AWESOME PROGRESS FOR KOBEN PUCKETT

[ACBUCKINGBULLS]

http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL1912/10058255/20632413/338031873.jpg

I have been posting updates on Koben and I'm sure you are as excited as I am to hear of his progress. I'm sure you all still are remembering him in your prayers! I thought I would start a new post since the other was getting so long.

God Bless This Baby!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2008 10:27 PM, CDT
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We praise God today for having the NG tube (Nasogastric feeding tube) removed from Koben’s nose for the moment, and we are thankful to see Koben getting stronger and stronger in his therapy sessions.

You may remember that Koben had another “swallow test” today. The result is that he is swallowing about 60% correctly. He is able to swallow foods of a soft but thicker consistency pretty well, but swallowing anything liquid still shows that his epiglottis does not close completely, which allows some liquid to enter his lungs. The doctor made the decision to remove the feeding tube, and allow Koben to eat the softer but thicker foods, but he still has an IV attached during the night to keep him hydrated since he cannot currently swallow liquids. So this evening, Koben enjoyed some chopped up chicken with gravy and potatoes. Hallelujah! Tomorrow he will be served a breakfast of scrambled eggs or cream of wheat! Koben’s goal is to prove that he can eat enough calories on his own and stay hydrated so that the NG tube will not have to be reinserted.

Koben is getting stronger and fighting harder in therapy sessions. The therapists continue to make adjustments to his chair to be custom made for Koben’s needs, and he is able to maneuver it alone. He and Dan and Vana cherish the outdoor time each day.

Dan explained more clearly to me the actual condition of Koben’s spinal cord as a result of the accident. The spinal cord IS NOT SEVERED, however it DID sustain trauma and compression, which is why no one but the LORD OUR GOD knows the outcome.
But again, we who believe in a powerful God have faith that Koben will be restored.

Psalm 56:10-13
In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise-in God I trust;
I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you.
For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God in the light of life.

Zechariah 10:11-12 (How the Lord will care for Judah)
11 They will pass through the sea of trouble;
the surging sea will be subdued
and all the depths of the Nile will dry up.
Assyria's pride will be brought down
and Egypt's scepter will pass away.
12 I will strengthen them in the LORD
and in his name they will walk,'
declares the LORD.

[ACBUCKINGBULLS]

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2008 07:58 PM, CDT
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Each day during the week is a very long day for Koben and either Dan or Vana, who take turns staying with him. Right now everything we take for granted takes much longer for Koben to accomplish, from dressing, brushing teeth, preparing for the different activities in his day by setting up the equipment needed and moving him from bed to chair, showering, and of course therapy sessions and classes. There are requirements for his care that take time such as breathing treatments, saline washes in his nose, shifting his position, etc. The nurses of course do their job but so much has to be done that Dan and/or Vana are very much hands on in his care. They love Koben not only as parents but as Christ loves them, and taught them how to love: “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.”

Thankfully, during the weekends therapy sessions are much less intense, which means a couple of days of rest from that for Koben besides the light stretching of his muscles. So Dan and Koben were able to spend much more time outside today and there was more time to accomplish the work needed for today. Praise God.

Koben still has the trachea port with which he receives breathing treatments every four hours. The nurses also still suction out his lungs, but are getting less and less out---which is a GOOD thing because there is less phlegm to get out. His cough is improving slowly, still needing help with abdominal thrusts and mouth suctioning, but improving. Praise God.

Koben’s voice is becoming stronger, and he communicates well. His appetite is growing; Friday and today he at three meals plus a snack. Praise God.

We pray for Koben to keep up the good work and the fighting spirit, and that God will amaze the hospital staff caring for him with giant leaps of improvement in Koben's condition in the coming days.

We believe in miracles!!
1 Corinthians 1:25
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

[CreekBottom]

We are standing in prayer for him here as well.

[ACBUCKINGBULLS]

MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2008 08:31 PM, CDT
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1 Peter 5:10-11
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
Dan called with not much to report today for Koben, since there has not been much change since Saturday.
Dan and Payson are back in Canyon and Vana is with Koben. Vana had told Dan earlier about the therapists today did take Koben out of his chair onto a mat and allow him to sit up on his own strength. Dan was not sure the details of how this was carried out, but work is in progress! Koben’s breathing treatments have been cut back to four times daily and none at night…more progress. Koben is now allowed to drink a very thickened liquid, so that also is some progress.
Koben did not feel well today, he was tired and ready for bed before the day’s work was over. We hope that is a sign that his body needed rest for the great healing about to take place. We pray this for Koben.
“To God be the power for ever.”

