James Kloster.com

8 months post surgery

jameskloster — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:10:57 +0000

Here we are 8 months post surgery, James is in grade 2 and so happy to be a normal 7-year-old. James has had ZERO seizures and doesn’t require any naps at all. He is still on anti-seizure medication but we were able to lower his dose by about a third. We’re now looking forward to Halloween , it’s so strange to go to events or stay up late even a simple hockey game or movie without watching and waiting for a siezure. Camping over the summer was another big treat of just relaxing and enjoying the water and all the fun that goes with it. Our next visit to Children’s is in February, however this is prime Olympics time and may not be easy getting around Vancouver. I can’t say thanks enough for all the love and support our entire family received from friends, family ,coworkers and the community. I hope everyone knows how much we love and appreciate everything that was done for us!

I’ll try to update more often and add a few pictures,

Hugs and Kisses,

The Kloster family

Update 19

jameskloster — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:58:32 +0000

James started back at school today, tried a half day but he wasn’t satisfied with that. So tomorrow he’s going all day and he can’t wait. Last night he played hockey in the street with some neighbours, his first time ever and wow was he good. I thought it might be hard to get him to wear his helmet but he was happy to, suppose just being able to play he’ll do anything. Hope this week goes well !

Tana

Update 18

jameskloster — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:00:25 +0000

Hello, it is the day after St. Patrick’s day, James was out lastnight at a movie and watched the whole thing while eating an entire bag of popcorn. We saw ‘race to witch mountain’.Through out the movie James kept putting his arm around me asking if I was scared and patting my back telling me it was okay. This little guy, as many of you know, is most concered about everyone else and all that he’s gone through really didn’t phase him much. One of our fears with the surgery was that he wouldn’t be the same after or he’d have memory loss, but to see how quickly the recovery happened and that he just wants to be a normal kid really makes you put things into perspective.

Last week we met a women who had children herself and was diagnosed with something very similar to James. She was very frightened at the thought of having brain surgery and didn’t trust her doctors or the diagnoses. For James to be standing and chatting with this women just 2 weeks after was really amazing to watch. I know that when we left she was definately happy to have met us and was seeing her situation just a bit differently. James was so concerned about her and asks if we can see her again.We were just getting ice cream and she asks about his stiches. You have to understand that he led the conversation ,not me. He was not shy about discussing his experience and proud that he was so ‘tough’. Better still very excited to say that he hadn’t had a seizure since.

I wanted to share this story to show that this event and all that went with it , all the waiting and worrying and the unknown really had an incredible affect on all of us in the end. Everyday I can’t beleive that it’s over and at the same time it doesn’t seem like it could be. Thanks again for all the support and love.

Tana

Update 17

jameskloster — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:56:16 +0000

Visited the doctor yesterday, everything is healing well. Love that we have such great medical support here. The Homebound teacher comes today and I promised a Tim Hortons bagel after some homework. James was complaining of headaches lastnight and blurred vision , I think breakfast in bed maybe a plan for today. It is -20 here this morning, hope we get this out of the way for the break.

Tana

Update 16

jameskloster — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 03:35:22 +0000

James is really doing remarkable, his stitches are itchy and starting to dissolve. Even his hair is growing over, still having 4 hour naps in the afternoon but playing hard for the rest of the day. We plan to visit the grade one class on Thursday or Friday. Hope to see some sun over the spring break!

Tana

Update 15

jameskloster — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:34:47 +0000

James was able to eat a double cheeseburger yesterday now that his jaw muscles are healing. He has some homework to do , but gets tired quickly. Definitely ready to have visitors but is napping in the afternoon sometimes 4 hours. We’re all looking forward to the spring break, as long as it doesn’t snow!

Tana

Update 14

jameskloster — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:59:13 +0000

It’s been a week and 3 days since surgery and James is doing amazing. He has his appetite back and his energy. The hard part is reminding him to take it easy, what 6 year old wants to lie around in bed all day. He’s been very busy building Lego and has a Hospital Homebound teacher bringing him some work on Tuesday.

I have to mention a special Thank-you to the staff, students and families of Rosevalley Elementary. All of the generosity, love and support has meant the world to us and has made it possible for James to get the best possible care available.

Also to all the family and friends that have sent good wishes and prayers, we are grateful. I’m attaching a few pictures of James in his room wth over 500 paper chain links from the students at RVE with heartfelt messages written in each. What a way to brighten a room.

Thanks so much,

Tana and Jay

update 13

jameskloster — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:38:18 +0000

We’re home yeah!!!!!!!We stayed in Hope lastnight the highways were closed just after we settled in to the hotel. The weather was terrible but it’s so good to see the sun. We just need to get James eating and all will be well. There just aren’t words to describe how we’re feeling right now and the appreciation we have for everything that was done to help us through this experience.

thank-you to everyone

Tana and Jay

Update 12

jameskloster — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:22:06 +0000

We just talked to the surgeon, we are able to leave the hospital this morning but need to stay in town one more night just to be safe. Heard there’s snow on the higher elevations so might be a good idea to stay in the sunny,rainy ,sunny,rainy,sunny…….west coast.

I Miss all of my friends

Love James

Update 11

jameskloster — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:46:07 +0000

Well it’s Tuesday afternoon, James had a bit of a rough night as he isn’t keeping solid food down yet. We did however get him in the bath so he feels like a new man, little man. We may have to stay another night until he can eat more solids and stand a bit better. His pain is fairly under control with just Tylenol. Even able to build some lego.

Can’t wait to be home!

Tana