If you would like to make a donation, the family suggests:
The American Diabetes Association
4040 Moorpark Ave.
San Jose, Ca 95117.

On Tuesday, 17 Apr 2007, our colleague and friend Aubrey Harris was crossing El Camino Real in Los Altos, walking his bike. While other lanes of traffic stopped to allow him to cross, a truck in the third lane didn't and Aubrey ended up punching a hole in the truck's windshield with his head. Fortunately for Aubrey, and us, he was wearing his bike helmet and that took most of the serious impact.

Initially, Aubrey got up and didn't feel he needed any medical attention, but better judgement prevailed and Aubrey was rushed to Stanford Medical Center where is currently was in intensive care. When he arrived at the the hospital, he was able to give vital info - his name, his girlfriend's name, and phone number.

25 Nov

From Abby: I am so sorry to announce that Aubrey Harris, my life partner of almost 17 years, died last night, never recovering from his accident. The funeral arrangements will be known tomorrow morning, and I will let everyone know then. He was a wonderful, brilliant, dignified and caring man, partner, father and grandfather. I will always love him and never forget him.

19 Nov

Aubrey's glucose and blood pressure were high again today. The doctor gave him some insulin and something to rest comfortably. It took his glucose quite awhile to come down some. He was resting comfortably when Abby left after staying with him for 2 1/2 hours.

18 Nov

Aubrey wasn't feeling very good today. His glucose was very high as was his blood pressure. He wasn't talking very much and he was shaking and sniffling. Abby stayed with him for 2 1/2 hours and by the time she left his glucose and blood pressure were down. He did reach for her hand a number of times, said her name once and went to sleep when she left.

13 Nov

Abby visited Aubrey with a friend. Her friend took this picture of the two of them. It is a mystery that Aubrey on his 2500 calorie diet lost a pound this week and now weighs 103 lbs.

12 Nov

Aubrey was visited yesterday by Clifford, Stephen, Abby, Dennis and Carol. He was in good spirits, and cognitively he isn't doing as well as had been before he got C-Diff. He looks better with the weight gain and continues to recognize people.

9 Nov

Aubrey looks a bit better now that he has gained 8 lbs., and his cheeks are rosy. He was in his bed watching television yesterday afternoon when Abby visited visited. His blood sugar is a little better as he is getting some more insulin daily. He is tolerating his new new formula well, and he hasn't had diarrhea in over 2 weeks. He appears to be feeling better now that the C-Diff infection is gone. Tomorrow his sister, Carol, and nephew, Dennis, and his wife, Allene will be visiting from L.A. Abby told Aubrey about the visit, and he said, "Is that so?"

5 Nov

Abby visited Aubrey today. He was seated in his wheelchair at the nurses station. He held Abby's hand very tightly when she gave it to him. He answered questions with stock phrases like yes and no, but it didn't seem like he knew what she was talking about. He did say, "let's do it" a number of times, but it wasn't clear what he wanted to do. He was weighed today and now weighs 104 lbs.

2 Nov

Aubrey had visits this week from friends and family. He is doing well on his new formula and looks well. He was very talkative today and very interested in his surroundings. He called out at various nursing staff who were seated or walking by while he was seated at the nurses station. At times he is able to follow simple commands.

29 Oct

Aubrey was weighed today and he weighs 100 lbs.! Abby visited him and showed him a DVD made of a close friend of his talking to him. He was briefly interested and seemed to have a short attention span for it as she kept redirecting him back to watching it. He was seated in his wheelchair and was in good spirits. His glucose has been high lately and he is tolerating his new formula well with no diarrhea.

26 Oct

Aubrey is tolerating his new formula. He no longer has diarrhea (the new formula is one that doesn't cause diarrhea.) His blood sugar and blood pressure are stable. He appears to be feeling better. Abby woke him when she went to visit him today and he kept saying, "See you next time." She stayed for awhile and then the nursing staff took him for a shower. Recently an old friend of Aubrey's from San Francisco was able to visit him.

23 Oct

Abby accompanied Aubrey to the Urologist today for a check-up. The doctor was pleased that Aubrey no longer needed a catheter and continued his medication. Aubrey didn't appear to be feeling too well and was wanting to go to bed. Earlier today he spent some time in his wheelchair.

22 Oct

During Abby's visit today Aubrey was extremely agitated. He was seated in his wheelchair and his speech was very rapid. He seemed in great distress. He was put back into bed, and his speech didn't make much sense. He finally calmed down and went to sleep. His blood pressure was okay and his glucose was high. He had had diarrhea once today. Aubrey was weighed yesterday, and he still weighs 96 lbs.

19 Oct

Aubrey was sitting in his wheelchair when Abby visited today. He said, "yes" when asked if he wanted some water and took a couple of sips. He wasn't interested in the flash cards when shown various ones, and he did draw some on a white board. He was happy to see Abby, waving at her from down the hall as he was being wheeled back to his room by an aide. When Abby told him that she loved him he said, "me too."

He no longer has C-Diff or diarrhea. He is starting his new feeding formula tonight and hopefully he will start gaining some weight.

15 Oct

Abby visited Aubrey today. He was seated in his wheelchair at the nurses station. He wasn't interested in the flash cards she was using to have him identify different objects. He wasn't too talkative and was mostly interested in watching the activity going on around the nurses station. They haven't started his new feeding formula yet, and Abby let the nurses know that he would need to continue getting 2500 calories.

14 Oct

Steve and Karyn visited Aubrey. They used flash cards with him to help him identify objects. When they came to tea, Aubrey pronounced something that sounded close to tea. Aubrey was interested in having some soup, and when it was fed to him he changed his mind. He wasn't too interested in activities.

Today he was weighed and he still weighs 96 lbs. The diarrhea that he has had persists. Hopefully he will get over this infection and the diarrhea will stop and he will begin to gain some weight.

12 Oct

Abby visited Aubrey today. He was in bed and didn't look as if he felt well. He was watching television. He was yawning and said he was tired. He is continuing to have diarrhea and his blood sugar hasn't been stable. The nursing home is going to change the diet he gets in hope that his body will be better able to make use of the calories.

10 Oct

Earlier this week Billie visited Aubrey with her son and grandson. She said to Aubrey, "Abby is very sweet and she loves you very much." Aubrey said, "I love her very much."

The doctor is going to change Aubrey's medicine for C-Diff if the medicine that he is on finishes its 10 day course and Aubrey still has the diarrhea. If the diarrhea still persists, Aubrey will have a Sigmoidoscopy in a couple of weeks. Also a possibility is changing the diet formula that Aubrey is on to see if that helps him retain more of the diet so that he can gain weight.

7 Oct

Steve and Karyn visited Aubrey today. He expressed frustration about not being able to communicate. Clifford and Nico also visited, and Aubrey was pleased to see his grandson. Aubrey is continuing to have diarrhea and will be going back to the doctor this week about this issue. Aubrey has lost a pound since last week and now weighs 96 lbs.

5 Oct

Abby visited Aubrey today. At first he didn't recognize her, probably because she had on new glasses and a big hat. He looked better than he has looked in quite awhile. He was smiling and very talkative. Some of the things he said were, "What does that mean," "I'm not sure if they are all or not," "I think they are getting pretty good," "Anyway I know that," "Yeah, that'll be good," "Believe it or not - you come off," "What is interesting, it is interesting around here," "can you do that?" "well I really would like," " and if you would," "it's really the first." During the visit Aubrey was seated comfortably in his wheelchair at the nurse's station.

4 Oct

Clifford visited Aubrey on today. Clifford said, "This has been so difficult for you and for everyone" and Aubrey said,"Well, hopefully it will get better soon."

