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Feb
05

Update 2/5/12

February 05, 2012
Hi everyone!

Today is Super Bowl Sunday and no, we would not let a Super Bowl pass for Bryan and not have a Super Bowl "party". We are bringing food and snacks to him at the hospital, where we will hang out in the day room and eat and watch the game. Because Bryan has finally been able to take all of his many medications orally, he had his G-tube removed on Friday, so he gets to eat what we bring him today! Yet another step in a very positive direction. His therapies seem to be wearing him out lately. It could be because they are trying to be more aggressive, but they are also trying to see just how independent he can be: feeding himself, testing his cognitive memory, helping them move him from his wheelchair to his bed. Sometimes he can feed himself but it takes a LONG time. They plan on raising one of his medications that make him more alert since he tends to chew his food for a long time, making them concerned about his alertness and swallowing. He is now totally off one of his 3 seizure medications so that should only help. It's always nerve-wracking as they lower the seizure medicines, since something has happened pretty much every time. But, so far so good. It's become more obvious to us every day that Bry's short term memory was hugely affected and doesn't seem to be getting better. He can't tell us who was visiting the day before or even sometimes that same day. Its really hard but we try and think of all the positives.
Bryan had a great week for visitors. Thursday, Tim Flannery and his wife came and met Bry. Tim and his band the Lunatic Fringe, along with Bob Weir from the Grateful Dead, participated in a fundraiser in Napa, which was so much fun. We were able to attend and the turn out was unbelievable. The amount of support never fails to amaze us. Friday Jeremy Affeldt visited. Jeremy hadn't seen him since August or September and was so happy with Bryan's progress. He sat and talked with us and Bryan for about an hour, which is pretty amazing considering how busy he is.
Dave's birthday was on the 2nd. He was home watching Erin's son Logan but got the best birthday present. A call from Bryan! Ann helped Bry call and wish Dave a happy birthday.

We picked this song because its so beautiful and the message of it being a brand new day and making the past the past is basically our lives now, and Bryan is our hero.

Posted in: Update on Bryan's Condition

Comments

# Brenda K.
Sunday, February 05, 2012 3:14 PM
I hope the slow progress keeps moving forward. How frustrating that has to be for all of you and Bryan. I think about you often. Every step forward is a victory.

I know that feeling of worrying about something happening all the time. They will be lowering my husband's one seizure medicine soon. I'm hoping the other medicine is going to handle the job now. There's so many things to worry about besides that. I'm with you there.
# Debra
Sunday, February 05, 2012 7:44 PM
Am watching the Super Bowl too, and am thinking about you all being together with Bryan RIGHT NOW as I type this, and it makes me so happy!!!

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with all of us. We really do care, and appreciate your generosity.

Enjoy the game!!!...we are thinking about you!

love and prayers continue...Deb
# Mona
Sunday, February 05, 2012 11:37 PM
Hi Bryan, I'm not a football fan but was happy that a "Giants" team pulled out a victory. I hope you enjoyed the game and those snacks. It's wonderful to read you are able to eat solid foods again. As someone else posted, every step forward is most definitely a positive one. As always, peace, love, and great thoughts from LA.
# Lisa
Monday, February 06, 2012 8:43 AM
I always look forward to readng the updates becuase I just know there is going to be good news!! I hope he continues to improve. I know the short term memory lost can be frustrating, my husband went through a bad semi wreck and he couldn't form any new memories for 2 weeks and it was hard on me but eventually it all came back. Keep hanging in there,he is always in my prayers!! Looking forward to the next good news!
# Bryan's Fan
Monday, February 06, 2012 5:30 PM
Hopefully we'll see the Cowboys make it to the Superbowl next year, right Bryan?!?

Happy for your improvements and continued strength, determination and will to move forward. You continue to inspire me all the time.

Sounds like some great company you've had! I love The Dead and went to 12 shows in one year before Jerry passed. Maybe your next song on here can be Touch of Grey? ... "I will get by, I will get by, I will get by, I will survive."

