Kateen Solberg
This web site has been developed in an effort to keep friends and family updated as to Kateen's progress as she battles Necrotizing Fasciitis (The Flesh Eating Bacteria)
***Click here for Latest update on Kateen***This page has the chronological updates begining in England from when
Kateen was diagnosed with Necrotizing Fasciitis 2-25-2007 through 3-18-2007
and her long journey home to Harborview in Seattle
May 18th, 2007, Kateen had appointments with 2 doctors on Tuesday-They thought the graft looked great and that it was time to start "hugging" the leg with a sock that has gel and mineral oil in it. Kateen was measured for this as well as a cap that will protect the end of her leg, and work on toughening it up. (more below)
Kateen now has an interactive page on Carepages.com where you can leave her a message. Carepages.com is a site devoted to Support and Community for people coping with illness. Read the April 23rd, 2007 pm up date for instructions on how to use the site and leave Kateen a message.
Scroll from top down to read the chronological updates in order!
Click here to read chronological updates --- 2-25-2007 through 3-18-2007
Click here to read chronological updates --- 3-23-2007 through 10-18-2007
Scroll down for the most up to date news about Kateen
Kateen, as you may know, was in England (Holmsted Manor) volunteering for"Youth with a Mission" (YWAM). She had participated last year and was asked to return this year as a group leader. Kateen is 19 years old and a Graduate of Tonasket High School, in Washington State.
Last Sunday (2-25-07) she was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and about the same time a suspicious area of her leg was discovered. By Monday (2-26-07) morning it was identified as Necrotizing Fasciitis ( www.nnff.org ~ see what is NF??) and her leg was removed above the knee. She has been under an induced coma ever since. As of Wed. (2-28-07) there has been no sign of further infection, including today's procedure. They had intended to return her to consciousness today, however it was late, she experienced significant pain and they elected to wait until tomorrow. It is expected to be a very emotional day, as Kateen learns what has happened since she has been away. Rhonda (Kateen's Mom) has sounded pretty darn good (under the circumstances) and thinks she is ready for Kateen's awakening. I know she is exhausted from the emotional roller coaster ride, stress and everything else a mother can feel in this situation. Yet I feel she is holding up remarkably well and I can't think of anyone that I would rather have by my side at this time.
On Sunday (3-04-07) They brought Kateen out of her induced coma, removing her feeding tube and oxygen tubes and began the next stage of her rehabilitation, confident that there was no further sign of any infection.
March 8 2007 e-mail from Keith to Craig I have some more updates. One huge answer to prayers is there is a new law in the UK that went into affect January 1, and missionary's health needs are covered. So, what surely would be a huge bill for her care has been taken care of. Both Rhonda and I are so grateful for this news. We are working on locating a medical transport flight home. We have several leads and are patiently waiting to make a connection. Kateen is improving everyday. Her general health seems to be good and her spirits are better then expected. She has been able to have visitors from YWAM, as well as the small group of 5 young women that she was leading in DTS (discipleship training). It was very meaningful and moving for the 5 women and Kateen last night as they gathered together in prayer and conversation. Yesterday Kateen went to the theater (surgery). She had her dressings changed. The doctors thought everything looked good and again said we should get her home as soon as possible. All of us have been taking turns sitting with Kateen 24/7, so that someone is able to talk, help and support her in whatever needs come up. It continually amazes me how God is providing everything and everyone that Kateen needs. Her nurse's fiance 5 years ago lost a leg in a motorcycle accident (he was 22). It was good for Kateen to find out he currently is trekking in South America. It is very difficult to pull Rhonda from Kateen's side. We are all making sure that she gets the rest that she needs and sometime away from the hospital. Thank you again for all that you are doing on the home front. And please post whatever you feel relevant for the website. Keith
March 8 2007 e-mail from Rhonda To our friends and family
Today Kateen had a fairly good day. Emily had spent the night with her, and when we arrived both girls were smiling and it appeared the light in Kateens eyes were coming back once again. Her friend Olympia, had traveled over with another friend Michael and arrived Tuesday. She was eager to sit with Kateen most of the day. Leif and I drifted in and out and after Oly had left with Leif I sat the rest of the day till other friends through YWAM came and occupied her time. Her attitude has been strong for all that she has gone through, but her tears come and go through different challenges she thinks about. Today she was exhausted thinking of how long the pain might continue on through all the different procedures. Medically they have taken all the tubes out except one for IV items that can stay in long term and during the day the oxygen is off her. Our current challenge is getting Kateen out of here. Life Flights are not easy to get to travel to the UK. We do have a lead with Harborview. Evidently they have a life flight team and are in process of attempting to arrange a flight home. This could happen as early as tomorrow, Friday, or if not then, Monday the 12th. The plan is for me to fly ahead of her and be there as she arrives. Please pray for all this to fall into place in God's timing, that Kateen's heart will be prepared to say goodbye to her precious comrades at YWAM and that the pain will subside during transport. A praise ~ The UK is covering all of these medical expenses on this side of the world as she was a missionary here on working VISA, and they will float money for us towards a what we are lacking for a life flight, to get her continuing in the long road ahead. I apologize that I have been so silent through this ordeal, but my place I felt was by Kateens side. We are excited to tell you we have a web site up for Kateen Updates. This is www.kateensolberg.com This will give you updates hopefully on a daily basis and links to help you understand about this horrific infection. We are hoping at some point to make this an interactive site so you can give her words of encouragement to help her in this journey. Please share this site with anyone you have told her story to or have asked to pray for her. I can't begin to tell you what your prayers and support have meant to us. I have formulated an emotional account of the last week and hopefully that will be my next item you receive. We love you all and are so grateful our lives have touched. With all my thankfulness Rhonda
March 9 2007-- A brief e-mail today said that Kateen had an OK night. They are still managing the pain and she still has a relationship with her phantom leg. Rhonda explained that this condition only gradually goes away. The nerves still think there is a limb attached and they start to forget with the toes and gradually works its way up. Just takes some time. I don't know if it happened, but there was a possibility that Kateen was going for her first wheel chair ride to the day room. One of her best friends, Hannah, had written a song for her and she was getting a live performance. Sitting up and getting out would be a huge accomplishment and I can only guess a huge boost for Kateen's morale. As far as travel home, I believe Harbor View is providing the flight but scheduling is the issue (I may be corrected later). Their hopes are set on Monday to have Kateen back in Seattle, however I have no indication this is firm. Pray for Rhonda to get some rest so she can remain a positive influence in her daughter's recovery. Thank you everyone for such a tremendous outpouring of love and support. I believe I can speak for Kateen and all of her family that we are overwhelmed and grateful. Craig
Frequently asked Questions:
1) How did Kateen get this? Unknown at this time. There was no know surface wound or place of introduction.
