I am happy to report that I received another good report of baby steps today. Last night we were warned that even with Tom's progress this is going to take a very long time before we can call him well. But today we find that his white cell count is still going down, being at 30.8. The doctor will continue to give him the antibiotics, which sometimes is a guess as to which antibiotic to use, but because it is helping the white cell count to come down we will continue. The cultures of 48 hours ago show no growth which is also good news. They will culture him again today just as a precaution. Some of the best news is that the kidneys are still working and doing well. Today the kidney doctor gave orders to remove his dialisis catheter. Yeah! This doesn't mean that he may not need it in the future, but as long as his kidneys improve they are going to give him a "line rest".
Last night he was given two units of blood. They want to assure as many carriers of oxygen to get to his organs as possible, therefore the need for more blood. His distention is remaining the same at 20. He will remain in this paralyzed state as long as he needs the agressive ventilator and we are being warned that once he comes off it, he will be extremely weak and may not move much even at that point. This may be residual or he may be able to recover from that weakness totally.
The bottom line is that we are headed in the right direction, but progress is very, very slow and will continue to be so. We have been told we may have a hospital stay of 5 weeks to 6 months! Please pray for sooner than later!
I am really missing being at home. I am grateful for all of those who have allowed me to stay with them, but I know that is not easy for them either, so many thanks for putting up with the inconvenience.
I don't know what I would do without the support of my family.
Obituary for Thomas Stoddard Johnson
Dr. Thomas Stoddard Johnson, 65, passed away October 17, 2007 at McKay-Dee Hospital due to complications with pancreatitis. He was surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Tom was born December 16, 1941 in Tremonton, UT to Heber Guy and Emorett Stoddard Johnson. He graduated from Bear River High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol Lue Smith in the Logan LDS Temple June 26, 1964. They were blessed with 5 children and 11 grandchildren.
Tom was an active member of the LDS church. He served as a bishop twice, as well as in many other callings. He let everyone know that being Primary Pianist was his favorite and the best calling in the church. He had a great knowledge of the gospel and always shared his firm testimony.
Tom loved his profession and dedicated his professional
life to the Department of Communicative Disorders at Utah State University. The faculty and students were his "family away from family." They fondly referred to him as either “Doctor Johnson” or simply, “The King”.
Tom was a True Aggie and loved to cheer on Utah State. He loved attending gymnastic meets, and was the team’s biggest fan. After Tom lost his first wife to cancer, he was able to find love again with Kathryn (Katie) Harris of Pleasant View. They were married April 2, 2004. They loved living in St. George, and enjoyed many hobbies and loved traveling together.
Tom's greatest joy in life was his children and grandkids. He was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. Tom always had such a great sense of humor and an awesome smile. The family would like to thank everyone for all their thoughts and prayers. They would also like to thank the knowledgeable and loving staff at McKay-Dee Hospital's ICU for their love and efforts working with Tom.
Tom is survived by his wife Kathryn and his children: Jay (Melodee), Jared (Michelle), Jann (Chad) Fawcett, Thomas (Rachel), Tailona Johnson, and the Harris children: Brett (Alicia), Chad (Angie), Brandon (Julia), Matthew (Wendy), Tyson (Karen), and Michaelene (Nathan) Kippen; a sister, Jill Cannon (Owen). He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Carol Lue; sisters Tess and Peggy; a brother Jack; and a granddaughter Gracie Harris.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am on Monday October 22, 2007 at the North Logan 13th ward chapel, 400 E. 1800 N. in North Logan. A viewing will be held Sunday October 21, 2007 at Allen-Cranney Mortuary from 6-8 and also on Monday from 9:30-10:30 at the church prior to the funeral services. Interment will be at 1 pm at the Smithfield Cemetery.
Tom was born December 16, 1941 in Tremonton, UT to Heber Guy and Emorett Stoddard Johnson. He graduated from Bear River High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol Lue Smith in the Logan LDS Temple June 26, 1964. They were blessed with 5 children and 11 grandchildren.
Tom was an active member of the LDS church. He served as a bishop twice, as well as in many other callings. He let everyone know that being Primary Pianist was his favorite and the best calling in the church. He had a great knowledge of the gospel and always shared his firm testimony.
Tom loved his profession and dedicated his professional
life to the Department of Communicative Disorders at Utah State University. The faculty and students were his "family away from family." They fondly referred to him as either “Doctor Johnson” or simply, “The King”.
Tom was a True Aggie and loved to cheer on Utah State. He loved attending gymnastic meets, and was the team’s biggest fan. After Tom lost his first wife to cancer, he was able to find love again with Kathryn (Katie) Harris of Pleasant View. They were married April 2, 2004. They loved living in St. George, and enjoyed many hobbies and loved traveling together.
Tom's greatest joy in life was his children and grandkids. He was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. Tom always had such a great sense of humor and an awesome smile. The family would like to thank everyone for all their thoughts and prayers. They would also like to thank the knowledgeable and loving staff at McKay-Dee Hospital's ICU for their love and efforts working with Tom.
Tom is survived by his wife Kathryn and his children: Jay (Melodee), Jared (Michelle), Jann (Chad) Fawcett, Thomas (Rachel), Tailona Johnson, and the Harris children: Brett (Alicia), Chad (Angie), Brandon (Julia), Matthew (Wendy), Tyson (Karen), and Michaelene (Nathan) Kippen; a sister, Jill Cannon (Owen). He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Carol Lue; sisters Tess and Peggy; a brother Jack; and a granddaughter Gracie Harris.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am on Monday October 22, 2007 at the North Logan 13th ward chapel, 400 E. 1800 N. in North Logan. A viewing will be held Sunday October 21, 2007 at Allen-Cranney Mortuary from 6-8 and also on Monday from 9:30-10:30 at the church prior to the funeral services. Interment will be at 1 pm at the Smithfield Cemetery.
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3 comments:
Katie,
I am coming up to Ogden next week and would like to come by to see you. Is there a time that is best? I will arrive late Thursday, have plans on Friday evening and will be in town until early Monday morning. Let me know...via the blog or phone!
Christy
Christy,
It will be very nice to see you. I will call you and we'll see what time will work best.
Please give your in-laws a special thanks for me. The were here the very next day after Tom was admitted. I was so flustered and not thinking too straight and introduced them as Baileys. But let me explain. I have so very good friends here names Christy and Kevin Bailey, and with your sweet little Baylee, maybe is have an excuse? I do know they are the Christiansens and I also realize why your hubby, Brian, is such a neat guy. His folks have been so good to me. I will always appreciate their support.
Katie,
I'm sure they are reading this. I know they are checking the blog often like us. Besides, I'd claim them anyday! Especially since I am a Bailey - before a Christiansen!
Can't wait to see you! Perhaps, we could eat out or at the cafeteria when you can't be with Tom - 5:00-6:30, right?
Talk with you soon!
Christy
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