April 30 Update

AMEN!!!!!

Today wasn’t a good day, it was a GREAT DAY! With his sedation turned off, Keith has been able to open his eyes and is off the sedation. Jenny had been frustrated that Keith would open his eyes for his mom and medical personnel, but not Jenny. WELL today, his eyes were open and appeared that he was trying to talk. Remember, he still has a trach with a ventilator in place. Jenny asked Keith for a besito (kiss in Spanish) and he puckered up his lips. Jenny gave him a kiss and then he tried to smile. IN the text from Andrea explaining this occurrence, Andrea texted: GOD IS GOOD!

The progress is incredible in Keith. Tonight I went into his room and called out his name. Keith opened his eyes and turned in my direction and looked at me. One leg was off the bed has he had just previously tried to get out of bed. I asked him to move his fingers and he did. I asked him to squeeze his hand and he did. It was GREAT to see Keith with his eyes open. I hadn’t seen his eyes opened since the day of the accident, Friday the 17^th. It was tough to not get a tear in my eye over the joy of seeing Keith respond. I talked with him quite a bit and explained that he hit his head, had some bleeding, and that he had been sedated but is recovering well. I told him that he is recovering nicely and the doctors are encouraged by his progress. I imagined myself lying there, unable to speak and waking up (especially as a medical professional) wondering “what is going on and why am I here?” Keith’s mom, his brothers and Jenny have all been telling him what is going on. It is important to remind him that he has taken HUGE steps in his recovery. I know he wants out of that bed, but I also know that there is a long recovery period as well. But today was GREAT! GOD IS GOOD!

Continue to pray for Keith. He won’t likely be transferred for another week or so. Since he is recovering nicely, they may be moving him out of ICU soon.

April 29 Update

With the lack of movement, Keith was given a blood transfusion today. There isn’t any bleeding, but his white blood cells count was a bit off. He looked good today and tried to open his eyes for Jenny. With the sedation down, Keith tried to get out of bed and pull tubes. He definitely wants up and out! The doctors say that he is aware of his surroundings. Plans are being made for Keith to continue his recovery in an Acute Rehab Center closer to his home and family in the San Gabriel Valley. Transportation could occur as soon as Friday.

We will keep you updated on any changes.

April 28 Update

Pretty calm day today. A group of us (Paul, Nino, Danny, Ken and Andrea) had to go and try one of Keith’s favorite places to eat: Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles. Not bad! Okay, back to Keith…Pretty calm day today. Keith was put on a new type of breathing device called a T-BAR which is better for him. He was breathing on his own today and while Jenny was talking to him he was trying to open his eyes and managed to get one open. Still heavily sedated, we are taking this one day at a time.

Hope to have more news tomorrow.

Evening update

It was good to see Jenny and family in good spirits today. Jenny looked good and rested.

Today Keith was taken off the ventilator for 7-hours while breathing on his own. This is another good step. While getting a CT scan today, Keith was able to open both eyes and follow a moving finger. Another good step! Jenny is encouraged and said herself that she knows that this is going to take time.

While I was in the room with Jenny and Wendy tonight, Keith’s medical team came in and explained that the reason his temperature had been slightly elevated was because they were able to isolate where they think the infection might be (remember, lots of tubes and intrusion to his body and infection is not uncommon and is treated with antibiotics). Keith has a clot in his arm near his pic line. Usually treated with blood thinners, this is not possible in Keith’s circumstance since he has a brain injury. They plan on replacing the piece of his skull soon and are not in a position to give him the medication (Heparin) that would thin his blood. Once the pic line is removed, the clot will eventually dissipate. In the meantime, they will insert a filter to prevent the clot from traveling to Keith’s lungs. Clots are fairly common and they have a remedy to get this one under control and to get the infection to go away. They will place a central line (via the groin) in Keith that gives medical personnel necessary access (like an I.V. would) to give medications as needed.

Clot: Small Hiccup.

