Monday--February 28

Well it is hard to believe but in one hour the month of February will be over.  Can you believe we have spent the month of February in the hospital??!!!! I can hardly wait for March to begin.  I believe we are going to "March" right through this rehab and be home soon.  Today was a good day.  Jacque is transfering from his wheelchair to the bed with no help. He is walking with the help of the parallel bars.  He can lift his legs but still does not have much feeling in his feet.  I am sure that will come with time.  The doctor came in today and said that Jacque is progressing better than any Guillian Barre patient he has ever had.  We can go home when Jacque can walk out of here or until the insurance kicks us out---which ever comes first.

Jean went back home today.  That was so hard.  She has been such a great help.  I really miss her. Jacque and I are so blessed.  We have the greatest kids in the entire world.  I have no idea what we did right to deserve such caring, loving children. But we thank God everyday for them.

When we count our blessings, we definitely count our friends!!! The cards continue to pour in.  We have over 200 now.  I have them taped up on the walls of  Jacque's room.  We are running out of room, but we really enjoy hearing from home. Bart Stewart came by today.  He has been such a blessing.  He and Jacque told stories all afternoon about growing up in Winnfield. They laughed for 30 minutes telling the story of Tommy Milam and Mike Smith spilling the collection basket at the First Baptist Church.  Ha Ha!!!

Preparation for the blood drive seems to be going smoothly.  I got an email from Michelle Whisonant telling me that the people from Central Management were planning on giving blood.  Many thanks to everyone.  Jacque and I are so humbled by the outpouring of love.

God bless you all.--Laure :) 

Family Weekend

Hi everyone - this is Jean!  It has been a great weekend with Dad.  Although experiencing some discomfort (and having some cabin fever), he is still making such progress.  The feeling in his legs continues to improve.  He has had a few hours of therapy both Saturday and Sunday and on each day, he walked (with assistance) with the parallel bars.  Today, they allowed the family in to watch therapy and Dad did great.  For those on Facebook, I have posted pictures of his walking - check it out :)   He is now able to raise his legs off the bed and bend his legs...again, great improvements.  Everyone is so impressed with his progress. We are going to buy an IPod for Dad tomorrow, as listening to tunes (he has been listening to mine) seems to cheer him up.   Any song suggestions?? :)

Jacque Jr., Kristen, Jamie, Nelson, and Lil Mia all came by today.  Lil Mia put a smile on Dad's face, of course :)

Again, thanks for all the prayers, calls, cards and emails!  (For those that would like to email Dad, you can send him a note at laure.derr@hotmail.com.)  Dad really really appreciates it.

God bless and good night -

Jean

Saturday Morning--February 26

Good morning to all.  Sorry that I did not blog last night. Jean came in and we spent the night visiting.  She was so pleased with her daddy's progress.  He looked so bad when she left two weeks ago.  Yesterday was another great day.  He had visitors, phone calls, and a wonderful day in therapy.
One of his old law school buddies that he had not seen in 40 years came by--Jack Miller.  Then after lunch Ike Funderburk, another one of his good attorney friends, came by to visit.  Ike is such a mess.  It is so good to have some south Louisiana friends that are here for support.  Jane Purser was in Lafayette visiting her daughter and called and wished Jacque a speedy recovery. I think Jacque's favorite phone call of the day came from Rayford Riley.  He is coming to cut Jacque's hair today.  WOW!!! He needs it.  Now if I could just find someone to cut and dye my hair.  By the time I get home I will be gray headed again. Ha Ha !!! In therapy Jacque amazed everyone. He walked the length of the parallel bars three times.  He is now moving his feet on his own.  His feet are still numb but he can move them.  Jean came in around 8:30 p.m.  He was so excited to see her.  His children are his life. Well, I guess that is all the news for this morning.  Jean will probably blog some this afternoon.  I do have one OPPS from Thursday.  Elena and her grandmother Bettie came to visit Jacque on Thursday evening.  They brought Jacque some beautiful red roses.  Elena is our Mia's birth mother.  She is the wonderful young woman that gave our Jamie the gift of life. I can't believe I left them out of our Thursday news.  But as you all know I am a little crazy these days.  God is good.  My many thanks to everyone for all your prayers. Keep them coming. We are so thankful.    Now for my thought for the day. It comes from Oliver Wendel Holmes. " If I had a formula for bypassing trouble, I wouldn't pass it around.  I wouldn't be doing anyone a favor.  Trouble creates a capacity to handle it.  Meet it as your friend, for you will see a lot of it and you had better be on speaking terms with it. "  So true.  And here is one more--"What may seem like coincidence, As we live out our story, Is God at work behind the scenes, So give Him all the glory." Amen--Love --Laure :)

Thursday Night--February 24

It is really late--11:56 pm. Just got in from the hospital.  Jacque was having some bad gas pains, so I stayed until he finally went to sleep.  I think his belly is bothering him because he ate all the pizza yesterday. Oh well, I am sure he will tell you it was all worth it.  He had a good day.  It did not start off too good. He was going to take his first shower, but his blood pressure dropped too low so he couldn't.  The therapist reminded him it was only his third day in therapy and that they would try the shower next Tuesday.  He did great in his walking today and took eight steps. He went from one end of the parallel bars to the other end. He had a lot of help but everyone is soo excited about his progress.  They tell us he is really doing better than most patients with Guillian Barre.  He had a special visitor today. A lady who had Guillian Barre in September came to visit.  She was in rehab for two months, home health two months, and is now doing out patient.  She looks great, walks, and everything.  She did not get the plasma pharesis like Jacque.  She could not believe Jacque had only been in rehab three days.  She said Jacque was way ahead of where she was at the three day mark.  He told her his goal was to be well by October 1--first day of deer season!!! Ha Ha!!! Jamie came and shaved her daddy and washed his hair.  She is such a joy.  You would not believe how highly she is thought of at the hospital!  Everyone knows her.  I don't know what I would do without her.  She has made my life so much easier. My buddy Vivian Adams came and brought us all milkshakes. I had lost some weight but if all my friends don't stop feeding me, I am going to be chunky again.  Jean is flying in from Denver tomorrow.  I can't wait for her to see her daddy. He is so much better than when she saw him last.  Well , it is officially Friday, so I had better get some sleep.  We have a family meeting at 8:30 am with the doctors and therapists. Only Jamie and I can attend.  Jean will not get in until 8pm and Jacque has to work.  I am really going to bed now and will leave you all with a bible verse sent to me from a priest friend, Fr. Martin Laird.
"Praise God and tell everyone about the good things he has done for you, so that they too will honor him and sing his praises.  Let everyone know what God has done. Never stop praising him,"  Tobit 12:6