[ACBUCKINGBULLS]

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2008 05:08 PM, CDT
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All Koben's loved ones are waiting anxiously to hear news from him, and I hope this will help you know what to pray for in the coming days:
1st, an update. Koben has not seen much change but is progressing in strength with eating and breathing. He and Vana have experienced again a relatively restful weekend and are gearing up for a big week ahead.

Now words from Dan, Vana, and Payson:

Family & Friends,

Words cannot express the gratitude we have for all of you, for your prayers, encouragement, medical fund & expenses, great meals, for those who have helped in anyway-Thank You and may God Bless you.

Koben,

We love you and truly value & cherish the few days we have been able to be together as a whole family in the last 6 weeks. In the past couple of years we have seen you have some tough times and certainly noticed your faith growing stronger and with the Lord’s help have seen you rise above the circumstances and come out the winner for God’s Glory. We do believe by God’s Grace & Mercy, that you will come out as the winner in this battle. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes. Be strong in the Lord. We praise God today for your health to be where it is, compared to 5 & 6 weeks ago. We thank our Heavenly Father for the many blessings he has bestowed upon our family and for the miracles and answered prayers he has granted to us by his Grace. We are burdened and sad that you have to go through this. We pray without ceasing and believe that you will be healed. Keep up the good fight and rise above the circumstances. What you are faced with will be the toughest and rankest ride of your life. We believe that our God will score you 100 pts. God makes everything possible. Like a star shining over you, the special dreams God has for you are always within your reach. Life has so many wonderful things in store for you; set no limits on
yourself. God makes the impossible possible; all it takes is a willing heart. Let go of yesterday; let tomorrow in. God gives you hope to do the most difficult things and the courage to try again. Your potential is unlimited; open your eyes to the possibilities. Trust in the One who gives you strength to carry on, and step into the future knowing God is there with you. Little reminders of Him are all around you, in every hug, smile, and prayer. You can never go so far that His love cannot reach you, and it will always see you through. Koben Tate, we believe in you! We are your biggest fans! We love you so very much and God loves you even more! Your courage, faith, and determination inspire us. We stand in awe of what God is doing! Press on and never quit!
We love you, Dad, Mom, and Payson

[ACBUCKINGBULLS]

MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2008 09:25 PM, CDT
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Let us be mindful today of how far Koben had come since September 6. When his parents arrived at the hospital, Koben was lying flat on his back in a bed strapped down and in a “halo” keeping his head and spine still. In the next days Koben experienced a plethora of medications being introduced to a body that had previously had very little need for any, contracted pneumonia, underwent major surgery, and endured confinement to a bed unable to move and surrounded by strange noise and activity on a constant basis. When that night mare finally ended after 24 days in ICU Koben was moved to the rehab hospital. Physically, Koben’s body was so weak not just from the injury but from illness, from tubes, and treatments, and lack of real rest that comes from being in the hospital. But even in his weakened state he has had an incredibly busy schedule just doing simple things; getting up, getting dressed, brushing teeth, eating, and showering in addition to physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy (for swallowing), education classes, and after all that being administered all the treatments he still needs.
Koben has been through so much in a short amount of time, and yet today he is not lying flat and strapped down, he is sitting and using a wheelchair. He enjoys talking with his parents and sister. His vertebrae are repaired, he is about to have the trachea port removed because his lungs are clear and his breathing strong. He is not being fed by a tube but is enjoying real meals. He is getting stronger every day.
Yes, he experiences set backs, which is expected. Last week was a hard, busy week for Koben and Vana. Koben did not feel well, and kept experiencing nausea and could not finish all his therapy sessions or eat properly. Saturday morning, one of his medications was discontinued because of it’s side effects being the possible cause of his not feeling well. That combined with the restful weekend where Koben finally got to eat and rest properly has resulted in a much better day today. The therapists were happy to notice how much stronger he was today. As we said yesterday, after the blessing of this weekend’s rest, Koben and Vana are ready to press on this week, and ready to leap five steps forward to recover from this step back.
Praise God for all the work he has done in Koben, praise Him for a healing weekend, and praise Him for renewing of strength and hope. May God continue His work in Koben to it’s completion.

Hebrews 10:22-24
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

[ACBUCKINGBULLS]

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2008 08:41 PM, CDT
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Sometimes when thinking of the trial Koben is enduring right now I am reminded of the words to the chorus of one of my favorite songs:

'So stand in the rain
Stand your ground
Stand up when it's all crashing down
You stand through the pain
You won't drown
And one day, whats lost can be found
You stand in the rain'

I think of this because I know Koben's spirit will stand strong through the rain until what is lost can be found.