Breathing on his own for 7-hours and following a finger with both eyes open: HUGE step forward!

We joked about Keith’s haircut a bit since they removed his bandages and Jenny has never seen Keith without all of his hair. He actually looks good and we commented on how 80% of his head is shaved, yet above his left ear he has his regular patch of hair.

Keith’s mom Wendy was very encouraged as well. Wendy told me tonight that she is worrying less and trusting God more. Today was a good day. Baby steps, one day at a time. Jenny said today that she knows it will take time.

Keep praying, keep having faith!

April 27 Update

I talked to Keith’s mother Wendy early this a.m. While Wendy sat with Keith talking about the Lakers and how they are doing in the playoffs (It’s a good thing it isn’t football season yet because Keith would be REALLY depressed to hear about how the Raiders would be doing), he was off the ventilator for 3-hours breathing on his own. He was able to open an eye which was exciting for mom to see. Remember, it’s still early and we are taking things one step at a time.

I will update this blog this evening as more details become available.

April 26 Update

Family and friends celebrated Jenny’s birthday at the Yardhouse yesterday. Cake and all, it was tough for Jenny not having Keith present. Jenny said she did enjoy herself and we all know that this is what Keith would have wanted. Andrea (Keith and Jenny’s roommate and amazing friend) has been a rock for Jenny and spends each evening with her. Keith’s daughter Maddy brings smiles to the waiting room and is holding up well. Keith’s mother and brothers have continued to show amazing faith through these tough circumstances. Continue to pray for their strength in addition to praying for Keith’s healing.

Last week the Neurosurgeon said that it could be up to 6-months for the first steps of Keith’s recovery and maybe 18-months after that for a full recovery. Although tough to hear, Keith has and continues to make progress. While many think that Keith will be on his feet next week, we must “trust” and “be still” and know that God is working. Although we want results NOW from this storm we have been in for the last 9-days, we need to trust God. Part of a song sang in church today made me think of the circumstances Keith and family are going through:

Find rest my soul in Christ alone,
Know his power, in quietness and trust.

When the oceans rise
and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.

This song tells us that through these perilous circumstances we need to trust God. We must continue to be patient and have faith that Keith will continue to make progress. Faith has brought us through a rough 9-days with good news along the way!

TODAY, God brought MORE GOOD NEWS! From all the waiting, trust and faith we have all been a part of, Keith took a huge step today. Keith was taken off his ventilator for an hour and was able to breathe on his own during that time. This is another good sign in Keith’s recovery. We look forward to continued progress this week.

We will continue to report on Keith’s recovery throughout the week.

April 25 Update

No real news today as of yet. Keith is resting quietly. It may be a day or two before tests can be performed once the sedation is low enough. As hard as it is to celebrate, today is Jenny’s birthday. We wish Jenny the best tor today and we hope that dinner plans that Keith made for tonight (Yardhouse) for Jenny will still happen with family and friends.

The first gift card was presented to Jenny from the Bowers Billing Department. Please send your gift cards to Bowers Ambulance, Attn: HR –Keith MacLellan. We will make sure they are delivered to Jenny as they arrive.

A week has gone by. Please join the rest of us in praying for good news and recovery during Keith’s 2^nd week of healing.

Note from Darren MacLellan (Brother)

Hey Brother,
I just wanted to let you know that this is the hardest thing I have ever been thru. Every morning I wake up, the first thing I do is look at the blog and see all the love and support people have shown. This overwhelming amount of love and support is what keeps me going and allows me to stay strong. You are my brother and my BEST friend. I can't wait to see you wake up and open your eyes.

Love,
Your Brother Darren

On behalf of the MacLellan family, we would like to thank all of you for your amazing support & prayers.

UPDATE to the LAST UPDATE…

Update sent to me from Andrea: Today started out sad for Jenny not knowing if or how Keith would respond. WELL, after reducing the sedation, Keith tried getting out of bed and reached up to touch Jenny (don’t ask me where). It may be a day or two or even longer before he opens his eyes, but he is starting to respond now. Please continue to pray for good news.