Great Day--Wednesday--February 23

Today has been a wonderful blessed day.  God has been such a huge part of our fabulous day. The day began with Jacque's swallow test being scheduled for 8 a.m. this morning.  I was a little worried because Jacque's mornings are not as good as his afternoons.  Then the speech therapist came in and said the test was reset for 1:30 p.m.  Praise God.  Well 1:30 came and no test, 2:00 p.m. came and no test, 2:45 came and finally a knock on the door.  But instead of it being the people to do the swallow test , it was an elderly man. He was a Eucharistic Minister and  was bringing communion to Catholics .  He wanted to know if Jacque and I wanted communion.  Of course we said yes.  The man gave us communion and prayed with us.  There is no way I can put it into words, except to say it was very emotional.  The man left and Jacque said, "What a gift from God, there is no way I am going to fail that swallow test.  Immediately after the man left, the speech therapist and the people with the xray machine came in and you know the rest of the story---Jacque passed his swallow test.  He was so excited.  I cried and he grinned from ear to ear.  He immediately sent me to Pizza Hut for a large thin crust cheese pizza.  While I was gone, he went to therapy.  During therapy he took his first steps, four, then six and then six more. Now of course this is with a lot of help and he used the parallel bars--but hey--we will take what we can get. When I got back he shared his good news, then he proceeded to eat all of the pizza except for three pieces. Then he had a piece of cheese cake for dessert. Following his feast, he enjoyed an evening filled with visitors, phone calls, and surprises.  My sister Terri and her husband Jim came for a visit and brought a "heart gift" .  In the Spatafora Family we always give "heart gifts", which simply means. it is something sentimental.  Terri brought Jacque a small stufffed monkey that used to belong to my daddy.  The monkey was my dad's when he was in the hospital with a broken hip.  We all called it his "good luck monkey".  I cried, it was so special.  It was like my daddy saying--everything is going to be OK. Bridgette Bartlett also came by.  She brought a bundle of cards from the teachers and students of Atlanta High School, where I teach. I miss them all so much.  It is so much fun teaching there, they are all so special to me. It is a great place to teach. Some friends from Olla,  Nicki and Dennis Baum ,then stopped by for a short visit.  They shared stories about our grandbabies.  Jacque also enjoyed a day of phone calls from family and friends.  He talked to the girls in his office.  They are such a wonderful group of women. He always says he has the best office in the world.  Lee Wood, an old high school buddy, even called.  He was excited to hear from him.  I even got to speak to some of my friends too. Julie Boatman spoke on the phone and told me she is saying two rosaries a day for Jacque. Praise God.  Jacque even got a  beautiful hunting and fishing basket filled with goodies from one of his old exercise buddies Kelly Lawrence. So as you can see, we have had a GREAT DAY.  Please continue to pray for us.  I know we would not be doing as great as we are, had it not been for your prayers. Thank you, thank you.  God bless and good-night.  Love--Laure

First Day of Rehab--Tuesday--February 22

Well I am really tired, so this will be short and sweet.  Jacque completed his first day of rehab and boy is he tired.  He did have a few problems with his blood pressure, but everyone assured me that this was par for the course.  Everyone seems real pleased with his progress. It is very slow, but we are still moving forward.  He is tube free, no ivs!! Tomorrow he will take his swallow test again.  Please say a prayer that he passes the test--he really wants to eat some real food. We did have a visitor today.  It was so funny.  Jacque was in his room, at the therapists and aides were putting Jacque back in the bed.  Someone knocked on the door and said it was a doctor from Winnfield.They asked the visitor to wait until they had finished the assessment.  Guess who it was?? Charlie Bice--yep he is doctor from Winnfield --a juris doctor--Ha Ha!! It was a good visit--Jacque is such a people person--he loves the visits.  Keep the prayers coming--We love you all.  God is so good and we are so blessed!!!

Blood Drive in Winn Parish

I received some information from Life Shares, the blood service for North Louisiana.  They are going to have a blood drive on Monday, March 7, 2011, from noon until 5 p.m. in front of the hospital in Winnfield.  If you would like to give blood to help replace the blood that Jacque used, just go and tell them you are giving in his name.  They can not replace what we used here at Lafayette General, but they will donate up to $500 to our hospital bill.  They do not have an agreement with the south Louisiana hospitals.  The blood service in south Louisiana is United Blood Services.  If you give to United Blood Services (337-235-5433 ext 3060 Liz Celeste ), they will also give us a credit on our bill and the blood used will be replaced right here in Lafayette.  But the most important thing is that no matter where you give blood, you will be helping out someone--just like some strangers helped us. Thanks for all the prayers.  God bless.  Love--Laure :)