Happy Birthday to Dave and best wishes!
Mine was on the 3rd and I wish Bryan would have called me, too. :-)

Hugs and Love from Santa Cruz ♥
# Jenn
Monday, February 06, 2012 6:08 PM
Hey Bryan--GREAT news about your G-tube being removed. That's a big sign of progress. Your hard work keeps paying off, even though I know the progress must seem slow at time. You are doing so well and are such a hard worker and source of inspiration and love for your family and friends, and for us--your extended family--who keep you in our thoughts and prayers all the time. Please know that we all think about you and wish you and yours well. Can't wait for Opening Day and the season to start, adn i know you'll be a huge part of it. Much love to you and hugs from the whole Bay Area!!! Cheers--Jenn
# Kathleen
Tuesday, February 07, 2012 3:03 PM
Hi Bryan,

This is definately great news. Having the tube finally removed is only a small sign of how far you have come. You now get to eat what you want and enjoy every bite!! Plus now you have a little less medication coming so that should really help.

This is all positive news, proof that you are continually stepping in right direction. It does not matter the speed, it does not matter the distance, the pure fact that you continue on, continue to walk in the same direction is great. Keep it up and know how many people really do care about you and are cheering you on. Don't look back, don't think about the what if's, just concentrate on the positives, tomorrows and the pure joy of life today.

Take care and thanks again for the great update.
# Renee
Tuesday, February 07, 2012 11:58 PM
As always, thanks for the updates. It still warms my heart every time I hear about Bryan's progress. I hope you Super Bowl Sunday was a spectacular day for you all. Happy belated birthday Dave!
# Jay
Thursday, February 09, 2012 12:24 AM
Hello Stow Family, just checking in and letting you know that I think of you all the time. I've always kept my faith and hope in Bryan and you all. I'm so happy with Bryan's progress and Im glad the GTube was removed. I just think you all are wonderful people and God has blessed you all with loving hearts. Each day is a gift with Bryan.
Just know that you are thought of and prayed for.
Much love and friendship,
JJ the Nurse
# Paulio
Thursday, February 09, 2012 1:22 PM
I keep coming to this website because hearing about Bryan's progress and recovery is really moving to me. And it's also really inspiring watching the Stow family deal with everything that has happened in the last 10+ months. You guys have showed courage and grace and a lot of love in the face of tremendous adversity.

It's revealing to go back and look at headlines from April '11 and see how far Bryan has come. At that time, no one could say if Bryan would live, or even if he would wake from his coma. Then there was last summer, when every new update seemed to report a new seizure or infection or setback. Bryan has really come a long way since then.

Bryan's short-term memory difficulties seem like they come with the territory of someone who has damage to his frontal and temporal lobes. Anti-convulsive drugs are also known to affect these areas. I can only imagine how difficult it is to watch a loved one struggle to remember even the simplest things from the day gone by. But I'm hoping that Bryan's brain function will return as he continues to heal and as his medications are adjusted/withdrawn.

Thanks, Stow family, for sharing the good and the bad with us on this website. Keep up the hard work, Bryan! We're all pulling for you, man.
# Bonnie
Thursday, February 09, 2012 8:28 PM
Thank you for the update. It is so nice to read them. He is thought of often.
# snausage
Friday, February 10, 2012 3:52 PM
Great update. Remember, every sentence does not have to be positive; we're here with you for the long haul...or more like "we're sailing right behind, like a bridge over troubled water..."

Honestly, Tim Flannery and Jeremy Affeldt are such a class act!

Jan
# Clinton
Friday, February 10, 2012 10:31 PM
Keep up the great work Bryan! You have my families love and prayers. All the best to you brother
# Renee Cartwright
Sunday, February 12, 2012 3:22 AM
We are so inspired by every update Bryan! You are amazing. We continue to keep you in our prayers! Have a wonderful birthday! We will be thinking of you and celebrating every accomplishment, big and small! Again, Happy Birthday!

