RHD-Missouri
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"TEAM PAM"
This webpage is being created to keep everyone updated on Pam Weem's status and let everyone know what they can do to help. As most of you are aware, Pam was injured in a vehicle accident on the morning of April 15, 2011. Pam's injuries will present quite a challenge for her and her family, but they are surrounded by a lot of people that love and care about them.
4/24/11 @ 7am - (Charla) Pam continues to improve and will hopefully be ready for visitors soon. She just isn't ready yet. As she tries to reach the next milestone in her recovery, her rest is very important. We will let you know when she can have visitors again. Happy Easter! Please remember what Easter is all about.
5/5/11 - (Charla) - Pam was moved to St. John's Rehab Hospital this evening, and she settled in and prepared for her new routine of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy to begin Friday. She's a little anxious, understandably, about what to expect, but the staff at the new hospital seem very nice and knowledgeable about spinal chord injuries. On another note, happy 17th birthday today to Bailey!
5-27-2011 (Charla) - Pam continues to be well during her recovery. She is learning in rehab how to perform daily activities, adjusting to her wheelchair (she finally has a wheelchair she loves!), and she and Terry are contemplating long-term needs such as her new adapted vehicle and her homecoming and what changes will be required for her to be successful and comfortable. She has such an optimistic attitude!
Pam paid a visit today to RHD and got to visit friends and co-workers who have missed her! It was really great to have her in the office again, and she even answered the phones! She was only able to stay for a short time, but she did really well in the transport (her first trip using a wheelchair- ramp-equipped van) and she already seems like a pro maneuvering her wheelchair!
On a personal note, I am so proud of Pam. She has really made lemonade out of what most would consider a really sour batch of lemons. I so admire her strength and willingness to accept these changes in her life. She is truly an inspiration!
WHAT YOU CAN DO...
Some background about "Team Pam"
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out who is the office clown of RHD-Missouri! A few weeks ago, Pam was joking around in the office and suggested that we make up "Team Pam" and "Team Charla" t-shirts. She was confident that more people would wear her shirt than Charla's shirt, and her recruitment efforts were absolutely hilarious! (I think it is safe to say that Pam will have far more t-shirts and buttons than Charla!)
UPDATES:
4/15/11 @2PM- (Noal) I just got back from the hospital, and was able to talk with Pam's husband and kids. Her son that is in college is on his way home from school, and does not know the extent of her injuries. Pam is alert and aware of what is happening, and she will be in surgery for the next few hours. The nuerosurgeon confirmed that there will be paralysis, but the extent of that paralysis is still unknown. She is a tremendous amount of pain which seems to be a good sign that the paralysis may be confined to her waist down. Charla was able to go back and see her, and commented that she seems to be dealing with it better than she expected. Her husband seems to be holding up pretty good, and the kids are really struggling to cope with the news. We are all appreciative of your thoughts and prayers, but ask that you refrain from posting anything specific on Facebook if you have anyone from RHD-MO in your friend's list.
4/15/11 @6:45 PM- (Noal) It has been a whirlwind of a day, but I wanted to send one last update on Pam's status. I am sure that I am forgetting someone, so I apologize if this gets forwarded to someone that got left off the list. Pam just got out of surgery. The surgeon confirmed what was suspected that Pam's spinal cord has been severed, and she will experience paralysis from the waist down. She has a damaged lung and some broken ribs. She will be in ICU for 4-5 days and then will start re-hab. For everyone that has passed along prayers, thoughts, and well-wishes... Thank you! I know that Pam and her family really appreciate it. I am sure that there will be a great number of things that they will need from all of you in the near future, but right now the best thing you can do for Pam and her family is continue to pray for them!
4/16/11 @ 9 AM- (Noal) Pam is doing okay. Terry spent the night with her at the hospital and she was in and out and couldn't communicate because of a ventilator. Surgeon came in this morning and did x-rays and the rods that they put in her spine look good. Lungs are no worse so that is good news. When lungs clear up they will get her off of the ventilator.