Update

A week has gone by and all we can do is to wait and see. The unknowns and “what ifs” have hit all of us, primarily Jenny and family. Waiting is very difficult, but that is all we can do for now: wait and pray.

Nothing significant today. They are reducing the sedation on Keith, but said it could be a few days for him to open his eyes. Nothing is happening fast enough for any of us, but we need to allow medicine and time to do their things. Family reports that Keith is resting nicely and I will know the minute he is able to respond as the sedation wears down. We will give you an update as things change or new information becomes available.

April 23 Update

Here we are, day 6. Keith had a very busy day today. Keith had an EEG, received his scheduled trach (to breathe through his throat without tubes running through his mouth), and also received a g-tube so he can begin to receive liquid nutrients. Although we are all hoping for Keith to jump out of bed and ask for a Cheeseburger, we understand that the journey is going to be long. While we remain hopeful, the outcome is still in God’s hands. We can only wait and see what kind of damage may or may not exist and pray for the best. We know Keith is a fighter.

Today the Neurosurgeon asked Keith to move and he did. He then asked Keith to raise his fingers. Heavily sedated, Keith slightly moved his fingers and then lifted three fingers. It appears that he is definitely listening and able to follow simple commands. This is good news. As each day and each week passes, there will be a series of tests to determine what Keith is able to do.

Jenny and family were visited today by a friend who sustained a serious brain injury and was in a coma for 40-days. Today this friend walks and talks like the rest of us. Each injury is different and it is too soon to tell (“too soon to tell” is what the medical professionals keep telling us) what the extent of Keith’s recovery will be.

In our leadership meeting today at Bowers Ambulance we discussed our desire to help Jenny and Keith through the rehabilitation process. This may be long and grueling, but like you that continue to wait for updates on this blog, we are committed to helping in every way possible with Keith’s rehabilitation.

Jenny did receive a bit of good news today when her mother in Florida was released from the hospital. Thank God for good news! Today I received a call from a vendor (Jerry from EVG) stating that he had connections with groups that are praying for Keith in other countries. We know that Keith has made through the critical first 72-hours because of your prayers. Please continue to pray for Keith’s recovery and for continued strength for the family.

Pics

April 22 Update

Although we all want things to progress quickly, it has become clearer that this is going to be a day by day process. We expect Keith to exceed expectations and that he will heal quicker than anticipated.

Keith continues to make progress. He is scheduled to get his trach and g-tube tomorrow. Both are key to his recovery. I got the following text from Jenny's close friend and roommate Andrea: "Just saw Keith with Jenny...man does she get him excited! His heart rate went from 58 to 81 AND he squeezed her hand when she asked him to". This is great news. Keith is able to follow commands which is a good indicator that things are going in the right direction! We are thankful for the good news we continue to receive.

Nino gave Jenny her laptop and air card today so she can check her emails and Keith's blog on a regular basis. Jenny liked the idea of the gift cards as there are typically up to 10 family member and friends at the hospital throughout the day and they are often going out to eat.

We pray that God continues to touch Keith and have faith that He is in control of this circumstance.

Meeting with Neurosurgeon

Up to this point, the progression continues to be positive and encouraging for Keith. I (Paul) accompanied Keith’s wife Jenny as well as Wendy and Darren (Keith’s mother and brother) to meet with Keith’s Neurosurgeon at about 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The Neurosurgeon covered CT Scan results and prognosis possibilities. Although most of what were heard was good, the Doctor also had to discuss other possibilities to include what kind of damage MAY have occurred with the injury as well as the possibility that recovery could take well over a year. But the key and encouraging information we received are:

