SUNDAY, JULY 12, 2009 4:05 PM, EDT
Good Afternoon from Tango Trauma Headquarters ~ ~
Chalmers has had a great day today. Meds continue to keep him well-sedated and he continues to hold his own. We have been encouraged today by some comments from Dr. Hadley and Nurse Erika that it is rare for patients with injuries like Chalmers' to be able to come off sedation meds on the first try. Often times it takes up to four or five tries to fully wake them up. So we are on track for tomorrow and will see what that holds. Good news from the neourologists that we are not having a CT scan today. We have had three days with no change in the scans and they believe more harm can come from the move itself than can be achieved from the scan.
Chalmers is awaiting the arrival of a new mattress - a type of air bed that will help with body pressures and should make him more comfortable. All those things make his Mama happy!
The kindness and thoughtfulness of all of our family and friends continues to lift us up and keep us going. So many of you have taken a moment to come by with hugs and well-wishes and they really mean so much. From friends of ours to friends of our parents, to friends of friends - thank you for every smile you bring to our days.
As Chalmers has a good 24 hours more before we begin to see any further change in his condition, Chal, Carly Anne and I are going to spend a little time together and a lot of time together with him recharging ourselves for the many ups and downs that are ahead of us. We are excited about some family time tonight thru Tuesday knowing that Wednesday will, very possibly, bring an entire new set of challenges. We look forward to your support during that time of challenge and in the days to come. As the old song goes, "We've only just begun..." That is just the way we feel and we believe it is important to rechage ourselves while we have the opportunity so we can be strong and ready for Chalmers as his needs change.
Please continue your prayers for God's hand to heal and strengthen Chalmers during these next 24 - 36 hours.
Standing in His strength,
Lori Anne & family
SUNDAY, JULY 12, 2009 9:52 AM, EDT
Good morning to all but especially the young men playing All-Stars in our community. My family and I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to include my son in your daily routine and for allowing him to be a part of your All-Star series. I have had the pleasure of coaching for many years and have found coaching to be one of the most rewarding things I have done personally. To see a young athlete improve or achieve a new level of excellence is an awesome thing to be a part of. But I must say, seeing the love and support that each of you have displayed for Chalmers is totally indescribable. Chalmers played in the Ridge Spring this year however we have so many close friends on every team in this league. No matter who the victor is at the end of the game, you all have won because you have risen above your own needs and desires and have included my son in your experiences. Your parents, your coaches, and each of you are to be commended and a special debt of graditude from me.
May the winner go on and represent our community to the best of their abilities.
All my love and appreciation,
Coach Carr
Today's update...
Chalmers slept well through the night after returning to sedation meds. Upon examination this morning the doctors decided his activity was a bit higher than they were comfortable with, so his meds were increased again. This is not uncommon because the body has a way of becoming too accustomed to doses thus meds need to be increased to achieve the same results. The new game plan, provided Chalmers and the good Lord agree, is to let him remain in this state until sometime tomorrow.
Yesterday when the sedation med was removed it was taken away all at once - tomorrow they intend to gradually decrease the dose to lessen the impact on his body. They will watch his response carefully. The doctors will continue to challenge Chalmers, while not pushing him more than he can handle. All of you who know him personally know that he marches to the beat of his own drum and he rarely does things at first request however he always manages to achieve his goal.
All our love and thanks ~
The Carr Family
SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2009 9:57 PM, EDT
Once again, my stubborn brother has changed the game plan. 10 hrs into the meds being removed from him, his ICP climbed to unsatisfactory levels. The doctors understanding that God and Chalmers are playing by their own rules, have decided to put him back on meds to let him sleep longer. This is something we knew was a possibility but I really wanted to see him open his eyes and give me a thumbs up. If that is their game plan I am willing to go with that. I will let you all know how he is doing tomorrow. Thanks again for all of your wonderful prayers and support, I LOVE YOU ALL!
SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2009 6:38 PM, EDT
Chalmers is continuing to rest however we are beginning to see some peaks in some of his numbers. This is to be expected as he begins to wake up BUT it is very very scary for his Mama and Daddy!!!
Early tomorrow morning we will reach the point where all of the sedation meds will be out of his system. Please pray that his body has healed enough to begin to wake up. Should the doctors determine that he needs more time sedated, they can very quickly take him back to that point and we will begin the process again. While that is not what we want to happen - Chalmers has proven that he isn't always most interested in what we want to happen. I think he and God have worked out their own plan and they will show it to us as the time is right.
He had his daily CT scan this afternoon and was able to return to a new room. The Pediatric Intensive Care Room that we were in was quite small. As many of you can imagine, the care Chalmers is receiving demands many wires, monitors, carts, and computers so we were over-taking the room that we were in, especially when the team of doctors and residents came by each day for rounds! We are now in a wonderful corner room with very large windows. Two special ladies came by earlier today and decorated our new room with many cards, posters, balloons and other special touches. They even created an ORANGE cross in the window! Posters from the prayer services signed by all in attendance are so bright and bring smiles to all of us. Chalmers will be humbled to learn of all the people who have spent hours and hours in prayer for him.
Last night Chalmers had a special treat in that his Aunt Martha and Cousin Katie spent the night with him. They had a great time caring for him while Mama and Daddy, his grandparents, and his AJ were able to get a good night's sleep. We have been in awe of the close friends who have been by our side helping tend to our needs so we can better care for Chalmers. You guys are the best!!!
As promised - the photo is of the sign in Ridge Spring. Thank you for all the prayers, support and encouragement. Each of you are awesome!
Love,
Tango Trauma & family
SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2009 8:55 AM, EDT
Good Morning to all our wonderful friends!
Chalmers is continuing to rest and all of his numbers are maintaining themselves just as ordered. He had a restful night with another round of leech therapy. The plastic surgeons are pleased with his response to this therapy. His ear is warm and blood flow is much better to all areas of the ear.
I have neglected to let you know that his hand is NOT broken after all. There was confusion with the X-ray. That hand has been elevated for two days and is looking much better.
Along with leech therapy we are using IPOD therapy. Kenny Chesnee kept his spirits high yesterday and Taylor Swift is our choice for today. We literally saw a change in his numbers if the IPOD timed out. Now we all keep a check on the music to be sure it keeps on playing!
We expect to begin decreasing some of the sedation today to see how he responds. Dr. Fisher suggested that waking him will be like teaching a child to ride a bike by gradually loosening the training wheels. This will be a very gradual and deliberate process to see if he can handle it. It is also a very scary one for us. It's been nice to be "stable" for a while. But as it was expressed to us last night he has to get worse to get better. So please keep those prayers coming.
We are so appreciative to the many people who have brought food, drinks, snacks, and entertainment for Carly Anne and the rest of us. Big THANK YOU!! to Coach Hubert Fox and the Ridge Spring All-Stars team for all the support and prayer. The sign in the photo here was put at the field in Ridge Spring honoring Chalmers. Thank you to all the parents and teammates who are supporting us! We feel your love!!! CONGRATULATIONS on the WIN!
I tried to add two photos to include one of the community news sign in Ridge Spring. That one will be in the next posting. Thank you to everyone everywhere who begins and ends each day these updates. Forgive me for the delay in getting them out at times! We continue to be amazed at the outpouring!
Love,
Trauma Tango & his family
PS ~
We have befriended many folks here, but one little fellow's family has become extra special to us. Please add Corbin Delk from Allendale, SC to your prayer list. He has had open heart surgery numerous times and is really struggling with the procedure he had earlier in the week.
FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2009 4:22 PM, EDT
Today has continued to be fairly uneventful and the doctors are pleased with where we are. We expect to continue along this path for another 24 hours ~ possibly more. This is allowing his body to heal and has provided the team of doctors more control over his sitaution. While far from what most would consider stable, it is as close as we have come thus far.