4/16/11 @ 3 PM- (Noal) The tube is out and Pam is still on medications. She can talk now. She wants to wait until she is not "out of it" to get company as she is still on medications. She knows that everyone is praying for her and the entire family appreciates all the support.
4/17/11 (Christina) Last week BCS got a button machine. While they were playing around and getting set up, Pam asked for "Team Pam and Team Charla" buttons to wear around the office. I spoke with James over at BCS about doing some "Team Pam" buttons, and he thought it would be a great idea. So on Monday, the BCS artists will be working on the buttons. If you would like to wear a "Team Pam" button, email James (james@rhd-mo.org) or I the number of buttons you will need. We also plan to have a bowl full of buttons to put in her hospital room, for all her friends and family too. Pam originally thought it would be fun to get a few people to wear here button, can you imagine her joy when we all wear them?!
NOTE: We have decided to make "Team Pam" buttons and t-shirts a fundraiser. Buttons will be $10.00. More details soon.
4/18/11 @ 9 AM- (Noal) This is what Terry sent me last night by text message...
"Kyle the youth group leader from Calvery came by and talked with Bailey, Blake, Elly, and myself. Brennan was back at Rolla. Calvery truly is a place where friends become family. Pam is doing much better. We had a minor set back when her lung collapsed but sounds worse than it was as they drained the mucus. She has a lot of congestion. They are going to try to get her in a chair tomorrow which would be amazing. After that, physical therapy. We don't have a timeline on when she will be out of critical care, but I have to assume if we get through this stage okay it should be soon. Everyone has been so kind and we appreciate all of your support and guidance. The family is doing as good as we can. The kids are amazing. I am fine as well. There is no doubt God's hand is guiding us. All of you have offered your support and asked that we let you know what we need. We appreciate that and will be taking some of you up on that in the near future. Please continue praying for the Weem's clan. We are blessed!"
4/18/11 @ 8 PM- (Noal) I just got a report from Terry. Pam was on an oxygen mask this morning and was struggling to breath. She recovered and was feeling better. They did some surgery and put in a filter in her artery that goes from her legs to her upper body. This is permanent and is to prevent blood clots down the road. She went back on oxygen and just got off mask and is eating her wonderful liquid diet. Looks 100% better than this morning.
Terry also sent a picture of Pam sitting up in a chair! However, I want to make sure that I have permission to share with everyone before I post it.
4/19/11 @ 10 AM- (Noal) PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES AND SAY A PRAYER FOR PAM!!!! Terry just texted me that the doctors have to complete a procedure again to clear out Pam's lungs. If this doesn't work then they will have to put the tube back in. Please pray that this procedure will work.
4/19/11 @ 4 PM- (Noal) Rod and I was in Bridgeton today doing work at our day program, and decided to give Terry a call to see if he wanted to grab a bite to eat. He said that he couldn't leave, because he was waiting on a visit from someone, but asked us to come up to the hospital. Pam was doing fantastic! Her breathing is better, and it looks like she is going to avoid the tube (for now). Terry said that they expect to complete the same procedure tomorrow morning to keep her lungs clear. Pam was in great spirits and humorous as always! She said that she is thankful for everyone offering support and prayers. Pam and Terry have a lot of decisions to make over the course of the next few weeks, so continue to lift them up in your prayers!
4/20/11 @ 12:30 PM- (Noal) I had a long conversation with Terry this afternoon. He had just finished taking Elly on a field trip with school. He sounded exhausted. Last night he stayed with Pam at the hospital, and Pam had a difficult night. Between difficulty breathing and waking up panicked, she slept very little. She was sleeping about 15 minutes at a time, and he said that he probably had no more than an hour. Pam is extremely restless during the night. He said that he would prefer that visitors are kept to a minimum today so that Pam can get some rest. He is worried that having visitors during the day is wearing Pam out and that she is struggling to have enough strength to get through the night. He said that the best thing to do is check with him before dropping by to see how she is holding up. Terry couldn't stop commenting on how much support and assistance he and the family have received, and how thankful he is that he has such wonderful people surrounding him. He specifically mentioned his church group that have started helping with things around the house, the youth minister and teaching pastor, Pete for mowing their yard, and all of Pam's girl "friends" for all that they have done. He reiterated that restaurant gift certificates and gift cards were great ways to show support while they were traveling between home and the hospital.
