Thank you to everyone who has so generously donated to the
Dillon Family Fund. Rusty, Betsy, Ariel and Liz have asked me to extend their appreciation to each and every one of you.
Gifts to the Dillon Family Fund are used by the Dillon family to help Ross.
Dillon Family Fund. Rusty, Betsy, Ariel and Liz have asked me to extend their appreciation to each and every one of you.
Gifts to the Dillon Family Fund are used by the Dillon family to help Ross.
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Photos from Todd Crisafulli, Boston Bicycle Club (B2C) of the orange ribbons team members are wearing for Ross on their bikes and helmets while racing at the Fitchberg Longsjo Classic. The team donated winnings to Ross's fund. |
First 44 Days
Start at the bottom of each page and read up to stay in order by posting date. Ross was badly injured on June 3, 20002. His story begins below.
Please note: This information comes from family and friends at the hospital, not the physicians. It is based on my understanding of what I'm told. I apologize if I have misinterpreted any of the facts given to me, and will try to keep everything as factual as possible.
July 18, 2002 8:30 PM--Betsy said Ross's first day in rehab was "busy." The doctor said she expected him to be more responsive and is ordering further tests to determine whether or not he has any fluid accumulating on his brain. His feeding schedule has been improved to add more of the nutrients his brain needs to heal, and they are also bringing in a specialist to address the one remaining abrasion that is very slow to heal. Betsy said she feels really good about Kentfield. In her words, Memorial ICU had the task of saving his life...rehab will help him recover. They have plans to get him sitting up and standing, even though he's still in coma. It sounds as if rehab will be very aggressive as compared to the process of healing while in ICU. Please remember Ross and Katie and his family in your prayers.
July 17, 2002 8:00 PM--Ross is resting comfortably on an air bed at Kentfield Rehabilitation Hospital. Betsy said it's such a relief to finally have him there. Today the staff was explaining what all to expect during the time Ross is in rehab. He'll need your prayers and encouragement now more than ever as he gets into the difficult work of recovery.
July 17, 2002 9:45 AM--Betsy just called. Ross is going to Kentfield at 11:00 today.
July 16, 2002 10:00 PM--Ross's fever is down and his blood count is fine. With any luck and a lot of prayer he should go to rehab in the morning. They sat him up for the first time today and he did just fine with that...another big step. Doctors also ordered a chest x-ray to make sure there's no pneumonia causing the fever.
I'll be sure to update as soon as we know anything.
July 16, 2002 11:45 AM--Betsy called. Ross is NOT moving today. His fever went up during the night and the infections specialist has been called back in. Kentfield will not accept him within 24 hours of an elevated temperature. Ross needs your prayers and good thoughts now more than ever, as do his family and fiancée.
July 15, 2002 6:00 PM--Betsy just called. Ross is scheduled to move to rehab at 11:00 tomorrow morning. I'll post an address later for those of you who might want to send him cards or notes. I'll also continue the updates as he moves through this next stage of his recovery.
July 14, 2002 7:30 PM--Ross had a good day today, rested well and showed increasing movement of his arms and legs. Betsy said it sounds as if he'll be moved to Kentfield some time tomorrow. There have been so many disappointments about his move to rehab--please keep Ross in your prayers and thoughts, that he finally leave ICU and make it to the rehab center tomorrow.
July 13, 2002 8:30 PM--Betsy said Ross was sleeping most of the day, she thinks because of medication the doctors have given him for muscle spasms. However, because he's so drowsy all the time he's on it they've decided not to give it to him anymore. Hopefully, he'll be more alert tomorrow.
Right now, Ross is scheduled for the move to rehab on Monday, though there is a possible glitch in the insurance that might hold up the move. It's really frustrating: physically, he's more than ready, but it sounds like paperwork could hold him back. Betsy asked specifically for your prayers that any impediments in Ross's move be quickly overcome.
She also wanted me to thank everyone for their donations to the Ross Dillon Hope Fund. She intends to write to each and every one of you, but right now Betsy's time is spent at the hospital with Ross.
Please keep him in your prayers. He's so close to getting into rehab right now. Your prayers, good thoughts and encouragement will go a long way toward expediting the move.
July 12, 2002 8:15 PM--Just talked to Rusty. He said he'd just left the hospital and Ross was sleeping very deeply. He's looking great, gaining some weight back and looking more and more like he should, which Rusty said was both wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time, to have his son looking so much like himself, and still not be awake.
The staff members are all talking as if Ross will be moved to rehab on Monday. His blood tests are clear, his blood pressure and pulse where it should be, his deep abrasions continuing to heal. This morning he moved his arms on command for the doctor. As Rusty said, it's one thing to follow his family's commands, another altogether to listen to his doctor!
He's got great nurses who really care about his recovery. His night nurse is familiar with therapy and works a lot with him, his day nurse, Beth, has helped the Dillons better prepare for what to expect when he goes into rehab. It's a whole new step in his recovery--a very big step. Please keep Ross, his mom and dad and sisters and Katie in your prayers and thoughts over this weekend. Thank you, too, for your wonderful letters and words of encouragement. I'm printing them out to add to Ross's own copy of his guestbook.
July 11, 2002 9:30 PM--Betsy said Ross had a restful day but was more active and alert this evening. His blood tests were all negative for infection, his white blood cell count is down and with any luck he'll be moved to rehab on Monday or Tuesday.
She said a night nurse has been working really well with Ross, doing range of motion therapy and sort of setting everyone up for what will happen when he gets to Kentfield for rehab.
One interesting note: Katie is keeping a chart of Ross's good and bad days. In the beginning, every good day would be followed by a couple of rough ones where he was very tired and slept a lot. Now he'll have two good days for every rough one. Improvement is slow but steady.
He has such a wonderful support group! It is literally a world-wide community. I keep thinking of Ross's reaction when he finally comes through this and realizes how many people have been pulling for him, praying for his recovery, writing notes of encouragement and telling their own personal stories of recovery and survival. It really is amazing.
July 10, 2002 8:30 PM--One of Ross's blood tests came back positive today, so his move to rehab will have to wait on more tests being completed tomorrow. The doctor seemed to think, since it was just the one sample positive for infection, that it was due to outside contamination. Whatever the cause, it's another delay in getting Ross to rehab, and definitely frustrating.
Betsy said Ross was much more animated today, very alert and moving his arms on command. Katie and Ariel gave him a hair cut to even up the one side that hadn't been shaved for his surgery. (Now that's something I'd like to have seen!)
I asked Betsy about the level of coma Ross is in now. She said when he was first brought into the hospital he was listed as a level 3, which is considered "brain dead." He is now at an 8 or 9, something I am certain none of the doctors who originally treated him expected to see. He's growing stronger every day, his wounds are healing and he is more alert. Hopefully he will soon be in rehab and before too long, back to the young man he was before the accident.
Please keep him in your thoughts as you go about your day, and remember Ross in your prayers.
July 9, 2002 8:00 PM--Just talked to Betsy and she said Ross's fever was down today, but the doctor from the rehab center had requested some tests before they move him, and they won't be completed until tomorrow. If all goes well, it looks like Ross will get moved to rehab on Thursday.
The infections specialist said everything looked good. Betsy said Ross had definite facial expressions today, his eyes were open more, both pupils were of more equal size, he's moving all his extremities and his pulse and blood pressure are down where they belong.
Overall, his mom says he just looks a lot better every day, especially around his left eye where the bruising has been so bad. Thank you, everyone, for your constant prayers, good thoughts and wonderful letters of encouragement.
