Update for Kevin :: Munro Tribe Portal :: News, Media, History of the Munro's

Re: Update for Kevin

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by Kerry on Jun 11, 2007 - 06:18 AM
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Keep it up Kevin!! It's a long battle, but you are strong and a fighter! We know you are doing your best, and the same goes for Alison and the girls. Love as always, K, P, C & J xxxxxxxxx

Re: Update for Kevin

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by Margaret (mjm@farmside.wxc.net.nz) on Jun 12, 2007 - 01:21 AM
(User information http://family.munro.cc)

Alison says Kevin is still critical. (Tuesday 12th June) She really appreciates all the comments and expressions of support from everyone. Hopes to print them all out and keep them.
Joy may be back in NZ on Saturday 16th, according to Renae. The Hospice Care Home that Alison & Kevin run, is being managed by other staff members most of the time which is good for the whole family. They can make time to visit Kevin and be with him for long periods at a time. Bunbury is two hours from Perth.

Re: Update for Kevin

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by Margaret (mjm@farmside.wxc.net.nz) on Jun 12, 2007 - 07:55 AM
(User information http://family.munro.cc)

sent directly from Auntie Gwen & Uncle Bruce;
"Bruce & I have been thinking of you every day. Tell Kevin, in his ears, that we are all hoping he will soon be with all of us. To Alison... Great love to you - holding hands across the sea. It was great to see you again on Waiheke after all this time."

Gwen has posted a letter to the hospital

From Aunty Margaret

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by Margaret (mjm@farmside.wxc.net.nz) on Jun 14, 2007 - 12:36 AM
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Dear Alison, Kev and girls,
I was very shocked to hear of Kev's dreadful accident. Marg & John are keeping me informed of his progress which I really appreciate. What a stressful time it is for you all - my heart-felt feelings go out to you. Life is not fair sometimes, is it? - full of good and bad surprises! This is a very traumatic experience for you all but I know you will be great support for each other and this will keep you strong. Remember we are thinking of you all every day and pray that Kev will improve.
God Bless
I'll keep in touch
All my love, take care. And lots of hugs from
Aunty Margaret XOXO

Merilyn's message

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by Margaret (mjm@farmside.wxc.net.nz) on Jun 16, 2007 - 02:09 AM
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I posted a message on the site when I first found out about the horrific news. I am not sure if Alison has read it.
Thanks for thinking of me in regards to this. I appreciate it. I have been thinking about Alison everyday since I heard the news.
I hope Kevin is hanging in there.

Love to Alison and her girls and my thoughts are with them and Kevin at this time.

Take care
Merilyn

PS You might want to pass this on to Alison or something, Margaret, as I do not know her email address.

Thanks. : )

Re: Update for Kevin

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by renae on Jun 17, 2007 - 01:25 AM
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Hi Everyone, This is Alison here updating in Renae's log in. Yesterday had a major step forward with me visiting Kevin ij the afternoon. He had movement in his left hand and when I spoke to him he opened both eye "on command" and sqeezed my hand in his continuously when requested. Renae and Marcus came to visit and they were also able to have the same interaction with him. So that was a major break thru and he was able to get a GCS of 11!! Highest yet. Unfortunately (or fiortunately) he had a blocked catheter at the time and I am sure this discomfort added to his alertness. He was very emotional at times and we were able to reassure him and explain what had and was happening.
The care does not seem to be as thorough as ICU (he had had virtually nil urine out put in 10 hours and I am glad I was there as his advocate to ensure action was taken) Also skin, personal and oral hygeine will really need to be supported as the standard has dropped substaintially. So I will need to be very careful to be supportive to the nursing staff without interfering.
The cute side of this all was that we are needing to glove and gown due to ?? norovirus in the room, Marcus and Renae were all dressed up to go to a wedding, so renae had these beautiful silver shoes on and a very stylish blue theater gown and gloves on!!
It was wonderful to have Joy here and can never thank her enough for the peace of mind being able to pick up the workload with the business and the emotional and practical wupport she so lovingly gave. I will always remember the time we were able to have with fondness.
Guess what, I am actually able to sleep now forlonger than 4 hours, so diffinitely feeling more human!!
Keep up the wonderful comments everyone and my thoughts are with you all.
Lots of Love and Hugs,
Alison

Re: Update for Kevin

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by Jay (john@munro.cc) on Jun 17, 2007 - 07:42 AM
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Wow, that really seems like positive news with Kevin. It sounds like reassurance that he is still in there but is still fighting for his life and has a long way to go yet.

I spoke with Alison about this already but it looks like we will be able to go and help in any way we can for the family in the second half of July. Dates are not 100% yet but we should be flying in to Perth around the 15th and leaving around the 28th or so.