3 Oct

One of the doctors who recently had Aubrey take some tests found that he was somewhat low in a couple of his hormones. The doctor felt that the risks outweighed the benefits in treating Aubrey. Another one of his doctors has changed the medication for C-Diff to treat the diarrhea and is considering other forms of treatment.

1 Oct

Aubrey was visited by family this weekend. He was smiling and somewhat talkative. He was visited by Abby today and called her by name.

He now weighs 97 lbs. He continues to have diarrhea. He has an appointment with his doctor next week and hopefully the tests that the doctor ordered will shed some light on the problem.

Aubrey had physical therapy today. It took 3 people to transfer him to a seated platform and then back to his wheelchair. He was very agitated and shaking. He appeared to be weak. He had his blood sugar tested to see if it was low again and it was in the 300's. Aubrey was talkative and was seated in his wheelchair at the nurses's station. He was very interested in what was going on around him and spoke to whomever was nearby.

27 Sep

Aubrey has had visits recently from Clifford and Guillian, Stephen and Karyn and Abby. He has been smiling listening to his visitors. He has been listening to a musical, looking at flash cards of various objects and hearing a CD from his brother Kenny and sister-in-law Nell. He is receiving physical therapy transferring to different objects with slight walking with the transfers. Last night he had another very low blood sugar level and the nursing home responded to his needs.

25 Sep

Clifford and Abby went with Aubrey today to the Endocrinologist. The doctor said that the calories that Aubrey had been getting should have been enough for him to have put on some weight. A number of tests were ordered to try and find out what is going on with Aubrey. We took him to the lab and had the tests done. Aubrey wasn't very talkative.

23 Sep

Abby visited Aubrey today and he was seated in his wheelchair watching television. His lunch tray of clear liquids was in front of him and he refused to have any of it. He hasn't been very talkative lately, probably due to his diarrhea/loose stools and not feeling his best. He was smiling and in good spirits when Clifford and Guillian visited him later. Yesterday Aubrey had an extremely low blood sugar, which the nursing home responded to and brought his blood sugar back up. In the last week he has gained 2 lbs. and now weighs 96 lbs.

21 Sep

Clifford and Abby went with Aubrey today to the Gastroenterologist. The important issues were Aubrey's weight loss, is he over C-Diff, his loose stools, and his swallowing response. Numerous tests were ordered to find out about these issues. Aubrey was somewhat depressed and talked at times. Another appointment was made for two and a half weeks when the results of all of these tests will be in. Also recommended was a Gerontologist.

18 Sep

Abby visited Aubrey twice today. First with his sister Carol and ex-wife Billie. During this visit Aubrey was quite tired. He did say Billie's name. Abby returned later with his friend Michael. During this visit, Aubrey was more alert, but still tired. His conversation was in response to what was being said, although it was hard to know if Aubrey understood all of the conversation. There was no garbled speech during this time. Abby asked him if he would like to have some chocolate pudding, and his response was, "yes." Aubrey reached up and extended his arm to Michael when they said goodbye. Aubrey now weighs 94 lbs. down from 98 lbs. He was getting less calories recently than he previously had, and today the nursing home increased his calories to 2500 per day.

15 Sep

Today during Abby's visit, Aubrey played a little with his computer, wrote on a magnetic board, listened to nursery rhymes and watched television. He was alert and talkative although he wasn't very interested in activities. He did have a couple of sips of water. Later, Steve, Karyn and Cliff visited. During their visit, Aubrey made numerous A's on the magnetic board.

11 Sep

Clifford and Abby went with Aubrey to his Urologist appointment this afternoon. Aubrey's catheter was removed this morning, and he was able to urinate on his own. The Doctor has him on medication and is going to increase the dose. The catheter is going to be left out to see if Aubrey can continue to urinate on his own. This is great news because it decreases the risk of infection to Aubrey.

A friend of Aubrey's visited him today. He said that Aubrey made a lot of sense in the conversation he had with him about technical matters. Aubrey appeared to understand and to follow the conversation. He also gave the appropriate responses. At one point, Aubrey was sliding down in his wheelchair. Someone came to help Aubrey sit up, and Aubrey was pushing on his leg to help.

8 Sep

Aubrey was visited today by Stephen and Karyn and then by Abby. He listened to Camelot, drew on a magnetic board, played with a puzzle and watched TV. Abby asked him if he was tired and he said, "no." She repeated no and he said, "that is correct, no" With his bout of C-Diff he has lost 2 lbs. and now weighs 96.

7 Sep

Cliff and Abby accompanied Aubrey to see his Neurologist today. He asked Aubrey to close his eyes, which Aubrey did for a period of time. This is something that Aubrey hadn't been able to do on previous visits. The Neurologist had the following recommendations for working with Aubrey: To work on transfers (from the bed to the wheelchair, from the wheelchair to the toilet, from the toilet to the wheelchair, from the wheelchair to the bed) one half hour, three times a week; to encourage humming and play songs for Aubrey including nursery rhymes; to have Aubrey watch soap operas, where emotions are exaggerated, and to have Aubrey sit a good portion of the day. Aubrey was tired today.

4 Sep

Abby went to see Aubrey today. He was watching a soap opera on television and was very interested in what was going on. He is continuing to be ill with C-Diff, but he looks bright and alert. The speech therapist has discontinued working with him as of today. She said that most of the time that Aubrey refuses his liquid diet even though he is able to swallow it. If he becomes more interested in eating she can always begin working with him again. He has gained 1 pound and now weighs 98 lbs.

3 Sep

Abby visited Aubrey today. He was in good spirits and looks like he is recovering well. He was social and enjoyed listening to a CD of Camelot, moving his head with the music. He also had some sips of water. He didn't seem to be bothered by a noisy roommate and seemed quite comfortable. He leaned over and kissed Abby hello and goodbye and said, "goodbye my sweet."

1 Sep

Aubrey has C-Diff. It is an infectious disease of his stool. It is a common disease of people who have been on too many antibiotics. He had it before when he was in the hospital, and it takes a 10 day course of antibiotic treatment. Aubrey has had it since Sunday and his course of treatment started Thursday. He isn't feeling very good. Anybody visiting him should just make sure that they wash their hands when they leave.

Today Stephen, Karyn and Abby visited Aubrey. They brought a white board to write on, some simple large wooden puzzles, a ball and a toy with some large magnetic pieces to help stimulate Aubrey. When Abby said that she had talked to his friend, Kurt, today, Aubrey said, "what did he say?" Aubrey leaned over spontaneously to kiss Abby goodbye.

29 Aug

Clifford, Stephen and Abby attended a care conference for Aubrey at the nursing home today. We discussed ways to re-institute Aubrey's physical therapy. The Physical Therapists felt that Aubrey had reached a plateau and that is why Medicare discontinued treatment. The Doctor will be contacted tomorrow to explore all the options so that the physical therapy can start as soon as possible. Insurance options were discussed and they will also be looked into. Aubrey's nursing care and weight of 98 lbs. were also discussed. He is getting adequate calories, but he has had diarrhea for the last 4 days.

Aubrey is being taken to social happenings at the nursing home and he especially likes the musical events that happen about twice a week. I visited with Aubrey before the meeting and he was sitting in his wheelchair in the dining room with other residents. He said to me, "not bad at all, I like that." After the meeting we all visited Aubrey in his room and listened to Beethoven. We left when Aubrey's lunch meal was being served. We suggested that they try giving him chocolate pudding, as Aubrey loves chocolate.