July 8, 2002 8:00 PM--Doctors ordered more tests today to try and find the source of Ross's elevated temperature, though the specialist said she didn't see any obvious sign of infection. Betsy said he seems tired today, but therapists have worked him pretty hard over the past couple days. Katie said a therapist was working on Ross's left hand today when she was in the room, and asked Ross if he could reach out and touch his fiancée's hand. Ross moved his hand until he was touching Katie's. Also, when the therapist was asking whether or not he could bend his left arm, Ross bent it to show that he could.
Every day he appears more aware, though he is still in a coma.
Betsy said a nurse from the rehab center will be at Memorial tomorrow to decide whether or not Ross is ready to be moved. Please keep him in your prayers.
July 7, 2002 8:00 PM--Just talked to Betsy and she said Ross was doing well and resting tonight. His fever is not as high and he appeared more relaxed. Is on some medication for his blood pressure. He's showing more movement of his hands, arms and feet. The doctor has an infections specialist coming to look at him tomorrow to see if they can figure out what is causing his temperature to go up. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Ross needs to be as healthy as possible--and that means fever down--before he can be moved to rehab.
July 6, 2002 9:00 PM--I'm home a day early because Mom's surgery went really well, and just talked to Betsy. Ross is the same but not...he's more responsive, his eyes are open more, he definitely opens his eyes when someone is talking to him, he is moving his right arm more and has definite wake and sleep patterns. He's still running a fever, which is a concern as it could delay his entry into rehab, and though the place on his back is healing, it's still pretty bad. Betsy said he gets agitated and his blood pressure goes up when he's uncomfortable, but then the nurses move him (he still can't move himself) and he settles down, which is a good sign that he's more aware. His awareness grows daily. The folks from Kentfield will be at Memorial on Tuesday to evaluate Ross and see if he's ready for rehab. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers, that he is ready to be moved and start on the long road to healing.
July 4, 2002 8:30 PM--I just talked to Betsy and she said Ross had a good day. Repeatedly squeezed and released Katie's hand on command, something that appears to be improving daily. The biggest problem is that his fever is back, though it's not high. The hospital is looking for a source of infection, as he has to be clear of infection before he can be moved to rehab. The move should take place early next week, possibly Tuesday.
On a personal note, I will be away until Sunday while my mom has surgery, so I won't be able to add to the site. If you want to check on Ross's condition between now and then, please call 707.799.8868. Rusty updates the message every evening.
Your prayers, good thoughts and notes of encouragement are a constant source of inspiration. Thank you so much.
July 3, 2002 8:00 PM--It's been one month since Ross's accident. I went by the hospital today and I am amazed at the improvement in him. He's still in a coma but he looks so much better. He was sleeping when I first arrived, so his mom and I went for lunch. When we returned, Katie and his sister Ariel were in the room. Ross was awake and it was obvious he was very aware of all of us being there. When I talked to him he appeared to focus on me and he reacted to the voices and laughter, and especially to a nurse who came in while we were there. He's much more "mobile," moving his hands, coughing, watching. There's the sense that he is so close, just on the other side of something, waiting to wake up completely.
On the medical side, Betsy said the deep abrasion on his back is healing better than expected. His move to rehab may not take place until Tuesday or Wednesday, but he should be at Kentfield by the middle of next week. Today the VeloWear newsletter came out with a mention of Ross. There's a banner up at bike.com and at other sites all over the country. It's exciting to check on the guestbook every morning and see notes from all over the world. Thank you, everyone, for your wonderful words of encouragement.
July 2, 2002 3:30 PM--I'm doing the "update" early today as I have to be away this evening, but wanted to let you know that Ross had a restful day. His mom says he looks good and his temperature is gone. She had the feeling he was tired from working so hard yesterday. I imagine healing from the types of injuries Ross has to fight is very hard work. If you want a later update, please call 707.799.8868 for Rusty's recorded message. He records a new message every evening.
Reading your wonderful messages in the guestbook is absolutely the best part of my day. Thank you so much for taking the time to write. I keep imagining Ross's reaction when he is well enough to read them on his own. He's going to be absolutely overwhelmed by your kindness and encouragement.
July 1, 2002 8:15 PM--Ross had a great day today. He's completely off the respirator. Betsy said it's been taken out of the room, so he's breathing on his own all the time. This morning he was moving both arms and especially his left hand a lot. He squeezed Katie's hand on command. He also squeezed Ariel's, and when she asked him to release it, he did. His eyes were open much more today--he's tracking better and focusing when people speak to him. A skin nurse is working on the wound on his back to speed up the healing there. Betsy said she's absolutely terrific.
They had a great meeting with the doctor from Kentfield. Ross won't be moved to rehab until Monday because of the 4th of July holiday Thursday. Once at Kentfield, therapists will get him upright as much as possible to force his brain to work more than he's had to in the ICU.
Everything is sounding more positive every day. Thank you so much for your prayers for Ross's continued recovery.
If you get a chance, go into the Guestbook and read the wonderful messages of hope and encouragement that have come to Ross. Just click on the blue icon at the bottom of the first page. The letters are absolutely amazing, and I want to thank every one of you who has written.
June 30, 2002 6:30 PM--Betsy said Ross was resting quietly, but off the respirator. He'd been off for about three hours and was breathing well, but he'll go back on it during the night. His digestion appears to be working and Betsy said he moved his left hand again, including his fingers. She said she's certain she felt a response from him when she asked him to squeeze her hand. The wound on his back is healing, finally, and if the latest x-ray of his injured right elbow looks good, they'll remove the splint. All in all, she said it was a good day.
Thank you again for your prayers, good thoughts and especially your kind words to Ross in the guestbook.
June 29, 2002 2:30 PM--I'm updating early today as I'll be away from the computer until tomorrow morning.
Betsy said the stitches in Ross's scalp were removed today. They're the ones left from when doctors replaced the bone flap in his skull on the 17th. The swelling from that surgery has gone down as well. Ross's digestion appears to be functioning and he's absorbing the food better. His latest CAT scan looks really good, too.
He's sleeping soundly today and is back on the ventilator, but Betsy said that's because he worked so hard at his breathing yesterday, they'll give him a rest today. He's still running a bit of a fever but doctors seem to think that's a result of the brain injury, not of infection.
The staff and doctors continue to treat Ross aggressively, and there is a real sense of hope over his recovery. His parents are meeting with the director of the rehab center in Kentfield on Monday afternoon and should find out by then if Ross has been accepted there or not.
Please keep Ross, his family and his fiancée in your prayers and thoughts. I've got almost all of the guestbook entries printed out (there are A LOT OF THEM!) and will take them to the hospital tomorrow. If you still haven't written and would like to, I plan to continue copying the notes and adding them to the book, but I think the wonderful messages of hope and encouragement from so many of you will mean a lot to Ross during his rehabilitation.
June 28, 2002 7:15 PM--Betsy just called. She said Ross is more "wakeful" tonight...not "awake," but definitely not in as deep a coma as he's been. He's responding with resistance to physical therapy, pushing back against the therapist's hands, etc. His road rash has healed up except for three troublesome spots on both his knees and his tailbone, but from what Betsy said, it doesn't sound as if there's any infection. He's still running a slight fever but doctors have said that's consistent with a brain injury.
His biggest problems appear to be digestive. He's having trouble getting enough nourishment because of stomach upsets and Rusty has asked for your prayers, that this problem be resolved quickly so that Ross can get the nourishment he so badly needs to help his body heal.
Physical therapy is ongoing. Betsy, Ariel, Katie and their friend Shannon are all working with Ross to increase his range of motion and keep his tendons and joints from tightening up and shortening. Everyone has noticed the resistance, the fact he's pushing back when they work with him, and even the physical therapists have mentioned it.