Tuesday Koben was administered another swallow test, and his ability to swallow has much improved! The only thing he had trouble doing was swallowing a pill.....which is hard for anyone to do. This week he has been enjoying eating fudge and ice cream! Praise God for his good appetite, since he is needing to put on some weight.
The doctor is going to let him enjoy the weekend and then assess him on Monday for a possible removal of the tracheal port on TUESDAY!
The best news is that Koben's OT's and PT's have been very surprised at how much stronger Koben is and that his endurance is greatly increased this week over last week. He is going through 'driver's training' with his wheelchair, maneuvering himself outside and around an obstacle course so well that he is now able to go outside on his own when he has free time. (Remember just a few weeks ago when he didn't know if he would ever be outside again?)
The team at Baylor rehab have set the date of November 1st as Koben's discharge date. The plan is to stay in Dallas with a dear friend while continuing outpatient therapy for 2-3 weeks after being discharged. Preperations are being made for Koben to return to Canyon following that time.

There are so many things to be thankful for. Certainly for how far Koben has come since the beginning of this, for the wonderful body of believers, the church who continue to pray for Koben. We are thankful for the good results of the swallow test, that the tracheal port will soon be removed, for Koben's renewed endurance and strength, and for fudge and ice cream! Praise God from whom all blessings flow. May He continue to bring Koben's healing to it's fruition.

'I write to you, fathers,
because you have known him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
because you are strong,
and the word of God lives in you,'
1 John 2:14.

[ACBUCKINGBULLS]

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2008 09:44 PM, CDT
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From Dan:

Koben had a great week, just being stronger, feeling better and lasting longer throughout each day’s schedule. By Friday he was wearing down a bit and was ready for the weekend. Vana is now home with Payson and Dan is with Koben. On Saturday, Koben was able to sleep in and eat breakfast late. Later they went outside and enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine and the time for just talking. Then they went to the gym, Dan put Koben on the mat and performed his arm stretching exercises.
Many people are wondering about any progress in Koben’s ability to move. The obvious is that his body is in a weakened state from being in ICU for 3 ½ weeks. Now that he has been in Rehab for 3 ½ weeks & has been fed real food for 2 weeks, his body is gaining strength. The present status (which we hope & pray with belief to be temporary) is: He is able to move his left arm, which is getting stronger again with the therapy stretching and exercising. He does have feeling in his left thumb, but no movement or muscle response in his wrist or fingers yet. About the 3rd week after the accident, Koben did move his right arm slightly for a few days; he has not been able to move it since. Today, He does have feeling down past the elbow in his right arm, as of Friday, the 24th, during his weekly muscle response test, we saw a flicker of muscle response again in his bicep, (YEA, Praise God!), but no movement yet. The sense of feeling in his lower back and abdomen comes and goes, but as of late is showing that feeling is returning. He experiences tingling and shocking sensation throughout his body periodically and is aware of his feet position, has even mentioned a cramp in the ball of his foot and for us to take his shoes off because his little toe felt crunched. We view this as a positive. Still no movement or muscle response in his legs and feet, but we pray and believe things are starting to wake up.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deut. 31:8
The Lord said, “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” Joshua 1:5
God is the same God today as he was with Moses

[ACBUCKINGBULLS]

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2008 03:17 PM, CDT
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After a restful weekend, Koben again faces the week with a full schedule and plenty of work in therapy to be done. There are still a few hurdles for Koben to overcome before we feel his healing can really take flight. Koben really needs to put on some weight for a couple of reasons: to increase strength and to heal and prevent pressure wounds. While he is in the rehab hospital with a heavy schedule, this is difficult because he simply doesn't have enough time to eat properly. We are praying this week for God to allow time for Koben to get as much nutrition and good calories as possible to get over these hurdles.

Koben did have his trach port removed yesterday! Now he receives breathing treatments three times a day through the nebulizor. Thank you God, and please continue to bless and strengthen Koben's ability to breath.

It's hard to believe Koben's release date is this weekend. We pray that it really is the proper time, and that all will go well.

'May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.' Romans 15:13

[ACBUCKINGBULLS]

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2008 01:17 PM, CDT
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Here is a link to a song that speaks to Dan and Vana:

He’s My Son

Koben’s release date of November 1, in a few short days, is met with mixed feelings and fears by him and his family.