Rehab Begins

Well we are finally here!!! We got to the rehab floor around 7 p.m. tonight.  We did not make it earlier due to blood pressure problems (too low when he sits for a while-- he now has thigh high hose and stomach binder to help this-plus we had 4 priests praying for him --so that was fixed real easy) and we had to wait on insurance approval (that took longer to fix).  We are in room 1058 on the 10th floor at Lafayette General. We are approved to stay until March 1st, then they will evaluate and we will either stay another week or go home. The therapist seem to think we will have no trouble being approved for at least 3 weeks of rehab.  I would love to be home for my son's birthday--March 25th!!! The visiting hours are very strict during the week, only from 4 pm to 8 pm.  They are going to let me stay from 4 pm until Jacque gets his night meds--around 11pm.  On the weekends the visiting times are from 8am to 8pm.  Jacque is so pumped; our daughter Jean is coming to see him this weekend.  Tomorrow I am going to decorate his room with all the cards.  His room is already decorated with signs and pictures from his grandkids, the catechism class at our church, a rainbow from Claire Hermann, pictures from high school buddies, a picture of the last big deer he shot, a beautiful plant from Steve Crews, and a "It's A Boy" balloon from BR and Randy!!   Please continue to pray for Jacque as he begins bootcamp.  I know it will be hard. We are both excited about starting phase 3!!! Can't wait for phase 4--home.  We are both so homesick!!!! This experience is teaching us both patience and endurance--God is in control-- Any time we feel like we are sinking we stop and realize God has given us the boat--we just have to paddle!!!  God bless and have a great night!!!

Opps Again!!!!!!

I almost forgot to tell everyone about a gift Jacque got. It was a prescription from one of Jacque's favorite pharmacist--Vivian Hinkley.  Vivian and Jacque both grew up living on Saline Lake.  When they were little Vivian served all the kids Tang and she added sugar to the drink.  So for Jacque's get well gift, she sent him a container of Tang--with sugar added.  Once he is able to drink liquids, I will fix him some of his get well Tang--Thanks Vivian--Love--Laure and Jacque :)

OPPS!!!!

On my last blog I forgot to mention that Susan and Terry Skains came for a visit yesterday.  When friends come that far, you sure don't want to forget to thank them too. They had both gone to Winnfield to see their parents.  They decided to go back home through Lafayette.  How blessed are we that they stopped by to wish Jacque a speedy recovery.  I am sure I will make plenty of other mistakes.  So glad to have so many visitors.  Please remember that when Jacque moves to rehab the visiting hours are only from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. except on weekends. I will find out the weekend hours and let everyone know.

Rayford--if you can get this message,  Yes, Jacque needs you.  Just let us know when it will be good for you to come.  Jacque is talking about shaving his head while he is in rehab!! ha ha!  Will blog our progress later on tonight.  God bless you all.  Laure :)

The Lord's Day--February 20

What a wonderful day filled with God, love, friends and great progress.  Jamie stayed with Jacque last night so I was in bed and asleep by 10 p.m.  I got up at 5 a.m. and made 6 a.m. mass at the hospital.  When I got up to Jacque's room I found out he did not have a good night's sleep.  I am beginning to believe he has his days and nights mixed up. He took a good nap from about 7am to 11 am.  Then therapy came and took him to the gym.  He got back to the room around 11:45.  The therapist were so excited about all that he did.  When he got back to the room ,he was so excited to see Bart and Judy Stewart and June and Johanna Fowler--those guys go way back--and shared stories about the younger days.  It is a wonder any of those three are still alive. Needless to say , the ladies laughed and laughed.  After they left Jackie and Bill Gaddis arrived with goodies in hand and Jacque entertained Jackie and Bill with Boudreaux jokes.  Ronnie and Marie Taylor also dropped in.  Of course, the topic immediatedly changed to hunting and fishing.  Ronnie and Jacque both love to fish and hunt. I must admit to everyone though the highlight was when Jacque Jr brought Cole and Sean to see their Pawpaw.  Jacque loves his children and grandchildren. Jacque and the boys went shopping to buy Jacque some clothes for rehab.  We have outfits now in three sizes, small, medium and large.  Since Jacque has lost so much weight we are not sure what size he will wear.  But starting tomorrow no more hospital gowns!! Maybe--just maybe--Jacque will get his last tube out--the iv may be removed tomorrow. We are moving to the rehab floor, which is on the 10th floor.  Tomorrow will be a busy day moving.  Please continue to pray for our recovery as Jacque begins boot camp--Ha Ha.  Love you all--God is good--We are so blessed.  Love--Laure

Saturday--February 19

God is good.  We have had a wonderful day.  As usual Jacque's morning started off terrible.  The doctors have decided Jacque is allergic to his sleeping pill. He itches all night long and can not sleep.  So the plan for tonight is benadryl at bedtime and no sleeping pill. I want everyone who reads the blog tonight to say a prayer that Jacque has a good night sleeping.

We have been blessed with a day with lots of bright spots. First he had therapy in his room and they stood him up.  Of course, he was very weak, but he did stand up three times.  All the doctors that made rounds were so pleased with his progress. So medically we had a real upbeat day.  Second, we were blessed with visitors.  Ann and Ed Crawford came and brought a basket of goodies--chocolate pudding for Jacque :). Jamie and Mia came and spent the afternoon with us. Rose Goff , Gary Goff's wife also came by for a visit.  She is a nurse here at Lafayette General.  Tommy and Angie Harrell also came for a good visit.  We love getting visitors. Jacque and I are so blessed to have so many friends.

I am going back to the hotel early tonight around 10 pm, so I can be back at the hospital at 6am. Jamie is going to stay from 10 pm to midnight or so. I want to be back at the hospital in time for 6am mass. I have so much to thank the Lord for.   Then I will be in Jacque' s room by 7am.  He likes me here early.

Guess that is all my news.  Continue to pray for us as we begin stage 3 on Monday--rehab!!! Jacque is so excited and ready to go.  He may change his mind by Monday evening.  But with everyone's prayers I know he will do well.