Ross will go back on the ventilator for the night, but he spent long periods off of it today. When I look back over the notes in this online "journal," I see lots of small miracles. The biggest, of course, is the fact Ross survived such a terrible injury, but the constant daily miracles as he regains more of himself can't help but give me even more hope for his full recovery.
Thank you so much for your prayers, your good thoughts and your wonderful words of encouragement. Ross is going to be absolutely blown away when he reads what so many of you have written to him.
June 28, 2002 5:50 PM--Talked with Betsy earlier today and she said Ross is off the ventilator and breathing on his own for long periods of time. He's also moving his arms more in what are described as "purposeful movements." Betsy's going to call me later this evening with an update. I've been printing out the guestbook entries to take to the hospital so Ross will have them when he goes to rehab. I am just blown away by the wonderful things people have to say. Thank you so much for your prayers, your good thoughts and your wonderful words of encouragement. I know they will mean a lot to Ross when he's working hard at getting healthy again.
June 27, 2002 9:00 PM--not much change this evening, though Betsy said Ross was still having some problems digesting his food. I did get the most wonderful note though, from Todd Crisafulli of the Boston Bicycle Club (B2C) with pictures of the orange ribbons they're wearing for Ross on their bikes and helmets while racing at the Fitchberg Longsjo Classic. (See above) The team is donating winnings to Ross's fund. Thanks so much to all of the cyclists of B2C--go REALLY fast...and race safe.
June 27, 2002 2:30 PM--It's red for a good reason! I just talked to Betsy and she said the night nurse at Memorial reported that Ross responded to a command! The nurse was suctioning Ross's mouth and asked him to open wider and he did. This is the first time there's been a noticeable conscious response to a command. Betsy will call me later this evening once she has a chance to find out more, but this is really good news.
June 26, 2002 8:00 PM--I took some photos of Ross to Betsy at the hospital today but didn't see Ross. The physical therapist was with him at the time. Ariel said he'd moved his left arm independently and also pushed against her hand when she was stretching his fingers out as the therapist was instructing her to do. He's very thin, according to Betsy, but the staff is giving him more calories. He's had some problems with digesting, but hopefully the medications the doctor has prescribed will take care of the upset. A representative from the rehab center in Kentfield was here this morning and said they're hoping to move Ross down there by the middle of next week. Doctors began "weaning" him off the ventilator today. Betsy said it must be really hard work...he broke out in a sweat.
I'm going to be printing up the entries in the guestbook so that Ross can have them with him down at the rehab center. If you have thought about leaving a message but haven't done it yet, please do it now so your words of encouragement will be there for him. Just click on the "guestbook" icon at the bottom of the first page. Thank you.
June 25, 2002 8:15 PM--Ross had his surgery this evening and the tracheostomy went just fine. Betsy said he had grown a mustache she hadn't seen before, under all the tubes and such! I think it was actually a sad reminder of how much time has passed since Ross's accident 22 days ago, but he is improving and today's surgery is an important step forward. Tomorrow morning someone from the rehab center in Kentfield will be at the hospital to evaluate Ross so that he can begin rehabilitation. This should be the last surgery he'll have to endure, and that in itself is a huge relief. He's had way too many over the past few weeks. He's also been kept off food for the past 24 hours. Those of you who are athletes without any body fat will know how difficult that is. Betsy is convinced that once he's receiving regular nutrition again he'll show marked improvement. Please keep Ross, his family and Katie in your prayers and in your thoughts. Your continued support is very important to everyone.
June 24, 2002 9:00 PM--Ross had a quiet day today. He's been having some problems with digestion and doctors withheld food for the entire day, which might have had something to do with the fact he spent most of the day sleeping. Betsy said they met with members of the medical staff including the trauma nurse who had been on duty when Ross was first brought in, for a "care conference." The nurse said she'd never seen such a serious hematoma on the brain as the one Ross had when he arrived at the hospital...but that she fully believed the support of family and friends has a lot to do with the quality of a patient's recovery. Obviously, support from loved ones is something Ross has.
June 23, 2002 8:30 PM--Rusty just called. He said Ross had a quiet day today, sleeping most of the day. The doctors hope to perform the tracheostomy either Monday or Tuesday, after which they will begin to wean him from the ventilator. Once that's done, he can be moved into rehab where the real work begins. There's no sign of pneumonia and the healing continues.
June 22, 2002 8:30 PM--Just talked to Betsy--tonight she had a list of good things for me! Ross is showing response to pain in all his extremities--toes, fingers, the works. Both pupils respond to light--his eyes don't always track, but sometimes they do. His attention span is much longer. Yesterday, after just five minutes or so of being somewhat alert, he would drift back to sleep. Today he was able to focus for 20 minutes or longer. Betsy said he's definitely watching when she talks to him. His elbow is finally healing and the doctors plan to do the tracheostomy on either Monday or Tuesday. The risk of infection by doing it to soon is greater than the risk of irritation to his throat from waiting.
She also said Rusty put up a sign in front of their house for the riders in the Terrible Two to see as they went by, so they'd know where Ross lived. Many of the riders are still on the road as I write this, finishing the grueling double century.
On a rather sad note, Betsy said a young man, 21 years old, was brought into ICU last night with head injuries even more serious than Ross's. She asks for your prayers for Joe and his family.
June 21, 2002 9:20 PM--This morning Ross appeared agitated and was sort of biting down on the breathing tube, so doctor's administered some pain meds and other medications to calm him. Tonight they ended up giving him enough medication to essentially paralyze his movements so they could safely replace and reposition the breathing tube. Betsy said he was heavily medicated when she left, which I'm sure was hard for her to take after the good day he had yesterday.
Doctors still aren't certain when they'll be able to do the tracheostomy. It depends on how long it takes the incision from the surgery he had on his broken neck to heal, since there is a plate that goes over the trach that, if done now, would rub on the partially healed incision. Once it finally heals sufficiently and the trach is in place, doctors can attempt to wean him from the respirator. Also, at that point, Betsy said they'll be able to consider rehab for him. They are currently checking into a number of excellent facilities in the area. They'll meet with the doctors next week, go over Ross's medical records, and figure out the next steps they need to take to help him recover.
Please keep Ross in your prayers, and also remember the many cyclists who will be riding in the Terrible Two Double Century tomorrow. They are dedicating the ride to Ross and to their club mate Jamie Meisel, who died recently of a heart attack. The ride goes right past Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, and further on, past the Dillon's house on Trinity Grade. I imagine there will be a lot of positive energy directed toward Ross as the cyclists pass him by. Please have a safe ride, every one of you.
June 20, 2002 9:15 PM--Ross's mom just called with an update, and she sounds absolutely elated. Everything is looking so good. Betsy said the hospital gave her a booklet that describes what to look for in a patient with head injuries, that they would be very tired when they begin to wake up. She said she noticed that in Ross today--periods where his eyes were open and he was obviously awake and appeared to be trying to focus on her, then periods of deep sleep. He has purposeful movement in his left arm and some movement in his leg. Doctors are looking for an ability to follow commands and Betsy said she thinks they saw a little of that in his eyes when she talked with him. What doctors are looking for, though, is the ability to squeeze a hand on command, or blink his eyes. Hopefully that will come soon.
The nurses are making a point of talking to Ross regularly, assuring him he is in a hospital, that he is injured but he was the only one hurt. Betsy and Rusty have both remarked time and again that their son is getting absolutely fantastic care, that the entire staff is doing their best to bring him back.
