December 12, 2011

Let's Try This...

We took Garren for a follow up visit to the EENT this past Tuesday. Using a scope to watch the inside of Garren's throat, he concluded that he doesn't see any change in Garren's swallow since the last time he saw us about 3 months ago. Needless to say, that was discouraging to hear.

He went on to inform us that Garren's current speech therapist recommends that we discontinue therapy for swallowing, because she isn't seeing any improvement either.

I asked about next steps. What else can we do? Who else can we talk to? Is there anything else we can try? It's as though they know (or think they know) in their heads that Garren will not likely swallow again, but they don't have the heart to tell us. So they keep trying.

Several months ago we had discovered an intense swallow therapy called the McNeil program. It's a 3 week, 5 days a week intensive swallowing therapy that has seen good results in many patients. We had searched high and low, and the only location we could find that would even consider seeing Garren was in Atlanta. When we asked the doc about the McNeil program, he said "Sure, that's what we do here." Ever have one of those moments where you want to throw your arms up in the air and say "When were you going to tell us about it?" I didn't say that, as badly as I wanted to...

So he offered to refer us to one of his therapists. Of course we jumped at the opportunity. His scheduler came in a few minutes later and informed us that the next available appointment was January 24. That's 6 weeks! She was kind enough to add us to the waiting list, in case someone cancelled an appointment.

Friday we got a call that an appointment had been cancelled. So we rearranged our schedule and got Garren over there. The speech therapist assessed Garren, and decided that even though Garren's case doesn't show a lot of hope, she would continue to see him and take him through the 3 week program. He starts January 23rd.

So we will try this now. Let's pray for some kind of progress.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Never say never! I think everytime they throw a difficult challenge at Garren, it gives him more fuel to fight with. I have no doubts what-so-ever that he will give 150% during those three weeks. He's the kid who doesn't have "I can't" in his vocabulary. We will continue to pray. The Sisk Family

Anonymous said...

Well said Sisk Family. I'd like to add: Matthew 19:26
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Brian and Krystal Edwards said...

Geoffrey and Family,
Thank you so much for being honest with us and sharing your hearts. We really appreciate that you are not trying to pretend that everything is easy, but that you are honestly trusting God in your difficult situations. We are praying for your whole family.

Anonymous said...

How wonderful that you thought to mention the program to the dr...I know this is tough for all of you, but this is where absolute trust in God is the only place to be. He has a plan...we will pray for Garren to be able to swallow, or whatever else you need...and pray for all of you in this battle for faith...love, Sandy & Russ

Anonymous said...

Stay strong!God has a plan. Praying for Garren daily!

Anonymous said...

we will certainly continue to pray for Garren and all of you. As the Edwards said thank you for your honesty as you share your heart with us. As i read your blog I thought about times when things look like there is no hope or limited hope in the eyes of those who give us news or others who hear what we hear and maybe even doubt there is hope. I was reminded our hope is in Christ and not our circumstances and nothing is beyond Him. Sometimes He allows things to get to the most hopeless looking place to do His greatest work. We will continue to lift Garren up and hold on to our hope in the one who can overcome all obstacles for us. We love you guys, Karen and Cecil

Kitty @ Four Toms and a Mom said...

Garren has shown so much promise in every area--this one we'll just keep praying for. Every day--every prayer--Garren's need is added.

Anonymous said...

We continue to pray for Garren everyday. As I was catching up on your blog, I am reminded of what an amazing young man Garren is; his faith, his strength, and his perseverance. As hard as it is for us sometimes to understand and accept, it is always going to be in God's timing. Garren is a believer and a fighter. God is doing amazing things through Garren and I don't believe his is finished yet. Don't give up Garren!! You are truly a courageous young man. The Poovey Family