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On Friday, Keith was visited by a few Managers and Directors from Bowers. Keith was joking, eating on his own, and in good spirits. Although he does get a bit confused at times, he continues to progress nicely.
I will try to provide more frequent updates this next week. Continue to keep Keith and his family in your prayers.
Nothing but good news! First, Jenny reported that Keith walked without his walker yesterday. Wobbly at first, he did much better the 2nd time he tried to walk. This was great news for Jenny.
Today we got more good news. We transported Keith by Ambulance to visit his neurosurgeon Dr. Duong. His doctor was amazed at Keith’s progress and said that Keith came from being near death, as Dr. Duong put it (he was extremely critical when he came into the Emergency Room), to where he is today and said that they got this one right or did something right! We are happy that Keith’s surgery is on Dr. Duong’s list of success stories. The doctor said Keith looked remarkable and while they would typically measure his skull to determine the amount of swelling, he said that there was no need to measure since he could visually see that the swelling was gone. Dr. Duong is scheduling Keith into surgery to have the piece of his skull reattached that has been stored in his stomach. At Jenny’s request (Jenny was at work), we took a picture of Keith off one of the cell phones to send to her. Keith stuck his tongue out at Jenny. Keith was talking, making jokes and was in excellent spirits!
We continue to thank God for Keith’s miraculous recovery!!!
I was accompanied tonight by Nino (Bowers I.T. Manager) and Danny (Bowers Operations and Communications Manager) in a visit to see Keith. Keith’s mom Wendy, Jenny as well as Jenny’s brother and other family members and friends were present as Keith talked on the phone (yes, talked on the phone) with Darren. After receiving a breathing treatment, we spent some time talking to Keith. Keith was very talkative and humorous. Sometimes hard to hear when he talks, Jenny told Keith “Use your big voice”. Keith smiled and responded with “whatever”. Although a bit confused at times, he is very animated and knows what is going on.
While trying to track the Lakers score on Nino’s phone (since it wasn’t on the TV in Keith’s room), Keith got on a roll. He said to tell Brian and Ray hi (owners for Bowers) and asked Nino if he had his phone. I told Keith that Danny had has phone. He then teased Nino (Nino is very busy and we all give him a hard time because his overwhelming duties often force him to push off projects for more urgent I.T. needs) that when he needs his phone repaired that it always takes Nino two weeks to fix things. Nino and the rest of us broke out laughing.
While turning to one side of the bed and looking at Jenny, I was on the opposite side and loudly said “Keith” at which point he loudly said “Hey Paul” with a smile. Holding a miniature replica Raiders Helmet, I asked Keith “What is this?” Keith took a hold of the helmet and said “What do you mean? This is nice” and made other “pro Raider” comments. I then asked him who Jenny’s team was and he said “
I can go on and on! Keith watched “DIRTY JOBS” on TV while we all kept up on the Lakers score and spent quality time talking to Keith. There was so much that Keith said (much of which I am probably forgetting). Wee are truly seeing the miraculous power of our God through Keith’s amazing progress and healing. Keith had his I.V. removed, is eating some food, walking, talking and reading. He is still a bit confused at times which is understandable this soon in the game with such a significant brain injury. He looks great, swelling is down and although we know recovery will be long, we are all excited to see how far he has come. Next Wednesday is Keith and Jenny’s anniversary. Jenny is taking that day off from work so she can spend the day with Keith. KEEP PRAYING! It works and is working for Keith! As we left, Keith high fived, shook our hands or gave us up and down fists (hitting our fists together). He asked why I was leaving and I told him that it was almost 9:00 p.m. and that I hadn’t eaten yet...that all three of us guys hadn’t eaten yet. Keith then looked up at the clock and saw the time. It was good for all of us to see Keith and spend time with him. We assured him we would be back and we really didn’t want to leave. It is so exhilarating to see Keith go from ICU and on a ventilator in a coma to being talkative and funny.