1. Keith is young which is in his favor

2. Keith no longer requires draining from his brain injury

3. He recognizes pain and discomfort which is an EXCELLENT sign

4. His vital signs are good

5. Swelling is nearly if not “gone” and the brain stem looks excellent

6. It is still REAL early and that this kind of injury takes time

The Doctor reiterated that it is too soon to tell a whole lot of things. Like breaking your leg, injuries take time to heal. Patience and time to heal are important for us all to remember. Having overcome the initial hurdles, the next hurdle or test will be to get Keith to answer specific commands to show he understands, such as: raising two fingers when asked. Oh yeah, the other good news is that when sedation was reduced, an RN had to get on top of Keith to restrain him because he began to swing his arms and reach for tubes that are clearly annoying him. Moving and the ability to recognize the things that are bothering him are excellent signs. In order to accomplish testing (responding to specific commands), the ventilator and tubing may need to be replaced with a simple and temporary tracheotomy to accommodate breathing. Medical staff indicates this is a good sign when they are able to move to this step.

We all acknowledged that this could be a long journey, but family and friends all agreed that Keith is too big, too strong and too determined to drag his recovery out. We are all confident that he will beat any timeframe given for each step of his recovery.

Tonight we talked about the importance of family and friends, and situations like this really put things into perspective. Petty differences really shouldn’t matter anymore in a time like this. Keith’s mom and his brothers have been amazing rocks for Jenny. Their faith is strong and they are all confident that Keith will pull through. Each day is another day to recovering. Maddy has visited after school and homework and has been upbeat while looking forward to getting dad home soon.

If you would like to communicate with Jenny outside of getting updates from this blog, she has stated that she prefers to respond to text messages at this time. The entire family has been watching your comments on the blog and they know that we are all praying and that God is in control here.

Please continue to pray for Keith and his entire family.

Bowers Ambulance Grand Prix - youtube

By James Brown

April 21 Update

We know you are all on pins and needles waiting for this update. Here is what we know so far.

First, Jenny got news today that her mom in Florida was in the hospital with a respiratory illness. The good news is that mom is doing great! We know God is only giving Jenny what she can handle up to this point, but we all pray that Jenny only receives great news from this point forward.

Keith is slowly getting weaned off of his sedation. He is still heavily medicated and not awake. Today, the nurse got Jenny and told her she had to come with her to Keith’s room to see something. The nurse told Keith to raise his left foot. Keith did not respond. The nurse then said “Your wife is here, raise your left foot”. With out hesitation, Keith then moved his left foot (I wonder who really wears the pants in their house? With Jenny in the room, Keith listens!). This is spectacular news as he is making progress. As with most injuries, healing takes time. Keith is progressing well and we are all thankful for this progression.

Jenny has obviously been inundated with calls and we are sure it is difficult to repeat his progress with each call she receives. As such, we are providing Jenny with a laptop to keep up on responses you make on Keith’s blog while keeping each of you informed during this very busy time for Jenny and family. She is resting as much as anyone could possibly rest under these circumstances.

Many of you have asked “HOW CAN I HELP?” We have received some excellent suggestions that we are going to share with you. Jenny as well as the entire family (Keith’s mother, brothers, daughter, family, loved ones, closest friends) are eating out in and around the hospital Keith is staying at, St. Mary’s Medical Center in Long Beach. We figure eating out as well as the fuel costs to travel back and forth from San Bernardino County quickly adds up. As such, we are recommending that gift cards are provided for restaurants or for fuel stations. Area restaurants include:

§ Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles (ONE of Keith’s favorites)

§ Chili’s Restaurant

§ Outback Steakhouse

§ Denny’s

§ PF Changs

§ Bubba Gump Shrimp Company

§ Yard House

§ Kings Fish House

§ El Torito

§ Lucille’s BBQ

§ Hof’s Hut


Chicken and Waffles??? We look forward to having Chicken and Waffles with Keith very soon. Please send Gift Cards to:

Bowers Ambulance

Attn: HR - Keith MacLellan

3355 E. Spring Street Suite 301

Long Beach, CA 90806


We will deliver cards as they arrive to the family.

