Hey all,
I just received this from Caricia.
Hello Family -
We just got off the phone with Dad. It looks like a top neurosurgeon, a world renowned physician, just came in to see Leif and she believes that the damage to the brain stem is severe and irreversible. She pronounced him. This concurs with what neurosurgeons in the US at OSHU have told us. Surgery would not improve the fundamental damage to the life systems that keep him breathing, heart beating, and alive. Dad, Lars, and Renee want to give him 48 hours, to spend time with his body (and, I suspect, his drifting spirit) to speak with him, sing songs to him, and let him know that we love him. From here in San Francisco, we plan to do the same.
We all have our own grief to experience in the next hours, days, and years to come. For those loved ones left behind, we live with our loss. I believe that the next thing is good. Good for Leif and one day good for each one of us. But we still suffer our losses. As mom used to tell me, "let death be your guide." Let it remind us that today is the day to confront our fears, to seek real peace and joy, to forgive and move on, and to love without reservation.
Anthony and I, and even babbling Jett, want all of you to know that we love you very much.
--Caricia
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There will be a separate place to discuss this.
Leif's current condition
Chucks current synopsis
Update on Leif May 24,2011 at 1815 hours:
We are not going to harvest organs and terminate life support on Wed5/25/11 at 0700 hours if Leif can not maintain spontaneous respiration. Neither Moon nor Renee think that is giving Leif sufficient time for brain recovery. Leif has had some improvement in spinal cord function with return of some normal spinal reflexes that were not there on Sunday night. There has been no change in cerebral function, cranial nerve function, or papillae function. The neurosurgeons do not place much value in return of spinal cord reflexes. They believe prognosis is unchanged. Obviously, the thinking is if spinal cord reflexes can improve with supportive care over time, than cerebral function may also-only take longer. I do not truly share the hope but any decision on this matter is by consensus not majority etc. I support the process and the actions of the group. Renee and I have preformed therapeutic touch on Leif regularly. We all know many stores of miracles. We all will continue to do what we can. We ask the same of all of you. At this time I have no definite time frame for anything, Leif could die outright at any time of numerous complications. At present he is requiring little medicine to support blood pressure. Kidney function has improved. He is requiring insulin for sugar control. He is require thermal regulation. Body temperature maintained at 34.8 degrees centigrade. Lance and Aden are coming in tonight. I am leaving either Sat or Sun to work on Mon. Future plans are, of course, unknown. Keep on sending the positive energy toward Leif. Love to all, Chuck
We are not going to harvest organs and terminate life support on Wed5/25/11 at 0700 hours if Leif can not maintain spontaneous respiration. Neither Moon nor Renee think that is giving Leif sufficient time for brain recovery. Leif has had some improvement in spinal cord function with return of some normal spinal reflexes that were not there on Sunday night. There has been no change in cerebral function, cranial nerve function, or papillae function. The neurosurgeons do not place much value in return of spinal cord reflexes. They believe prognosis is unchanged. Obviously, the thinking is if spinal cord reflexes can improve with supportive care over time, than cerebral function may also-only take longer. I do not truly share the hope but any decision on this matter is by consensus not majority etc. I support the process and the actions of the group. Renee and I have preformed therapeutic touch on Leif regularly. We all know many stores of miracles. We all will continue to do what we can. We ask the same of all of you. At this time I have no definite time frame for anything, Leif could die outright at any time of numerous complications. At present he is requiring little medicine to support blood pressure. Kidney function has improved. He is requiring insulin for sugar control. He is require thermal regulation. Body temperature maintained at 34.8 degrees centigrade. Lance and Aden are coming in tonight. I am leaving either Sat or Sun to work on Mon. Future plans are, of course, unknown. Keep on sending the positive energy toward Leif. Love to all, Chuck
Re: Leif's current condition
Leif's condition is basically unchanged although he is off the cooling blanket and seemingly maintaining his temperature at 37.8C. Hi s kidney function is almost normal and he has a more pronounced grasp reflex in his hand.
Chuck and I are doing therapeutic touch on him 2 x a day and singing to him and talking to him. Aden, Lance, Lars , Moon and her father Joel are in regularly to visit and sit with him and talk to him, and visits from friends are limited to 3-4 pm. For the friends the Stringham family is sponsoring a party in Leif's honor Friday night to which all will be invited. Leif has so many friends staying and supporting us constantly with meals, internet access, the use of their cell phones rides everywhere and most of all their presence and immense love for Leif. Yesterday the driver of the truck and his sister came with flowers and to tell us they are constantly praying for Leif. This was very difficult for Moon. Warren, one of Leif's friends from New Zealand arrived at the same time and was able to translate for us. These coincidences have each been like small miracles.
The prayers are healing our family and we now they are healing Leif, in whatever form that takes. Thanks you and please continue praying for that huge miracle.
Current plans are for Chuck and Lars to return Sunday and for Aden and Lance to return Saturday. I ( Renee) will stay on until June 9th and then another family member, not quite decided who yet, will come. It is our intent to have a presence here until Leif either returns to us, or deteriorates, no matter how long that takes. Many friends and family already have tickets to come for the wedding which was to be in August and can change those flights.