28 Aug

Aubrey is continuing to have diarrhea since Sunday and Kaopectate hasn't seemed to help. We are trying to see if the doctor will order something else. Aubrey's glucose and blood pressure were fine today. He did have blood drawn today and they will know tomorrow if there are any problems. Tomorrow is the care conference at the nursing home with Steve, Cliff and Abby attending. We will be planning for Aubrey's continued care.

26 Aug

Aubrey went to the Emergency Room at El Camino Hospital today. He had a problem with his stool, and the nursing home wanted him checked out. He had an IV for hydration and various tests. He was sent back to the nursing home with everything checking out okay and not needing anymore IVs. Clifford and Abby visited him in the Emergency Room. His spirits were good.

25 Aug

Aubrey was visited by Stephen, Karyn and Abby today. He was cheerful and smiling. It was late afternoon and he was wide awake. He said that he was bored. He used the digital camera and took some pictures that were in focus. On his computer we showed him pictures that he had taken in Paris. We gave him the mouse, but he was more interested in pushing his finger around the screen. He was quite talkative and said numerous things that had references to numbers. It was the best visit and time for Aubrey in the last week.

23 Aug

Aubrey was visited by Cliff this afternoon and will be visited by Steve and Karyn later on today. This afternoon he was in his wheelchair seated at the nurses station. He is still combative and was able to walk during physical therapy today. His glucose and blood pressure remain good. His doctor is looking into possible consultations to help figure out why Aubrey has been depresses and agitated lately.

21 Aug

Aubrey was given a shower this morning. His blood pressure was normal, and his glucose was a little high. He refused his breakfast and lunch trays of clear liquids and jello. He didn't have physical therapy today as he was very combative when the therapists tried to work with him. His physical therapy and occupational therapy will stop after August 23rd. He will continue to get speech therapy.

There is a meeting next week with the social worker, physical therapist, head of nursing, billing person and Steve, Cliff and Abby. They are going to look into billing possibilities for him to still get his therapies and a plan for continued treatment. Without the physical therapy and the occupational therapy he will no longer be walking or working with the therapists on activities of daily living.

19 Aug

On Friday, Aubrey woke up and said to the nurse, I am sick." He spent the day in bed and his vital signs and glucose were good.

Yesterday, Steve, Karyn and Abby visited. It was late afternoon, and Aubrey was fast asleep. He didn't wake up, and after the nurse attended to him he said hello, but clearly was in sleep mode so no other attempts were made to wake him.

Today, Cliff, Nico and Abby visited. They tried to get the aide to put Aubrey in his wheelchair so he could visit and play with his computer. He was extremely resistive so it was thought best to leave him in bed. He wasn't particularly talkative and he was left to rest.

16 Aug

Abby didn't get a chance to visit Aubrey today, and she checked with the nursing home as to how he was doing. He was much better today than yesterday. One of his medications they are now dividing the dose and giving it to him in the morning and evening. The physical therapist thought that that helped with his agitation. Aubrey is very strong, even at 98 lbs. When he doesn't want to do something he uses his strength to let people know The physical therapist says that if he catches Aubrey at the right moment, Aubrey is very cooperative.

Today Aubrey walked a good distance, worked with the hand bicycle and practiced transferring from the wheelchair. His glucose was good all day. The physical therapist is starting to work with Aubrey writing things down on paper. A couple of days ago he wrote a considerable amount. Some of it letters, the beginning of some words and some letters that looked as if they may be Hebrew. This afternoon, Steve and Karyn are visiting.

15 Aug

Abby visited Aubrey today. He was quite agitated and wasn't interested in the computer or anything else. Abby had to help the nurses hold him when they took his glucose, gave him insulin and did the tube feeding. The physical therapist said that Aubrey was agitated yesterday and struck out at him. Aubrey said today, "my darling," Abiga," "that's a great idea," "I was a little bit bored," "it's one of those thing which I," "see you sweety, goodbye."

Cliff visited today also. Here are his comments:
First the BIG NEWS. Although he was a little grumpy and reluctant to participate in tasks with me (like writing, drawing, or music), ...he used my name ! I had written out some names on a piece of paper for him and asked if he wanted to write also. He refused to grasp the pen and said, "You know, I'm really not very good at these things, Cliff..." Also,

He has gained weight and is up to 98. I guess he was down to 89 a few weeks ago. So it looks like the extra calories are helping to move him in the right direction. The nurses found no orders for EEGs, CT scans or any Neurologic testing to follow up on the question of Monday's possible seizure. There is no order for any antiepileptics or other new medications. So, I guess we will just wait and watch.

14 Aug

Abby wasn't able to visit Aubrey today or yesterday as she is still recovering not driving yet. She has talked to the nursing home yesterday and today.

Aubrey walked yesterday and when he sat down he held his head down and his arms were shaking. They thought he might be having a mini seizure. His Doctor is checking with his Neurologist to see whether any further tests or follow up is appropriate. Aubrey's glucose has been good today and yesterday and they are going to look into increasing his calorie intake.

Aubrey's friend, Kurt, visited today. He said that Aubrey was waving his hands to him when he came in the room and was the most lively that he has seen him. Also, Aubrey was doing quite a bit of talking. Abby will be visiting tomorrow and will be taking the computer in for him to use.

12 Aug

Cliff, Nico and Abby visited Aubrey today. He was in his wheelchair seated at the nursing station. He did not have his restraint on. Today was the first day that we took the computer for Aubrey. He was comfortable with the mouse in his hand, although he had difficulty with the buttons on the 2 sides of the mouse. With some help from Abby he was able to do some painting. The picture in the background is Abby's cat, Arabella. Although Aubrey didn't pick the colors, he was able to move the mouse back and forth to make the painting. Aubrey received a lunch tray of some liquids (included was chicken soup) and some jello.

Abby was unhappy to hear that Aubrey weighs 91 pounds. That is up from the 89 pounds he weighed. The last time she asked he was 102 pounds and she didn't realize that there had been a change. Aubrey has been getting a number of meals along with his tube feedings and he is eating a little by mouth now.

11 Aug

When Abby visited Aubrey he was sitting in his wheelchair at the nurse's station. He is spending much more time sitting up than he was before. He was smiling and laughing a lot today. Abby wrote the letters of her name on a piece of paper and repeated them. Aubrey said the letters A B B S. He was very talkative today and these were his words of wisdom: "it seems there should be," "I might want to let him," "what do you actually have there?," "what I was going to," "I might want to let him," "maybe 5 minutes, maybe something like that it may be a weekend," "it's really interesting . . . . . . . how these things," "it would be convenient to," " can I do it some time today," "what do you think?," "what I'm looking for is to have," "there so many steps in this place, so much going on."

Aubrey's glucose was high today and Abby showed the nursing staff the doctor's note from Tuesday about giving him more long acting insulin daily. They were going to follow the doctor's instructions. They have increased his calorie intake daily and hopefully he will gain some weight.

Aubrey was given a food tray with some pureed foods on it. He ate a little bit of a few different items.

10 Aug

Aubrey was sitting in his wheelchair without his restraint when Abby visited today. He had a haircut, and they had also cut his beard in a way that was very uncharacteristic of Aubrey. Abby complained to the head of nursing.

Aubrey was talkative, anxious to have some water and wasn't really interested in any activities. Abby did go over the pictures of the family and talked to him about who was in each picture. She also told him how the different family and friends miss him, visit him and call and ask about him. Aubrey seemed happy. He walked today in physical therapy and brushed his own teeth.

8 Aug

I vistied Aubrey about noon today. I found him in a wheel chair in the hall with a couple of his attendents who were starting to get him back to his room for lunch. While we waited for his nurse to come feed him, we tried to have a conversation. He seems to understand most of what I said, and while I understood a good bit of what he was trying to say, there were key words that I just could not make out, and therefore did not understand the thought he was trying so hard to communicate with me. I did understand that he wanted to "do it right now", "let's do it", he would say, too. At one point he said "we will do it tomorrow, that's ok". If only I understood what IT was, then we would have had a good conversation.