As we have mentioned, Chalmers's ear was severely damaged and had to be re-attached. In fact this procedure was already underway when we first saw him. Originally the surgeons were pleased with what they accomplished, but had concerns about blood flow to the outter ear. After attempts with nitroglycerine paste and Heprine injections which had some effect, the doctors decided to order medical use leaches. The leach's saliva acts much the same as the Heprine, but the leach itself actually helps clear out some of the congested blood. It was truly amazing to watch this therapy today! The residents on the Intensive Care team as well as those on the Oral Maxiofacial Team were as intrigued as we are with this very old form of therapy.
Presently he is having his daily CT scan. We will let you know when we hear the results of that.
Many other journal entries have been filled with much information while today's is pretty low key. Fortunately that is exactly what Dr. Pearson-Shaver ordered.
Thank you again for your quick response to our prayer request yesterday afternoon. Chalmers, Carly Anne, Chal and I appreciate your quick response and attribute all the success we have seen in the past 24 hours to the many prayers from each of you. We feel so blessed!!!
In His strength...
Chal & Lori Anne
FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2009 12:18 PM, EDT
A prayer and healing service for Little Chalmers Carr will be held at Johnston United Methodist Church on Friday, July 10th at 7pm in the Sanctuary.
The service is being organized by Johnston United Methodist Church members in conjunction with leaders of Wardlaw Academy's FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Children, youth and adults of all ages are invited to join us for this special service of prayer.
FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2009 6:38 AM, EDT
Thank you prayer warriors!
Chalmers had a wonderful night! He has maintained his blood pressure, his ICP's and his temperature since about 1:00 AM. This is exactly what Dr. Pearson-Shaver had hoped for.
Last night they put in a picc line due to the number of meds being administered. This was placed behind his right knee. While that seems uncomfortable, we were thrilled that its placement was successful.
We felt there was a good chance of a fracture somewhere in his right arm or hand. An X-ray yesterday confirmed that one of the bones on the top of his hand is fractured. We expect to see someone today to splint it.
The neurologist came by this morning with the results of yesterday's CT scan. He was pleased that there was no real change in it.
So right now - we are thankful for all of the "non-events" of the past 8 - 10 hours.
Again - thank you! thank you! Your prayers are truly lifting him up!!!
Love,
The Carr Family
THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2009 9:40 PM, EDT
Hey guys---
Chalmers's favorite Cheerleader here ... we wanted to update everyone on how my brother is doing tonight. All of his numbers are down, which is a really good thing. They have him in a medically induced coma to allow his body to slow down a little to help with the swelling. The latest CT Scan showed no further complications and we are hoping for an uneventful night. Please continue to pray for my brother's swelling so they can begin to wean him off medications as soon as possible.
Thank-you to everyone who has called, sent texts, emailed, stopped by, brought food/drinks, etc. We are thankful for your prayers the most. It really means a lot to my family.
Love & many prayers,
Carly Anne
THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2009 4:45 PM, EDT
Hey Doc? TIME OUT!!! TIME OUT!!!
OK team...huddle up.
It's late in the 2nd quarter & we are behind. We need everyone to buckle down and focus.
Chalmers needs us to get busy lifting up those prayers!!! We need to ask God to allow the swelling in his brain to subside. If this can happen we will be able to go into the locker room for half-time with MORE THAN a fighting chance of winning the game.
Currently our doctors are preparing to put Chalmers into a medically induced coma to try to slow his body down thus reducing the cranial pressure. We are all hopeful that this will be the only step necessary however there is another option if this is not successful.
We gratefully acknowledge all the prayers you have been saying, but are humbly asking that you pause for prayer and pass this request along as time is running out in this half.
GO TEAM TRAUMA TANGO!!!
THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2009 1:07 PM, EDT
In response to the numerous requests about donating blood for Chalmers, following is the information to do so:
Your blood type does not have to match Chalmers. He will recieve a unit that matches his blood type in your name and your actual donation will be used to help someone else in need with your blood type. The donor room is located on the first floor of the main hospital at MCG.
Donor Room # 706-721-3695
* you must call this number to make an appointment
When you arrive for your appointment you will need this information .
Name : Trama Tango / Chalmers Carr
THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2009 8:49 AM, EDT
Good Morning to all!
Sorry you haven't heard from us in a while but every time we started a post this morning a new set of doctors came in and we learned more and more.
To start with ~ Chalmers had another up and down night - slightly more eventful than the night before. His blood pressure and ICP (internal cranial pressure) continue to be of utmost concern and have been higher than we would like. The ICP currently can't be managed by drainage alone so medication is being administered. Due to this development plans to begin weaning Chalmers off sedation have been postponed. The neorosurgeon team has indicated that our best course of action will be for him to remain in this state for several more days. While disappointing to Mom and Dad, it is best for him. We continue to have complete confidence in this team. Everyday they spend more time with us answering questions and explaining their game plan. We infer from this that they join us in knowing that Chalmers is afighter and is not anywhere close to giving up.
From yesterday's CT scan we learned the surgery earlier yesterday was very successful! Mom got to see pictures of the little screws that were used to hold the crainal bone in place. Dr. Macomson also reported that the protective membrane around the brain was in no way damaged or torn (YEAH!!). As expected a small stroke is evident in the lower left cerebellum. Fortunately our good Lord in his greatness knew that we were going to konk our heads so he created this part of the brain with lots of redundancy in the tissue so that if one part is injured another part can take over. At this point the doctors are optomistic and will continue to closely monitor this situation with daily CT scans.
Again we are astounded by the committment of our friends and so many people we don't even know to Chalmers and to us. Thank you for the love and prayers ~ they keep us going!! Reading your comments is a sourcce of great comfort and encouragement not only to Chal and me, but to our entire family!
Cards and photos are appreciated. The doctors have allowed us to post them in the room so that his room will be more soothing and warm when the time comes to begin to wake him up.
True to form with all the professionals we have dealt with, we had Nurse Angela last night who did a fantastic job and was fantastic! Can you believe Nurse Connie woke up this morning, called in and volunteered for another shift! We were so excited to see her today!!!
We will continue to keep you posted! Please continue your prayers!
Love,
Chalmers IV - aka Tango Trauma*
Chalmers, Lori Anne, & Carly Anne
*Since Chalmers flew in via helicopter he did not go through normal admission procedures and became known as Tango Trauma. They tell us that as so much information has been noted with that name, it is unlikely that it will change through our stay here. He is also listed as being 109 years old. Both of these bits have provided humor to all of us and think Chalmers will love the new nickname. C4 & TT - how cool!!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2009 5:06 PM, EDT
Chalmers has had an up and down afternoon as the swelling has progressed. This is not unexpected and the next 48 hours continue to be crucial.
He is on his way to get a contrast CT scan to reevaluate the blood clot on the left side of his brain.We will update you all as we know more.
We continue to be blessed by the phenomenal outpouring of suppport from friends and family. We have read each and every posting in the guestbook and they have meant so much to us. Please continue to keep Chalmers in your prayers.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2009 2:00 PM, EDT
Prayer Meeting
Today (Wednesday) @ 6:30pm @ Providence Baptist Church on Hwy. 191 in Johnston
Anyone in our community that would like to pray together for Chalmers is welcome to join others meeting at Providence Baptist Church on Hwy. 191 in Johnston, SC at 6:30pm. For more information call: 803.275.7279.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2009 1:28 PM, EDT
Lori Anne and I are continuely amazed by Chalmers survival instincts and by the doctors here at MCG.