Keith’s MRI came back normal. There is still some swelling, but that has gone down considerably in the last two weeks. (Wow, Kris won over Adam!). Although we tried to act like “manly men”, every year us guys at work would go out to lunch and talk about American Idol. I assume Keith was watching or listening tonight and if not, I am sure Jenny will fill him in on the details. We all miss Keith and are excited to see what God has in store for him. We accept that God has a plan and all things happen for a reason although we don’t always understand why. A few of us from work are planning a visit to Keith in the early evening. I will report on any updates as you continue to pray for Keith’s recovery.
I was in awe and stood in amazement in my visit with Keith today. Keith had me, Jenny and Darren rolling in laughter. Keith is animated and has made tremendous improvement. I am not sure where to begin and will probably leave a few things out, but let me share TODAY with you…
Keith was able to walk with a walker today and did well. When Jenny asked Keith if he was showing off, he said that he was. Off from work, Jenny was able to be present during Keith’s therapy (walking, etc.) today. Not only was he able to walk, but he was able to read and repeat numbers. Yesterday he had Darren’s cell phone and read the text message or missed call to Darren. Amazing!
When I first arrived early in the afternoon, Keith was sleeping. He woke up for less than a minute and then went back into a healthy “snoring” nap for about 20-minutes or so. When Keith woke up, he was really animated. He commented about coming back to work and was answering all my questions. Jenny said he wanted Keith to get better by September so they could watch football together. Knowing Keith is a Raider fan, I mentioned rooting on the Chargers and Keith responded saying “Forget the Chargers” with a smile on his face. Jenny asked Keith who HIS team was and Keith said “Raiders”. Jenny asked him who HER team was and he said “Chickens”. Jenny laughed and said “Dolphins” at which team Keith smiled and said “Dolphins”. I told him about his Dodgers and Manny Ramirez and he responded with either “really” or “wow” or something like that (I can’t remember because we were talking about so many different things). I mentioned our trips to “Curley’s” (a local burger joint in
Keith did complain that his head was hurting and I explained that they gave him pain medication in his I.V. while he was sleeping. He asked if they gave him something to sleep and I explained NO, just medication for your headache. Keith was high fiving, smiling, teasing Jenny, and was in great spirits. He fingered Darren to get closer to him and told him several times to “get closer” and then pointed to his cheek at which time Darren asked if he wanted a kiss and then kissed Keith on the cheek. Keith smiled and said that he was waiting for that all day and then basically told Darren he was “dumb” for doing it. We all busted out laughing.
I know that I probably missed a lot of what happened today, but today was truly amazing. Here is what I do know. KEITH IS PROGRESSING NICELY! Darren and I both had a tear in our eye as we talked about that first night when we didn’t know if Keith would make it to where he is today. We thank GOD for his blessing in Keith’s life and the healing we continue to see! OH YEAH, Keith ate applesauce (he knew what it was and what it tasted like) and drank orange juice today. He can breathe on his own, walk, talk, eat, taste, swallow AND has a sense of humor. He is still healing and may have some deficits we are not aware of yet, but so far God has provided wonderful healing!
Please don’t forget to continue to pray for many more days of great news and for few to no roadblocks in Keith’s recovery. We know there are many hurdles to still overcome but we are thankful for what we are seeing up to this point!
Look for more good news in future blogs!
Jenny was unable to make it to the hospital yesterday (Sunday) because she wasn’t feeling well so I wanted to give you a quick update on Keith. On Saturday night/Sunday morning he pulled his trach out (again). The Doctor decided to leave it out and have him monitored closely to see how his breathing and oxygen level would respond. Of course, being the fighter that Keith is, he passed the test and didn’t need the trach anymore.
Yesterday (Sunday), Keith had a really good day. When I walked in the room he smiled and said “What’s up brother!” My Mom, Jason, Devin (Jason wife) & Maddy were there spending time with him as well & he was alert and talking a lot. Later in the day, the Doctor visited him and asked how he was doing and Keith responded with “Good” and a high five. The doctor asked who was there visiting him and Keith said “My Mom, my Daughter…” The doctor told us that he feels Keith is ready to go to rehab and was starting to get the ball rolling on a transfer. Great News!