Bible verse for the day--"The Lord will help them when they are sick and will restore their health."
Psalm 41:3

I pray for each of you. Maybe this hardship that Jacque and I are going through  and this blog is meant to lead someone closer to the Lord.  If it does, then all this suffering and worry, is worth every minute of what we have gone through.  I can't imagine going through something like this without Jesus in your life. God bless and good night.  Laure :)

Best Day Ever

God is so good.  We had the best day ever!!! The day did not start out great. Jacque did not sleep well last night.  Then when therapy came, Jacque could not sit up because of the terrible pain.  When the doctor came in for his morning visit, we asked if there was any way Jacque could have the catheter removed.  The doctor agreed that the pain could be coming from the catheter.  Guess what!!! The pain was from the catheter, so when the therapists came in Jacque was able to sit up and stand up and get in a wheelchair.  Then he wheeled himself up and down the hall.  Praise God!! Now he is still very weak and had a lot of help to get up and stand up--but all this is so wonderful.  Yesterday we were so low and today we are so high!!!! That is one thing about being down--the only way you have left to go is up.  We now only have one iv--one left--five gone--WOW!!! The rehab unit is anxiously waiting for Jacque.  They came in and interviewed Jacque about what he likes to do for fun.  Of course he said, number one is spending time with my wife,kids and grandkids; number two is hunting and fishing; and number 3 is playing with my dogs!!!  The therapist said she could help with the third--so Jacque will be having pet therapy.  They are also going to bring in a man who had Guillian Barre to talk to Jacque.  He was in the hospital just 3 months ago and is now back at work!!! Jacque is so pumped and ready to get busy.  He said it was going to be like being in a boot camp. He is so thin and weak. I know rehab will help build him up again.  I know we would not being doing as well as we are without everyone's prayers. Please continue to pray. Jacque and I will continue to praise God and give Him all the glory.  We are so blessed. Bible verse for the day, "God is my savior, I will trust Him and not be afraid." Isaiah 12:2
 Good night and God bless.  Laure :)

Thursday--February 17

Sorry but this won't be much of a blog tonight. Not one of our better days emotionally.  Tomorrow will be a better day.  Jacque had a great session with the physical therapist.  He sat in his special chair for an hour.  I just love his therapists.  They are so upbeat and positive. His progress is slow, but everyday is a better day.  He is still having some stomach issues, but today was better than yesterday.  Hopefully the stomach issue will not keep us out of rehab.  I want so badly for us to start stage 3--rehab. I know Jacque will do well there.  Please continue to pray for us.  This hardship has brought Jacque and I so close.  We are so blessed to have such a strong love for each other and for our God!!!! We are so thankful. Bible verse for the night:  Come to me , all of you who are tired from carrying  heavy loads, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy and the load I will put on you is light.  Matthew 11: 28-30

God bless and good night.  Laure :) 

Wednesday Night--February 16

Good evening to everyone.  This is the third time I have typed this blog.  I hate computers!!!
Hopefully this one will stick.

We had a great day filled with lots of doctors and lots of therapy.  If we have no more set backs and if the insurance is approved, we will go to rehab on Monday. The therapist told us today that his therapy could last from 3 weeks to 6 weeks depending on the patient and on the insurance.  I feel Jacque will only have to do 3, but only God knows.  He has to stay on 5th floor to complete his IVIG therapy. He had his port for his plasma pheresis removed today.  He only has two tubes left--four are gone.  Now that is what I call improvement!!!

He had therapy a lot today and everyone is excited about his improvement.  His arms are really improving but his legs are still very weak. His voice is almost back to normal but still weak. His breathing is great.  Instead of breathing treatments every four hours, he only has to do them twice a day. He can blow that little blue thing up to 1500.  He ate three meals today--of course it was chocolate pudding --but hey it was food.

We were blessed with visitors.  It makes the day pass so much faster.  Bart Stewart, Chris Nevels, Shellie and Luke Solieau came. The cards, phone calls, and emails continue to flow in.  Jacque and I are so blessed. We are so awed by the love shown to us both.

One of our dear priest friends also came by to visit.  Fr. Martin Laid from Alexandria stopped by this evening.  His visit was so enjoyable.  He reminded both of us that we could use this time of difficulty as prayers for our loved ones.   Jacque and I both decided we would offer up our difficult time for some very special people in our lives--our children and our grandchildren.  He ended his visit with a special prayer.  We are so blessed to have so many wonderful priests who touch our lives.

Today when I was saying my morning prayers, I came across this bible verse.  I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.

The Lord is compassionate and when you cry to him for help, he will answer you.  The Lord will make you go through hard times, but He himself will be there to teach you, and you will not have to search for Him anymore.  If you wander off the road to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you saying, "Here is the road.  Follow it. "  Isaiah 30: 19-21

I wish you all a smooth road to follow.

Love in Christ--Laure :)

Blood Drive--Tuesday February 15

Hey Everyone!!!  We are having a great day.  Jacque sat in a chair for one hour and did therapy.One of his high school friends  Ann Martin and her husband came to visit.  They had a great time sharing stories about the "good times ". Vivian Adams came by for her daily visit.  She is so dear to Jacque and I.  Don and Pat Garrett and Tennie Arrington came to visit. They brought us a goodie basket.  Jacque asked what was in it.  Took one look and told them he would eat it next week.  Guess I will have to save that basket of goodies for him.  It is always so nice to see people from Winnfield.

 Jacque ate some banana pudding today.  His appetite is back!!! The rehab doctor came and did an evaluation.  We may go to the rehab floor next Monday. We just do not need any more set backs.  Praise God everything is good today.

Now I am sure everyone wants to know why this blog is called "Blood Drive".  As many of you may already know Jacque had to take some blood when he was in ICU.  The donor relations specialist came to see us today.  I am going to put the information on the blog.  I would love to  help someone since someone helped us.  Of course, if you give blood it will also help Jacque and I too. Do what you can and of course if you can't that is ok too.  God bless and keep the prayers coming.