Renee and Austin Cartwright
# Tina Dahl
Sunday, February 12, 2012 11:28 AM
Tons of birthday wishes, love and good health to the Great Hodge! You are never far from my thoughts and I hope you have a wonderful day! Much love from Forest Ranch, CA
# Susan Velez
Sunday, February 12, 2012 12:02 PM
♥ Happy Birthday Brian! We wish you all the best on your very special day!Lots of love and hugs from Antioch, CA ♥
# Carleen
Sunday, February 12, 2012 1:20 PM
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday, dear Bryan!
Happy Birthday to youuuuu!

My mom turned 80th yesterday....what a special weekend this is!
Love to you and your family from Carleen in Vancouver, WA
# Andrea C.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 2:51 PM
We are still here supporting Bryan! Hope you are progressing well! Take a look at our site, these Red Sox fans are rooting for you!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Sox-Fans-in-support-of-Bryan-Stow/166512333402375

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Latest Comments

Send Love 4 Bryan
Like you, I love baseball, and because of you, Opening Day will never be the same for me again. I think of you often, but that's as far as it gets. This time though, I was able to reach you. God bless you, your family, and those who care for you.
Update-4/30/12
Ann-wishing you a very happy Mother's Day. I am sure days like this are incredibly bittersweet, but how wonderful that you have all your strong and wonderful family around you to help with the tough times. I think of The Great Hodge and his family every day and continue to send you all love, support and strength. Of course we all saw Tyler throw out the first pitch and it was a beautiful site! I know one day we will see Bryan at a game, doing the same thing. Until that day, never give up hope!!!! Much love from Forest Ranch, CA
Update-4/30/12
This is a message for mama Stow,
On this day I want to wish you a very happy mother's day. You have been through so much the pass year. Yet every time I have seen you, on the news or read something you posted you have always remain clam, positive and loving. I am not sure how you do it. You are one hell of a women! Today I want you to know that You are love by many and you have shown others how to handing difficult situation that no one ever ask to handle. I know in my heart if Bry could he would on his own tell you Mom I love you. You have been such a wonderful mother and I hope today you will be able to take sometime away from everyone and everything to just realized how loving and caring you are. Ann have a bless day. Sending lots of love your way!!!!
Update-4/30/12
Dear Bryan and Family,
Please know that people still care. Even though it has been one very long year since this senseless life changing thing happened there are still poeple that genuinely care. Bryan is very lucky to have a dedicated family to help and love him through it all. Your whole family really is special. I am sure Bryan realizes this. Keep up the hard work. You ALL are an inspiration as to what family stands for!!!
Cathy

Update-4/30/12
Happy Early Mother's Day Anne

I just wanted to let you know that you're still in my thoughts and prayers.

I'm looking foreward to you're announcing that Bryan can make a home visit.


Sharon
Update-4/30/12
Happy Saturday, Stow Family. Today is my birthday. As I celebrate, I also have been thinking of you. I have wished extra special today for all great things to come your way. Peace and Love from LA. P.S. Happy almost Mother's Day to all the mom's in your family. :)
Update-4/30/12
As a fellow Paramedic, I wish you a speedy recovery, Bryan! May God continue to ease your pain, guide your mind and your body down the path of healing, and may He comfort your family during this rough time. Obviously, He has a new path for your life to take, and I'm sure He will make it known what that path is! Never give up hope and we're all praying for you here in Columbia, SC!
Update-4/30/12
Good Morning Bryan! Just wanted you to know that we're thinking about you and hoping you kick-butt in therapy this week!!
Love, Carleen in Vancouver, WA
Update-4/30/12
We were at opening day and we live in Scotts Valley where Tyler and Tabitha go to school. There was not a dry eye in the stadium on opening day. Tyler was amazing and we think about you all often. Wishing for continued recovery to Brian!!!
Update-4/30/12
I pray for Bryan every day!!
Update-4/30/12
Bryan and Family,
The Opening Day tribute was wonderful but the day that Bryan is there in person will be the best of all! No, we won't give up! Blessings to all of you! xoxo
Update-4/30/12
We're all still thinking of you Bryan. Saying prayers for U and your family often. I still have my candle with ur ribbon on the front and it says, get well Bryan. We look forward to the updates and we look forward in seeing improvements with U. We did see your son throw out the first pitch on Giants opening day. Even though I'm a Dodger fan, I was still able to see this most touching event. It was also nice to see U on the big screen with your Mother. Your FOREVER in our thoughts and prayers. Take care, Bryan Stow...
Update-4/30/12
Were your ears ringing Sat, May 5th? We were all thinking of you and looking at the picture we have on the wall with you holding your Giants quilt. Even if you weren't with us in person, you were with us in spirit. Hope you get the results of the tests back soon. All of us here are thinking of all of you there!
With love,
Claussen's Corner
Angels Camp
Send Love 4 Bryan
Quick note...think of Bryan and the Stow family many times during each day!