Ross is gaining more strength every day. I can't help but think that a lot of that strength is bolstered by your prayers and good thoughts for his recovery. Thank you so much.
June 20, 2002 Noon--I've been thinking about Ross all morning so I made an early call to Betsy--she said he's having a really good day today. His eyes are reacting much better to light, he's moved his left arm and the nurses could feel the muscles in his legs flexing, though he's not moving his feet yet. He's growing stronger each day--now that he's off the pain medications, his reactions appear to be improving at a constant rate. He's still in a coma, but every step forward has got to be a good thing! Thank you so much for your kind thoughts and wonderful notes. I'll update again this evening.
June 19, 2002 7:30 PM--I just talked to Betsy. Ross is completely off the morphine now and doctors are also removing the other anesthetics he's been on since June 3. She said his eyes were moving more, he has more facial movement and his color appears better. He is running a fever again, though not too high, and doctors think it's a result of the brain injury and not infection. Betsy said she's really encouraged, that the more time he's off the anesthetics, the more chance he has to come fully awake. There's a sense that he's there, just waiting to wake up as soon as his body has healed enough.
Thank you so much for your wonderful notes in the guestbook and your thoughts and prayers for Ross. The fact you care enough to check on him and leave a message for him means a great deal to everyone.
June 18, 2002 11:00 PM--Ross is resting comfortably, still in deep coma, and definitely still in need of your prayers and good thoughts. Thank you so much for caring enough to check by the site and for thinking of him.
June 18, 2002 8:00 PM--I stopped by the hospital today when I was in Santa Rosa. The waiting room in the ICU is NEVER empty and today it was filled with Ariel's friends, Ross's fiancée Katie, the mothers of Ross's friends and his mom, Betsy. Ross is going to be absolutely blown away when he realizes how many people care about him. Betsy said the fever he's had since the surgery has finally broken and his condition is stable. Once he gets the trach in, doctors will start weaning him off the ventilator. They've already begun to reduce the number of drugs he's on for pain. He's lost some weight and there are so many abrasions and lacerations still healing that it makes you hurt to realize what he's going through, but you can't help but sense Ross is quietly healing and growing stronger every day. Please keep him in your prayers.
June 17, 2002 7:50 PM--I just got off the phone with Betsy. Ross came through today's surgery just fine. The doctors decided not to do the tracheostomy at this time as the area where it needed to go is too close to the incision from the cervical repair done Saturday. They rebuilt his skull and his vital signs are strong. The temperature that has been a problem since he first was injured has come way down. It's currently at just 98.9°. Doctors had hoped to begin weaning Ross from the ventilator, but that will have to wait until after they can do the trach. He'll need a few more days of healing before that surgery is performed.
Thank you so much for your prayers for Ross and his family, and especially for his fiancée, Katie.
June 16, 2002 8:15 PM--Ross had a good day today. The doctors kept him pretty zonked out to aid healing from his neck surgery, so he had a restful day and his vital signs are all good. Tomorrow (Monday) at 4:30 they have scheduled surgery to insert a trach and also to repair Ross's skull. The sections of bone that were removed to reduce pressure on his brain will be replaced. His lungs are clear and doctors are hoping to start weaning him off the respirator later in the week. Now it's a matter of time and healing. Please hold him in your thoughts and prayers.
June 15, 2002 5:00 PM--Ross came through the surgery in flying colors! Doctors used a piece of his pelvic bone to replace the damaged vertebrae and stabilized it with a titanium rod. His most recent CAT scan has left everyone feeling more hopeful for Ross's full recovery. Damage the doctors expected to see just isn't there and Ross appears to be healing amazingly well. Rusty said it looks like they'll do the trach on Tuesday and hopefully rebuild his skull during the same surgery.
Thank you, everyone, for your prayers and good wishes. There have been too many miracles in the process of saving this young man to just have happened on their own. Though he remains in a deep coma, his body is busy repairing his injuries. I think, when Ross finally awakens, he will be absolutely amazed at the outpouring of love he's received from all of you.
June 14, 2002 9:00 PM--Betsy just called and said Ross's surgery is scheduled for around 8 AM Saturday morning. The doctor feels confident that he'll come through it just fine. They did another CAT scan today and it shows that the swelling is gone and hemorrhaging is over--more good signs of healing. Another plus today was a friend of a friend, a healer, who came by and prayed with the family and with Ross. All told, it sounds as if they've had as good a day as possible. Please keep Ross and his surgeon in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow. Everything, so far, since his accident, has been positive. Ross's will to live and the prayers and good wishes of all his friends and family are giving him every possible chance.
June 14, 2002 11:30 AM--I just spoke with Rusty and he said they'll be meeting with Ross's neurosurgeon at 7:30 this evening to go over Ross's surgery. The operation is scheduled for tomorrow--Saturday morning.
June 13, 2002--Things are looking better every day. Rusty says the doctors are beginning to sound much more optimistic--one of the neurologists treating Ross said he has seen people come back and recover from injuries this severe. Team members caring for Ross have said he is strong and they can sense his spirit and that of the people who love him. As Rusty said, "It's a full court, total effort to bring him back, and it feels good to be in that frame of heart."
Medically he's stable, which is good. His blood work looks good. The jaundice is way down and his doctors feel he should tolerate the surgery on his neck just fine on Saturday. The trach goes in Monday and hopefully they'll rebuild his skull later in the week.
Everyone is so appreciative of all your prayers, your good wishes and your wonderfully supportive notes. Thank you so much.
June 12, 2002 4:00 PM--Rusty just called me with really exciting news--the doctor said he is getting some pupil dilation with Ross that wasn't there before. There are no guarantees, but this is a really positive step forward in Ross's recovery.
The Dillons have been overwhelmed with the wonderful attention Ross is receiving at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Rusty said the entire staff has been exemplary, not only with their care of Ross, but of his family as well. With all the complaints people often have regarding medical care in this day and age, Rusty said they couldn't ask for a more dedicated and devoted crew of people to look after their son.
June 12, 2002--I saw Rusty (Ross's dad) at the hospital this morning. He said Ross didn't appear as jaundiced today, which most likely means his liver is not as distressed. Also, he has a basal skull fracture that has been leaking cerebral fluid, and that drainage seems to have stopped, which is a good thing. Surgery for the cervical fracture will be either Friday or Saturday, then on Monday doctors will do a tracheostomy, a surgical procedure to create a direct opening into Ross's windpipe for breathing. The reason for that is to prevent scar tissue from developing in his throat from the tubes they're currently using. The swelling in his brain has reduced and if he continues to improve along those lines, the doctors may be able to replace the skull pieces they removed directly after his accident sometime next week.
Please keep Ross in your prayers and thoughts--it's the little miracles that all add up to make a big one.
June 11, 2002--Doctors have scheduled surgery to repair Ross's cervical fracture on either Friday or Saturday, depending upon a number of factors. There is the ever-present danger of meningitis, which would most likely be fatal, and doctors are discussing a time frame for replacing the pieces of his skull removed the day of the accident. Once the pieces are back in place, the risk of meningitis is greatly reduced.Ross is also dealing with liver distress, a result of the other severe injuries.
Ross's dad, Rusty, said doctors told him the intracranial pressure is somewhat reduced, which is a good thing. He is also having small seizures, and oddly enough, that's another positive reaction as it means the nerves in his spine are intact. The doctors say he is physically strong and they will continue to treat him aggressively. It may be a full month before there is any real indication of the type of recovery Ross can expect to make.
June 9, 2002--Neurologists treating Ross, including a visiting specialist, met and went over his tests and did more of their own. They determined that it will be another week or so before they can make a better prognosis for his recovery. He remains in critical condition in the ICU at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.