2) Why? A mystery that may someday reveal itself. Yet everyone that knows Kateen believes she will become an example for all of us.
3) Which leg? Left. We are searching for an automatic transmission to replace her clutch Toyo PU.
To Kateen:
Kateen, you are a beautiful young woman with your whole world ahead of you. Keep your faith. Stay the course. Live your life to its fullest. You can't imagine how many all over the world are praying for and supporting you.
See you soon. Love, Craig and all of us back home.
March 10,2007
The only update for tonight is that there is some confusion about who (which hospital) is organizing and requesting Kateens flight. Rhonda is returning to Seattle on Monday and I will be there to meet her. If Kateen's flight is not scheduled, then we will be at Harbor View first thing on Tues to do what we can to facilitate. Craig
March 11,2007
WOW- What a wonderful way to wake up (yes I was sleeping in today) and even to the ringing of the darn phone (which is quite constant around her). Took me a minute to realize who this caller was as I didn't get my normal "Hey Mister" cue. But yes it was Miss Kateen checking in from England. One of her bedside neighbors had left her the unused portion of a calling card and we were able to make very good use of it. She of course asked about my activities here. We talked about Spring on its way to the Okanogan, the crocus in bloom and the other bulbs poking their little heads up out of the ground, that it was a gray day with a lite drizzle and how this is the weather I picture in Brighton. And that I have my clock on the stove set to my time and the one on the microwave to hers. And how I have been rebuilding the little apartment and have it in a place that I can leave tomorrow to come see her get off the plane (whenever that actually happens). Kateen then talked of her day and said that this one wasn't her best and that she cried a lot this morning but we also talked that this was a normal process, that it was OK and a must to get thru to the other side of healing. Her good friend and DTS partner, Hannah, spent the nite with her. Her first wheelchair ride was postponed so she didn't get to hear songwriter Hannah (Kateen says she knows a lot of Hannahs) but that Hannah promised to record her song and send it to Kateen. When asked about her Sis and Bro, she said they have walked every street in Brighton and know the town better than her. She is anxious to return home and get on with the rehab and see all of her friends here, but at the same time how much she will miss her friends in England. Kateen and Rhonda have both affirmed that her situation has not changed her goals and that someday she wants to return to England and her mission. Kateen sounded really good and Kateen "you made my day". And tomorrow is Rhonda's birthday and I believe her greatest gift is for Kateen to be in Seattle tomorrow (or at least Tues). Let's all pray for that. Craig
March 12,2007
Dear Friends and Family
It is a difficult day, as I say goodbye to Kateen. I am currently at the airport, traveling home to be her advocate in getting arrangements made. I think as a parent this is the most difficult thing I have done, yet I know it's right. We seem to have hit a wall in getting arrangements made through the different medical facilities to get her "state side". I need to go as they just called my flight. Please lift up that arrangements can be made without much more delay. She is in an emotional and physical weakened state, sporting a 40degree C (104F) fever the last 2 days and dealing emotionally with the pain and loss. I thank the Lord for your prayer support. It has made the impossible do-able.
With love and gratitude. Rhonda
March13.2007
Dear Friends and family
I'm back in the states and am beginning the process of getting arrangements set to have Kateen on this side of the world. I'd like to share with you the challenges we face at this junction of the journey. Kateen continues to spike around a 103' temp. This has everyone very concerned, including the Dr's. At this moment she is waiting on going back again for an exploratory look at why. She is always low priority, and the ER visitors, continually bump her down the list. We need prayer that she can get in and they can locate the source of this fever. This time prior to the fever, she had tremors for about 20 min's which mimicked the tremors she had when she initially contracted this. This scares her incredibly, even though she knows that they have gotten all the flesh eating virus out of her. Please pray for peace for her. Our other challenge is that the cost of the transport that has been researched on the UK side is between 30,000 and 49,000 pds. This translates out to $60,000- $100,000 + US dollars. We are shy quite a bit of that. We are researching all avenues of a less expensive way to get her back. Bottom line is that if we don't come up with a way within the next 2-3 days, they will start the reconstructive surgery in the UK. Once it is started, it needs to go through the whole process which could be months. As you might well guess, this option creates a whole other series of issues. So we are lifting the Lords provision in this avenue as well. Many of you have suggested to go to the media with this. Keith and I have decided that this is Kateen's call. She has stated that she does not want this on the media. We are respecting her wishes and her faith that the Lord will take care of this and it will be His works that allow this to happen. Please pray for this as well. We can't thank you enough for checking in on her progress and bringing together her needs in prayer. We are awe struck at how globally this prayer effort has become.