Aubrey is looking well and was expressing some frusration with his lask of communication and being in the same place. He knew that his sons had not been there today, but were there recently. I asked about another friend who I knew had visited, but he didn't remember that.

Abby had some appointments today and still recovering and will be unable to see Aubrey today - John Goodell

7 Aug

Today was a wonderful day for Aubrey. He went to see his Nuerologist, who was very pleased with his progress. Abby and Cliff were with Aubrey. The doctor said that last month Aubrey was an observer during the appointment and today he was a full participant. He was alert and involved in the conversation. When the doctor showed Aubrey a picture of a tree and asked him what it was, Aubrey said "my god, I've no idea." Other things that Aubrey said during the visit were, "it may take me awhile," "okay, good that'll be good," if they can do it that would be good, presumably that would be good," "really quite surprising," "do you know what I mean," "it's tricky," "so whatever that means." The doctor suggested more activities that didn't have to do with language that could stimulate Aubrey and help get to his language. The computer that came yesterday was one of these activities and will be up and running within the week.

The next visit was with the Endocrinologist that Aubrey has known for a long time. The doctor shook Aubrey's hand and Aubrey said his name for the first time, "Aubrey." The doctor reviewed his glucose levels and insulin schedule and made recommendations for the nursing home that would help keep Aubrey's glucose level in the right range. He also recommended a calorie increase as Aubrey has lost a quarter of his body weight. Aubrey was tired after the doctor visits and went back to the nursing home.

Steve and Karyn visited him a couple of hours later and Aubrey was still sitting in his wheelchair at the nurse's station. The visit went very well and Aubrey said a lot of word phrases that made sense. Aubrey should have been exhausted and wasn't and the visit was one of the best that Steve and Karyn have had with him.

6 Aug

Aubrey had a good physical therapy session today. He walked with one assist and a walker. He had a few rests and walked quite a distance. His blood pressure and glucose were good. He was talking quite a bit today.

5 Aug

Abby went with Cliff today to visit Aubrey. He was seated in his wheelchair at the nurses station. He is through with his IV course of treatment for dehydration, and they are going to do blood tests on him tomorrow to see if everything is back to normal. Cliff and Abby took Aubrey to an outdoor patio where they had a nice visit. They wrote the numbers from one to five on a sheet of paper. Aubrey had the pen in his hand and wrote a number of perfect threes.

Cliff and Abby talked to the physical therapists and they are going to work with him tomorrow morning. They suggested a book to read called, "Over My Head" by Claudia Osborn. It is about a doctor who had a traumatic brain injury and her experience recovering.

Aubrey was visited today by Abby, Steve and Karyn. He is still recovering from his dehydration and having IV fluids. He looked good and was smiling. He took 2 pictures with his digital camera.

Aubrey's words of wisdom today: "particularly in a place like this," "yes, I know for you it would be pretty good," "I'm sorry I missed that," "that's part of the deal," "oh, that's interesting."

3 Aug

Aubrey became dehydrated this week and was too weak to do his physical therapy. He has now been treated for this and we are hoping he will perk up today. - Cliff He is now on IV fluids. Abby, Guillian and grandsons Nico and Emilio visited Aubrey today. He looked quite good and was sitting up in his wheelchair. He did well in physical therapy today and is much improved physically since yesterday. - Abby

2 Aug

Aubrey was lethargic today which kept him from participating in Physical Therapy. His vital signs were normal, and the doctor is having his blood drawn to make sure that the problem today was just sleepiness.

Abby had a bone marrow biopsy and the problem with her blood was due to a medication that she had been taking. She is going to be released from the hospital on Friday and will be visiting Aubrey on her way home.

1 Aug

Aubrey went to the urologist today. The good news is that there is no prostate problem. He is taking a new medication and hopefully, in another week, they will be able to remove the catheter. Next week he will be going to the neurologist and endocrinologist for further evaluation.

Abby is still in the hospital for tests but hopes to be out this weekend and resume seeing Aubrey.

30 July

Aubrey read one of the staff's nametag, Kim.

His glucose has been good today. He had physical therapy today, but his blood pressure went real low while he was walking and they put him back to bed to rest. Aubrey has an appointment with another urologist tomorrow to further evaluate his situation. The urologist seems very optimistic about helping him.

Son Steve and Karen visited Aubrey on Saturday, and Cliff and Guillian visited on Sunday.

Hopefully Abby will be out of the hospital in a few days and be back to the daily updates. We seem to have lost a couple of her email in the past couple of days.

27 July

Today's update is from Aubrey's son, Cliff. Abby remains in the hospital and she expected to be there for 4 or 5 more days while the staff gets her medicines adjusted.

Aubrey called Abby by name a few times in the past two weeks. He has not yet used anyone else's name but he definitely recognizes friends and family when we visit him.

Yesterday, one of his engineering buddies (Kurt Wallace) spent 30 minutes with Aubrey and reported that during the first 10 minutes of the visit he had "the best converstaion ever". He was using all intelligible words and seemed to be tracking the conversation appropriately, answering questions clearly, etc. Then, he seemed to get tired and returned to his baseline of using nonsense words and not seeming to understand questions.

In any case, it was very exciting to see this "window" of lucidicty emerge. Kurt has seen Aubrey 2 or 3 times a week every week since this all began and he was very excited about this "breakthrough" conversation.

This is thrilling news, of course. I'll just add the perspective that I went to see him a few hours later and found him alert and calm but at baseline--answering questions with about 50% of the words not making any sense.

I imagine this is what the process is going to be like. I am hopeful that we will see longer stretches of lucidity and shorter periods of confusion as we go along. In any case, it certainly was great news.

In a phone call from Kurt, he expressed his excitment in hearing Aubrey converse so well for the begining of the conversation yesterday. -John Goodell
Abby also called from the hospital to say she expects to remain there for several more days

26 July

Aubrey has had a lot of company for the last couple of days! His son Steve and Karen visited him yesterday when he returned to Grant Cuesta from a short stay in the hospital.

Today Abby's sister Judy (from Michigan) visited him. He was sitting in a wheelchair at the nurse's station and conversing. This afternoon Son Cliff visited. He played some music which they listened to together.

Abby is still recovering in El Camino Real Hospital and hopes to be able to visit Aubrey very soon. --our thanks to Judy for the updates of the past couple of days.

25 July

This evening I received a call from Judy, Abby's sister. Abby had to go back into the Hospital this morning to make better adjustments o her medications. As she was admitted, Aubrey was returned to the rehabilitaion facility. Aubrey has been playing with a digital camera, and did manage to take a picture on his own. Soon he will take a try at PhotoShop on a laptop, something he has experence with in the past an hopefully, this will stimulate more of his mental abilties on his road to recovery. If you visit Aubrey, please drop an email of your observations.

24 July

Abby was taken to the hospital last weekend with low blood pressure. While she was in there, Aubrey was also returned to the same hospital, different floor. Today, Abby has been released after finding a reaction to some medications she was prescribed. Aubrey remains at El Camino Hospital for now. Abby did see Aubrey today before leaving herself. She expects to continue her updates of Aubrey's condition tomorrow.

20 July

Aubrey sat in his wheelchair for about 4 hours today. He had physical therapy, and then played cards by himself.