June 3, 2002--Ross was hit from behind by a car traveling at approximately 50 miles per hour. The driver did not brake until after impact. He was thrown over 150 feet from the point of impact, sustaining serious brain and brainstem injuries along with lacerations, abrasions and broken bones, including a fractured C-7 vertebrae.
Start at the bottom of each page and read up to stay in order by posting date. Ross was badly injured on June 3, 20002. His story begins below.
Please note: This information comes from family and friends at the hospital, not the physicians. It is based on my understanding of what I'm told. I apologize if I have misinterpreted any of the facts given to me, and will try to keep everything as factual as possible.
July 18, 2002 8:30 PM--Betsy said Ross's first day in rehab was "busy." The doctor said she expected him to be more responsive and is ordering further tests to determine whether or not he has any fluid accumulating on his brain. His feeding schedule has been improved to add more of the nutrients his brain needs to heal, and they are also bringing in a specialist to address the one remaining abrasion that is very slow to heal. Betsy said she feels really good about Kentfield. In her words, Memorial ICU had the task of saving his life...rehab will help him recover. They have plans to get him sitting up and standing, even though he's still in coma. It sounds as if rehab will be very aggressive as compared to the process of healing while in ICU. Please remember Ross and Katie and his family in your prayers.
July 17, 2002 8:00 PM--Ross is resting comfortably on an air bed at Kentfield Rehabilitation Hospital. Betsy said it's such a relief to finally have him there. Today the staff was explaining what all to expect during the time Ross is in rehab. He'll need your prayers and encouragement now more than ever as he gets into the difficult work of recovery.
July 17, 2002 9:45 AM--Betsy just called. Ross is going to Kentfield at 11:00 today.
July 16, 2002 10:00 PM--Ross's fever is down and his blood count is fine. With any luck and a lot of prayer he should go to rehab in the morning. They sat him up for the first time today and he did just fine with that...another big step. Doctors also ordered a chest x-ray to make sure there's no pneumonia causing the fever.
I'll be sure to update as soon as we know anything.
July 16, 2002 11:45 AM--Betsy called. Ross is NOT moving today. His fever went up during the night and the infections specialist has been called back in. Kentfield will not accept him within 24 hours of an elevated temperature. Ross needs your prayers and good thoughts now more than ever, as do his family and fiancée.
July 15, 2002 6:00 PM--Betsy just called. Ross is scheduled to move to rehab at 11:00 tomorrow morning. I'll post an address later for those of you who might want to send him cards or notes. I'll also continue the updates as he moves through this next stage of his recovery.
July 14, 2002 7:30 PM--Ross had a good day today, rested well and showed increasing movement of his arms and legs. Betsy said it sounds as if he'll be moved to Kentfield some time tomorrow. There have been so many disappointments about his move to rehab--please keep Ross in your prayers and thoughts, that he finally leave ICU and make it to the rehab center tomorrow.
July 13, 2002 8:30 PM--Betsy said Ross was sleeping most of the day, she thinks because of medication the doctors have given him for muscle spasms. However, because he's so drowsy all the time he's on it they've decided not to give it to him anymore. Hopefully, he'll be more alert tomorrow.
Right now, Ross is scheduled for the move to rehab on Monday, though there is a possible glitch in the insurance that might hold up the move. It's really frustrating: physically, he's more than ready, but it sounds like paperwork could hold him back. Betsy asked specifically for your prayers that any impediments in Ross's move be quickly overcome.
She also wanted me to thank everyone for their donations to the Ross Dillon Hope Fund. She intends to write to each and every one of you, but right now Betsy's time is spent at the hospital with Ross.
Please keep him in your prayers. He's so close to getting into rehab right now. Your prayers, good thoughts and encouragement will go a long way toward expediting the move.
July 12, 2002 8:15 PM--Just talked to Rusty. He said he'd just left the hospital and Ross was sleeping very deeply. He's looking great, gaining some weight back and looking more and more like he should, which Rusty said was both wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time, to have his son looking so much like himself, and still not be awake.
The staff members are all talking as if Ross will be moved to rehab on Monday. His blood tests are clear, his blood pressure and pulse where it should be, his deep abrasions continuing to heal. This morning he moved his arms on command for the doctor. As Rusty said, it's one thing to follow his family's commands, another altogether to listen to his doctor!
He's got great nurses who really care about his recovery. His night nurse is familiar with therapy and works a lot with him, his day nurse, Beth, has helped the Dillons better prepare for what to expect when he goes into rehab. It's a whole new step in his recovery--a very big step. Please keep Ross, his mom and dad and sisters and Katie in your prayers and thoughts over this weekend. Thank you, too, for your wonderful letters and words of encouragement. I'm printing them out to add to Ross's own copy of his guestbook.
July 11, 2002 9:30 PM--Betsy said Ross had a restful day but was more active and alert this evening. His blood tests were all negative for infection, his white blood cell count is down and with any luck he'll be moved to rehab on Monday or Tuesday.
She said a night nurse has been working really well with Ross, doing range of motion therapy and sort of setting everyone up for what will happen when he gets to Kentfield for rehab.
One interesting note: Katie is keeping a chart of Ross's good and bad days. In the beginning, every good day would be followed by a couple of rough ones where he was very tired and slept a lot. Now he'll have two good days for every rough one. Improvement is slow but steady.
He has such a wonderful support group! It is literally a world-wide community. I keep thinking of Ross's reaction when he finally comes through this and realizes how many people have been pulling for him, praying for his recovery, writing notes of encouragement and telling their own personal stories of recovery and survival. It really is amazing.
July 10, 2002 8:30 PM--One of Ross's blood tests came back positive today, so his move to rehab will have to wait on more tests being completed tomorrow. The doctor seemed to think, since it was just the one sample positive for infection, that it was due to outside contamination. Whatever the cause, it's another delay in getting Ross to rehab, and definitely frustrating.
Betsy said Ross was much more animated today, very alert and moving his arms on command. Katie and Ariel gave him a hair cut to even up the one side that hadn't been shaved for his surgery. (Now that's something I'd like to have seen!)
I asked Betsy about the level of coma Ross is in now. She said when he was first brought into the hospital he was listed as a level 3, which is considered "brain dead." He is now at an 8 or 9, something I am certain none of the doctors who originally treated him expected to see. He's growing stronger every day, his wounds are healing and he is more alert. Hopefully he will soon be in rehab and before too long, back to the young man he was before the accident.
Please keep him in your thoughts as you go about your day, and remember Ross in your prayers.
July 9, 2002 8:00 PM--Just talked to Betsy and she said Ross's fever was down today, but the doctor from the rehab center had requested some tests before they move him, and they won't be completed until tomorrow. If all goes well, it looks like Ross will get moved to rehab on Thursday.
The infections specialist said everything looked good. Betsy said Ross had definite facial expressions today, his eyes were open more, both pupils were of more equal size, he's moving all his extremities and his pulse and blood pressure are down where they belong.
Overall, his mom says he just looks a lot better every day, especially around his left eye where the bruising has been so bad. Thank you, everyone, for your constant prayers, good thoughts and wonderful letters of encouragement.
July 8, 2002 8:00 PM--Doctors ordered more tests today to try and find the source of Ross's elevated temperature, though the specialist said she didn't see any obvious sign of infection. Betsy said he seems tired today, but therapists have worked him pretty hard over the past couple days. Katie said a therapist was working on Ross's left hand today when she was in the room, and asked Ross if he could reach out and touch his fiancée's hand. Ross moved his hand until he was touching Katie's. Also, when the therapist was asking whether or not he could bend his left arm, Ross bent it to show that he could.