Part of the difficulty is the practical matters, such as renting all the necessary equipment needed for Koben’s care. Thankfully he will stay in Dallas for several weeks at the home of some good friends, so all the equipment needed can be delivered there. Vana’s time at home is filled with researching and calling different places to make sure everything is in place at the proper time, in addition to overlooking construction on their home in Canyon. Dan is busy with preparations in Dallas and mostly continuing care for Koben. Please pray that the stresses of this week preparing for Koben’s release may be lessened, and everything will go smoothly.

Also, Vana and Dan are apprehensive about whether Koben’s condition is stable enough for him to be released. I will mention again the fact that Koben could really stand to put on some weight, plus he has a pressure wound that isn’t healing as fast as we would like it too. It is a catch 22 in which Koben’s body sends so much of the nutrition he needs toward healing that wound that he doesn’t retain enough for weight gain, and he needs the weight gain in order to prevent further pressure wounds. So, this week Koben’s nutrition and weight gain are big concerns to his parents. We are praying specifically for Koben to be able to eat plenty, build up strength, and that his wound will heal quickly.

Koben has been doing fairly well this week, but not as good as last week. He wears out a bit quicker, and had a bad headache during the night Tuesday. Naturally he has his own worries about his situation. But he continues to draw strength from the Lord, praying and staying in the word.

We are so thankful for the many of you who continue to pray daily for Koben’s situation. Although he won’t be living at the rehab hospital after this weekend, he still has a long road of healing and rehabilitation ahead of him, because this is NOT the end of his journey. Join us in continuing to pray for Koben, that he may gain weight, his wound may heal, and of course for his complete restoration.

Hebrews 12:11-13
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 'Make level paths for your feet,' so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

[bturpitt]

Prayers from Nebraska and the Lord be with you. Kobens' accident really hits home for us. We have an 8yr old that rides and lives to do it. Cody is his name, we have been following Kobens progress. Cody would like to dedicate all his rides to Koben for the remaining 08 and 09 season. Please let Koben know he has a little cowboy pulling for him. Cody would be glad to share some pictures with you all. Feel free to pm us if this would be ok. Thank you and God Bless.

[ACBUCKINGBULLS]

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2008 09:07 PM, CDT
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Koben has been thinking of all the benefits that will go along with being released from the hospital and is looking forward to the transition. There will no longer be nurses and therapists needing to take vital signs, give breathing treatments, and all the other requirements that interrupt the day, and more time can be given to resting, eating, and therapy. Koben is ready to take charge and rise to the challenges he faces on his own.

Today part of Koben's therapy included going on an outing to the mall, and he was given some assignments. He ordered and payed for some ice cream that he enjoyed eating at least 10 bites by himself using his left arm. With Dan's help he went shopping and tried on and purchased a new shirt. He found the elevators and made his way where he wanted to go. He was tired when I spoke to his Dad around 8 pm, but felt confident in his abilities.

Some of you may be wondering exactly what Koben faces as far as caring for himself (with his families help.) Koben and his parents have learned in the rehab hospital how to move from hospital bed to chair, to maneuver the chair, a new way to take showers, shave, and brush teeth, and go to the bathroom. All of these things are accomplished with what little bit of strength Koben has in his left arm and his parents help. Now that he has had the tracheal port removed and the breathing treatments gradually reduced (he received his last one this morning), Koben has been educated on how to receive breathing help using an AMBU bag (the thing you see EMT's using to resuscitate instead of mouth to mouth method) in case of emergency. The family will have one with them at home.

As far as the logistics of the move itself, a special van with a lift has been rented, a wheel chair specific to Koben's needs will be delivered, and Koben will take with him tools needed for everyday care now such as compression bags for his legs at night and long hose or socks for his legs during the day to prevent clotting among other things, equipment for wound care, and catheter.

As with any new transition, now matter how anxiously anticipated, Dan, Vana, and Koben have been very busy preparing all week. Even after they are settled in their friend's home in Dallas, construction for Koben's new bedroom in Canyon will be underway.

We thank God for this change and ask His hand to be over it all. We continue to ask God to bless Koben with weight gain, strength, endurance, and to keep his spirits lifted. We ask God to heal his pressure wound quickly. We ask God for Koben's complete healing, and rejoice in anticipation of that day.

Psalm 103:1-5

Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-

who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

[ACBUCKINGBULLS]

Please remember that you can go to this link http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kobenpuckett
to sign Koben's guestbook and read his journal. God be with him on his journey of recovery.