Darren MacLellan
We are at the one month mark from when Keith’s injury occurred. I talked to Jenny who was at work today. She says that they are still awaiting the results of the tests they ran yesterday. Darren was told that since tests happened later in the day yesterday, it may take a bit longer to get those results.
Jenny says Keith talks when he wants and to certain people. I am sure there are good days where Keith is more alert and days where Keith is fatigued or just trying to heal. When his mom Wendy walked into the room recently, he said “Hello Mother”. Jenny asked Keith why he keeps pulling his tubes and Keith said “I don’t know why baby”. While we are excited about his progress, we are concerned about the swelling and pray that it will subside and Keith will continue to show the progress he has shown up to this point.
Jenny indicated she is happy with what has been reported on this blog. The entire family has asked that we manage this blog and ensure it’s accuracy and integrity. This blog has helped to keep everyone in the loop on Keith’s progress. With 600 employees in the Bowers and Pacific Ambulance family as well as Keith’s immediate family and friends, we are hoping that this blog has provided you with the information you would like to hear on Keith. I receive daily phone calls from people who love Keith and are all praying for his recovery. On behalf of the Bowers family as well as the MacLellan family, your prayers and support are greatly appreciated.
Today we had put plans into motion to transport Keith back to St. Mary’s
Kathleen (Director of HR for Bowers) spent several hours with Keith today. He was awake and smiling. The uncertainties are difficult to deal with, but we continue to have faith that God will continue to work in healing Keith as well as in the lives of all those that surround Keith. Please pray for healing and that the family may continue to find strength during this difficult time.
Not a whole lot to report at this time. Keith is talking and progressing. Jenny sent me a text message last night and continues to be by Keith’s side as well as Keith’s mom and brothers. Breathing on his own, walking and talking are all good things to report up to this point. The rehab process will be long and we look for continued progress.
Continue to pray for Keith and his family.
Happy 35th birthday Keith! We look forward to your next birthday when you will be out of the hospital and fully recovered.
On Monday, Keith had a CT Scan and EEG. There is still a bit of swelling, and Keith had a seizure the night before. His seizure meds were increased. Keith was a little out of it today and still in need of much rest. Please keep Keith in your prayers!
First, Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers out there that are following this blog. I know Wendy is blessed to have three great sons this mother’s day and I am sure she is thankful for Keith’s recovery.
I heard from Jenny today who said Keith’s spirits are up but he is tired. A Dodger fan, maybe no one has told him about Manny yet!
I know there was talk about removing his trach which may occur this week. Keith makes progress each day and I am sure the week will be filled with new tests and therapy for Keith. Please pray for progress throughout the week. Tomorrow is Keith’s 35th birthday. The real birthday celebration will happen when Keith is released from the hospital.
We will report on progress throughout the week.
Praise God for the positive things I got to see in Keith today. Keith was able to walk around today before I arrived. They removed staples from his head today and he was fitted with a helmet. With a small piece of his skull removed and preserved to make sure there is not pressure on his brain, it is important to make sure Keith does not injure himself further. While swelling has gone down, there is still a little swelling that needs to go down. Once that occurs, they will be able to reattach the piece of skull.
When I asked Keith who I was, he reached for my hand and while squeezing said “Paul”. I pointed to Danny and asked if he knew who HE was. It took him a second, but then he smiled and then described Danny as “a pain” in the rear end (but Keith didn’t say “rear end”). He has a sense of humor. I asked if he remembered Brian and Ray, and he responded with “Definitely”. I said “How could you not remember those characters” at which time Keith smiled. Leaving the room brought tears to my eyes as well as Danny. Nearly 22-days earlier we were told that he may not make it through the night. The recovery has been remarkable and it really gave me a warm and elated feeling to see him smile and talk. He was definitely tired and seemed confused at times. Imagine the full year it sometimes takes professional athletes to rehabilitate from a serious sports injury. Keith had a serious brain injury and it will take time to heal. He is making tremendous progress though and has been off the ventilator for two days.