Blessings to you Rhonda
Wed, March 14
A few words regarding Kateens wishes for not utilizing the media in her journey.
There have been several responses from family and friends that this may be exactly the mission that the Lord wishes Kateen to pursue. All of us are praying for her recovery and that the Lords wish will be pursued. We need to recognize that this is between the Lord and Kateen and at this time Kateen, for her reasons, has expressed her choice. Kateen has suffered from much trauma and drugs, physical pain and emotions. Few of us can relate to what she is experiencing nor expect her to make the clearest of decisions. However, the family respects and supports those decisions and will likely do the same should she re-evaluate and modify or change them. Kateen has given her blessing to the website for updates and informational purposes. As a family, we want to bring attention to this horrific condition to the greatest number of people possible (keeping within Kateen's boundaries) and therefore we ask that all of you offer this site, as well as the link above to the National Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation, the widest distribution within our power, so that the greatest numbers can become aware of this disease. We have learned that Kateen suffered possible symptoms up to a week prior to her being admitted and her final diagnosis and treatment. Research shows many cases of NF go unnoticed or misdiagnosed until it is too late. Early recognition is the most important and effective treatment of this disease. It is very much Kateen's and our desire, within our abilities, to provide widespread awareness of this disease.
March 14th, 2007
I received news today that Kateens last trip to the theater (surgery) went well. They viewed everything and stated that there still are no signs of infection. The area was cleaned and re-dressed. They had a plastic surgeon in the room to look at the wound and make a decision on how long this can be prolonged before reconstruction. It appears we have a small window of time yet, though no exact amount of days. They addressed the fever and still are holding firm that this is due to the amount of tissue removed and is normal. She appears to be at peace with all the delays. Keith states she is ready to get home. Thank you for your prayers on this last visit to surgery. We realize it is only through God's grace that we have been so blessed to be at this stage of the game. I will give you travel arrangements for Kateen as we know it. Please continue to pray that we will know the Lord's direction to proceed in this. With our gratitude Rhonda and family
March 15,2007
Greetings Friends and Family
We are excited to say that we have a flight scheduled to bring our Kateen to the states. Lord willing, she and Keith will leave Saturday evening around 5:00 pm. We could not have accomplished this task without the outpouring of love, prayers and gifts that have been given for her benefit. We know that there will be other hurdles ahead, emotionally, physically and financially, but we feel God's grace and provision in this latest step to start her reconstruction. We hope that you will continue to lift her up in prayer through this long road ahead. Another shining step was to hear that she was able to take a wheel chair ride and possibly was able to get a breath of fresh air today. I don't know the details yet, but hopefully will have her sister Emily share them with you all tomorrow. I did hear though from Keith that the whole event exhausted her. We can't thank you enough for checking this site and lifting Kateen's needs in prayer. We have been awe struck with the emails that have suggested different courses/avenues to get her home. It truly has been a community effort and we can't thank you enough. We sometimes don't get responses back to everyone, but please know how much they have meant to us, and if we didn't need sleep, we would have responded to everyone. Please celebrate with us tonight, that there is now a step forward once again.
In His Love and Gratitude
Rhonda
March 16 2007,
Well we seem again to face a set back in getting Kateen home. It appears that this flight was contingent on another flight with another patient. That need has been postponed, which in turn sets Kateen back again to getting here. The time of her departure now is for 11:00 pm Sunday. Please pray that this will not be set back any more. Keith and I, independently, have spent quite a bit of time on the phone with the Air transport, and have gone all the way up the ladder, to hopefully not have anymore setbacks in this. It is imperative that Kateen starts the next phase soon. Kateen's spirits were soaring this morning as she was able to go out again in the wheel chair and sit in the sun and smell the fresh sea air. She had also a trip to theater to change her dressings in preparation for the flight. She found out 15 min's prior to going in that the flight was again delayed. Keith has promised to spend whatever time it takes to restore those spirits again. ( The surgeon emailed me and stated that again the wound looked clean with no additional dead tissue ) There is much to be thankful for, but yet still needs. Again I ask your time in lifting these needs up in prayer. ~ That there will be no more delays and Lord willing possibly that the flight would be sooner ~ That Kateen would have her spirits restored once again to one of hope ~That Karen, (Keith's wife) Emily and Leif would have traveling mercies as they depart England tomorrow evening. Thank you again for your support. Rhonda and Family
March 18, 2007
Greetings
As I write, Kateen still sits in the UK waiting transport home. I would give you an update on her departure time, but it seems to be changing hourly. She and her Dad made it as close as being in the plane. In the last run through by the Air operations, the Pilots with the center decided to postpone the flight due to Extreme weather between Keflavik; Iceland and Iqualit, Canada.
** News Flash **
We just received word that Kateen is being loaded in the plane and wheels off the ground at 10:30-10:45 PDT. PRAISE GOD!!!!
They will call me with updates at every refueling stop which is three stops. Within 24hours we could have Kateen Stateside!!!! Thank you for staying with our needs in prayers, it means so much! Rhonda & Family
March 19, 2007, 10.20 am pdt - The trip Home!!
Kateen is now grounded in Greenland till weather permits them to continue. From my conversations with the Air operations, there will not be any crew limitations that might keep them there. There is a new flight crew waiting for them in Saskatoon. The air company has stated that they are keeping Kateen and Keith comfortable and trying to entertain them. Just wanted you all to know.