Re: Update for Kevin

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by Kerry on Jun 17, 2007 - 08:32 AM
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We breathe huge emotional breaths and I have tears in my eyes... this is wonderfully positive news! It is still early days yet, and look how far Kevin has come! Please tell him again that we love him! Alison I am going to send you another document about care on the neuro ward -- what you are saying about having to be vigilant for Kevin echoes exactly what this document says. Can Marcus print it off for you? You can get him to forward it from your mail to his, as I don't have his address. Keep it up, all your hard work can only help to give Kevin the best chance. Kisses and hugs all round. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Re: Update for Kevin

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by joy on Jun 18, 2007 - 05:52 AM
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This really is the most wonderful, hopeful news. On Saturday Alison and I had a break having a very happy time trying on clothes and doing 'sister stuff'. Alison hadn't been away from Kev for such a protracted period of time so when Marcus and Renae picked us up to take us back to the apartment she decided to hop out at the traffic lights near the hospital fully intending to just spend 20 mins there. While she was there Kevin had this breakthrough so of course she needed to stay with him. I only wish I could have seen it myself before I caught the taxi to the airport!! It has been a great priviledge to watch Kevin work so hard to come back to us and also to get to know him more by having a glimpse of his life both in the recent past and also his youth in the 'Bunbury lifestyle'.

Re: Update for Kevin 21/6/07

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by hjm (hjm@farmside.co.nz) on Jun 21, 2007 - 06:44 AM
(User information http://www.glenhomestays.co.nz)

I spoke to Alicat today and the current situation is:
Kevin is now breathing by himself.
He is off oxygen.
Off all medication except something to keep his tummy settled.
Getting some movement in his left hand but the right is not responding yet.
He is able to wriggle his toes on both feet.
Has some neck movement.
Temperature is at last stable and blood pressure has settled down.
He is responding to stimulation and showing some emotional responses.
Alison and family are continuing to give massage and audio stimulus.

I hope that this will give everyone some insight to Kevin's progress.

GO KEV!!!

Re: Update for Kevin 21/6/07 by Kerry on Jun 21, 2007 - 09:50 AM

Re: Update for Kevin

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by glenda on Jun 21, 2007 - 08:47 PM
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Hi all, very encouraging news about Kevin. I did talk with Alison last week when I was in Dunedin but will try and contact her again today. Does anyone have a landline phone number for her and I have also lost her cell # in transit. This latest progress from Kevin certainly shows his determination to live. With his wonderful support around him he at least has the best chance he can to gain a good recovery to whatever extent that maybe. Tell him from us Alison and girls that we have every faith in his ability to keep fighting as we know how much he has waiting for him. All our love to you all. Keep up the wonderful work. xxxx oooo

Re: Update for Kevin

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by Jay (john@munro.cc) on Jun 21, 2007 - 10:34 PM
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Yes, we too have been relieved to hear of the progress. I would say at this stage, the smallest improvements are the biggest ones. Please tell Kevin that we (me, Masami, Aska & Zoe) are rooting for him and that we hope to see him soon and tell him ourselves.
Love Jay & Family

Re: Update for Kevin

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by renae on Jun 23, 2007 - 03:49 AM
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Hi Everyone,
I just spent ages doing an update and lost the whole thing!!
Kev has been treated by a cranial osteopath last Thursday with a positve result " a shift of energy to his legs and a big movement in the sacram, which in turn his released the base of the skull". GCS at up to that stage mostly around 3-6 with occ 11, last night the report was mostly 9 with occ11. Movement in feet slightly increased and slight resisantce in right arm. Next treatment tomorrow, the guy was a little hesisitant to work with him to start but now is happy to keep on working wiht him, so that's great.
Arinca continues daily and now on constitutional remedy plus rescue remedy and of course the aromaotherapy massages continue with a blend of basil,neroli and blackpepper.
Kev has been fitted with a helmet and we are awaitng a customised wheelchair, so even though he is still comatosed for the majority of the time the stimulation of change of positon and being able to get outdoor will give him alot more stimulation.
Physicallly he is not doing to bad considering, he still has IDC insitu and oral gastric feeds are being tolerated well, he remains tachycardic alot of the time, but other obs are stable.
The physio has sat him up on the side of the bed a couple of times(much effort with lots of staff!) she and the OT stated that he really tried hard and he appears to contine to try hard when he is "awake".
The enormity of the situation has began to have a impact on the girls, they will need lots of support in the upcoming months/years.
The Nuero Reg is now talking pro-actively about Shenton Park, which is a rehab centre, the buliding is dated but apparently in ablut the best in Oz for treatment and results.
Finially I got a quote for the ute to be trucked over, A$1000:00, is there anyone in the family who may be interested in driving it over, it is a great trip and could be done in 3-4 dyas. I am happy to fly over and meet up with someone and buddy drive it back.
Well lots of love to you ALL!!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Re: Update for Kevin

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by renae on Jun 23, 2007 - 06:35 AM
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the above entry was done by Alison.