BTW... We now have "Team Pam" buttons!!!!!! We are asking for a suggested donation of $10.00, and we will make sure that all money is forwarded to Pam and Terry! You can contact Christina at christina@rhd-mo.org if you are interested in having one. We are also beginning discussions of a benefit fundraiser, so if your interested in contributing please let us know!
I will be away from my computer for a few days, so Charla will keep the site updated as she gets reports from Terry and Pam.
4/20/11 @ 3:30 pm - (Charla) Pam's doc decided to put back in the breathing tube because her lungs continue to fill up, and the procedure that drains them has only worked on a temporary basis. She will have the breathing tube in for a few days, and Pam will be sedated. Tomorrow they will drain below the lungs as well. Doc says this will lead to faster recovery and reduce the chance the lungs will continue to fill. Please pray for Pam's comfort in the next few days.
4/20/11 @ 6:30 pm - (Charla) Pam had the breathing tube put back in and the surgery went well. The docs will keep her sedated until they remove the breathing tube comes out. They were already getting results from the tube within the first few minutes after surgery. Tomorrow they will go in under the lungs and drain as well. Pray this is the answer to the problem so rehab can continue. Please pray this is the answer.
Terry will let us know when we can resume visiting Pam. I pray this time away from her will allow her to get the rest she needs to heal and begin her road to recovery.
4/20/11 @ 6:30 pm - (Charla) Pam had the breathing tube put back in and the surgery went well. The docs will keep her sedated until they remove the breathing tube comes out. They were already getting results from the tube within the first few minutes after surgery. Tomorrow they will go in under the lungs and drain as well. Pray this is the answer to the problem so rehab can continue. Please pray this is the answer.
Terry will let us know when we can resume visiting Pam. I pray this time away from her will allow her to get the rest she needs to heal and begin her road to recovery.
4/21/11 @ 9:00 am - (Charla) Pam is sedated and resting comfortably. She will have her lungs drained of fluid one lung at a time. They expect to be able to remove the breathing tube tomorrow night at the earliest. Due to the amount of fluids already removed, doc says she is making good progress. Terry (finally) enjoyed a good night's sleep at home, and the family is in good spirits! Keep praying!
4/21/11 @ 7:00 pm - (Charla) Doc removed 1.5 liters of fluid from Pam's lung, but the procedures were a huge success, and everyone is optimistic that Pam's recovery can now begin! She still has the breathing tube, and she is not ready for visitors as she is still sedated, but the family is relieved that the removal of the fluid has created a healthier environment for Pam's lungs to start healing. Please continue to pray for Pam and her family.
4/21/11 @ 7:00 pm - (Charla) Doc removed 1.5 liters of fluid from Pam's lung, but the procedures were a huge success, and everyone is optimistic that Pam's recovery can now begin! She still has the breathing tube, and she is not ready for visitors as she is still sedated, but the family is relieved that the removal of the fluid has created a healthier environment for Pam's lungs to start healing. Please continue to pray for Pam and her family.
4/22/11 @ 1:00 pm - (Charla) Pam's other lung was drained, and they collected 1300 cc of fluid! When they looked at the lung x-rays, however, it showed that the right lung was starting to look cloudy again (although not as bad). Left lung looks good, but not as clear as it could be. The breathing tube will have to stay in until tomorrow. They are starting to cut off oxygen supply periodically to see how she does. The doc will test the fluid they collected to hopefully determine why her lungs continue to fill, but she (the doc) didn't seem overly concerned as this is sometimes just a part of the trauma.
PLEASE keep Pam and her family in your prayers!!!
PLEASE keep Pam and her family in your prayers!!!