Latest update on Kateen 11.00 am pdt I just received a call from US Air Ambulance that they are off the ground from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland en route to Iqaluit, Canada. They are crossing the Labrador Sea according to the maps I have pulled up. This will take approximately 2 hrs, once there they will refuel and be off again. I will update you as I hear the latest. Thanks for following Kateen's journey Rhonda
Latest update on Kateen 5:00 pm pdt
Friends and Family Kateen is in Saskatoon Sasktchewa as we speak and they are re-fueling. This is the last stop till Boeing Field. It appears that they could be in as early as 7:30 pm to the field, but I will know better when they take off again. Needless to say, she will be admitted to Harborview tonight and this chapter of this journey will come to an end. Just a word of thanks to all of you for your encouraging words, your prayers and financial gifts. This has been, to say the least, overwhelming. As each challenge arose, I was able to rest in the fact that this was out of anyones control, and prayers were the means to get through this. I could rest in knowing that when I was not thinking clearly enough to lift this need in prayer, many of you were out there to do just that.
Our family has truly been blessed by your support.
In gratitude, thanksgiving and love
Kateen's family
6pm pdt
It's confirmed! Touch down Boeing Field 8:30 pm
MONDAY, MARCH 19th (March 20th 1:30am update by Emily Kateens sister)
Kateen had a very long and tiring day today. She arrived at Sea-Tac around 8:30 PM today, after many hours of flying. My dad flew with her on the ambulance plane. They had to make a few stops along the way to refuel the airline,including one stop in Churchill, Manitoba, which, in case you didn't know, is the polar bear viewing capital of the world. Dad found it interesting that when they touched down, it was -47 degrees Fahrenheit.
Kateen is currently being admitted at Harborview Medical Center, where she will undergo multiple reconstructive surgeries over the next months. Mom, Dad, Karen, and Craig are busy helping with this process and comforting Kateen, as she is very tired. At this point in time, we are uncertain about visiting hours, but we will let you know when we find out.
Leif and I had our first day back at school from our "vacation," if one could call it that. I am definitely looking forward to spending time with Kateen and the rest of my family this weekend, as I am currently the only one not on the west side of the mountains. Thank you so much for your continuing prayers and support. Words cannot explain how grateful my family is for all that's been done for Kateen. However, this is not the end of her journey, so please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much :) Emily
March, 20 2007
Through all of the flight delays, which were emotionally exhausting we could see God working. Kateen was supposed to leave on Saturday night, but that delay turned into Sunday night, which allowed YWAM to put together a worship service for Kateen in the hospital chapel on Sunday morning. This was truly a gift, since one of the last things Kateen really wanted to do with her YWAM family was worship with them one more time. The service was full of worship and praise. Before Kateen went back to get ready to travel she was able to say 'see you later' to all of them. Also, she was able to have a song sung to her that was written by one of her best friends (and roommate) Hannah.
Kateen returned to her room after being in her wheel chair for over 2 hours. The nurses, ever so loving, gentle and kind got her ready for the ambulance ride to the airport. We had no way of knowing that 3 hours later that she would be back at the hospital in her same bed because of a 12 hour weather delay.
Kateen and I arrived home last night after many, many delays and hours on a medical transport flight. The trip from hospital to hospital took over 25 hours. It is the first time Keith or Kateen had been in 5 countries in one day (England, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, USA). It was a long hard flight with weather delays. The longest delay being in Greenland for over 6 hours while waiting for NW Interior weather to clear up. Changing planes in -10 below 0 with strong winds was hard. Fortunately, we are all here, we are safe. Thanks to the pilots, the nurses, and the doctor that volunteered for the last leg of the flight. In each of you we felt all of the prayers of support being answered in your words, actions and deeds.
Upon arriving at Harborview the doctors and nurses immediately started evaluating Kateen, so she could get to a room. This was very hard on Kateen, her mother, and I, but knowing it is the start of the next step of reconstructing the physical damage that this infection caused. Your continued prayers for Kateen during this next phase will be greatly needed. Thank you one and all again for your love, support, gentle hands and kind words during the travel that we have just finished. Keith Solberg
TUESDAY, MARCH 20th
Today was Kateen's first full day at Harborview. The doctors here have different views than the English doctors in regards to how her wounds should be treated, which has been hard for Kateen to adapt to. They change her dressing more often, and use different methods to do so. Although the day has been painful, Kateen is continuing to stay strong. She was seen by multiple doctors who are making plans for surgery. My parents have continued to stay with her throughout the day to be her support and strength through the painful moments. Please pray that her pain will be subdued and that she will continue to be strong. Thanks, you guys are awesome :)
Emily
March 21- I have tried very hard to respond to each and every one of your e-mails and I must apologize if I have missed anyone along the way. There have been sooo many and I still have a few left, but if I left someone hanging out there, please give me a line back. For your knowledge, Rhonda has started a notebook as a record and to share with Kateen what tremendous support she has from around the world. I know in time, Kateen will want to respond and give her personal thanks to as many as possible. I know many of you want to visit as well and that too will happen in due time. Kateen still has some serious issues to face and it will take time. Please keep her in your prayers, be patient and follow along for info on the website.