There was a care conference about him that Abby and Cliff attended. Basically what was discussed were treatment plans for nursing care, his diet, his social activities and his physical therapy. The nursing home is going to involve him in more social activities, increase his diet to be more aggressive in helping him gain weight, his medication was reviewed, his physical therapy is going to increase his time sitting up and walking, the speech therapist will be trying to feed him pudding and jello and learning activities of daily living will be increased. Everyone attending saw improvement in his condition since when he first came to the nursing home.

For a number of days Aubrey will continue to get the IV antibiotics that were started in the hospital.

18 July

Aubrey was finally released from the hospital this afternoon. He is no longer contagious and he still needs 5 more days of IV antibiotics. Abby visited him this morning and then again when she signed him into the nursing home. He is in the same room, the same bed and was getting use to his surroundings again.

16 July

Aubrey is doing better and due to be discharged from the hospital tomorrow or the day after. Yesterday in his conversation he said, " I'm an intelligent man," and later he said "I don't know what to do." Today he took pictures from the digital camera all on his own, Abby was talking about his son, Stephen, riding bicycles, and Aubrey said, "I remember he has been doing that for a long time"

14 July

Aubrey was moved from TCU to a medical floor as he no longer needs the monitoring that the TCU provides. He is now on 6 West in room 607. He has a sitter who is with him all the time for his safety. His urological consult was promising and the doctor is going to see him next week to do some more tests. The goal being to get Aubrey off of the catheter so he can avoid these urinary infections. Aubrey called to Abby by name and gestured to her when she was across the room coming in to see him. He was alert to his surroundings and said hello when people came into the room. He played with the digital camera again and was closer to pushing the button himself to take the picture than he had been before.

Aubrey's violent illness turns out not to be pneumonia, but a urinary infection. He was seen by a urologist today. His sputum is still infectious, so he remains in isolation. He has improved and no longer needs to be in the TCU, and as soon as a bed is available he will be moved to a medical floor. It is unclear whether he has to remain in the hospital to finish the course of the IV antibiotic treatment or whether he can receive that treatment back at the nursing home.

Aubrey walked with the physical therapist today and sat up in a chair. He was in good spirits, very talkative and very involved watching the activity outside his room.

One of Aubrey's close friends visited him yesterday. These are his comments, "I was VERY happy to have had several simple conversations with him yesterday! It was a significant improvement in his speech! He was also the most lively I've seen him in a couple of weeks!"

Today Aubrey was seated in a chair when Abby visited him. He called her name when she was across the room. The physical therapist came in to check on how well Aubrey could walk. She was surprised at how well he could walk and will be taking him for a long walk tomorrow.

11 July

Aubrey is still in the TCU at El Camino Hospital. He spent a good deal of time sitting up in a chair and seems to be responding to the antibiotics. His room is across the hall from the nursing station and he enjoyed watching the activity around the station as well as watching television.

10 July

Aubrey is doing much better today. They are giving him intravenous antibiotics and he seems to be responding well. His temperature, oxygenation, blood pressure and pulse are back to normal. He is in the TCU at El Camino Hospital and is in isolation due to a possible infection. They are continuing to check that out. He is brighter today, more talkative and busy watching television. His room is right across the hall from the nursing station and he is also busy watching the activity of the staff. We are not anticipating this being a long hospital stay.

Yesterday Aubrey had a wonderful visit with his son, Clifford and family. He helped his grandsons put together an old computer. He remembered something about Clifford's wife, Guillian's father and in his way asked about it. Today Aubrey got very ill. He was taken to the Emergency Room of El Camino Hospital and was admitted with a bacterial pneumonia. He is being given IV antibiotics and was resting comfortably this evening.

7 July

Today was a good day for Aubrey. He had some sips of tea, played with a digital camera and a blackberry and looked at some photos of his trips to Hawaii. He seemed aware of his surroundings and questioned who a nurse was who brought food to his roommate. He was in good spirits and conversing with his visitors.

6 July

Aubrey went to see his neurologist today with Abby and Aubrey's son, Cliff. The doctor was very encouraged at Aubrey's progress, this being a little over 2 months into the accident, with one month of the time Aubrey being very ill. The doctor encouraged us to stimulate Aubrey with things that he likes to do. Some of these things are to bring in a laptop and let Aubrey play with Photoshop, bring in his digital camera and let Aubrey take pictures and look at them, having engineering friends come in and talk engineering with him and bring in anything connected to engineering, bring in tea and tea bags and let Aubrey have some (which he loves.), bring in photos of places that he has visited and talk to him about them, etc... We were also encouraged to bring in musicals for Aubrey to listen to so that he can associate the words with the music. The doctor said that Aubrey doesn't know that some of his speech is coming out garbled so he doesn't know to correct it, and that he needs to learn speech probably easiest through things that he knows. We will be going back to the neurologist in a month to see Aubrey's progress.

5 July

Aubrey looked wonderful today. Abby hadn't seen him smile this much since before the accident. His speech didn't seem quite so garbled. She told him that she loved him and when she asked him if he loved her, he said "yes I remember." He doesn't remember most things, and he does recognize people who visit him. Everytime that Abby visits Aubrey he kisses her goodbye and waves goodbye to her. He still can't remember names, but when asked if his name is Aubrey, he says "yes." 4 July

Abby visited Aubrey while he was having physical therapy. The therapists used the standing frame with him and had him walk in the halls. He was a little agitated at times, and the staff lets him rest at those times and then begin the various activities again. Agitation at times is a typical reaction for people with traumatic brain injuries.

Later today, Aubrey's son, Cliff, his wife, Guillian, and their sons, Nico and Emilio visited Aubrey. At one point Guillian said, "My dad also had a brain injury." Aubrey said, "Oh yes, I do remember." This is the first time that Aubrey has remembered something.

Common phrases he said today were, "it's difficult" and "it's tricky. Aubrey expressed frustration when Cliff told him that he didn't understand what Aubrey said. The therapists say that Aubrey is participating more in activities, such as getting out of bed, with minimal assistance. After finishing his own therapy session, Aubrey stays in the room to observe from his wheelchair. He is more alert and notices his surroundings more.

3 July

Today Aubrey was busy with physical therapy. He continued his walking in the hall of the nursing home and rode the stationary bicycle with his hands and his feet. He tires easily, so there are rest brakes for him.

His blood pressure medication was stopped and his blood pressure was not a problem for him in physical therapy. It has been low in the past. Also the amount of his feedings has been increased to help him gain some weight. He spent some time sitting in his wheelchair. He was going to have speech therapy later in the day.

2 July

Aubrey had physical therapy today and rode the stationary bicycle from his wheelchair. He also stood up with supportive bands in a standing frame for quite awhile twice to get him used to proper posture standing up. Aubrey tends to lean backwards at times when he is walking with help, or lean forward. This makes it difficult for him to walk properly, although he is doing much better than he used to.

He can have sips of clear liquids, and Abby got him some apple juice. When she asked Aubrey if he wanted some apple juice he enthusiastically said yes and took a couple of sips. His glucose was very good today and we are looking into him getting more calories at his feedings to help him gain some weight.

29 June

Today was a good day for Aubrey. He spent about 45 minutes in his walking routine. He worked on some balancing standing up, and from his wheelchair he pedalled the stationary bicycle on his own without help. His blood sugar was good, as was his blood pressure. He was also visited by a friend. Yesterday his daughter-in-law, Gillian, visited Aubrey with his two grandsons, Emilio and Nico. Aubrey was having physical therapy at the time, and when he noticed them in the doorway to the physical therapy room he called out to them and motioned for them to come over to him. Aubrey's son, Steve, and daughter-in-law, Karyn, also visited him yesterday.

