Saturday, September 16th
Hi Everyone,
I drove up to Seattle on Thursday, and have seen Maria quite a bit since then, so I wanted to give a more detailed update. . .
She has made a lot of improvements since she has been at UW - she can do her neck brace and turtle almost all by herself, is walking around totally on her own without a walker or cane, can drink out of a straw - basically a lot of things she couldn't do (or were very difficult to do) a week ago.
She does have an infection of some sort, so she is on an antibiotic as well as her pain medication, and doesn't feel great. However, she is very determined to keep up with her physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy in spite of feeling sick and tired. This morning she took a shower with her occupational therapist, who remarked that Maria does a very good job managing her own care, i.e. doing everything she is capable of on her own, and telling her nurses and therapists what she needs them to help her with. After OT, the physical therapist came and helped Maria get in and out of Barb's car, in preparation for her trip home on Tuesday. It was a little scary at first for her to think about being in a car, but she was very brave and tried it, and was able to get in and out with no problems. If she feels up to it, she can go on an excursion with an activities coordinator from the hospital tomorrow - anywhere she wants to go. . . she is thinking the zoo:)
She has to have a consult with an oral-maxillofacial surgeon (aka jaw doctor) from Harborview before she can get her jaw unwired, but assuming that that gets taken care of on Monday, she is on track to go home on Tuesday. From there, she will have PT/OT/SP come to her house, and will still have a lot of therapy/rehab work ahead of her. After almost a month in the hospital, though, it will be nice to finally be home!
I'll try to keep everyone updated over the next couple days. . .
posted by Carly @ 12:48 PM
34 Comments:
Carly,
thank-you so very much for keeping the blog current. It enables us all to keep up with Maria. This is the first place I go every morning...I can then envision her and her progress and focus on her rapid recovery, I love thinking of her at the zoo! See you soon Maria! Love Gwen
I agree with Lauren-thank you for this blog. It is so strange to not have Maria back at achool with us right now, and having this blog allows us to check in with her as often as we can. We miss her here!!
I am thrilled that she is rapid;y recovering-I would expect nothing less from Maria! I am very happy to keep logging on and hearing about the tremendous progress she has made, and keeps making. Thank you for continuing to post for those of us who can't be there with her. Best wishes to Maria-as she continues to fight.....
Peace, Shay
Hello Skunky,
I had no idea you were headed to Woodland Park! Have a fun time. Thank God Willem isn't around to push you in the duck pond. We'll talk later.
xoxo,
sister
Woo-hoo! Trips to the zoo, walking independently, drinking thru a straw....and GOING HOME! I can't believe it!!!! I am so excited for you....I am bursting with gladness because I know that you will heal so fast once you're home: there is nothing like the comfort of one's bed, the smell of home, the constant presence of family....I'm getting homesick myself just thinking about it!
Miss you and love you,
Brigitte xx
Ree - you never cease to amaze us! You are so determined and you always seem to be concentrating on moving forward and forward and bringing a positive attitude with you the whole time. We can't WAIT to see you at Thanksgiving and we'll try to call you soon. We really wish we could just be there with you now, but we know you're in great hands, both with docs and the fam/friends. Love ya pudin!! Francie and Char
Have fun at the zoo Maria! Make sure to check out the howler monkeys for me! You are doing such an incredible job. Keep up the good work! I hope to see you soon. Love,
Cait
maria - i'm so glad you're going to finally get away from that sterile hospital life! yea for home. you've done so well. we're all so proud of you.
have fun at the zoo, or wherever you decide to go. but if you do go to the zoo, i like it when the elephants fart.
-sarah rose
rita-
sorry sorry it has been so long, I made it back to LA after quite the crowded trip and am all moved into the house, you are my number one on the "this person has to visit" list, I know it might be awhile but I will have a guest room permanently waiting for you with mints on the pillows. I heart you hard with all my heart, can't wait for you to get the jaw open and eating some tasty things that arent all smushy.
all my luvin-smell kelli
That's radical that you get to go home soon Maria. That's great news. Hope you were able to go to the zoo today and look at some monkeys and gorillas...good times. Keep doing what you're doing cuz it sounds like it's working. -Todd
I am a stranger who has been following Maria's progress via Sarah Brown's blog. Maria--I've been consistantly amazed at your courage and determination. And by all the comments I can tell you're a great girl and a great friend to have so many people who care about you. That's no small thing. Keep it up! Best wishes to you.
Hey Maria,
I am excited to hear you are headed home this week!
Nick
Maria walked Greenlake with Kiira, Leah and I yesterday and she did really well! We made it about a 1/4 of the way around the lake and back to where Barb and Dave were waiting. Soon we will be walking in Edmonds again missy! Hang in there, you get to go home so soon!
ree- it was so wonderful to finally see you this weekend! You are doing so well... I am very impressed... glad to see you made it out yesterday- did you stop by Mighty O? Hope the honeycomb was tasty... Can't wait to see you again soon!
Love,
Clare
Mariskeedoodle! Congrats on going home soon! As much as I'm sure you've become friends with all the hospital staff, I can't imagine how nice it must feel to get to go home. Not to mention the fact that you should really be proud of yourself for making it to this point as quickly as you have! It takes an amazing person to do such a thing. By the way, thanks for the recommendation to visit Grenich...what a fun, crazy place. I hope you are feeling better everyday and that you have peace and joy in your heart.