Every day he appears more aware, though he is still in a coma.
Betsy said a nurse from the rehab center will be at Memorial tomorrow to decide whether or not Ross is ready to be moved. Please keep him in your prayers.
July 7, 2002 8:00 PM--Just talked to Betsy and she said Ross was doing well and resting tonight. His fever is not as high and he appeared more relaxed. Is on some medication for his blood pressure. He's showing more movement of his hands, arms and feet. The doctor has an infections specialist coming to look at him tomorrow to see if they can figure out what is causing his temperature to go up. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Ross needs to be as healthy as possible--and that means fever down--before he can be moved to rehab.
July 6, 2002 9:00 PM--I'm home a day early because Mom's surgery went really well, and just talked to Betsy. Ross is the same but not...he's more responsive, his eyes are open more, he definitely opens his eyes when someone is talking to him, he is moving his right arm more and has definite wake and sleep patterns. He's still running a fever, which is a concern as it could delay his entry into rehab, and though the place on his back is healing, it's still pretty bad. Betsy said he gets agitated and his blood pressure goes up when he's uncomfortable, but then the nurses move him (he still can't move himself) and he settles down, which is a good sign that he's more aware. His awareness grows daily. The folks from Kentfield will be at Memorial on Tuesday to evaluate Ross and see if he's ready for rehab. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers, that he is ready to be moved and start on the long road to healing.
July 4, 2002 8:30 PM--I just talked to Betsy and she said Ross had a good day. Repeatedly squeezed and released Katie's hand on command, something that appears to be improving daily. The biggest problem is that his fever is back, though it's not high. The hospital is looking for a source of infection, as he has to be clear of infection before he can be moved to rehab. The move should take place early next week, possibly Tuesday.
On a personal note, I will be away until Sunday while my mom has surgery, so I won't be able to add to the site. If you want to check on Ross's condition between now and then, please call 707.799.8868. Rusty updates the message every evening.
Your prayers, good thoughts and notes of encouragement are a constant source of inspiration. Thank you so much.
July 3, 2002 8:00 PM--It's been one month since Ross's accident. I went by the hospital today and I am amazed at the improvement in him. He's still in a coma but he looks so much better. He was sleeping when I first arrived, so his mom and I went for lunch. When we returned, Katie and his sister Ariel were in the room. Ross was awake and it was obvious he was very aware of all of us being there. When I talked to him he appeared to focus on me and he reacted to the voices and laughter, and especially to a nurse who came in while we were there. He's much more "mobile," moving his hands, coughing, watching. There's the sense that he is so close, just on the other side of something, waiting to wake up completely.
On the medical side, Betsy said the deep abrasion on his back is healing better than expected. His move to rehab may not take place until Tuesday or Wednesday, but he should be at Kentfield by the middle of next week. Today the VeloWear newsletter came out with a mention of Ross. There's a banner up at bike.com and at other sites all over the country. It's exciting to check on the guestbook every morning and see notes from all over the world. Thank you, everyone, for your wonderful words of encouragement.
July 2, 2002 3:30 PM--I'm doing the "update" early today as I have to be away this evening, but wanted to let you know that Ross had a restful day. His mom says he looks good and his temperature is gone. She had the feeling he was tired from working so hard yesterday. I imagine healing from the types of injuries Ross has to fight is very hard work. If you want a later update, please call 707.799.8868 for Rusty's recorded message. He records a new message every evening.
Reading your wonderful messages in the guestbook is absolutely the best part of my day. Thank you so much for taking the time to write. I keep imagining Ross's reaction when he is well enough to read them on his own. He's going to be absolutely overwhelmed by your kindness and encouragement.
July 1, 2002 8:15 PM--Ross had a great day today. He's completely off the respirator. Betsy said it's been taken out of the room, so he's breathing on his own all the time. This morning he was moving both arms and especially his left hand a lot. He squeezed Katie's hand on command. He also squeezed Ariel's, and when she asked him to release it, he did. His eyes were open much more today--he's tracking better and focusing when people speak to him. A skin nurse is working on the wound on his back to speed up the healing there. Betsy said she's absolutely terrific.
They had a great meeting with the doctor from Kentfield. Ross won't be moved to rehab until Monday because of the 4th of July holiday Thursday. Once at Kentfield, therapists will get him upright as much as possible to force his brain to work more than he's had to in the ICU.
Everything is sounding more positive every day. Thank you so much for your prayers for Ross's continued recovery.
If you get a chance, go into the Guestbook and read the wonderful messages of hope and encouragement that have come to Ross. Just click on the blue icon at the bottom of the first page. The letters are absolutely amazing, and I want to thank every one of you who has written.
June 30, 2002 6:30 PM--Betsy said Ross was resting quietly, but off the respirator. He'd been off for about three hours and was breathing well, but he'll go back on it during the night. His digestion appears to be working and Betsy said he moved his left hand again, including his fingers. She said she's certain she felt a response from him when she asked him to squeeze her hand. The wound on his back is healing, finally, and if the latest x-ray of his injured right elbow looks good, they'll remove the splint. All in all, she said it was a good day.
Thank you again for your prayers, good thoughts and especially your kind words to Ross in the guestbook.
June 29, 2002 2:30 PM--I'm updating early today as I'll be away from the computer until tomorrow morning.
Betsy said the stitches in Ross's scalp were removed today. They're the ones left from when doctors replaced the bone flap in his skull on the 17th. The swelling from that surgery has gone down as well. Ross's digestion appears to be functioning and he's absorbing the food better. His latest CAT scan looks really good, too.
He's sleeping soundly today and is back on the ventilator, but Betsy said that's because he worked so hard at his breathing yesterday, they'll give him a rest today. He's still running a bit of a fever but doctors seem to think that's a result of the brain injury, not of infection.
The staff and doctors continue to treat Ross aggressively, and there is a real sense of hope over his recovery. His parents are meeting with the director of the rehab center in Kentfield on Monday afternoon and should find out by then if Ross has been accepted there or not.
Please keep Ross, his family and his fiancée in your prayers and thoughts. I've got almost all of the guestbook entries printed out (there are A LOT OF THEM!) and will take them to the hospital tomorrow. If you still haven't written and would like to, I plan to continue copying the notes and adding them to the book, but I think the wonderful messages of hope and encouragement from so many of you will mean a lot to Ross during his rehabilitation.
June 28, 2002 7:15 PM--Betsy just called. She said Ross is more "wakeful" tonight...not "awake," but definitely not in as deep a coma as he's been. He's responding with resistance to physical therapy, pushing back against the therapist's hands, etc. His road rash has healed up except for three troublesome spots on both his knees and his tailbone, but from what Betsy said, it doesn't sound as if there's any infection. He's still running a slight fever but doctors have said that's consistent with a brain injury.
His biggest problems appear to be digestive. He's having trouble getting enough nourishment because of stomach upsets and Rusty has asked for your prayers, that this problem be resolved quickly so that Ross can get the nourishment he so badly needs to help his body heal.
Physical therapy is ongoing. Betsy, Ariel, Katie and their friend Shannon are all working with Ross to increase his range of motion and keep his tendons and joints from tightening up and shortening. Everyone has noticed the resistance, the fact he's pushing back when they work with him, and even the physical therapists have mentioned it.
Ross will go back on the ventilator for the night, but he spent long periods off of it today. When I look back over the notes in this online "journal," I see lots of small miracles. The biggest, of course, is the fact Ross survived such a terrible injury, but the constant daily miracles as he regains more of himself can't help but give me even more hope for his full recovery.