Here is a copy of the letter given to me:

Dear Patient:
The blood you received in this hospital was there because some man or woman, unknown to you, donated blood.  Unless it is replaced, blood may not be available for the next person who needs it.

Please help us maintain a safe, adequate blood supply by asking your friends and relatives to donate replacement blood in your name at United Blood Services.  You will receive a monetary credit on your outstanding hospital bill.

If you are a member of a company or group that would like to set up a replacement blood drive, please contact United Blood Services.

Any healthy individual who is at least 16 years of age and weighs at least 110 pounds may donate blood. 

To give blood is to give life.  The gift of life is precious indeed.  Thank you for helping us.  It is the only way to keep the lifeline flowing.

If you have any questions or would like any further information, call 337-235-LIFE or you can log on to
http://www.unitedbloodservice.com/.

Sincerely,
Liz Celestine
Donor Relations Specialist
1503 Bertrand Drive
Lafayette, LA 70506
337-235-5433 EXT 3060
FAX 337-232-5352
ecelestine@bloodsystems.org

Thanks again to everyone.  We love you all--Laure and Jacque :)

Jacque's Dictation

This blog is being dictated by Jacque and typed by Laure.

Mr. Simmons--I will respond to your recent correspondence upon my complete recovery.
Learohn--I am glad we had someone in our class who was able to remember everything that happened while we were growing up in Winnnfield.

Jacque :)

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone. Jacque has given me the best gift ever.  His stomach is working and all the tubes are out.  He was evaluated today for rehab and the therapist decided he was not strong enough yet to be moved to the floor.  The good news is that he sat in a special therapy chair for one hour and had no blood pressure problems.  Dr.  Freedman's nurse practitioner came by and told us we were through with plama pheresis but we would do 4 days of IVIG.  She also said while he was taking these treatments no children or sick people--colds, etc.  Jacque's immune system would be weak for a few days.  He is really doing so much better. His voice is just about normal.  Wouldn't you know that would be the first part that would come back!!!! Ha Ha.

The Pink Ladies deliver the mail here.  Two different ladies came today to meet Jacque.  They said that they had never had anyone get as much mail as he has received.  They wanted to meet this famous man.  I know he has over 150 cards.  To all his old highschool classmates--thanks so much--I know Helen has informed you all --He has really enjoyed all your cards and lettters.  Learohn--the pictures were priceless and the comments had Jacque laughing out loud. I have come to realize too how blessed we are to live in such  a small town like Winnfield--a place where everyone knows everybody.

I want to let everyone know how blessed we are to have such a loving family--all the Derrs and Spataforas have been so supportive.  Their care, concern and love have been fantastic. Our little church family, our neighbors, friends, and Jacque's office staff--and our puppy keepers--Vicki and David--everyone--we thank you so much for all your help. Keep the prayers coming--We will continue to work hard to get home soon.  Love--Laure :)

Lord's Day--Sunday--February 13

God is good! Jacque's belly is some better, but we still have a long way to go.  He has rested better today.  Benadryl is his drug of choice. Ha Ha.  Jamie left this morning early and I have had the hospital duty.  He has been a really good patient today. We have had some visitors which really helps the day pass.  Vivian Adams came early.  Micky, Nina, and Mike Simmons came too.  Mickey entertained us with rehab stories.  Mary Fallis and her sister Diane Dentici also came.

Jacque Jr.  gave me some exercises to do with Jacque.  So he is getting his exercises in.  Every once in a while I get one of those looks!!! You know the kind that says if you make me do one more leg lift!!! Ha Ha!  But he is really working hard.

I was so tired last night I forgot to mention all the visitors who came yesterday.  It was so great to see Connie, Tommy, Tommie and Karen Milam.  Tommy is like Jacque's brother and it really helped to see the two together again.  Andrew Dugas--another hunting buddy--also came by.  Jo Fannin, one of our neighbors , and her daughter Melissa Warren also came by with lots of goodies.  JoAnn Griffen and Dan Taylor came by with mail from home.  They had greetings from all the court house which was good to hear. Jacque Jr.  and Kristen brought the babies for Pawpaw to see.  Needless to say--Cole, Sean, and Lainey--made Pawpaw's day.  The evening ended with a visit from Charlotte and Tim Page.  Jacque and Tim shared some funny stories and kept Charlotte and me in stitches. There is no way I can thank everyone for all the visits, phone calls, cards and messages.  We are so homesick, can't wait to bring this old man home!!!!

God bless--Keep up the prayers--We love you all.  Laure :)
 

Tired

This post will be short and sweet.  I have never been so tired in my life.  Day had ups and downs.
Ups:  Jacque had a wonderful night's sleep, Lots of family and friends came to visit, Grandbabies from Olla came.
Downs:  Jacque's stomach started to swell real bad, he had to go take xrays, had to put tube in nose to stomach, found out only gas--thank God.

Have I ever told all of you what a gift my daughter Jamie is for Jacque and me during this?  She spent the day with us, went home and came back.  She is sleeping at the hospital tonight so that I can catch up on my sleep.   Jacque and I are so blessed.  Good night and God bless.

Laure :)

Friday Night--February 11

Hello to everyone. Today has been a great day.  We are in a private room and have spent the entire day together!!! God is good and the Derrs are so happy.  Jacque did not have a good night--lots of pain and itching--all part of the disease.  I got to his room at 8 a.m. He left at 9 a.m. and went to his plasma pharesis treatment.  It made him really tired.  He got back at around noon.  He was excited to have his first visitors from Winnfield---B.R. Audirsch and Randy Maxwell came to visit. They brought   a balloon with some gum--so cute it said--"It's a Boy!!"--Tracy Kelley also came by and brought a get well poster from all the catechism kids from our church.  Tracy also brought a bag of goodies from Jeff and the kids.   BR, Randy, and Tracy all prayed with us.  It was fantastic.  Jacque also got a beautiful plant from Steve Crews.  No cards today.  Jacque slept most of the afternoon.  Then Bart and Judy Stewart came to visit.  Jacque was so thrilled to see his old buddy Bart--they go way back!!!! Needless to say they shared some stories about the old days. Ha Ha!!! Before Bart and Judy left they prayed with us too.  We are so blessed to have so many friends praying with us and for us.