4/23/11 @ 11:30 AM- (Noal) Almost done with a test to make sure she can breathe on her own. Looks like she is passing with flying colors. Next step would be to put a T in the tube in her throat and just do oxygen without machine. If she passes that test tube comes out later today. Please pray for everything to go ok.
4/23/11 @ 7:30 PM - (Noal) Pam is off the tube and got to visit with her brother Ben and the kids. She is doing great and it looks like we have finally made it past this breathing tube. We hope her lungs stay strong and she is able to cough up the congestion.
4/23/11 @ 7:30 PM - (Charla) Pam wanted to post that she asked for a fan, and the only fan they had at the hospital was broke, so the surgeon operated on the fan. The fan recovered nicely, as you can see in the picture Pam wanted to share...
4/23/11 @ 7:30 PM - (Charla) Pam wanted to post that she asked for a fan, and the only fan they had at the hospital was broke, so the surgeon operated on the fan. The fan recovered nicely, as you can see in the picture Pam wanted to share...
4/24/11 @ 7am - (Charla) Pam continues to improve and will hopefully be ready for visitors soon. She just isn't ready yet. As she tries to reach the next milestone in her recovery, her rest is very important. We will let you know when she can have visitors again. Happy Easter! Please remember what Easter is all about.
4/25/11 @ 6:30 AM- (Noal) From Terry... Great News is NO TUBES! Another night with no sleep. The hospital was nice enough to let me stay in the room although against policy. One minor panic attack. Lots of coughing this morning and she is aggravated that she can't breathe without coughing. Goal today... get out of critical care and in regular room.
4/25/11 @ 11 AM- Terry is heading home to get some rest. Pam has to have another procedure to drain fluid from lungs, and continues to struggle with rebounding from lung issues. Please pray for lungs to heal so that she can start re-hab. Pam will most likely be sedated today due to procedures.
4/25/11 @ 4 PM - (Charla) From Terry...Pam can see visitors tonight from 5 to 8 pm. Please keep your visit brief and at short intervals. Thanks!
4/26/11 @ 10 am - (Charla) Pam slept well last night. The lung drainage process went well this morning. Pam commented how great she feels today! She and Terry are talking with the docs this morning about next steps.
4/25/11 @ 4 PM - (Charla) From Terry...Pam can see visitors tonight from 5 to 8 pm. Please keep your visit brief and at short intervals. Thanks!
4/26/11 @ 10 am - (Charla) Pam slept well last night. The lung drainage process went well this morning. Pam commented how great she feels today! She and Terry are talking with the docs this morning about next steps.
4/27/11 @ 8 AM- (Noal) Just heard from Terry, and Pam had her best night of sleep to date. Terry also said that he got good rest as well. YEAH!!!!! They are still talking with Doctors about how best to keep lungs clear. Please pray that they figure this out so Pam can move on to therapy.
NOTE: Terry and Pam asked me to provide a link to their church "Care Calendar". This is a great place to learn what you can do to contribute to Pam and Terry during this difficult time. Here is the information to access Pam's Care Calendar: www.carecalendar.org (Calendar ID: 72792, Security Code: 6138) As Pam and the family's needs change, they will update the calendar.
4/27/11 @ 10:30 AM- (Noal) Terry just emailed me a few minutes ago to give me a report...
"They did the bronc cleaning of her lungs for the third time yesterday and are suggesting putting in a trachea which would give them easy access through her throat to the lungs. We are not doing that at this time and are hoping that they do not fill back up after this third procedure. Doctor just came in while I was texting and said we are moving out of ICU to 3 North which is intermediate care. Baby steps, but great news!!! Thank you to everyone for all the cards and gift cards. Thanks to Calvary Church for doing the laundry and the mowing. Thanks again to RHD for posting updates and everything else too numerous to mention. I am amazed how gracious they have been with their time and support. Many close friends have asked about how Pam and the family are holding up during this time. We are doing as good as we can. The kids and I have had a healthy mix of laughing and crying. Keep praying for quick healing."