In addition, I would like to take the time to offer a special Thank you to Helen Casey and Susan Williams and their staffs at Wells Fargo and US Bank,Tonasket (as well as staffs at both bank branches in Factoria and Crossroads) for extraordinary service in facilitating the financial transactions that made Kateen's flight possible. And I would also like to thank Pam Fancher for her wonderful efforts, setting up and managing this website. I think some of you believe this was all my effort (I just had an idea) but Pam made it all happen. And behind the scenes here, Pam has agreed to assist Emily (Kateen's sister) taking on this website as her Senior Project.
Many Thanks to Ray and Rhonda Colbert for their countless hours knocking on doors and presentations on the radio, fundraising here in the Okanogan. You have been so generous with your time and energy.
I know there are many more thankyous out there that I have had little or no contact with including but not limited to all our friends and staff at YWAM, hospital staffs at Royal Sussex and Harbor View, the flight crews from US Air Ambulance and each and everyone of your prayers and contributions, all coming together to aid in Kateen's recovery. God Bless you all. Craig
March 21, 2007
Kateen had another somewhat painful and difficult day today. She is still trying to get used to the routine of how they treat her wounds, which like I mentioned earlier, is different from how the English doctors handled it. She had some very painful moments, but had my mom there to help her through them. Both the transition from one hospital routine to the other and the pain she occasionally experiences is all taking a toll on her, so from what I understand from my mom, she sleeps a lot during the day. Please continue to pray that she may experience little or no pain throughout this experience.
Kateen had an emotionally difficult day as well. She has come to a lot of realizations today about all that has happened to her, and how that will change her life. I can't imagine how hard it must for her to come to grips with the fact that her leg is gone. I know she can continue to be strong, so just pray that she believes in herself just as much as everyone else does. Also, she has been experiencing nightmares occasionally, so please just pray that they go away so she can rest to get her strength back. She is headed to surgery on Friday so that they can start the reconstruction of her leg. They are doing what seems like quite a bit to me, so just pray that it all goes smoothly. Keep her in your thoughts on Friday.
Thank you all so very much for all prayers and support you have given my family. We are so blessed to have you all. God Bless. Emily
March 23
Just thought I would let you all know that Kateen got out of surgery at about 11:15. The surgery took about an hour from what I understand. I haven't had the chance to ask my mother about the details, but when I know I will post it. But everything went smoothly! Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. God bless you all. Emily
March 24,2007 I had the privilege of spending the night with Kateen last night. It was the first time I had been to the hospital to see her, and it was great to get to spend so much time with my sister. I didn't have Internet access or I would have given you guys this update sooner. As you all know now, her surgery went very well. The doctors put a temporary synthetic skin graft on her leg to see if her leg is ready for a real skin graft. They will check how the skin graft took probably either Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, and then make a decision on where to go from there. Although Kateen was in quite a lot of pain after the surgery, she is doing better now. She gets a little frustrated at times because she cant sit up very far due to her bandages and the skin graft. This makes it difficult to eat and do other things. But she is going through the day bravely and with a smile. As of now, the doctors say it could be as little as two weeks, but most likely about a month, until she can be released from the hospital. It all depends on how the skin grafting goes this next week. So pray that this synthetic skin takes so that she can receive a real skin graft and be on the road to recovery. After she is released, she will need to spend a lot of time allowing her skin to grow. There will be a lot of waiting. Once the skin is strong and tough enough, she will return to the hospital and go in the direction of prosthetics. But for now, we are all waiting to see how the skin grafting goes. Just wanted to let you all know that I was touched when I walked into Kateen's room and saw the entire cork board filled with cards and notes. If you a
March 25, AM--- Just noticed that today is one month after Kateen was admitted to the hospital. Can't help but think that if we had a time machine, we would erase this month and start it over. At the same time, we think back to all the positive that has happened and all the people who have come together (around the world) to aid and encourage Kateen on to recovery. And thanks to all of you she is on that road and we see her progress daily. The family decided one of the best tools she could use at this point is a laptop computer (which all of you helped to purchase) so that she could be more in touch with her world and all of you. Not being computer geeks, it has taken us awhile to get it configured. We made great advancements yesterday when a shining lite led us to a very nice micro softie in Tulley's Coffee House, who helped us get the thing operational. So Kateen is now taking lessons from her sis and bro on how to use it. We have a hospital e-address set up for her ( curiouskat247@aol.com ) so that she may start corresponding with those of you who desire to make contact. I know from experience how great the numbers could be, so be patient with her if it takes time for her to respond. She has a phone in her room (206-731-8318) that we would like (those of you who are close enough to visit) to use for scheduling your visit. Remember that this phone can be unplugged if she is tired, in procedure or just unavailable (and it may be tied up with her computer). Be sure that you call first before dropping in.
For "snail mail" her address is:
Kateen Solberg
Harborview Hospital
East Wing Rm 813
325 9th Ave.