I was pulled aside today by one of our EMTs that Keith hired. She talked about Keith saying “That was me”. She had a brain injury similar to Keith’s, but more severe with a skull fracture in addition to the subdural hematoma. Through a long healing and rehabilitation process, she works today on an ambulance for us and only lost her ability to smell from the injury.
While visiting, both Jason and Darren were also at the hospital. I am sure the close proximity to their homes has helped. Keith’s mom Wendy had a bit of a cold the last few days and of course didn’t want to spread that cold to Keith. She was back to work today and knowing Wendy, she was by Keith’s side tonight. I am sure she has put more miles on her car in the last 3-weeks than in the last 3-months. With the exception of her cold, she has been by Keith’s side. Jenny was also at work today, but thank God work and home are close to the hospital making visits much easier vs. having to commute to
I am sure this has been very trying for family and everyone else involved. As we continue to pray for Keith and thank God for his healing, please remember to pray for family that God will give them strength and traveling mercies as they travel to and from the hospital to see Keith.
Today was a fairly good day for Keith. Although Keith continues to be confused, he was able to take a few big steps forward. Keith sat up today and they actually stood him up as well. Physical Therapists (two of them) both are encouraged by his progress. He was able to lift, move and control his head. This is good. I received emails from Darren today and he says he is doing much better now that Keith is awake. Mom continues to be by his side each evening along with Jenny. I am sure it has been tough for both of them having to return to work this week, but we are thankful that they are close by now vs. having to drive to
Danny and I are visiting Keith tomorrow and I will update you again in the evening. Keith is strong and we continue to be thankful for what God is doing for Keith.
We may have posted this before, but it is appropriate to post again….
Dear Keith,
As Darren has already stated your accident has been the most difficult situation our family has ever faced. It has been two weeks of praying that you would wake up and return to us. Keith you have shown everyone that you are very strong, "A Mac Lellan" that’s for sure. I am very proud of you and I love you very much. There have been hundreds of people praying for you and our family which has made all of the difference in your recovery. Keith I hope you and all of the people that have been touched by your story will grow closer to God. Remember God is in control and he loves to come through for the people who love him.
Jason Mac Lellan
"Think On"
Keith has been in his new facility for a day now. Understandably, Keith has been a bit agitated. He is still on a medication and gets confused at times. A brain injury takes time to heal and we must accept that being patient through this process is a must.
Today a CT scan was planned but he was being a bit aggressive and was not cooperating with staff (Keith being feisty and not wanting to be where he is at). As such, they let Keith rest and planned on doing a scan later today. Keith was active and talking, but the injury has not completely healed and was described today as being “in and out of awareness”.
On good note, his respiratory therapist came in this afternoon and said that he is doing very well. He is breathing on his own and his blood pressure is good. They plan on adjusting his trach with a tube or cap that allows him to speak. He spoke quite a bit today the best he could with his voice and not just mouthing. The RT also said that Keith’s doctor is one of the best especially for these kinds of cases. If Keith is progressing, the doctor will remove the trach as early as this weekend so that Keith can communicate better.
In addition to Jenny, Keith’s mother Wendy as well as his brothers Jason and Darren continues to be by his side. The entire family has been thankful for Keith’s progress.
Thank God for the healing that has already occurred. Please continue to pray for Keith.
Keith was successfully transported to Kindred West Covina today. We wanted to make sure got the best care possible. We had our Management and Supervisor team complete the transport with RN Lead Rick Kaplan, Respiratory Therapist Sam Newman, Safety Manager Randy Marshman and driving was Marketing Coordinator/EMT Jonathan Harper. Operations Supervisor Pedro Flores and Operations Manager Danny Santillan assisted in the movement of Keith and followed to assist in placing him comfortably in his bed. Our staff took the time to meet with the facility Administrator, Nursing Staff and Respiratory Therapist to share who Keith is to all of us. He is in good hands.
The staff involved in the transport said it was one of the hardest things they have ever done. Many have not seen Keith since the accident. Just over two weeks ago we were all laughing with Keith.