We have just spent nearly an hour with the doctors discussing his case, during this visit we actually got to see a 3D image of his skull (great technology)! As they say a picture speaks a thousand words - we now have a much better understanding of the injuries he sustained. For the doctors to take the amount of time they did is a testament to their dedication to both the patient and parents.
The doctors are very pleased with his progress to this point and we are all very hopeful. Four o'clock today marks 48 hours since the accident. Peak swelling normally occurs between Day Two and Day Three. They have decided to keep him sedated and quiet through the day today but tomorrow he has to "go to work" as Dr. Pearson-Shaver says. Plans are to begin weaning him from his various supports and see how he responds.
Please continue to keep him in your prayers - as this will be difficult for him and for our family. We all feel that the love and prayers that are being lifted up for Chalmers and for us have gotten us to this point and will see us through the days ahead. Thank you all! We continue to stand in amazement at the vast number of folks who are praying and supporting us.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2009 9:39 AM, EDT
Starting the day with some good news - hope it continues!
Chalmers is out of surgery. We were expecting it to be a much longer procedure, but they did not have to do a skin graft so things went much more quickly. A plate did have be to be put in with a couple of screws to help hold it in place,
We continue to be so thankful for all your prayers and will keep you posted as he returns from recovery and we learn what our next steps will be.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2009 6:28 AM, EDT
Its about 6:30 AM Wednesday morning. We are still on schedule for surgery at 7:30. We had a night filled with many ups and downs but Chalmers is proving to be quite a fighter. Our doctors and nurses battled with high blood pressure and elevated cranial pressure for a good part of the night. Thankfully by now we appear to have him stable and in a good position to be able to operate.
As Chalmers and I sit here this morning we reflect that our first miracle occurred when the decision was made to airlift him here to MCG. The professionals here, especially the nurses, have made this unbearable sitation much more comfortable for us and our family. Yesterday Nurse Connie spent the day with us and was a blessing from the moment she arrived. She never stopped attending his every need to the point that I don't think she ever ate a meal! Nurse Kristin spent the night with us and was quite a busy lady monitoring his blood pressure and working with the doctors. She accompanied him to his 4th CT scan about 4:30 AM. Chalmers has commanded the attention of about four different groups of doctors - they are truly working as a team. They shoot straight but also genuinely care about Chalmers and us. We have also been fortunate to have many folks from other areas of the hospital checking in on us and monitoring Chalmers.
We have truly been overwhelmed at the outpouring of love, support, concern and prayer that has come our way. Many of you have taken the time to visit, bring food and other goodies, to call and text. Most of all the prayers have been amazing. From this site as well as just talking to people - we have learned of prayers across the country that are lifting Chalmers up. That is really the most important thing that we can do at this point. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2009 4:16 PM, EDT
The doctors have just completed a procedure alowing them to monitor the pressure in Chalmers brain. The doctor said this would help them to target treatment options.
He is currently scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning at 7:25 to repair a cranial flap.
His vital signs are good, however there is alot of swelling. The next 48 hours are crucial.
Thank You for all of your messages and prayers. We feel your love and are greatful to God and stand amazed at the loving community of friends and family.
TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2009 12:05 PM, EDT
What happened:
On Monday afternoon Chalmers was in a severe ATV accident at the farm. The ATV flipped over on him causing severe head trauma. He was Air-lifted to MCG in Augusta, GA. He will be in the Pediatric Trauma ICU until future notice.
As of the latest CT Scan, he is responding with thumbs up, toes wiggling and squeezing of our hands. The next 48 hrs. are crucial due to swelling. The doctors said his vitals are good and would like to begin removing him from some of the medications, but will wait until they feel a little better about the swelling. They hopefully plan to perform surgery behind his right ear tomorrow or Thursday, to do a flap repair. They will also insert a catheter to help reduce swelling.
Please continue to pray the swelling will stay to a minimal and he will continue to get stronger and stronger each day.
Our little TIGER is fighting hard! We have his pink shirt & Sunglasses ready for him to wear home!!! :)