It turns out that Leif and Moon were married Feb 14th in order not to have to deal with the paper work at the time of the wedding celebration, and that made everything here so much easier since she can officially sign papers etc.
Friends and family went out for dinner last night and it was a good time for remembering Leif and honoring him as well as binding us all closer as we continue to care for him.
In love and eternal gratefulness,
Renee
Chuck and I are doing therapeutic touch on him 2 x a day and singing to him and talking to him. Aden, Lance, Lars , Moon and her father Joel are in regularly to visit and sit with him and talk to him, and visits from friends are limited to 3-4 pm. For the friends the Stringham family is sponsoring a party in Leif's honor Friday night to which all will be invited. Leif has so many friends staying and supporting us constantly with meals, internet access, the use of their cell phones rides everywhere and most of all their presence and immense love for Leif. Yesterday the driver of the truck and his sister came with flowers and to tell us they are constantly praying for Leif. This was very difficult for Moon. Warren, one of Leif's friends from New Zealand arrived at the same time and was able to translate for us. These coincidences have each been like small miracles.
The prayers are healing our family and we now they are healing Leif, in whatever form that takes. Thanks you and please continue praying for that huge miracle.
Current plans are for Chuck and Lars to return Sunday and for Aden and Lance to return Saturday. I ( Renee) will stay on until June 9th and then another family member, not quite decided who yet, will come. It is our intent to have a presence here until Leif either returns to us, or deteriorates, no matter how long that takes. Many friends and family already have tickets to come for the wedding which was to be in August and can change those flights.
It turns out that Leif and Moon were married Feb 14th in order not to have to deal with the paper work at the time of the wedding celebration, and that made everything here so much easier since she can officially sign papers etc.
Friends and family went out for dinner last night and it was a good time for remembering Leif and honoring him as well as binding us all closer as we continue to care for him.
In love and eternal gratefulness,
Renee
Re: Leif's current condition
just returned from the hospital and Leif''s condition has deteriorated significantly. He lost his reflexes and his platelets dropped to 20,000. He is getting a platelet transfusion as we speak. Please keep praying
Love to all,
Renee
Love to all,
Renee
Re: Leif's current condition
Hi All,
Not such good news this morning. Leif has DIC -where his blood is clotting in many places in his body driving his platelets down. Things are different here and blood is not at each hospital but at a central blood bank and platelets had to be ordered and arrived 12-24 hours later. In the mean time they have given him an immune suppressant used for rheumatoid arthritis. His kidneys are unable to handle all of this and are failing again. Chuck,Lars, Lance, Aden and I are in agreement that we should not continue to support his body but we are making all decisions based on total agreement (consensus) so for things continue.
Currently I will be here until the 9th and Maribeth is coming the 8th to support Moon. Chuck and the boys return this weekend.
Our hearts are heavy with grief, but also filled with the memories of our love for Lief and his incredible love for us.
Her parents will also be here for the foreseeable future.
Love and hugs to all of you who are here in spirit with us.
Renee
Not such good news this morning. Leif has DIC -where his blood is clotting in many places in his body driving his platelets down. Things are different here and blood is not at each hospital but at a central blood bank and platelets had to be ordered and arrived 12-24 hours later. In the mean time they have given him an immune suppressant used for rheumatoid arthritis. His kidneys are unable to handle all of this and are failing again. Chuck,Lars, Lance, Aden and I are in agreement that we should not continue to support his body but we are making all decisions based on total agreement (consensus) so for things continue.
Currently I will be here until the 9th and Maribeth is coming the 8th to support Moon. Chuck and the boys return this weekend.
Our hearts are heavy with grief, but also filled with the memories of our love for Lief and his incredible love for us.
Her parents will also be here for the foreseeable future.
Love and hugs to all of you who are here in spirit with us.
Renee
Re: Leif's current condition
Salem, Oregon about 2300hr Sunday May 29,2011
Dear friends and family, I returned home today with Lars. Leif is brain dead-just waiting for his beautiful, great heart to stop beating. Has had episodes of hypotension requiring increase blood pressure medicine. Developed urinary tract infection today per Renee. Back in rapid atrial fibrillation. Requiring cooling blanket to keep temperature down. Sodium remains around 170. We have been blessed with his life and know he goes to the next adventure. Thank you all for your love and support. Renee remains through next week. Meribeth will replace her. I anticipate returning to China in July whether Leif is alive or dead to visit his bride Moon. They were legally married on 2/14/11 for some practical reasons-secret from family. Plans are in flux. In future will update to leifstringham.com. Goodnight to all. Chuck Stringham
Dear friends and family, I returned home today with Lars. Leif is brain dead-just waiting for his beautiful, great heart to stop beating. Has had episodes of hypotension requiring increase blood pressure medicine. Developed urinary tract infection today per Renee. Back in rapid atrial fibrillation. Requiring cooling blanket to keep temperature down. Sodium remains around 170. We have been blessed with his life and know he goes to the next adventure. Thank you all for your love and support. Renee remains through next week. Meribeth will replace her. I anticipate returning to China in July whether Leif is alive or dead to visit his bride Moon. They were legally married on 2/14/11 for some practical reasons-secret from family. Plans are in flux. In future will update to leifstringham.com. Goodnight to all. Chuck Stringham