Please continue to pray for continued progress for Keith’s recovery as well as prayer for Jenny’s mom, Jenny and the entire family. We will provide another update tomorrow.

April 20 Update

Keith has made progress since yesterday. His CT Scan today revealed that swelling was down and his ICP (Intra Cranial Pressure) number was 11. Anything below 15 is normal and good. The brain stem looked good and the Neurosurgeon was encouraged by his progress. Keith has been able to move his hands upon command and his improvements are allowing the hospital to move him from the “one-on-one” ICU unit to a lower ICU. Original plans to wean Keith off his ventilator on Friday have changed due to his progression and rapid improvement. The last word was that they would begin weaning Keith off the ventilator today instead. Thank God for good news!

Keith is a fighter and we continue to pray for continued wisdom for the wonderful medical staff, healing for Keith, and strength for his family. Keith’s wife “Jenny” is staying close in a nearby hotel supported by family and friends. This blog will help ease the many phone calls and text messages that are nearly impossible for Jenny to keep up with. There are many people who love Keith and are looking to give support and encouragement while staying up to date on Keith’s progress.

We promise to keep this blog updated as often as possible.

April 19 Update

Keith is heavily sedated allowing the healing to continue to take affect. Family is resting.

April 18 Update

Update
April 18

Keith went to have a brain CAT scan, the results were positive. He responded to all of the commands, i.e. raise your hand and move your toes. The swelling had subsided further. Ray, Paul, our EMTs, Paramedics and RNs who were working on the race all gathered outside the hospital join hands in a prayer. Keith's mother (Wendy) and brothers (Darren and Jason) were embraced individually by our employees.

Our Keith MacLellan

My name is Nino. I work with Keith (Operations Manager and Paramedic Coordinator for Bowers Ambulance,) and I would like to share his story.

Friday, April 17 Keith and I were at the Long Beach Grand Prix. He was very excited because not only was it the day of the race, it also happened to be my birthday! He talked about how we were going to celebrate it that night, we were both very excited. Keith was talking about how he was look ing forward to having steak dinner.

3:30 pm that day, I left the race to pick up my daughter. Everything was looking good; perfect for a great day. Then at 8:00 pm my friend and co-worker, Danny who was with Keith at the time, called me. He said, "Bad news, brother. Keith is in the emergency room. He fell from a golf cart." I thought it was a joke and begun to get angry at him, telling him that it was not funny or something to joke about.

Learning that he wasn't joking, I was taken aback. He had also told me that he was unconscious, was bleeding from the brain, and things weren't looking good. Paul (VP of Bowers Ambulance) was first to get the horrifying news from the E.R. doctor that things did not look good! First assumption and call to Jenny, Keith's wife, was that he had a broken nose. As Brian And Ray (owners of Bowers,) co-workers, friends and families all gathered, our hearts all began to break as we learned things were more serious than a broken nose. I rushed to the emergency room, with all kinds of horrible thoughts in my head. Between prayer and fear, on my way to the hospital, I was horrified.

Once i had arrived, Keith's family and co-workers and friends were already there in tears. They told me what had transpired and that he would be receiving an emergency operation, and worry was written all over their faces. I waited outside, until they let us into the surgery waiting room. The brain swelling was so bad that they had to open up his skull to relieve the pressure.

Then all we could do was wait, it seemed like the longest three hours of my life.

Afterwords, they had informed us that we could see Keith once he was settled in the ICU. The operation was successful and the pressure was relieved. His brain had responded to the procedure and the swelling had subsided.

Suggestions to help Keith and his Family

Suggestions on how we can help: Brian, Paul, and I have been approached by many employees and friends about how they could help Jenny (Keith's wife), Wendy (Keith's mom), Maddy (daughter), his brothers Jason and Darren through this traumatic and unknown time. Please help us out with suggestions as we prepare to do all we can to help support this amazing man and his beautiful family.----- Ray Iskander -