The Sedlak Family

The Sedlak Family
Rachel and John's Wedding

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Sweet Momma Update

Good evening sweet friends and family,

Sorry it has been so long since we have provided an update on Mom's progress. I wish we could report on lots of positive change but this recovery continues to be incredibly slow and very challenging. Given the sensitive location of Mom's brain tumor and the hemorrhage, all aspects of this recovery are painfully slow and it will take years to hopefully regain some level of independence. We are pleased to say that she has improved swallowing capabilities, which have allowed her to take all of her liquids without the thickening compound added. This allows her to drink clear water which she loves, but at the same time Dad continues to give her water through her feeding tube to make sure that she keeps hydrated.

Mom's challenges are many as she remains confined to her wheelchair with a weak ankle from her tendon surgery, and is still a long way from using a walker because of the need for improved core strength and improved balance, but we  remain hopeful that with significant therapy she will get to that point in the future. Numbness on both sides of her body continue to be a challenge and this seems to have also effected her speech capabilities as it remains very difficult for her to speak understandably. This leads us to have our primary means of communication be the simple alphabet card which although frustratingly slow, remains the most effective means to let us know what she needs. There are numerous computer apps which allow patients with speech difficulties to type out words and the computer will do the speaking, but Mom's ataxia(tremors) make it difficult to type anything. Maybe with time, one of the apps may help. 

Probably the most frustrating challenge is the continued double vision. Mom and Dad will be seeing an Eye Surgeon in the coming weeks to get her opinion on what might be possible to gain some improvement in her vision. 

Through this all, Mom rarely complains. She loves seeing the Grandkids regularly and Dad tries to keep her moving with frequent trips out of the house to church, shopping, a movie, and even the local 4th of July parade and the fireworks. Mom and Dad also traveled to San Antonio recently to see Caroline and Elle's dance recital which they loved. 

We thank everyone for the continued thoughts and prayers, notes of encouragement and the dinners and snacks that have been sent Mom and Dad's way. They have been incredibly helpful and very appreciated. 

Thank you!!

Love, Rachel & John Sedlak





Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Memorial Day in Galveston

Hello sweet family & friends,

I wanted to share some fun pictures with you! This past weekend we took Mom on her first mini "vacay" since the surgery. It felt good to get away, but we stayed pretty close to home in case anything happened {as you know, I'm a worrier!} Galveston is about 1.5 hours from Kingwood and only 45 from the Medical Center, so we were close!

It was a short trip, just a one night stay at the San Luis, but it was perfect! I was so stressed out about taking Mom to a hotel and making sure everything was "handicap accessible" for her. I wanted it to be a stress free trip for her and Dad and it was! Amen!! They had a special handicap room that overlooked the beach and it was very nice for them!

I think I may have a new hobby... I want to become a hotel and restaurant critic for people in wheelchairs!! When your life is turned upside down and you're suddenly stuck in a wheelchair, getting around your own house is not an easy task, imagine getting around in public - in places you are not familiar with - IT'S STRESSFUL! I want to help our sweet friends and make life just a little bit easier for them!

Over the last 7 months, I have constantly been reminded that people are good, really GOOD! Strangers always jump to help out when they see us out and about with Mom. Sometimes it's carrying a bag, or holding a door, offering tips because we are obviously very new at this, whatever it may be - IT HELPS! Thank you, strangers!

Enjoy these pictures and please let me know if you know any great ADA compliant restaurants or hotels around the Houston area, I would love to check them out and start my new list!

Love, Rachel















Monday, May 13, 2013

Happy Mother's Day

Hello everyone!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day with all those sweet Mommas out there!

We enjoyed another fun weekend with our sweet Momma. Michael, Allison and their girls came in town from San Antonio and we celebrated our Mom all weekend long! It was F-U-N and we made lots of memories. John Chris ran around with his cousins just like one of the big kids! He's growing too fast and yesterday I felt so honored to be his Mommy! I still can't believe God chose ME to be his Mom, I'm the luckiest girl in the world!

We also had a fun weekend celebrating Miss Caroline, she and Mom have birthdays this week. Sweet Caroline turns 6 on Friday and Mom celebrates another year TOMORROW! Lots of celebrations and so much to be thankful this Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!



 
We love our Momma so much!!!


 
Happy Birthday Caroline and Grandma


 
Spool Fun with all the cousins


 
Aaaadorable!


 
All because two people fell in love!

Friday, May 10, 2013

My little Texan

Hello everyone!

I wanted to share some pictures with you of my little man.

John Chris at 18 months - He's fast, he's funny and he's the sweetest little guy around!

He brings so much joy to our little family!

Enjoy!!



 
Little Texan




 
Indiana Jones




 
Firetruck Fun


 
Like Father, Like Son


 
Cinco de Mayo

Momma Update

Hi friends!

I'm so sorry that I haven't posted an update on Mom lately, life as been pretty busy around here. John Chris keeps me on my toes!

Mom and Dad are completely settled in at home and they have a schedule that works great for them. Mom goes to the Med Center three times a week for rehab and we continue to see progress. Her speech is still not where we want it to be, somedays she is easier to understand than others. I pray that she has a full speech recovery though, it breaks my heart when I can't understand what she's trying to tell me.

I wish I had more to report on Mom, but she's doing well, staying strong and she has a healthy appetite. Our prayers are being answered! Thank you, Prayer Warriors!

Below are some pictures of her at rehab and celebrating Kelly's birthday last week. Enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Love Rachel







Friday, April 19, 2013

Life at Home

Hello friends & family,

Our sweet lady has been at home for two weeks now and she is doing very well. Each time I see her, I see an improvement!

She has had two weeks to rest and sometime this week she will begin outpatient rehab in the Med Center. Dad will drive her downtown 3 times a week. She will continue with OT, PT and Speech. I've noticed that her speech has gone downhill since her discharge from the hospital, but I pray that comes back once rehab starts.

Mom is truly happy these days, John Chris and I stop by their house everyday to say hi and she is always smiling. She has not lost her sense of humor, that's for sure. I think she laughs more than ever now! Life is too short and if you know us well, you know we like to have a good time - ALL THE TIME!

We've started to take Mom on little field trips to get her out of the house and she loves it! That girl loves to shop, so we make sure to hit up for favorite spots! Watch out Houston, she's coming back!

Dad has a new name these days and it's Saint John of Little Bear. He is amazing! He takes excellent care of Mom from morning to night. He works on her speech, applies daily meds, cooks meals, takes care of the house and you know what he says..."It's easy, Tooch!" I tell him, "he's going to straight to Heaven!"

Thank you to all of our friends and family these past two weeks for the yummy meals and treats, fun visits, gorgeous flowers and thoughtful cards! You all have made this huge transition much easier for us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Love, Rachel


 
Mom getting the cast checked out.


 
John Chris loves rides with Grandma!

Friday, April 5, 2013

Home Sweet Home

Hello sweet friends & family,

Thank you for sending all the good vibes and happy thoughts our way today! Mom's first day at home was a memorable one.

The house was decorated with Welcome Home signs, confetti and we even had a fun cookie cake! If you know me, you know I tend to go a bit overboard with celebrations! ; ) And today was quite the celebration!!!

Mom had lots of visitors this afternoon and tonight we had a family pizza party! It was the perfect first day at home.

Thank you again for all the sweet gestures today! Mom loved it!

Love, Rachel