27 June

The nursing home where Aubrey is at consists of 4 long halls in the shape of a square, with an outside patio in the middle. Today Aubrey walked with one assist and his walker around the entire square. He had 2 short rests during the walk. Aubrey is continuing learning activities of daily living such as helping putting his clothes on.Today was the first time he had his beard trimmed since the accident and he looks quite good. Aubrey had an appointment with a urologist today to discuss taking out his catheter. The doctor said there should be periodic trials of removing the catheter to see if he can urinate on his own.

26 June

Today Aubrey spent some time in his wheelchair. In physical therapy they worked with him on standing up and doing activities of daily living. He continues to sip water when given to him. The speech therapist will be working with him on Friday and Saturday. She is going to try and feed him spoonfuls of applesauce to see if he can swallow the applesauce. Next week she is going to start working with him 4 times a week and hopefully he will continue learning swallowing with other things besides water. The speech therapist also works with him on learning commands by visually seeing the command, getting prompts and then doing the command and doing the command when asked to do it. Another thing she does with him is to have him repeat sounds and words. Today when Abby wrote his name in big capital letters and said the letters, Aubrey was able to say the letters also.

25 June

Today in physical therapy, Aubrey, walked with a walker and one assist down one and a half hallways of the nursing home. He was steadier on his feet, and he didn't cross his feet like he did when he started walking. He also used his feet on a small stationary bicycle while sitting in his wheelchair. He was able to use a steady pace. He also briefly used his hands on another stationary hand cycle. He tired very easily from the entire physical therapy experience. His blood pressure was still low and they are going to have him sit in the wheelchair for a half an hour before having physical therapy to see if that will help.

24 June

Aubrey's son, Stephen, daughter-in-law, Karyn, and Abby visited today. Aubrey was taken outside on the patio in his wheelchair. Everyone was seated around the table where Aubrey was given sips of water in a cup . The cup was put back on the table. At one point he was asked if he wanted more water and was shown the cup of water. Aubrey picked up the cup, drank from it and put the cup back. Aubrey wasn't feeling very well and his glucose was high. He was taken back to bed and given more insulin.

23 June

Abby visited Aubrey today and had him put in his wheelchair. She took him out on the patio for awhile, where it was sunny with a light breeze, about 71 degrees. She also took Aubrey for a ride around the nursing home. When they were back in his room she printed his name in big letters. Then she said the individual letters and asked Aubrey to repeat them. To her surprise, he was able to do it. He was able to pronounce part of his name and these two things were not repeatable when asked to do again. It will take a lot of practice for Aubrey to do this every time.

22 June

Today was a big day for Aubrey. He was visited by his sister, Carol, and nephew, Dennis from Los Angeles. Also visiting was his son, Cliff, and Abby. He was happy to see his visitors and talked with them..Aubrey sat in his wheelchair for awhile, he had physical therapy and walked a little. He did tire easily from all of the stimulation. His blood pressure was better today, and at times it was a little on the low side.

21 June

Today Aubrey's blood pressure was low when they sat him up in his chair so they put him back to bed. One of his medications was discontinued today due to the low blood pressure. Physical therapy has been working with him in bed with range of motion with his arms and legs. He had speech therapy today and the therapist was working with him on learning to say bold letters that she was pointing out to him. He was able to clearly say an O, and some of the other letters he was able to say words that began with the letters. He was able to read the name tag, Walter, of one of the aides. He has been able to shake hands with someone after first being prompted and then repeating the action a number of times. He also did the same with raising and lowering his arm. The process is to continually reinforce what he has learned at following sessions. Abby brought him some chap stick to help him with his dry lips.

20 June

Due to Aubrey's dehydration yesterday, the nursing home has increased the water they are giving him with his regular six feedings a day. He is continuing to drink small sips of water when someone gives it to him and seems to be getting used to the swallowing. Today Abby thought he was hot and got a cold wet towel and wiped his face with it. Aubrey screamed and Abby gave him the towel. What Aubrey did was wipe his lips with it. His lips are very dry because he is not taking very much liquid by mouth. The nursing home is swabbing his lips and mouth with sticks that have small sponges on the end of them and are dipped in water. Aubrey was sitting up in his wheelchair and his diastolic pressure was low so they put him back in bed and physical therapy worked with him on some things while he was in bed.

19 June

This afternoon Aubrey's blood pressure had gotten low and he was shaking when he was sitting up in his wheelchair. The nursing home was very responsive and sent him to the Emergency Room at El Camino Hospital. Abby spent the afternoon with him and then his son Cliff came also. The Hospital gave him an IV and did blood and urine tests. With the IV fluid his blood pressure returned to normal. He was dehydrated and the test results were okay. Aubrey is not able to drink water when he gets thirsty, so he will be getting more water through his feeding tube.

18 June

Aubrey sat in his wheelchair for about 3-1/2 hours this morning. He was getting pretty agitated and they put him back to bed. He must have been pretty tired because he immediately calmed down and talked to his visitors. He sipped water numerous times throughout his visits with Abby and his son, Cliff. Aubrey also enjoyed listening to Beethoven on his CD player. He was going to have speech therapy this afternoon and hopefully work more on his swallowing response.

16 June

Aubrey had a restful day today, no physical therapy. He sat up in his wheelchair for awhile. He is experiencing the newness of drinking small amounts of water when given it in a cup. His son, Stephen, brought him a radio with a CD player, and they listened together to Beethoven.

15 June

Aubrey is continuing his physical therapy with walking greater distances and learning various exercises to help him with his balance when he is standing or walking. He is also continuing longer times sitting up in his wheelchair. He used the stationary bicycle and hand bicycle today. He has lost another three pounds, and the nursing home is increasing his calories and weighing him weekly. He has gotten the okay to sip water when staff or family are around, and we are real pleased with his increasing his swallowing.

14 June

Today as Abby went by the nursing station on her way to Aubrey's room she heard someone say, "Who's there, who's there." She turned around and saw Aubrey trying to get her attention. He isn't able to say names yet and knows who people are. Aubrey sat in his wheelchair for 4 hours by the time Abby left. He also walked with a walker and one assistance from his room all the way down a long hall. He is getting much more mobile than he has been. He was in good spirits and joined the nurses in the nursing station when Abby left. Aubrey's son, Clifford, is meeting with his doctor this afternoon to go over some of the issues concerned with his care.

13 June

Aubrey transfers easily into a wheelchair now, helping the physical therapist in the process. Today they couldn't find the foot extensions for his wheelchair, and Aubrey walked with his feet as the wheelchair was being pushed. With his left brain injury, Aubrey's weak side is his right side. He used to hold his right hand in a closed position, somewhat bent and he likes to lay on his right side. He now freely moves and uses his right hand, gesturing a great deal with both hands as he speaks. Abby had him placed in a bed where to speak or visit with someone he uses his left side. The physical therapists at the hospital said that this is the way to help him know his middle.

12 June

Aubrey sat up in a wheelchair for 3 1/2 hours today. With assistance he washed his face and put on his pajamas. This was the first time that he was out of a hospital gown. He had speech therapy and was able to swallow 7 out of 8 times. He had some teaspoons of water and a little bit of applesauce. He is going to have a barium x-ray that is specifically for the swallowing response. He listened to some Beethoven and enjoyed the music.

11 June

Aubrey sat up in a wheelchair for about an hour and a half today. Abby wheeled him out to the patio, and Aubrey enjoyed some time in the sunshine surrounded by the gardens. He seems to be a little more aware of his situation. Yesterday while at the hospital saying to his son, Cliff, "I don't even know what I'm doing, I don't even know where I am." Today he said that he was bored, which is extremely appropriate for his situation. Aubrey has an appointment with a neurologist next month to further evaluate his condition.