Re: Update for Kevin

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by Kirstin on Jun 23, 2007 - 09:47 PM
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Hi Alison, that sounds like great progress, just thought I would do a little post to let you know that I am thinking of you, Kevin and the girls often, and checking updates on this thread nearly every day. Sending big hugs your way.
Lots of Love Kirstin, Cadel, Lachlan and Kelsey xxxx

Re: Update for Kevin

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by renae on Jun 26, 2007 - 12:14 AM
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Hi There Everyone!!
This is Alison here, signed in under Renae's name. Following updates/progress for Kev:
Still remains in coma, with "window periods of awareness"
Appears to be visually tracking
Great range of movement in left arm from elbow down, minimal upper arm movement
Grasped right hand with one of the girls yesterday, This is a first!
Right side of face has alot more movement, puckering lips and general range of face movement continues to increase.
Smiling with eyes and mouth at times, most of the times very appropriate
Toes wriggle with a tickle
Up in chair yesterday for a couple of hours, comp[lete with helmet (all helmet decoations greatly recieved to brighten it up)
Seen again on Sunday by osteo, had "held " treatment from last Thurs (3 days b4) Treatment positve and recieved well. Also gave me a quick treatment and I sleep 11 hours, ahh so good!!
Swelling to left side of head where craniectomy performed decreased dramaticlally, sinking in now, not the most attractive look!! However very positive sign and of course fundamental to further milestones being reached.
Lastly one nurse from yesterday had not cared for Kev for 2 weeks and stated she really impressed with how well he was doing. So onwards and upwards!
Well thats all folks, so lovely to get all the great phone calls and messages both directly and indirectly form all over the world, from fammily and freinds, keep it up everyone, it really puts wind in my sails.
Special hugs and kisses to all.
Your Alicat XOXOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Re: Update for Kevin

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by Kerry on Jun 26, 2007 - 09:20 AM
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Very well done! Very positive!!! And you are sounding invigorated Alison, which is very important for you but also for Kevin, as the more positivity he feels around him the more his sails will be filled too! He will know all the hard work he is putting in will be worth it, as so many people care. We send huge gusts of wind your way. Keep it up! Love from us all xxxxxxxx

Re: Update for Kevin

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by renae on Jun 29, 2007 - 10:17 AM
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Hi Everyone,
Renae and Kendie have been with Kev the last couple of days, so I have been able to have time to attend to some business.
Kendie reported a very sleepy day yesterday and after much care and attention (the full aromatherapy body massage and homeopathy) she left for Renae to take over the evening shift. We recieved a phone call at 7:20 pm with Renae much excited about Kevin, reporting him to be the most alert yet with both eyes opening and smiling heaps! Reponding to stimuli and our voices on the phone. If anyone wnts to phone the Royal Perth Hospital Kev has a phone by the bed. Even though he cannot talk, he responds well to voices and appears to "set the cogs turning".
I have had several excited phone calls from the girls today reporting the following:
Grasping repeatedly and firmly with right hand
Long periods of awakeness
Movement from left shoulder down
Lots of facial movement
Extremely positve!! Also IDC has been removed and PUing well.
Renae has purchased a couple of stress balls which is encouraging movement in has hands and is also useful for the tactile stimuli. I am putting a bag of tactile goodies together as well.
So the work continues!!
Must go. Love and huggles and sunshine.
Your Alicatxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxooxoox oxoxoxoxo

Re: Update for Kevin

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by Kerry on Jun 29, 2007 - 01:43 PM
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Yahoooo! This is very exciting news, Alison. Paul just got back from Canada so has been able to read the updates of this week and now has a very happy smile on his face! The stress balls are a great idea! What sort of things will you put into the tactility bag? The mind boggles. What is the phone number to call to talk to Kevin and what is the best time (Australia time) to call? You must all be feeling very encouraged -- wonderful. Keep it up. More love to you all.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Re: Update for Kevin

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by glenda on Jul 01, 2007 - 11:15 PM
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I did put some suggestions for the tactile bag under tribal chatterbut it has disappeared into cyber space.
I thought that things like fresh grass and favourite foods for the smell connection may be useful. What about a tray with sand in it and put Kevs feet in it to try and evoke the feel and texture of nice beach experiences perhaps. I guess anything at all isn't too wacky and worth a go.