4/27/11 @ 9 PM- (Noal) Just got another update from Terry...
"Pam moved to critical care south (now in room 305) which is intermediate care. It is the same floor, only 4 patients per nurse vs two per nurse. Still having problems with lungs, but big improvement and she is starting to cough up the flem. They wanted to do a trachea yesterday to have easy access to the lungs but Pam and I discussed it and decided that was too agressive. Looks like that might have been the right decision. They are talking about sending her to rehab in 3-4 days. I am visiting St Johns rehab in Chesterfield tomorrow and that is most likely where she will end up for approximately 3-4 weeks while they work with her on how to do day to day things. She will stay there the whole time and then come home."
4/28/11 - (Charla) Pam is doing well. She is in her new room and she slept well last night (with the exception of the interruption at 3am for "bathtime"). She is still hoping to be sent to rehab in the next few days, but nothing definitive planned at this time. Hopefully will have more information tomorrow.
4/30/11 - (Noal) Message from Terry...
We are moving up into room 703 (penthouse suite baby!). Drained more fluid from around lung this morning and will do another bronchi tomorrow. They only got 360cc so not as much as prior. She is feeling about the same with up and down moments. We are waiting for next week to see how her lungs clear. No trachea yet. Visitors are welcome.
5/3/11- (Noal) Message from Terry...
"GREAT NEWS! NO TRACH. The Pulmonologist came in and said Pam was doing great and has released her for rehab. We have chosen St Johns in Chesterfield because private rooms, newer facility, and multiple referrals. We don't know when we will leave DePaul yet but would guess very soon. Best guess is 3-4 weeks at rehab. She stays there during the rehab. Thanks again fro all of the prayers and support."
My wife just talked with Terry and she also said that Pam will be receiving a few units of blood today. They want to keep visitors to a minimum.
5/4/11- (Noal) Message from Terry...
Let people know all indications are Pam will go to rehab tomorrow (Thursday the 5th) between 10 AM-2 PM. She is nervous about rehab but excited to get out of the hospital.
5/5/11 - (Charla) - Pam was moved to St. John's Rehab Hospital this evening, and she settled in and prepared for her new routine of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy to begin Friday. She's a little anxious, understandably, about what to expect, but the staff at the new hospital seem very nice and knowledgeable about spinal chord injuries. On another note, happy 17th birthday today to Bailey!
5/6/11 - (Charla) - Pam had her first day of therapy, and she is doing well. She was treated to a shower (which she was happy about), and she got dressed today! She will have another full day of therapy Saturday, and Sunday she gets to take the day off. She is in room 149, and visitors are welcome.
5/11/11 - (Charla) - Pam is doing great in rehab. Here is her message for everyone: "I am doing good. Rehab is kicking my butt. The prayers, love and support has been so comforting. I appreciate everyone so much!" She continues to work hard everyday at her therapy, and she is making progress toward her goals.
5/11/11 - (Charla) - Pam is doing great in rehab. Here is her message for everyone: "I am doing good. Rehab is kicking my butt. The prayers, love and support has been so comforting. I appreciate everyone so much!" She continues to work hard everyday at her therapy, and she is making progress toward her goals.
5/13/11- (Noal) - Message from Terry (Jim)...
"I was recently reminded that some people don't know that my first name is James and my middle name is Terry. At work, I am James and home it's Terry. You can imagine the ????. Pam has called me those names plus more. She is doing great at rehab. She likes her occupational therapist and her physical therapist. Her lungs have gotten better and last night she slept without the c-pap. We have some concerns about her being bricked when she sits. They are always asking if she had Scoliosis before the accident. We are hopeful this can be corrected through physical therapy. They are working her hard and some days she is very tired by the end of the day. Vistors are still welcome. A special thanks to everyone at my work ABF Security for purchasing over $200 in Team Pam buttons! Thanks to those who have helped out with Elly, the laundry, and the grass!"