The PT and the doctors all came by and told us how great we are doing.  Jacque is progressing great. He can now blow his own nose!!! His legs are very weak but improving daily.  On Monday Jacque will be evaluated for rehab.  If he can withstand 3 hours of therapy he will be moved to the rehab floor.  We will find out on Monday what is next.  We will either stay on 5th floor until Jacque gets stronger or move to the rehab floor.  I don't think I will like rehab.  I can only visit from 4pm to 9pm daily.  I have not told Jacque this. I will cross that bridge when I get to it.

 Well I guess that is all my news.  I am staying the night tonight. I want to be sure he has a good night.  Jamie will be here in the morning and I will go to the hotel and shower and take a nap.  Jacque, Jr.  will come sometime either Saturday or Sunday.  Tommy Milam will be here tomorrow.  I know that will make Jacque's day.  Milam is Jacque's hunting buddy!!!  The hospital will not be the same after those two get together.  Good night and God bless.

Thursday Night--February 10

WE ARE IN A ROOM!!!!WE ARE OUT OF ICU!!!!13 DAYS OF ICU IS ENOUGH!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!  We just got moved to a regular room.  We are in room 534.  Jacque could not go to Rehab yet because he is not through with his plasma pharesis.  They do not allow plasma pharesis on the rehab floor.  So we are in a regular room until we finish the blood cleaning.  He is still very weak, but so much better.  I can stay with him and we are both so much better.  I will keep the hotel room for a while and see how the sleeping accomodations are at the hospital. Jacque will continue plasma pharesis for a while but only every other day. I know we would not be where we are now if we had not had everyone's prayers.  Thank you all so much.  Please keep up the prayers as we continue to improve.  We love you all.  Laure :) and Jacque :) 

Wednesday Night--February 9,2011

Good evening to everyone.  Jacque and I have had a day filled with ups and downs.  Thank God there were a lot more ups than downs.  At the 9 a.m. visit Jacque was sleeping.  He had had a bad night and did not get to sleep much because he had stomach cramps.  The nurses had given him some medicine that made him loopy, so the 9 a.m. visit was not so good.  At the 1 p.m. visit he was hooked up to the blood cleaning machine again.  I was sure hoping he was finished with that.    I could tell he was not happy about that either.  During physical therapy he was sitting in a chair and had some low blood pressure problems.  That is all the "downs" for the day. 

Now for all the "ups".  My good friend Vivian Adams was at the hospital early with a bowl of fruit for my breakfast.  Staci Wiley came and sat with me in the waiting room.  She and Jamie took me to lunch.
Herman Castete came and spent time with me in the waiting room.  He came at just the right time.  I was having one of my moments.  Jacque got 20 more cards today and a goodie box from Diane and Cranford Jordan.    I read all the cards to him at his 5 p.m. visit.  He was great at that visit. Jamie came and washed his hair and shaved him.  Then after she left Jacque ate a little bit of fruit.  HE FED HIMSELF.  It was so great to see him use his hands again.  After he ate he brushed his teeth himself.  He had a great 5 pm visit.  When I went back at 9 pm, he even looked better. We watched his favorite show "Blue Blood"--I think that is the name of it.  I left at 10 p.m. after he took his night meds.  I pray he has a good night.  He deserves one. 

To everyone who sent cards--thanks so much.  He has me read each and every one to him.  To Harmon and Jean Drew--he laughed when he found out you couldn't write a comment on the blog--you wouldn't believe how many people have told us the same thing.  I sure can't give any advice on this.  Maybe my daughter Jean can blog some advice on this.  Jacque and I are so computer illiterate.

Thanks to everyone for your support and prayers.  Love Ya--Laure :) 

Tuesday--February 8, 2011

Well this is the second time I have typed this blog.  The first time it all disappeared.  I have ever told you all how much I hate computers!!!!

Jacque's day started off rough.  He had a reaction to some medicine and it made him loopy.  As the medicine wore off, his day got better and better.  We had a good 5 p.m. visit.  Jamie was there and he always gets so excited when his children are around.  At his 9 pm. visit he was tired and slept most of the time, which was good, since he was up all last night. He did not sleep well last night due to the itching.  It is part of the disease.  But the itching is a good sign.  It means the cells are starting to come back to life.  He did not have the blood cleaning today.  He has completed the 7 treatments, so now we will watch and wait and see how things go.  I would love to see him get in a real room. ICU is for the birds!!!

I had some nice surprises today.  Staci Wiley came to visit and brought a bag of goodies  Bobby Culpepper also came by.  It is always nice to see some friendly faces.  Vivian Adams also came by.  She has been here almost everyday.  She is such a great friend, always bringing food, magazines, etc.
God has blessed us with such a fantastic support system.  God is good!

I am tired and going to sleep.  I pray this blog prints, if not, no blog tonight!! Love, Laure :)

Monday--February 7, 2011

God is good.  Jacque is doing better.  He did not pass all of his swallow test , but can eat pureed food and ice.  He is taking his blood cleaning treatment as I type--- 2 p.m. He got 49 get well cards today.  Thanks to everyone who sent him a card.  It meant the world to him.  For those of you who do not know his address it is:  Jacque Derr, Lafayette General Hospital, ICU 7th floor, 1214 Coolidge Street, Lafayette, LA 70503. Thanks for all the emails, messages, and phone calls.  Everyone's support has been fantastic.  We really can't believe all the support--it brings tears to our eyes.  Now it is just sit and wait and pray the worst is over.  We believe we are on the road to recovery.  Just keep those prayers coming.  We love you all.  Laure :)

The Lord's Day--Sunday

Today was a great day for Jacque.  The doctors took out the bad picc and his arm looks great.  He had his blood cleaning today and they used plasma in it.  Jacque also took one unit of blood today. Both of these treatments made him feel so good.  He says he is breathing easier and is swallowing better too.  He will have his swallow test tomorrow.  Everyone pray that he passes. His hands were not so cold today.  He was not in much pain today.  We watched the Super Bowl together and his team won.  Go Packers!!  His white count went down and is taking enough antibiotics to kill a cow!!!! I am feeling so good about his progress.  God is so good.