Seattle, Wa, 98104
Emily gave a very good account of Kateen's progress to date yesterday and I believe will provide another update tonite after her visit this morning. Rhonda, Emily and I will be traveling back to the Okanogan today. We need to settle Emily in at home and school and provide some stability for her and Rhonda needs to check in with her work place. We will be back to Kateen as soon as we know the date of her next procedure (likely Tues/Wed). We will do the best we can at updating in between commuting. Thanks again for all your support, patience and understanding. Craig
March 26,2007
Today was the beginning of another week of changes for Kateen. As her Dad, Karen, and I try to get back into our routines of work, Kateen has the challenge of facing moments on her own. Throughout the weekend visitors had dropped in to brighten her day. I saw a lot of sparkle come to her eyes as she interacted with both young and old. We had surgeons come and go, giving ideas of what the next step might be, and when. A team of surgeons, took her into the Hubert room, and looked at her leg together. It had appeared that we were looking at surgery later this week, but as of last night, they decided to schedule it for Wednesday. This surgery will remove the temporary grafts they had put on Friday, and replace it with grafts of her own skin, called an Autograft, and also try a man made material called Integra. Integra was explained to us as a protein created dermis (tissue) that Kateen's blood supply can grow through. This graft then has a synthetic skin on top, that will be removed and replaced with an Autograft, when the man made tissue has sufficient blood supply to support the skin. It was explained that this is used in areas that there was a significant amount of tissue was taken. We found it interesting that the protein that is used for Integra is from Cows and Sharks. Kateen closed the day by watching Dancing with the Stars with her Dad and good friend Oly, as so many had mentioned that Heather Mills, had danced so beautifully. Again, my thanks for keeping Kateen in your prayers and thoughts each day. This is a journey that is going to be long and will have ups and downs for us all. We have had a strength given to us by your support. It is awesome! With gratitude, Rhonda
March 28, 2007 am
Just a quick note to let you all know that Kateen's surgery was postponed, late last night. This was very discouraging news to her, but we are being reassured that her new surgery date of Friday is firm and she will not be bumped again. Please pray for her spirit. She had great accomplishments yesterday as the physical therapist challenged her to walk with a walker in the hallway. Our dear friend Lynn was with her and took a picture on her phone and sent it to me. It was like watching my daughter take her first steps. Joyful tears were cried. It was an exhausting day, but a productive and encouraging one. She is ready for the next phase, so please keep her in your thoughts and prayers that this will happen in the Lord's timing, and that we all will be accepting of that. Our thanks to you all for your support. Rhonda
March 28, 2007 pm
Today was a routine day for Kateen. Our good friend Mike came and sat with her mid day. She was able to get in her wheel chair and they escaped outside for a breath of fresh air. Someplace in her day the physical therapist came around and talked with her about future goals. The highlight of the day has to be when Kateen answered the phone and realized her dear friend Pastor Ryan was on the other end. Ryan and his wife Jen, along with their 2 children, Curtis and Kara are in Malawi as missionaries. It was a short, but very sweet conversation and brought joy to her soul. Thank you Ryan. This evening, her good friend Oly came by and had dinner with her. They went down to the cafeteria where Kateen was able to choose what sounded appealing to her. The next best thing to dining out! Thank you all for your support. The cards and flowers bring happiness to her day, and the prayers keep her spirits focused on the future. Blessings to you all!
March 28, 2007 I just received a call from Kateen that they have moved her for the moment into Rm 814. Her direct line is 206-731-8445. We are not sure how long this will be her room, but at least for a day or 2 as another patient needed to be isolated. Thanks Rhonda
March 29th Another positive day for Kateen. As you may have read above, she had to move from a private room to one that she shares with an older woman. She has shared that the woman is a sweetheart, so that makes it all the easier. It was a busy day as she had physical therapy about 11:00. She had great friends Jonathan, Oly and Hannah stop in at various times as well. We did find out this evening that her surgery that we thought would be first thing in the morning, is now scheduled for 12:30 pm. Please continue to pray for the Lord's timing in all of this. It sounds like she is strong and ready to go forward. Kateen understands there will be temporary set backs in what she has achieved, but the moving forward is good, and necessary. Craig and I have traveled over for the surgery and will leave again on Sunday, and Emily will be along on Saturday for the entire Spring Break. My gratitude for all the love, prayers and affection, our family has experienced since returning home to Tonasket. So many have come around us to help with the even the smallest details,... like Pet Patrol. I can't express in words the strength your support has meant to all of us. Much love Craig, Rhonda and family
Friday March 30th
Hi everyone. Just wanted to let you all know that Kateen's surgery today went very well. She went into surgery this morning. The doctors first took the synthetic skin off of her leg. Then they placed a layer of integra over all the places that needed a skin graft. As the doctors explained it, Integra is just like putting a layer of protein down that will help the skin to be more tough and be able to glide along the leg muscles. Although it adds time to her hospital stay, it is a good choice in the long run, for it will give her more comfort with her prosthetic. Any ways, so now she is justing waiting to get a skin graft. She has to wait between 7-10 days from today until she can have another surgery where they do the actual skin graft. Kateen experienced some pain after the surgery, but when I talked to my mom on the phone, she said that Kateen had fallen asleep, so she must feel some ease from the pain. Please be sure to pray specifically for the Integra in the next week or so. The integra increases her chance of infection in her leg, so just pray that it will stay healthy. Well, that's all that I have for you now. I will post some more in the morning before I leave for my dads. I am going over there with a friend for the week (spring break), which I am so happy about because I can spend time with TT (Kateen). Have a great weekend everyone. Thanks again for all your prayers and support, words cant express how grateful we are. Emily
April 1, 2007
Kateen has made another move to Rm 812 which is a private room. Her direct # is 206-731-8727. Hopefully she will stay put awhile in this room. Thanks to all of you who have dropped by and brought smiles to her day. And it has been so helpful to have you call before coming, as then she can let you know how her day works for visitors. Thanks
Sunday, April 1st Happy April Fools day everyone! I've had a great afternoon, because I got to spend it at the hospital with Kateen. She is doing good, considering that its only been a couple days since she had her surgery on Friday. She is still in pain, but is staying strong through it. She is still on bed rest from her surgery, which always kind of bums her. I am so proud of her. Every time I see her she is becoming more and more independent. Like today I offered to help her with something, and she politely declined my offer and just did it herself. It's just so heart warming to see her improving day by day. My mom and Craig came for her surgery and stayed through the weekend to spend some time with her. I know she always enjoys them. This time my mom brought a little bit of spring in Tonasket with her...she brought her a vase of blooming daffodils from our garden. The gesture made Kateen's day. The doctors are coming in for wound rounds tomorrow morning. This means that they come by her room, take her dressing off, and look at how her leg is doing since the last time they saw her. They just make sure that there is no infection or problems or anything like that. Well, I think that's about it. Not a lot has happened these last couple of days, except for a lot of visitors. But other than that, she has just been taking it easy and recovering from her surgery. Please continue to pray that no infection occurs from the Integra that they placed on her leg during the surgery. Pray that the doctors find everything in great shape when they do wound rounds tomorrow. Also, pray that Kateen may have patience, for she told me today that she is wanting to get out of the hospital soo bad. Thank you all again for your continuing support. She enjoys the frequent visits that you all have blessed her with. Have a great April fools day and an even better month. God Bless. Emily
April 3rd
Hello everyone. I apologize for not getting an update to you yesterday, my Internet connection at my house was giving me trouble and not letting me sign on. So for those of you who read this daily, please accept my apology. :)
As I mentioned earlier, Kateen was due for wound rounds yesterday. The doctors came by and saw how her wound was doing since her surgery on Friday. After observing it, the doctors claimed that the Integra was healing fine and her stump showed no sign of infection at all. In fact, both the nurses and the doctors exclaimed that it was some of the best healing that they had ever seen after putting on Integra. We can certainly say that the Lord heard all of our prayers! And for this we are giving him much thanks.