Thank you so much for your prayers, your good thoughts and your wonderful words of encouragement. Ross is going to be absolutely blown away when he reads what so many of you have written to him.
June 28, 2002 5:50 PM--Talked with Betsy earlier today and she said Ross is off the ventilator and breathing on his own for long periods of time. He's also moving his arms more in what are described as "purposeful movements." Betsy's going to call me later this evening with an update. I've been printing out the guestbook entries to take to the hospital so Ross will have them when he goes to rehab. I am just blown away by the wonderful things people have to say. Thank you so much for your prayers, your good thoughts and your wonderful words of encouragement. I know they will mean a lot to Ross when he's working hard at getting healthy again.
June 27, 2002 9:00 PM--not much change this evening, though Betsy said Ross was still having some problems digesting his food. I did get the most wonderful note though, from Todd Crisafulli of the Boston Bicycle Club (B2C) with pictures of the orange ribbons they're wearing for Ross on their bikes and helmets while racing at the Fitchberg Longsjo Classic. (See above) The team is donating winnings to Ross's fund. Thanks so much to all of the cyclists of B2C--go REALLY fast...and race safe.
June 27, 2002 2:30 PM--It's red for a good reason! I just talked to Betsy and she said the night nurse at Memorial reported that Ross responded to a command! The nurse was suctioning Ross's mouth and asked him to open wider and he did. This is the first time there's been a noticeable conscious response to a command. Betsy will call me later this evening once she has a chance to find out more, but this is really good news.
June 26, 2002 8:00 PM--I took some photos of Ross to Betsy at the hospital today but didn't see Ross. The physical therapist was with him at the time. Ariel said he'd moved his left arm independently and also pushed against her hand when she was stretching his fingers out as the therapist was instructing her to do. He's very thin, according to Betsy, but the staff is giving him more calories. He's had some problems with digesting, but hopefully the medications the doctor has prescribed will take care of the upset. A representative from the rehab center in Kentfield was here this morning and said they're hoping to move Ross down there by the middle of next week. Doctors began "weaning" him off the ventilator today. Betsy said it must be really hard work...he broke out in a sweat.
I'm going to be printing up the entries in the guestbook so that Ross can have them with him down at the rehab center. If you have thought about leaving a message but haven't done it yet, please do it now so your words of encouragement will be there for him. Just click on the "guestbook" icon at the bottom of the first page. Thank you.
June 25, 2002 8:15 PM--Ross had his surgery this evening and the tracheostomy went just fine. Betsy said he had grown a mustache she hadn't seen before, under all the tubes and such! I think it was actually a sad reminder of how much time has passed since Ross's accident 22 days ago, but he is improving and today's surgery is an important step forward. Tomorrow morning someone from the rehab center in Kentfield will be at the hospital to evaluate Ross so that he can begin rehabilitation. This should be the last surgery he'll have to endure, and that in itself is a huge relief. He's had way too many over the past few weeks. He's also been kept off food for the past 24 hours. Those of you who are athletes without any body fat will know how difficult that is. Betsy is convinced that once he's receiving regular nutrition again he'll show marked improvement. Please keep Ross, his family and Katie in your prayers and in your thoughts. Your continued support is very important to everyone.
June 24, 2002 9:00 PM--Ross had a quiet day today. He's been having some problems with digestion and doctors withheld food for the entire day, which might have had something to do with the fact he spent most of the day sleeping. Betsy said they met with members of the medical staff including the trauma nurse who had been on duty when Ross was first brought in, for a "care conference." The nurse said she'd never seen such a serious hematoma on the brain as the one Ross had when he arrived at the hospital...but that she fully believed the support of family and friends has a lot to do with the quality of a patient's recovery. Obviously, support from loved ones is something Ross has.
June 23, 2002 8:30 PM--Rusty just called. He said Ross had a quiet day today, sleeping most of the day. The doctors hope to perform the tracheostomy either Monday or Tuesday, after which they will begin to wean him from the ventilator. Once that's done, he can be moved into rehab where the real work begins. There's no sign of pneumonia and the healing continues.
June 22, 2002 8:30 PM--Just talked to Betsy--tonight she had a list of good things for me! Ross is showing response to pain in all his extremities--toes, fingers, the works. Both pupils respond to light--his eyes don't always track, but sometimes they do. His attention span is much longer. Yesterday, after just five minutes or so of being somewhat alert, he would drift back to sleep. Today he was able to focus for 20 minutes or longer. Betsy said he's definitely watching when she talks to him. His elbow is finally healing and the doctors plan to do the tracheostomy on either Monday or Tuesday. The risk of infection by doing it to soon is greater than the risk of irritation to his throat from waiting.
She also said Rusty put up a sign in front of their house for the riders in the Terrible Two to see as they went by, so they'd know where Ross lived. Many of the riders are still on the road as I write this, finishing the grueling double century.
On a rather sad note, Betsy said a young man, 21 years old, was brought into ICU last night with head injuries even more serious than Ross's. She asks for your prayers for Joe and his family.
June 21, 2002 9:20 PM--This morning Ross appeared agitated and was sort of biting down on the breathing tube, so doctor's administered some pain meds and other medications to calm him. Tonight they ended up giving him enough medication to essentially paralyze his movements so they could safely replace and reposition the breathing tube. Betsy said he was heavily medicated when she left, which I'm sure was hard for her to take after the good day he had yesterday.
Doctors still aren't certain when they'll be able to do the tracheostomy. It depends on how long it takes the incision from the surgery he had on his broken neck to heal, since there is a plate that goes over the trach that, if done now, would rub on the partially healed incision. Once it finally heals sufficiently and the trach is in place, doctors can attempt to wean him from the respirator. Also, at that point, Betsy said they'll be able to consider rehab for him. They are currently checking into a number of excellent facilities in the area. They'll meet with the doctors next week, go over Ross's medical records, and figure out the next steps they need to take to help him recover.
Please keep Ross in your prayers, and also remember the many cyclists who will be riding in the Terrible Two Double Century tomorrow. They are dedicating the ride to Ross and to their club mate Jamie Meisel, who died recently of a heart attack. The ride goes right past Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, and further on, past the Dillon's house on Trinity Grade. I imagine there will be a lot of positive energy directed toward Ross as the cyclists pass him by. Please have a safe ride, every one of you.
June 20, 2002 9:15 PM--Ross's mom just called with an update, and she sounds absolutely elated. Everything is looking so good. Betsy said the hospital gave her a booklet that describes what to look for in a patient with head injuries, that they would be very tired when they begin to wake up. She said she noticed that in Ross today--periods where his eyes were open and he was obviously awake and appeared to be trying to focus on her, then periods of deep sleep. He has purposeful movement in his left arm and some movement in his leg. Doctors are looking for an ability to follow commands and Betsy said she thinks they saw a little of that in his eyes when she talked with him. What doctors are looking for, though, is the ability to squeeze a hand on command, or blink his eyes. Hopefully that will come soon.
The nurses are making a point of talking to Ross regularly, assuring him he is in a hospital, that he is injured but he was the only one hurt. Betsy and Rusty have both remarked time and again that their son is getting absolutely fantastic care, that the entire staff is doing their best to bring him back.
Ross is gaining more strength every day. I can't help but think that a lot of that strength is bolstered by your prayers and good thoughts for his recovery. Thank you so much.
June 20, 2002 Noon--I've been thinking about Ross all morning so I made an early call to Betsy--she said he's having a really good day today. His eyes are reacting much better to light, he's moved his left arm and the nurses could feel the muscles in his legs flexing, though he's not moving his feet yet. He's growing stronger each day--now that he's off the pain medications, his reactions appear to be improving at a constant rate. He's still in a coma, but every step forward has got to be a good thing! Thank you so much for your kind thoughts and wonderful notes. I'll update again this evening.
