Thursday, May 14, 2009

Home Sweet Home

Yesterday, Alan returned home to The Woodlands. Just before his release, he was able to feel pin pricks in his legs and able to move his toes. He is still in a wheelchair, but has made significant progress and his diagnosis is one of tremendous hope. Please keep those prayers coming, they are truly being answered.

Many of you have asked how you can help, and now that they are all back home, I’ll be setting up a distribution list for those of you that would like to offer meals and/or lending your cleaning person, by e-mail. Please contact me at htdickens@comcast.net if you would like to be included in that list. Thanks to their neighbors for coordinating this first week!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Day Trip

On Saturday, Alan was eager to leave TIRR for a day trip back to The Woodlands. He and Cindy were able to watch Clarke play in his WCBL championships, which included two games. The first one was very exciting, as Clarke’s team won in the final minutes. They went and got Clarke a burger with his friends and then enjoyed the rest of day at Market Street, eating at Berry Hill.
They would like to thank their good neighbors for getting the house ready for Alan’s return home tomorrow.
On a sad note, Snowball, their dog of 10 years, had to be put down due to a degenerative problem and a lot of pain, but Tiger, their cat, is doing fine and we know that all of this is in God’s hands.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Medical Expense Fund Established

Family and Friends,
Below is a message from the Cagle's good friends, the Johnstons:

Frank and I have been friends with Alan since he moved to Houston in the mid-'70s from Phoenix. Prior to that, we knew him in Arizona as well. And, we've been friends with Cindy since before they were married. So, as with so many other of their friends, we wanted to help in whatever way was possible as Alan and Cindy traveled on an arduous journey neither dreamed that they would have to take.
The Alan Cagle Medical Expense Fund was established to assist Alan and Cindy with costs associated with important after-care services...both therapeutic and adaptive. Any contribution to this fund will be solely used for these purposes, and any amount will be helpful.
Alan has come a long way during his stay at TIRR, and his continued improvement will be ensured, once home, with intense, continued therapy. Please join us in helping both Alan and Cindy by contributing to this fund if you can.
Kathy & Frank Johnston, Round Top, Texas

Send your contributions to:
Woodforest National Bank
10555 Kuykendahl Road
The Woodlands, TX 77381
Attn: Vicki Southerland
Re: Alan Cagle Medical Expense Fund
(If you wish to remain anonymous, please note that for Vicki.)

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Therapy Continues

Alan has continued with his therapy and worked hard to keep improving his mobility. He has gained more fine motor in his hands and is working hard learning new life skills. His upper body has gained significant strength from his work outs and he was able to shower and get into a bed, unassisted. Cindy caught a bug at the end of last week and has been trying to rest and get back to 100%. Please keep them in your prayers.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Wonderful News

Alan has a new release date of May 13! This is tremendous news. The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers that helped make this happen. This gives Alan 2 extra weeks of therapy. This has lifted everyone’s spirits and given Cindy some time to get the house, car, etc., ready for Alan’s return. Improved mobility is the major focus again.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

CT Inconclusive

Alan got a new roommate on Friday, which was a nice change of pace. His therapy has continued at a strong and steady pace. There is nothing significant to report relative to improved mobility, however, he has made significant progress over the weeks.
Alan’s CT was diagnosed as “inconclusive” a.k.a “See you in 6 months,” in doctor-speak. That was a real comfort to Alan and Cindy and they wish to thank you, again, for proving the power of prayers. The family is still awaiting word from insurance which will determine his release date. More news should be available in the next couple of days. Please keep those cards, calls and visits coming-they are truly uplifting!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Positive Progress

Yesterday the CT was done in the morning and they are awaiting word, so keep those prayers coming!
Alan has made significant progress to the point that the therapist recommended he stay another week and extend his release date to May 6. Alan’s group of doctors agreed and he is now awaiting word from the insurance company.
This week, Alan was able to get in the passenger side of his car with Cindy’s help and a slide board (instead of the electric lift.) This is stellar performance! Alan has been working very hard. His fine motor is improving and he was able to manage a zipper Tuesday. Cindy has been attending therapy with him to learn how she can help facilitate things for him.
The doctors are planning to remove him from steroids by May 4, and fortuneately, his blood sugar has remained normal.
The family would like to thank all of you for your calls, cards, visits and love.