I had a good day too.  My sister Terri and my nieces Tommie and Leigh came to visit.  I am so tired though, so I am going to bed early tonight.  It is amazing how tired you get just sitting and worrying.  Have a blessed night and thanks again for your love and concern.  Love--Laure :)

Early--early--Sunday Morning--12:09 a.m.

Well Saturday was a busy day!! Jacque had a great morning--Stronger voice, easier breathing.  His blood cleaning treatment went easier with no real problem.  We did hit a little bump in the road when Jamie noticed his picc line was getting red and infected.  So bless his heart that meant more medicine and more blood work.  But all and all, he is doing great--just may have to put in a new picc line--we will find out in the morning when we see him at 9 a.m.

I had a good day filled with lots of visitors and love.  First of all, my rock--my daughter Jamie-spent the day with me.  Then some Winnfield friends--Chris and Bo Walker and Vickie and Vernon Weeks--came to visit and check and make sure my car was working again.  Then Jacque's sister Elinor and her husband Dennis came to visit too.  My brother Bob and his wife Lisa came to visit and take Jamie and me out to eat.  Unfortunately, we couldn't go eat because that is when we found out Jacque had an infected picc. Then I had another great surprise --- Jacque Jr. came to visit and brought a poster that his wife Kristen made.  It was a poster filled with pictures of our grandchildren--Cole, Sean, Lainey, and Mia.  I cried when I saw it.  Needless to say--Pawpaw loved it.

Jr. and I stayed in Jacque's room and visited until 11 pm.  Hopefully he is getting  a good nights sleep.

Many thanks to everyone writing on the blog--It has been great hearing from all our friends--both new and old. 

God bless everyone and keep the prayers coming.

Love, Laure :)

Friday Night--February 4

Came in early, time is 10:28 p.m.--Jacque was sleeping at the 9 p.m. visit.  He was very tired from all the day's activities.

Got my car running again. Nice young man from the hotel helped me jump my car off.  Seems to be keeping the charge.  I left the hospital at 10 p.m. just in case I had to find someone at the hospital to jump me off again.  God is good, car started right away. Am in the hotel room, snug as a bug.  Going to bed. I am so tired.

Everyone is still upbeat about Jacque's recovery.  My thinking is one more week of icu, then 3 weeks of rehab, then home. No one has talked to me about this--just my own timeline.  Only God's knows what lies ahead. We are on HIS timeline, not ours.  Please continue to pray for us.  Our strength comes from knowing that all things work out for those who know the Lord.  My daddy used to say, "In all my 85 years, I never knew anything that didn't work out."  I know this too shall pass.  I am so thankful for the Lord's great care.  Good night to all and God bless. 

Love in Christ--Laure :)
  

Friday--2p.m.

I just left Jacque's ICU room.  He is doing great.  He is having his blood cleaning. I do not stay in the room during the treatment because his blood pressure goes up and down real bad during the 2 1/2 hour process.  I talked to the lung doctor this morning at the 9 a.m. visit  and he is very pleased with Jacque's progress. The doctor believes that the blood cleaning is really helping . He has his oxygen back on but all his numbers are great. The weather here is terrible.  When I went to leave for the hospital this morning my car would not start.  Jamie's father in law is coming by the hotel today to check on it.  The Hilton has a shuttle service so I got a ride to the hospital.The good news makes everything else just a little bump in the road. We have so much to be thankful for. Jacque can lift his arms and his legs. His voice is very weak but gets stronger and stronger every day. God is so good. Love to all. Laure :)

Thursday Night--February 3, 2011

The time on my computer says 11:49 p.m. and I have just returned to my hotel room.  Jacque has made it another day with no vent!! All of his blood work has been great today, at least as far as I know.  He had his third round of blood cleaning.  Bless his heart it is really rough.  He gets the shakes real bad when he is taking the treatment.  He swears the physical therapists are killing him.  Yes, they are working with him twice a day. They help him stand.  He hates it but is working like a real trooper.  He is also taking speech therapy too.  He likes his speech therapist.  She is cute .He is no longer on oxygen and is completely breathing on his own.  He is still very weak and has to cough a lot, but I believe that he is improving. His voice is stronger in the morning, by the evening he is tired and does not speak very loudly.  The doctors are still waiting for the really bad stuff, but I told them we were just going to skip the bad stuff. I get to see him at 9am, 1 pm, 5pm, and 9pm.  My 9pm visit is my favorite because they let me stay really late.  Sometimes I just sit and watch him sleep. Father Sojan called from India today to tell me all of his family and his students are praying for Jacque.  My sister went to mass today in Monroe and assured me that Jacque was going to be fine.  I know he will be fine.  I have a real peace about it.  We are working real hard to lick this terrible disease.  We are so blessed to have all of you praying for us.  Please don't stop. God bless you all and have a good night.  Love in Christ, Laure 

Thursday Morning--February 3, 2010

Great news!! Jacque's kidney numbers are normal!!! His voice seems so much stronger. I believe in my heart he is getting better.  Praise God!!! Keep the prayers coming.  He will have the blood cleaning again today.  What a wonderful invention!!! We are so blessed to be here getting this wonderful care. God is good.  To everyone of every faith--thank you--we love you all.  Laure :)

Wednesday Night

Well the blog is about to make a big change.  Jean has gone home to Denver,  Jacque Jr. has gone back home to Olla ,and Jamie is at home taking care of baby Mia--so yes, it is me--trying to do something that I know absolutely nothing about--blogging!!! The time is 11:25 p.m. and I am really tired, so I hope everyone will understand if my blog is short and sweet!!

