Updates about Karen's Condition - December 1999

• November 29 - December 5 - Karen had a busy week that included a lot of running around, she is really looking forward to the arrival of their new van (this week) because that will make it much easier for her to get in and out. Incidentally, the Weirs will be selling their current Windstar when the new one arrives, so if anyone is in the market for a good used minivan call Tim or send an email. Karen wants to thank Bill, Sandy, Gary and Gingie for their continued work on the house, its coming along great. Karen is very nervous about her upcoming surgery so your continued prayers are welcome and appreciated. There is new information in the Donation Information section about a way to send tax deductible donations. And, be sure to check back this week to read the article about Karen's visit to Twillman in the Articles section of this web page.
• December 6 - 12 - Karen had another busy week of shopping, parties, decorating and getting ready for Christmas. Tim is taking her back to Barnes first thing Monday (12/13) morning for her surgery, which is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Karen appreciates your continued prayers and a special prayer for her during the operation. Karen won't be able to have any visitors on Monday, but there will be special updates here through out the week regarding her condition, where she will be, and when she's ready for visitors. As always, Karen is thinking of others through out this time and wants to send a special thanks to the following people:
  
  • Becky "Queen of Carpet" Rothman & Judith O'Connor for the flooring, and Earl for installing it
    
  • Pete Tulley and everyone who helped him pour the new patio in the backyard
    
  • All those who have been, and continue, bringing meals to the house
    
• December 13 - 19
  December 13: A successful day of surgery! The operation took most of the day and Karen is currently in recovery. She will be moved to a regular hospital room, probably on the 7th floor of Barnes, later this evening. She still won't be ready for visitors tonight, but there will be daily updates here for that information.
  December 14: Karen is recovering well but she is in some pain so she's still not quite up for visitors, although her girls got to go see her tonight. She was measured today for an upper body brace that she'll have to wear until her bones mend. The mending process is being enhanced by an electronic device that she wears belted to her for 4 hours a day.
  December 15: Karen is still not quite up to having visitors. Her new brace was fitted today, but still requires some adjustment. She will have to wear the brace for about six months while she heals. She will also have to go back to the rehab unit at Jewish Hospital for a few days before she goes home but no date has been set for that yet. There is a new thank you letter for a special Hazelwood school teacher and her 3rd grade class in the Thank You section.
  December 16: Karen got her hair washed today so she is ready for visitors. However, she suggests that you check at the front desk before coming up (she's in room 7351) because she is going to move to rehab (2nd floor at Jewish) soon. She had her chest tube out today so she can wear her body brace. Tim is picking up the van tomorrow so she'll have an easy ride home when she's released.
  December 17: Karen is now back in rehab at Jewish, Room 2225. She got all her tubes, drips, etc. detached, got her body brace put on, and wheeled herself over this afternoon. She is settled in and ready for visitors. No word on how long she'll be there, but Tim picked up the new van today so her chariot awaits...
  December 18: Karen started back up with two sessions of therapy today. She is doing great and working hard as always.
  December 19: Karen got a ride home in her new van today. Unfortunately, it was just for an afternoon visit but a delightful one none the less. Still no word on when she gets to go home for good, but the whole family is wishing for her return home as their Christmas present. The updates will once again be weekly starting this week, but with a special update when Karen gets to go home.
  
• December 20 - 26 - Karen continued with therapy in rehab early this week to relearn how to do things now that she is once again wearing the body brace. She was released on Friday (Christmas Eve) as scheduled and made the family rounds on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the new van. She is glad to be back home but things are much more difficult now that the brace has restricted her mobility. She's hoping that the next few months (until the brace is removed) pass quickly.
  
• December 27 - January 2 - Karen is readjusting to being home with the brace and the magnetic-bone-healing device she has to wear. She hosted a family New Year's Eve party and is excited that Tim landed his first post-college job. Tim starts his new job this Tuesday (1/4) so Karen will welcome any calls or visitors (though she'll have someone staying with her) while he is off slaving away.