June 19, 2002 7:30 PM--I just talked to Betsy. Ross is completely off the morphine now and doctors are also removing the other anesthetics he's been on since June 3. She said his eyes were moving more, he has more facial movement and his color appears better. He is running a fever again, though not too high, and doctors think it's a result of the brain injury and not infection. Betsy said she's really encouraged, that the more time he's off the anesthetics, the more chance he has to come fully awake. There's a sense that he's there, just waiting to wake up as soon as his body has healed enough.
Thank you so much for your wonderful notes in the guestbook and your thoughts and prayers for Ross. The fact you care enough to check on him and leave a message for him means a great deal to everyone.
June 18, 2002 11:00 PM--Ross is resting comfortably, still in deep coma, and definitely still in need of your prayers and good thoughts. Thank you so much for caring enough to check by the site and for thinking of him.
June 18, 2002 8:00 PM--I stopped by the hospital today when I was in Santa Rosa. The waiting room in the ICU is NEVER empty and today it was filled with Ariel's friends, Ross's fiancée Katie, the mothers of Ross's friends and his mom, Betsy. Ross is going to be absolutely blown away when he realizes how many people care about him. Betsy said the fever he's had since the surgery has finally broken and his condition is stable. Once he gets the trach in, doctors will start weaning him off the ventilator. They've already begun to reduce the number of drugs he's on for pain. He's lost some weight and there are so many abrasions and lacerations still healing that it makes you hurt to realize what he's going through, but you can't help but sense Ross is quietly healing and growing stronger every day. Please keep him in your prayers.
June 17, 2002 7:50 PM--I just got off the phone with Betsy. Ross came through today's surgery just fine. The doctors decided not to do the tracheostomy at this time as the area where it needed to go is too close to the incision from the cervical repair done Saturday. They rebuilt his skull and his vital signs are strong. The temperature that has been a problem since he first was injured has come way down. It's currently at just 98.9°. Doctors had hoped to begin weaning Ross from the ventilator, but that will have to wait until after they can do the trach. He'll need a few more days of healing before that surgery is performed.
Thank you so much for your prayers for Ross and his family, and especially for his fiancée, Katie.
June 16, 2002 8:15 PM--Ross had a good day today. The doctors kept him pretty zonked out to aid healing from his neck surgery, so he had a restful day and his vital signs are all good. Tomorrow (Monday) at 4:30 they have scheduled surgery to insert a trach and also to repair Ross's skull. The sections of bone that were removed to reduce pressure on his brain will be replaced. His lungs are clear and doctors are hoping to start weaning him off the respirator later in the week. Now it's a matter of time and healing. Please hold him in your thoughts and prayers.
June 15, 2002 5:00 PM--Ross came through the surgery in flying colors! Doctors used a piece of his pelvic bone to replace the damaged vertebrae and stabilized it with a titanium rod. His most recent CAT scan has left everyone feeling more hopeful for Ross's full recovery. Damage the doctors expected to see just isn't there and Ross appears to be healing amazingly well. Rusty said it looks like they'll do the trach on Tuesday and hopefully rebuild his skull during the same surgery.
Thank you, everyone, for your prayers and good wishes. There have been too many miracles in the process of saving this young man to just have happened on their own. Though he remains in a deep coma, his body is busy repairing his injuries. I think, when Ross finally awakens, he will be absolutely amazed at the outpouring of love he's received from all of you.
June 14, 2002 9:00 PM--Betsy just called and said Ross's surgery is scheduled for around 8 AM Saturday morning. The doctor feels confident that he'll come through it just fine. They did another CAT scan today and it shows that the swelling is gone and hemorrhaging is over--more good signs of healing. Another plus today was a friend of a friend, a healer, who came by and prayed with the family and with Ross. All told, it sounds as if they've had as good a day as possible. Please keep Ross and his surgeon in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow. Everything, so far, since his accident, has been positive. Ross's will to live and the prayers and good wishes of all his friends and family are giving him every possible chance.
June 14, 2002 11:30 AM--I just spoke with Rusty and he said they'll be meeting with Ross's neurosurgeon at 7:30 this evening to go over Ross's surgery. The operation is scheduled for tomorrow--Saturday morning.
June 13, 2002--Things are looking better every day. Rusty says the doctors are beginning to sound much more optimistic--one of the neurologists treating Ross said he has seen people come back and recover from injuries this severe. Team members caring for Ross have said he is strong and they can sense his spirit and that of the people who love him. As Rusty said, "It's a full court, total effort to bring him back, and it feels good to be in that frame of heart."
Medically he's stable, which is good. His blood work looks good. The jaundice is way down and his doctors feel he should tolerate the surgery on his neck just fine on Saturday. The trach goes in Monday and hopefully they'll rebuild his skull later in the week.
Everyone is so appreciative of all your prayers, your good wishes and your wonderfully supportive notes. Thank you so much.
June 12, 2002 4:00 PM--Rusty just called me with really exciting news--the doctor said he is getting some pupil dilation with Ross that wasn't there before. There are no guarantees, but this is a really positive step forward in Ross's recovery.
The Dillons have been overwhelmed with the wonderful attention Ross is receiving at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Rusty said the entire staff has been exemplary, not only with their care of Ross, but of his family as well. With all the complaints people often have regarding medical care in this day and age, Rusty said they couldn't ask for a more dedicated and devoted crew of people to look after their son.
June 12, 2002--I saw Rusty (Ross's dad) at the hospital this morning. He said Ross didn't appear as jaundiced today, which most likely means his liver is not as distressed. Also, he has a basal skull fracture that has been leaking cerebral fluid, and that drainage seems to have stopped, which is a good thing. Surgery for the cervical fracture will be either Friday or Saturday, then on Monday doctors will do a tracheostomy, a surgical procedure to create a direct opening into Ross's windpipe for breathing. The reason for that is to prevent scar tissue from developing in his throat from the tubes they're currently using. The swelling in his brain has reduced and if he continues to improve along those lines, the doctors may be able to replace the skull pieces they removed directly after his accident sometime next week.
Please keep Ross in your prayers and thoughts--it's the little miracles that all add up to make a big one.
June 11, 2002--Doctors have scheduled surgery to repair Ross's cervical fracture on either Friday or Saturday, depending upon a number of factors. There is the ever-present danger of meningitis, which would most likely be fatal, and doctors are discussing a time frame for replacing the pieces of his skull removed the day of the accident. Once the pieces are back in place, the risk of meningitis is greatly reduced.Ross is also dealing with liver distress, a result of the other severe injuries.
Ross's dad, Rusty, said doctors told him the intracranial pressure is somewhat reduced, which is a good thing. He is also having small seizures, and oddly enough, that's another positive reaction as it means the nerves in his spine are intact. The doctors say he is physically strong and they will continue to treat him aggressively. It may be a full month before there is any real indication of the type of recovery Ross can expect to make.
June 9, 2002--Neurologists treating Ross, including a visiting specialist, met and went over his tests and did more of their own. They determined that it will be another week or so before they can make a better prognosis for his recovery. He remains in critical condition in the ICU at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.
June 3, 2002--Ross was hit from behind by a car traveling at approximately 50 miles per hour. The driver did not brake until after impact. He was thrown over 150 feet from the point of impact, sustaining serious brain and brainstem injuries along with lacerations, abrasions and broken bones, including a fractured C-7 vertebrae.