10 June

Today was a difficult day for Aubrey. His glucose was in the 500 range and the nursing home couldn't get it down. He went to Stanford's Emergency Room and they found out that he has a urinary infection. Abby and his son Cliff were with him. Stanford gave him some fluids and antibiotics and sent him back to the nursing home with his glucose under control.

8 June

Aubrey is continuing to get adjusted to his new surroundings. The Care Conference about him today went real well. He had physical therapy today, going to the therapy room in a wheel chair and standing up a couple of times. He still is unsteady on his feet, and he is doing much better than the original attempts around 4 or 5 weeks ago. He is able to transfer to a seated position better than he had before. He has lost about 20 pounds and one of the goals is for him to gain some weight. The increased activity along with increased calories should help. Aubrey is very animated in his speech. He remembers things that are said to him only at the moment and hopefully that will change as his brain heals. He would love to have visitors and is usually very talkative when people come to visit.

7 June

Aubrey is getting used to his new setting. He was visited today by his family. Abby talked to the rehabilitation group about him today, and they are evaluating him for their services. Tomorrow there will be a care conference about all aspects of his treatment at Grant Cuesta. Abby and Aubrey's son Cliff will attend the meeting.

6 June

Aubrey was discharged from the hospital today. After arriving at Grant Cuesta he was able to go in a wheelchair and have his hair cut. He got settled in, and after Abby left they had him sit up in a chair for awhile.

This afternoon I (John Goodell) stopped by to see Aubrey. Abby was at his side and Aubrey began talking. Much of what he says makes sense, but some of the bigger words are not clear enough to understand, but it is clear that he is trying hard to express complete thoughts. He becomes frustrated when he knows he is not being understood, as I'm sure I would be too. He did hold a pencil, but his writing is not yet clear. He doesn't seem to be able to read yet. I noticed that he was rolling himself around in the bed and reaching out with his hands. He is sti;; being fed with a tube while he awaits his swallowing ability to return. We`are all hopeful thee will be no more set backs to his recovery. H

5 June

Aubrey didn't get discharged from the hospital today. He had a follow-up CT scan of his chest to see that everything was alright. He sat up in a chair for about 45 minutes, and with assistance and a walker he walked from his chair to the nursing station. Hopefully his discharge will be tomorrow.

4 June

Aubrey was seated in a chair when Abby went to visit him today. He stayed there for about a half an hour. He got up and walked with a walker across his room, with only one assist. The nursing staff plan to continue working with him today on sitting up. His infection has cleared up and he is planning to be discharged tomorrow to Grant Cuesta Nursing Home for further rehabilitation. Grant Cuesta is located at 1949 Grant Road (at Grant and Cuesta), Mountain View, CA 94040, and located a short distance down Grant Road from El Camino Hospital. After he gets settled in tomorrow, he would love to have visitors. Visiting hours are from 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Meal times start at 11:30 AM and 5:30 PM, so those times are probably not the best times to visit.

1 June

Today was a great day for Aubrey. With 2 assists and a walker, he walked across his room twice. On two different occasions he was able to sit up in a chair for awhile. He was also able to follow the commands of raising both of his arms, touching his finger to his nose and raising each one of his knees. These were big steps for him.

31 May

Aubrey walked a short distance yesterday with the help of two people and a walker. His rehabilitation will resume again tomorrow. With his latest infection he doesn't appear to be in any pain. Hopefully the new antibiotics will clear this up by next week. He had visitors today and was actively involved in conversation, although a lot of it was not understandable.

30 May

Aubrey has an infection in his colon commonly caused by taking antibiotics, He has been moved to room 315. His discharge from the hospital has been postponed while they treat the infection.

28 May

Aubrey has continued to improve, and we are going to be working on a discharge plan tomorrow. We are looking for the best rehabilitation facility for someone with a brain injury. Hopefully we will find a place that meets Aubrey's needs.

26 May

Aubrey is continuing to recover from his infection. His biopsy was negative. At times he is saying sentences that are a little longer. When he walked with the physical therapist he was able to follow commands and at other times he can't. Yesterday he sat on the side of the bed with help. Aubrey's recovery is a very slow process and he has made considerable gains in the last 6-1/2 weeks.

25 May

As soon as Aubrey's while cell count is normal indicating that the infection is beatten, he will be moved to a skilled nursing home, hopefully near El Camino Hospital. Aubrey will still need considerable rehabilitation and time to recover. Have a great holiday weekend.

24 May

Aubrey has been improving and has been moved to a less acute ward. He is now on 4 West in room # 414 C. Today with the help of 2 people, for physical therapy, he held on to a walker and walked out of his room. He still is unable to safely sit up in a chair. He does not have a proper swallowing response yet and is still being fed with a tube. If he keeps improving we are looking at a discharge date of next Tuesday.

23 May

Today Aubrey had physical therapy. Besides having help sitting on the side of the bed, he had assistance and stood up holding on to the sides of a walker. This is the first time he has really had weight on his own legs. This was a big step for him and hopefully the physical therapist will continue helping him to stand up. They are also putting his bed in a seated position several times a day to get him used to sitting up.

When I (John Goodell) visited Aubrey this afternoon, I found him very vocal and responsive. While not all of what he said was understandable to me, we did have some dscussion about our last SMPTEsf meeting and he offered some comments that indicated he understood the subject. I mentioned to him that he missed his birthday trip and he said he would get there. I was very pleased and excited to see him making such good progress. Of course, he does have a journey in front of him yet, but he is making progress as far as I could see it.

21 May

Aubrey has been moved for more staff availability. He is now in room # 418 A. Today his brother, Kenny, and wife, Nell, visited from Bermuda. Also visiting him were his sons, Stephen, daughter-in-law, Karyn, son, Clifford, and Abby. Aubrey is slowly responding to the antibiotics.

He is having a Sigmoidoscopy tomorrow to check that there are no further problems.

He had physical therapy today. Abby was on his left side and the physical therapist was on his right side. He was able to sit on the side of the bed for about 10 minutes. With help, he also stood up a couple of times. Since his right side is weaker and he favors it, having Abby on his left side, leaning against her, was a way to start getting him used to using his left side.

20 May

Aubrey still has pneumonia and is not requiring oxygen, which is a good sign. He also has an inflamed intestine and is being treated for both conditions with antibiotics. He is now rolling on his left side. This is good because his right side is weaker (due to the injury on the left side of his brain) and he has been favoring his right side. They have been putting his bed in a seated position at times to help the pneumonia and to help him get used to sitting up. He is also receiving physical therapy, which is helping him sit on the side of his bed. He is still at the TCU 4th floor at El Camino Hospital, but he has been moved to room # 425 D.

18 May

Aubrey has pneumonia and is being treated with antibiotics. They are still giving him CT scans to determine if there are any more problems. Aubrey remains very talkative, at times able to say 4 or 5 words together. At times, with a lot of coaxing, Aubrey has been able to follow a simple command. At other times he is not yet able to do this. Abby has been busy looking at different placements for when Aubrey leaves the hospital.

17 May

Today marks one month since Aubrey's accident. Moving is still difficult for Aubrey, but he will be relocated to another recovery facility in the next day or two. At tonight's SMPTE meeting, many of his friends signed a get well card for Aubrey. We all are wishing him a speedy recovery. We missed him.

16 May

Aubrey's fever was normal today and there were no new findings on the MRI he had yesterday. He was moved from CCU to the Transitional Care Unit at El Camino Hospital today. He is in room #418 C and can have visitors from 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm. He will probably be in the hospital through the weekend.