Aside from the wound rounds, Kateen had a bit of a difficult day yesterday. She was very tired from her medication. Also, one medicine in particular that she is taking causes her to mix up her words sometimes, which frustrates her. But the nurses say that this side effect will not last long, and that it should stop altogether within a couple of days.
Please continue to pray that her pain subsides, for she still experiences "phantom pains" from time to time. She also is beginning to experience pain in her stump, which does not occur very often. Please pray for this pain to stop also, for she doesn't need any more pain. Also, please pray that her spirits are lifted, for she has been kind of down lately. She wants to be out of the hospital so that she can experience spring. Please pray that she may have patience. That would be great :)
Well, I have a little surprise for you all. I am sitting with Kateen at this very moment, and she would like to say something to you. So these next words are directly from her!
"Hello all. I just wanted to express my gratitude for all your prayers and support during this time. Thank you to those who have come to visit me, your visits have meant a lot. To those of you who sent emails, cards and flowers, you have brightened my day. I also want to thank those people that I have never met and may never meet. I am humbled by your prayers and support. Just want to let you all know that I am hanging in there and taking it one day at a time. The Lord has been very faithful during this time. Once again, thank you to all. I hope that I get to send out a message to you sometime again soon." Kateen
Well, its Emily again. So since I am with her right now, just wanted to assure you that she is doing better than yesterday, but she still seems a little down. Just continue to pray for her everyone. She is strong, as you can tell from her message. Pray that that strength endures. Have a good day everyone! Emily
April 4th
Hello everyone. I hope you had a great Wednesday and that you are making it through the work week. Although I did not get to spend time with Kateen today, I got to talk with her this morning some. She seemed to have had a good previous night, as she had a "girls night" with her close friends from high school. They came to her room with games, magazines, and movies to try and show her a good time. It sounds like they succeeded, for when I talked with her this morning she said that she had a great time. Leif had the privilege of spending the evening with Kateen. Karen brought him to the hospital, and the two of them visited with her for awhile. Leif said it was great to see her, for besides the fact that she was in the hospital, she seemed like her "normal" self. Considering that she was kind of under the weather lately due to some pain and "cabin fever", it was great to hear that she was doing well today. The doctors are talking about doing wound rounds within the next few days, where they will check on her leg again and see how the Integra is doing. Just continue to pray that it remains healthy and that the doctors continue to find it in pristine condition. Well, its getting late. I just got back from a day trip to Ocean Shores with Kristina, so I am beat. I will let you all know how she is doing tomorrow, and how her wound rounds went. I know this sounds rather redundant, but all your prayers and support mean so much to us, and we thank you for them from the bottom of our hearts. I don't know what my family would do without each and every one of you. Thank you!!! Goodnight. Emily
April 6th
Greetings! I hope you all had a great Friday and are ready for a beautiful weekend. Thursday was a busy and painful day for Kateen. Early in the morning the doctors came in and completed wound rounds again where they viewed the healing progress of the new Integra on Kateens leg. They claimed that it was doing very well. Due to the success of the healing, the doctors see her going into surgery for the "real thing" skin grafts sometime within the end of next week. As for painful, Kateen also completed physical therapy, which requires both physical and mental toughness. Needless to say, at the end of the day she was exhausted, yet happy because she was no longer on bed rest.
Although she was tired Thursday, she told us all happily that she had a canine visitor! A lady that is registered to bring in dogs to visit the patients brought one in for Kateen to visit with. Kateen said that she spent a good hour petting and playing with the dog while in her wheelchair. I think she was really glad to have interaction with an animal. I think she misses our dogs back home in Tonasket, and it made her day to spend some time with any dog.
Well, today she had quite the day also. She had a few visits from family throughout the day. She also got to take a good hour and a half nap. When she woke up from this nap, my mom was in from Tonasket, which made Kateen happy, for she always loves it when she gets to see our parents. So since it was a beautiful day out, Kateen had the opportunity to go outside in her wheelchair. Not only did she do that, but she plopped herself down on the lawn and smelt the grass, saying how nice it was to smell spring! This just made her day and brightened her whole world up, as this was only her fourth time outside in two months.