5/14/11- (Noal) - I just wanted to report that the Art Show was a huge success, and we were able to raise $388 for Team Pam!
5/14/11- (Noal) - Just learned about another opportunity to help out Pam and Terry! Check it out below...
Texas Roadhouse on Highway K and Mexico Road in O'Fallon is having a 10% night on Tuesday night, May 17th. 10% of the proceeds for the night will go to "Team Pam". The event takes place from 4 - 10 PM. You will need to print a flyer and show it to the server at Texas Roadhouse. If you do not provide a flyer, the proceeds will not be given to "Team Pam"!!!!
Download flyer HERE!
If you have trouble downloading the flyer, email us on our contact page and we will send you an email with the flyer.
5-27-2011 (Charla) - Pam continues to be well during her recovery. She is learning in rehab how to perform daily activities, adjusting to her wheelchair (she finally has a wheelchair she loves!), and she and Terry are contemplating long-term needs such as her new adapted vehicle and her homecoming and what changes will be required for her to be successful and comfortable. She has such an optimistic attitude!
Pam paid a visit today to RHD and got to visit friends and co-workers who have missed her! It was really great to have her in the office again, and she even answered the phones! She was only able to stay for a short time, but she did really well in the transport (her first trip using a wheelchair- ramp-equipped van) and she already seems like a pro maneuvering her wheelchair!
On a personal note, I am so proud of Pam. She has really made lemonade out of what most would consider a really sour batch of lemons. I so admire her strength and willingness to accept these changes in her life. She is truly an inspiration!
5-31-2011 (Noal) - From Terry...
"Sunday May 29th the family went to the mall with Pam to do some shopping. All went great and with the exception of realizing the wheelchair didn't fit into the trunk of the BMW no surprises. We had a great time! I was especially touched when the makeup person at Macy's started crying when she saw Pam because she remembered her. Just imagine what will happen at Marshalls and TJ Max... ha ha. After the mall we all went to Red Lobster and had a late lunch/early dinner. It was awesome to be together as a family and was one step closer to our "new normal". I got to get out and play golf Monday and go to the pool with Elly a few days which was a lot of fun. They have given Pam a tentative date of next Tuesday the 7th for her to come home. I think that may be pushed back a bit as they thought she had been there for longer than she had when they gave her the date. Thanks again to Calvary and our friends for having someone cut the grass, laundry, and for all the help. It means so much to us to have that support."
6-4-2011 (Noal) From Terry...
"Saturday June 4th Pam got a pass and we went to Target and to lunch. While there her friend (and boss) Charla called and said we should meet them somewhere as they had tiem between a wedding and reception so we did. Pam did an awesome job of transferring herself from wheelchair to car without assistance using a sliding board. She has come so far in such a short time. We are all very proud of her. Looks like the date to come home might be pushed back a little. Probably end of the week. Thanks to all parents, kids, and staff at Rock Creek Elementary for the fund raiser and to all of my friends at my old employer Interface Security for your fund raiser. We were blown away by the participation."
6-29-11 (Noal)- The Weems family is still in need of meals. Please visit the care calendar @ link below and find a time when you may be able to send over a meal to help their family. They are in a great transition period of their lives and could really use the help. Please feel free to send this to anyone that may be interested in helping this family.
www.carecalendar.org
Volunteer Code: 72792
Password: 6138
WHAT YOU CAN DO...
PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! Of all of the things that Pam and Terry have requested, this is what they say they need most!
Send cards and letters! You can send them to RHD-Missouri and we will make sure that they get hand delivered to Pam and Terry at the hospital. Think of RHD-MO as the support hub! Send cards and letters to: Pam Weems c/o RHD-Missouri, 226 Compass Point Drive, St Charles, MO 63301.
Food! While preparing meals for the family is surely welcomed, they have mentioned gift certificates to restaurants as a great way to show support. With all of the travel to and from the hospital, this is something that could really come in handy. However, if you prepare a meal and want us to get it to Pam' family, you can deliver it to the office and we will take it over. Please let us know before you bring something over.