Danny and I recalled the day before his accident when we went to Curley’s Restaurant after getting set up for the Grand Prix. Keith had been on quite the health kick for the last few months and had lost weight. As Keith relaxed for what he knew would be a weekend of unhealthy eating, Danny and I gave each other a high five and said “Keith is back” as he chowed down a sandwich, fries and a taquito. We look forward to a “high five” when Keith is back and we are able to sit down and have a meal with him again…soon!
Keith is in good hands. Please pray for his family and for continued healing. Keep Keith, Jenny and the family in your prayers!
We are scheduled to transport Keith at 1200 today. We are sending a team of managers and medical professionals to complete this transport. We will update you once the transport is complete and Keith is settled in
We will likely be moving Keith tomorrow, Cinco de Mayo! It is a day to celebrate the next step in Keith’s recovery. Plans are being finalized to move him to Kindred Hospital West Covina. From there he will subsequently be moved to a rehabilitation facility. There is a LONG ROAD ahead of Keith and we look forward to assisting in any way we can in the rehabilitation process.
Today one of staff members (Jonathan) went to see Keith and commented to him that he thought Keith was more of the type to wear his hospital gown with the opening in the front and not the back. This gave Keith a laugh and to know and see Keith laugh is truly a blessing. He knows who people are and is able to mouth words. When Andrea asked if he remembered who she was, he mouthed “Of course I remember you”.
WE thank God for continued healing and look forward to the next steps of Keith’s recovery. I will update you tomorrow once we have moved him by ambulance to
Today we worked with Case Management staff on planning the transport for Keith to Kindred West Covina today or tomorrow. We are working out details and will update you later this evening on Keith’s progress and his pending transfer.
Today was
Keith is doing remarkable. Previously hesitant in seeing daddy with tubes throughout and not able to open his eyes, Maddy has spent a great weekend with Daddy. At 10-years old and with little ones of my own that has played with Maddy in the past and are her age, we can all only imagine how tough it has been for Maddy. But this weekend was a weekend of smiles and “I love you” being shared back and forth! Today Maddy said “I love you” to Keith and he mouthed back “I love you more”. Maddy then mouthed back “I love you to infinity” at which point Keith mouthed “YOU WIN”.
Let’s talk more about WINNING! Yes, Keith is winning this battle and has beaten the initial odds. He is responsive and anxious to get out of bed. His ventilator is only doing about 30% of the work for him and plans are to continue to wean him down even more. As he continues to heal, plans are already in motion to get him transported to
Many who know God but have not had much of a personal relationship with God used this difficult time to call on God for his miraculous healing. Keep that relationship alive! Like family and friends that we may seek for help, they should never be forgotten…especially when they come through. God is coming through! Take time if you haven’t to really thank him.
A time like this puts everything into perspective for all of us. It has for me. Thank you all for your faith and continued support to the MacLellan Family, Friends, and the Bowers Family. I look forward to continuing to provide you with good news.
EACH DAY KEEPS GETTING BETTER! Keith was moved out of ICU today and up the 7th floor. Today when Jenny told him she loved him, he mouthed “I love you too”. He asked for his 10-year old Maddy as well. When she entered the room, he smiled and mouthed “I love you”.
We are seeing wonderful things in Keith’s recovery. God has heard your prayers and Keith will need continued prayers to get through this recovery period. I look forward to reporting more EXCELLENT NEWS in the days to come!
It’s been two weeks since the injury. Jenny recalled hearing in the first few hours of the injury that Keith may not make it, to what is now clearly GOD at work. Keith is on the road to recovery. Again, the road will be long and we will need to take one day at a time, but things are going in the right direction.
Today Keith got agitated while be moved and tried to speak and was obviously mouthing words. When the RN asked Keith where he was, he mouthed “hospital”. He then kept mouthing that he had to go to the bathroom. He has a trach and is still on a vent, but being able to mouth words means that things are looking good and his brain is working to know where he is and what he wants.
We have done a lot of praying for Keith’s healing. Please take a moment to thank God for touching Keith and for his miraculous healing. Keep your fingers crossed, keep the prayers going and we will continue to keep you updated!
