pray for strength and wisdom for Marlene and Michael.
3. Pray for Maurice, Melodie and Mildred as they finish this school year.
Thanks,
Steve
Hi Friends,
Here are some updates from Marlene:
We have much to be thankful for.
1. Melissa still has a low grade fever. However, her body is able to reduce the elevated temperature naturally without Tylenol.
2. Her white blood cell count has reduced significantly from 40,000 to 17,000 and now to around 9,000. 9,000 is within the normal range. This suggests her body is getting stronger and is able to fight off whatever is caused the white blood cell count increase.
3. Her white blood cell count in her brain was over 2,000 and now has been lowered to 170. 170 is within the normal range. This also suggests her body system is getting stronger and was able to to fight off whatever is caused the white blood cell count increase in the brain.
4. In the past few days, many of the antibiotics were stopped. This allowed the doctors to take cultures and examine the situation more accurately. At this point, all culture results are negative. However, the doctors are still examining despite the negative results in order to not overlook any other possibilities.
5. There has been numerous visitations by family and friends. This past weekend, Melissa was able to take a more active role in greeting visitors by trying to lift her right hand as to shake or touch on a voluntary basis. At this time, her left side still does not have any movement or strength.
Prayer Requests:
1. Pray that Melissa can see the inner beauty as God created her and that God will provide her comfort during this stage.
2. Continue to pray for strength and wisdom for Marlene and Michael.
3. Pray for Maurice, Melodie and Mildred as they finish this school year.
Thanks,
Steve
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Update from Michael, Sunday 5/18/2008
Dear Friends,
Melissa has improved some. She still has a fever on and off, but overall she's a lot better than last week. We aren't in a hurry. We need to give her more time to recover. Her brain injury is responding slower than before, but we know that God will take it from here. Faith is patient and we must wait for His time. Much like King David who had to wait for 13 years to sit on the throne and be a king of Israel. Abraham waited for 25 years to have his own son. Joseph waited for more than 13 years to fulfill his dream. Even Jesus waited for 30 years for his ministry to go public. God will use tjos time to reshape Melissa, and the same time to polish our lives.
Thank you to all of you who were able to participate in the car wash at University High School yesterday for Melissa. Maurice and Mildred were there at 9:00 helping out and Melodie and Erin helped out at 11:00. They all had a wonderful time.
God bless.
In Him,
Michael
Melissa has improved some. She still has a fever on and off, but overall she's a lot better than last week. We aren't in a hurry. We need to give her more time to recover. Her brain injury is responding slower than before, but we know that God will take it from here. Faith is patient and we must wait for His time. Much like King David who had to wait for 13 years to sit on the throne and be a king of Israel. Abraham waited for 25 years to have his own son. Joseph waited for more than 13 years to fulfill his dream. Even Jesus waited for 30 years for his ministry to go public. God will use tjos time to reshape Melissa, and the same time to polish our lives.
Thank you to all of you who were able to participate in the car wash at University High School yesterday for Melissa. Maurice and Mildred were there at 9:00 helping out and Melodie and Erin helped out at 11:00. They all had a wonderful time.
God bless.
In Him,
Michael
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