Continued prayers ALWAYS,

Jeannie
Update-4/30/12
Hello to the Stow Family and supporters,
I woke up this morning thinking about Bryan Stow, and how senseless and hurtful acts of violence have impacted you. I decided to search online for Bryan's health update and found this wonderful website. Thank you for letting us all know how Bryan is doing. I just want you to know that you have another supporter and I send my love and encouragement for your daily struggles and wins. :o)
I love seeing the videos and listening to the songs you post for Bryan. You've never given up and that is truly love in action. I will continue to look for fundraising events and other ways to support. I have donated through the website, and know that the money goes to a VERY worthy cause. God bless and know that everything will be alright. With love, Gretchen Vogel
(p.s. if you need help, I live in Cupertino and would be happy to lend a hand- just let me know how!)
Update-4/30/12
Dear Bryan and Family,

We are students in the On Track program, a program for adults with brain injuries. We are all learning how to cope with our brain injuries, just like you are doing today.

We have traveled the same rocky road that you are traveling, DON’T GIVE UP! You are not alone, have hope. We have watched each other improve in areas that we never thought possible; we are now reading, writing, talking and finding our way through this new life. Keep trying no matter how long it takes.

From our experience we have learned that the road to recovery is tough, but it is worth the fight. The brain is incredible! Believe in yourself.

“The brain is programmed to create and we are all but children of the universe” – Eric, On Track student.

Sincerely,

The On Track Program

Mt. Diablo Adult Education
Loma Vista
1266 San Carlos Ave.
Concord CA 94518

Birthday Boy!!
Happy Belated Birthday, dear Bryan.Birthday gives you a new touch to your life and makes you ready to face all the challenges and gives you a spirit with the happy celebration that all of your coming days should be worthy to be celebrated. Wish you an ambitious birthday!
Send Love 4 Bryan
Hey Bryan, I didn't mean to get this behind on checking in. Greetings from the Lone Star State, and in particular, good ole HOT West Texas. Our Spring certainly didn't last long, and here we are into Summer. Have already had hundred degree plus days here and no rain. But thankfully, the tornadoes have passed us by.

It was sooooooo cool to read about your son on opening day at your home park. Good for him. He's like his daddy no doubt.I know all of your family as well as you are most proud of that day. What a wonderful memory for all time.

My son, who is with AMR in Jackson, MS, is back on the ambulance after his arm injury. He really got tired of being confined to desk duty. Hopefully the arm is 100 per cent and he doesn't injure it again any time soon.

Keep up with your therapy and know we all support you and your efforts. God's still driving your ambulance and things are moving along according to his plan. Just keep the faith.

Gentle breezes on the wings of the Angels atop the West Texas winds and to God in heaven. Georgana

Update-4/30/12
Hi Stow Family,
I look forward to new updates on Bryan, no matter when you get the chance to post them. It doesn't take a website update to help me to remember Bryan's struggle, and to pray for him and all of you. Keep strong and carry on. Good job, Tyler!! Keep Bryan's story in the media to remind the public to pray, or to just be better human beings.
Love from Carleen in Vancouver WA
Update-4/30/12
I agree with everything Paulio said and couldn't have said it better myself. Thank you so much for continuing to keep us all updated. I think we all can agree that the entire Stow family feels like our family now. We all continue to pray for Bryan and send you all as much positive energy as is possible. Keep fighting Bryan! God bless the Stows!