From John Goodell -- I did stop in on Aubrey mid-afternoon today. The aides were just finishing changing his bedding and adjusting an IV.They raised him into a near upright position. I introduced myself and asked him if he remembered me. He looked at me and nodded 'yes'. He seemed to be looking around but did not try to speak to me, but I did get a few smiles and squeezed his hand. I couldn't tell how many cylinders he was firing on or how much of a fog he might have been in. He seems comfortable and did show signs that he was pleased that I had stopped by. I didn't feel the need to stay more then a few minutes and just try as best I could to let him know we cared and were wishing him a speedy and complete recovery.

15 May

It has now been 4 weeks since Aubrey's accident. He has come a long way and still has a long way to go. He continues to have a fever, and he had an MRI today to see if there is any problem relating to the fever. He is continuing to talk, and able to put 4 or 5 words together at times.

14 May

Today was Aubrey's best day. He was wide awake, had good color, and was speaking putting more words together than he has. Some of the things he said were, "that is very good, excellent", "Oh is that right, incredible", "pretty good isn't it", "my word how nice", "well that's a good point to remember". When I told him you look very good today, he said "well thank you very much". When I told him it looks like you're falling out of bed, he let go of my hand, put his hand on the bed railing and moved over a little bit. When Abby left and waved goodbye, he waved goodbye to her.

There is still some problem with the glucose control, he has a staph infection and some infiltrates in his lungs, he still is in CCU at El Camino Hospital, and he is doing so much better.

13 May

Aubrey is still in CCU and doing much better. He is responding well to the antibiotics. When the doctor went into his room and said hello, Aubrey said hello back. When the nurse checked his glucose and said not bad, he said not bad also. He spoke to Abby at times in one word responses.

12 May

Abby visited Aubrey at the CCU today. His blood sugar is back down, his blood pressure is okay and his pulse is still high. They say that the high pulse is from whatever infection he has. They have done cultures of his blood and urine and are waiting for the results. In the meantime they are treating him with antibiotics and are monitoring his glucose, blood pressure and pulse. They did a CT scan of his brain and are sending for the films from Stanford to compare them. He is quite ill, but doing a lot better than yesterday. He did have his eyes open at times today and did acknowledge that I (Abby) was there. We hope that his stay in the hospital takes care of the infection, makes him stronger and helps him continue recovering from the accident.

11 May

Aubrey was taken to El Camino Hospital's Emergency Room today with an extremely high glucose reading, low blood pressure and high pulse. He is now in the CCU there. He is very ill and went into shock. They are trying to stabilize him.

10 May

This afternoon, Rick Reagan (SMPTEsf Chair) and John Goodell (SMPTEsf Manager & Webmaster) got our first visit with Aubrey. We were pleasantly surprised at how well he looks. There are no cuts or bandages,there is no visible evidence of the trauma he and his head have been through. He did recognize both of us and smiled. His words are soft and slow, but that he can speak at all in this short time seems very encouraging. He was sitting up in his bed and being fed by a staff member. We left with the sense that he will be up and running around in a short time and it is just a matter of his brain getting back its full functioning, and his body getting over the past couple weeks of stillness as he lay in the hospital bed.

Abby & Aubrey

9 May

More good news today - Aubrey was moved out of Stanford Hospital into the Los Altos Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Center, 809 Fremont Ave. in Los Altos. It will probably take him a couple of days to get settled due to his condition. He can have visitors from 8:00am - 8:00pm. I am sure that he would appreciate cards from his friends.

8 May

Aubrey's CT scan showed that the blood in his brain is very slowly continuing to be absorbed. He has no further brain problems. The doctors were able to clear his neck from any injuries and his neck brace is being removed today. He is being evaluated for interim placement tomorrow and when he is strong enough for 3 hours of rehabilitation per day he will return to Stanford.

7 May

More good news today -- Aubrey is having a CT scan today of his brain and neck. They have kept a neck brace on him because he hasn't been able to tell them if anything is wrong with his neck. Hopefully everything will be fine and they will be able to remove the neck brace. Today as Abby was leaving and saying goodbye, Aubrey leaned over twice and kissed here on the lips. This means that he knows who she is and who everyone is. It is wonderful news.

6 May

Aubrey has had the tracheostomy removed. He is doing real well breathing on his own. Abby will be talking to his case manager about his disposition. They were talking about moving him on Tuesday, but now that the trach is out there may be more options as to where he goes so we won't know anymore about that until tomorrow. It is hard to tell if Aubrey recognizes anyone. His speech is best with questions like yes or no. He tries to say things, but it is unrecognizable about what he is trying to say. The best news for today is that the tracheostomy is removed.

5 May

Aubrey had his tracheostomy plugged this am and he might have it taken out very soon. He is doing well with no oxygen at all. Today he spoke his first words. They weren't sentences yet.

4 May

Today Aubrey had visits from his sister and nephew from L.A. It is still hard to know if he recognizes anyone yet. He has started to have some physical therapy, and with great assist he briefly sat on the edge of the bed. The hospital is starting to wean him off of the oxygen. Next week he will probably be moved to a hospital that will help him build up his strength now that he has recovered from pneumonia.They will also do the care of his tracheostomy and remove it from him. Then when he is able to tolerate 3 hours of rehab a day he will return for physical and speech therapy. As soon as he is moved we will let you know where he is and what the visiting hours are.

3 May

Aubrey is out of the ICU!. He is still very ill, his tracheotomy is still in place and he is presently still "speechless". His doctors are very pleased with his progress. Yesterday, when Abby left his room and waved goodbye to him, he waved back at her. He is expecting to be transfered to a recovery facility in the next few days. As soon as we have those details, we'll post it here and what the visiting situation will be.

1 May

Today was a good day for Aubrey. He is out of the soft restraints on his wrists and moving his arms quite freely. Several times he looked at his wrist as if looking to find out what time it was. His son, Clifford, Asked him to squeeze his hand and he did although this was unrepeatable.

• He was more animated than he has been and he made his first sounds.
• The hospital did ultrasound on his legs to see if there were any blood clots from being in bed so log, and there were none.
• They are going to repeat the video EEG to check once more to see if he has been having small seizures.
• He is still running a low temperature.
• He is contining to need oxygen and the hospital is reducing the precentage as he tolerates it.
• He has not had to go back on the respirator.
• He is resting comfortably and we are looking forward to when he will be able to leave the ICU.

29 Apr

Aubrey had a tracheotomy yesterday to help with his breathing. He is now being fed through his stomach. He is off sedation, his eyes are open, and he is making some movements with his face.

Today, Aubrey is off of the ventilator and on oxygen through his tracheotomy. He is doing well and they are going to be decreasing the amount of oxygen they are giving him and see how he tolerates it. His temperature is down and they have determined that he isn't having any seizures (something that is common with brain injuries). We are encouraged with his progress and hope that he will recover enough to be out of the ICU soon.

27 Apr

Aubrey is in very serious condition, but the prognosisis very good for a complete recovery in time. He is now recovering from some pneumonia brought on by his bed rest, the swelling in his brain is showing signs of receding (good!), and he is starting to take food through his mouth. There was little other damage to the rest of his body

Please remember Aubrey in your thoughts and prayers, but at this time we have been requested NOT to send anything to the hospital, he is not seeing visitors at this time and please don't try to call him. We will do all possible to keep this page up to date so you will be informed of his progress and when he will be in a condition to appreciate your cards and wishes.

Aubrey has been a long-term member of SMPTE and frequent participant in our local section's meetings, even hosting some while he worked at Stanford. Our best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery go to Aubrey and wishes for comfort to his girlfriend, Abby.

Created on ... April 27, 2007
Last updated 05 Nov 2008 13:31:13

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