~Kevin
To add to Erika's post, I am absolutely amazed at how well Maria is doing. I have only gotten to see her twice, but she seems to be progressing so much every day, which is a huge relief for all of us! We walked Greenlake yesterday and the only huge thing that was holding her back was her infection, which is a bummer, but we can all tell she will be fully back to her energetic, optimistic self in no time. Can't wait for your return to E-town, Maria darling. I love you much!!
Ree, I'm thinking today might be the big D day( as in discharge) I'm rooting for you as you head up to Edmonds and that healing salty air.I just read you tackled Greenlake. You are an inspiration! Love you.Jo
Hey little reesa,
Today is the big day!! I bet you can't wait to climb into your own bed. I'm just so proud of you! It's hard not to be there with you through all of this, I just keep reading about all your accomplishments and wish i could be there to cheer you on and celebrate in all the victories. But even though i'm not there please know that i'm constantly thinking about you and sending you all of my positive energy. I was so excited to hear that you took a walk around the lake with the girls. I can't even believe it, you just are accomplishing so much so fast. I miss you so much! I tried calling the other day but you had already fallen asleep, but aunt Char and i had a lovely little chat, it was nice to catch up with my old roomie. I just wish i could be there with you, hang in there sister i know you can do this. Well, happy homecoming and hopefully i will talk with you soon!! I love you.
Wow, great news that you are going home. All of your hard work is paying off. Your recovery is nothing short of a miracle. Keep up the good thoughts and hard work. We are having a cookout for Beth on Saturday, she is turning 50. Fall is moving in fast as the high is going to be 68. I guess we will not be at the pool..
Take Care, Tina
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Carly,
I haven't really talked to you since we were in Billings but thank you once again for making this blog. I am very happy to hear this news i am coming home friday to see Ree and I am very glad to hear that she will be out of the uw medical center and at home...her recovery has been amazing anyways Maria stay up I will see you soon
It's currently Wednesday night, so I'm hoping that you're home and doing well. I just wanted you to know that you've been in my thoughts and prayers and I'm so glad to hear that you're coming home - finally! Carly, thank you so much for keeping us all up to date the past month, it's meant a lot to me. So, Maria, did you end up going to Woodland Park, or did you decide on another location for your outing? Take care!
hey lady,
I hear you may be spending either tomarrow (friday) or monday, or both with my rents. I'm expecting a phone call. If you need it, my big stuffed dog is in my closet downstairs, you can prop it up next to you on the couch and pretend it's me...I know it won't be quite the same but maybe it will work for a little while. I have had a fairly eventfull week and plan to write you a letter all about it and send it home with willam.... if i see him before he leaves. As always, i'm missing you terribly and am wishing you the best. Hang in there and stay strong, you're making it through this. I love your guts.
Kit
Maria darling girl,
You are such a joy to be with even in your most fragile state. I love knowing you and watching you move through this whole ordeal. You are brave and curious and incredibly determined. Keep moving Reeski. You're getting closer every minute of every single day. Love you girl! Sal
can someone post the address we can send things to maria at?! i think shes home now but i only have the address of the hospital!
THANKS SO MUCH!
hi carly, could you please leave me the address were i could send maria something. i was maria's old tour partner. thank you
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Hey Maria,
I am going to run by and see you for a bit on Saturday in the late morning. You will no doubt be swamped with visitors, being your first weekend day at home and all.
We are all so happy that you have come so far in such a short period of time.
Can't wait.
Love BL
Marias' home address is
Maria Dalbotten
728 Hanna Park Rd.
Edmonds, WA 98020
I saw Maria yesterday, she looks beautiful as usual, short hair becomes her. She is still battling the nausea associated with the medication and I believe residual from the C. Diff infection. In spite of this, she is up and doing alot of walking. I heard the date to remove the bands from her teeth which will allow her to eat solid food is the 28th. Her progress is nothing short of a miracle! Gwen
So glad to hear that you are home and doing much better. I bet it feels great to be back. You have come such a long way. We always think of you and how you are doing.
Hey Carly -
My name's Chris Joslin, I go to school with Maria in New York. Next time you see her please tell her that I love her to death and miss the living hell out of her. Thank you so much for this blog. Stay awesome.
Chris
Maria,
Thinking of you and G-Pa and G-Ma are asking how you are doing. I hear tomorrow you are finished with the antibotic-which hopefully will calm your stomach. This is tough but it will get better-soon I hope. Grandma wants to make you soup and we will bring it up soon-a day trip. On Thurs I will celebrate with you the removal of the wires-we will dance on the carpet of Midwest and Grandpa will poundon his desk. Until then hang tough-you're only choice and know we love you.
Char
dear maria,
tomorrow no more steel in your mouth WHOOPEE!!!!!midwest will take care of disposing of the scrap metal
it will not be long until you will be singing us a song !!
hope to see you soon
love grandpa
Maria,
Can't believe this has happened to you! :( From what I read, it seems like you are making a great recovery, and I would expect nothing less from someone as spirited and full of life as you are. You're at the top of prayers.
Best,
Steph Watson
Maria,
Can't believe this has happened to you! :( From what I read, it seems like you are making a great recovery, and I would expect nothing less from someone as spirited and full of life as you are. You're at the top of prayers.
Best,
Steph Watson
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