Jacque had a really good day today.  His blood work was good and all the numbers that need to go up are going up and the numbers that need to go down are going down. He is moving his legs some and his hands some.  He is still on oxygen but NOT ON A VENT.  Praise God.  The nurses have been great and have allowed me to spend a lot of time in icu with Jacque.  He is already giving me orders about what to do--Can you believe that????

He got his first get well card today from Don Kelley's office.  He really seemed to enjoy getting the card, so I thought I would let everyone know his address.  Jacque Derr, Lafayette General Hospital, ICU 7th Floor, 1214 Coolidge Street, Lafayette, LA 70503.

The doctors say we will be icu for 5 to 7 more days.  He will have the blood cleaning every day. It takes about 2 1/2 hours and he has to be in icu for this treatment.  He still can have no visitors but immediate family.

I hope everyone will understand if I sign off .  I am going to bed.  BUT BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP, I HAVE TO TELL EVERYONE --THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND CONCERN.
JACQUE AND I ARE SO BLESSED.  We sat and talked tonight and both agreed that this was going to work out and one day we would look back on all this and realize how blessed we were to go through something like this with the support we had. Our God is so good. We have been given the greatest children, family, friends, doctors and nurses.

Love,
Laure :)

Day 6, Afternoon

Hi all - this is Jean again.  I am actually sitting in the ICU room with Dad right now.  He is sleeping, as they just gave him some morphine for pain.  He is a bit uncomfortable - since he is unable to move, his back side is aching.  Today is similar to yesterday - not much better, but not worse, so that is good!   The nurses have all let us know that the worst could be yet to come, as Dad's syndrome is progressing slower than normal.....we are praying that is not the case.  But, if it does, we know we have the best doctors and nurses working on the case. With Jamie being a long-time employee here at the hospital (and very well respected - you can tell by the response we are getting), we are getting care as if it is the doctors' or nurses' own family member. 

Unfortunately, I am about to have to hop on a plane back to Denver.  (I have already switched my flight once and unfortunately, there is no availability to switch again......I believe due to the bad weather that caused flight delays around the country.)  But, luckily, I am not the nurse or the physical therapist of the family, so Jamie and Jacque I know will take good care of him and mom.  My plan is to be back in a few weeks unless Daddy worsens. 

In the meantime, yall all please just pray.  If you are in the Lafayette area, feel free to give mom a buzz to see if she would like visitors in the ICU waiting room, but don't be offended if she doesn't, as they are allowing her to stay in with dad longer and longer.  Note - still no visitors to see Dad at this point in time. 

Thanks again, everyone, for all of your prayers, love, and concern.

Jean

Day 5 - Early Evening

Good news!  Dad's breathing tests have improved!  The two measures (NIF and NFC) have improved since his tests this morning.  He has finished his first plasmpheresis round and seems to be doing ok.  He was a bit tired at our afternoon visit, but still in better spirits versus yesterday.  The sensation in his hands has changed, and we are hoping this is a signal of possible healing. 

Keep up the prayers - we love you all!

Jean

Day 5, Afternoon

Hi all - this is Jamie.  Just wanted to update everyone on dad's condition. Unfortunately, we are seeing changes in his respiratory status. There are a couple of tests that we do to make sure his lung volume is adequate. These tests have both decreased significantly over the last 24 hours- not good. We have consulted a pulmonologist and he feels at this time he does not need a ventilator. This is being watched very closely and could change at any time. He will remain in ICU for sure for the next several days unless we see marked improvement.

The doctors made the determination early this morning to start the plasmapheresis - blood cleaning. His first run began about 30 minutes ago. He will continue to have the plasmapheresis treatments daily until further notice. The best outcome at this time will be that we stop seeing progression of the syndrome. All of the physicians are now very sure that we're dealing with Guillian Barre. We have honed in on the virus that started all this in the first place and will begin treatment for that. Please remember to continue to pray because this treatment can possibly damage his kidneys and his kidneys are already compromised.

The great part is that his spirits are definitely up today. He finally got some much needed rest and he's joking and bossing people around. Unfortunately, he has very little voice left, so he's frustrated about that. We all know how much he loves to talk!

All in all, we are extremely pleased with the care he is receiving and we're very confident that everything that needs to be done is being done. Thanks to everyone for keeping him in your prayers. Praise GOD!

Day 5, Morning Visits

Hi Everyone - It's Jean again.  Mom has assigned me the blogging responsibilities.  See, I can do something useful in this situation.  :)  Well, this morning, Dad still looked and felt bad.  His lung volume had decreased and his kidney funtction were close to showing signs of acute renal failure.  Yet, recently, (nurses allowed us in around 11:30) Dad seemed to be feeling much better than the last 24 hours - to my untrained eyes, that is.  His paralysis seems to be the same, but he seems to be in a much better mood - even joking around with us and the nurses..more like normal Dad, without the loud voice :)  So, even though the IV is just now showing signs of improvement (maybe), they went ahead and  put a temporary dialysis catheter in his chest just hours ago to begin the plasmapheresis.  That should start in just about an hour or so.  Please pray that this begins to reverse the effect of this awful syndrome. 

On another note, some doctors are still not sure of the diagnosis, whether its GB, CIDP, or something else.  But, luckily, the treatment for all of this is the same. 

So, in summary, numbers are still not great, but he at least looks better versus the past 24 hours.  Thank you for all of your prayers and please keep them up :)  We so appreciate it! 

Love -

Jean