That's all I have for you now. I will post another update very soon, I promise :) Thanks for everything! Love you all, God bless you. Emily
April 7th
Hello everyone. I hope you enjoyed your Saturday! Although it wasn't as beautiful as yesterday, I know I still enjoyed it. Kateen had quite the busy day as far as visitors go. My mom and Leif spent the whole day with Kateen. My dad also visited later in the day with Karen and her parents. She also got a visit from a couple of her friends from Tonasket, and also from the Smythes, our family friends. I know she really enjoyed seeing everyone. Kristina (my friend) and I spent the evening at the hospital with her and had a great time.
She got out of bed some today, which she always loves to do. She was able to go downstairs and have lunch in the cafeteria with her friends, which she enjoyed immensely and always does. I think her favorite part of the day was when she was able to dye Easter eggs with our mother. Our family has always done that, so it was neat to watch her enjoy carrying on the tradition even from the hospital bed. Check out the pictures of Kateen dying Easter eggs! Thank you all so very much for your continuing support for Kateen. Every day she receives your cards, emails and flowers, and she loves every one of them. And even if you are just thinking about her and praying for her, you mean just as much to my family and I. Thank you soo much! Your support means the world to us :)
April 9th
Hello everyone! Hope you all had a great Easter. I don't have much of an update here for you, but I just thought I would post something so that you aren't wondering whats going on. Kateen will be going in for surgery on Wednesday or Thursday of this week. This is the surgery where she will get her skin grafts. She is hoping it will be on Wednesday, for she is VERY ready to get out of the hospital, like I had mentioned earlier. I will let you know the "for sure" date as soon as I know. Emily
April 9th
Hi everyone. As you all know, Kateen's doctors have been checking on her wound to see it's healing progress every time they change her dressings. Last time they checked her dressings, they noticed an area of question, but decided to wait it out and see if it would develop into a problem or not. Well, today they checked the wound again, and noticed that the area grew worse and looked more irritated and such. They are suspicious of some kind of secondary infection that may be arising, so they took a culture of the area to send down to the lab for testing. I don't want to tell you this to alarm you, for if there is a secondary infection, the doctors will just treat it with medicine and continue Kateen's treatment. The nurses assured Kateen that if it is an infection, her surgery will not be postponed, and we trust that they are speaking the truth. So just pray that there is no infection, and if there is, that it may be healed quickly and that it will not postpone her surgery. Thank you all so very much! Emily
April 11th
Hi everyone. Just to let you know, Kateen had surgery sometime this morning. In this surgery they did the real skin grafts, where they took a layer of skin from her right leg and covered her stump. I have not yet had a chance to talk with my mom to know how things went, but I assume they went well. As soon as I know how it went, I will post something. It should take about 10 days for this surgery to heal, and then she can leave the hospital for two months. After those two months, she has to return to the hospital to get ready for her prosthesis, and continue difficult physical therapy. She is greatly looking forward to getting out of the hospital. But she is being patient, which is needed in her situation. I will post an update later this afternoon to let you know how things went in surgery. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers for Kateen. Every thing has gone smoothly thus far, and I know its because of the prayer she has received. Thanks again. Emily
April 12, 2007
Kateen went back for surgery at 11:15 yesterday morning. She was in good spirits as we talked with the different Dr's and nurses in pre-op. It appeared that the routine was going to be somewhat the same when she came out of surgery. This time however when she came around, there was an incredible amount of pain. As the surgeon explained to me, most all the skin on her thigh, and some of her rear skin was removed on her right leg, to accommodate the left leg's graft. Dr Klein reassured me that this was what was needed to cover the area the best way. He stated that today (Thursday), they would take the ace wrap off the right leg that holds the man-made material that they have laid on her right leg, till that leg will create her new skin. This material is a silver based film that is laid on to prevent infection, kind of like a scab. As her body creates her own skin, this man-made skin will gradually roll and peel away.
On Saturday they will do a dressing change to the left leg, and on Tuesday, they will go in and take the staples that are holding her own skin in place, out. Dr. Klein explained that the infection that we have been concerned about was looking better. The entire left leg had been scrubbed thoroughly so the graft skin would be accepted. As you might imagine, she has incredible pain and as a result they put her back on the Morphine drip. This was upsetting to Kateen. She felt she had made it past the need for that, and here she was back at ground zero.
They also threw us a curve ball and changed rooms on her back to a semi-private room when she got back. She is in Room 802-1 and her direct line is 206-731-8717. This was due to another patient having a contagious virus, and they hope to get her to a private room again very soon. Please lift her in prayer, for her pain; His protection of Kateen over addiction to the different drugs and that the Lord would give her His peace and patience as she continues this final phase of grafting.
As I think back on all that has happened to Kateen and all the many needs that has arised because of this journey, I am in a unique place to witness the awesome power and answers of prayer. From my view point, I am blessed to see how many needs were brought to you via this sight, and even some that weren't, and with each one, God was continually faithful to answer them His way, which in retrospect is always the best way.
Kateen and our family are so blessed to have you as prayer partners in this journey. We thank the Lord for each and everyone of you. Blessings, Rhonda
April 13th Hi all. Hope you have a great Friday. I talked to my mom late last night, and she said that Kateen is still experiencing a LOT of pain. She told my mom that it was the most painful thing she had ever experienced in her entire life. So please just pray that the pain goes away quickly, and also that she stays strong through all of the pain that she does experience. The doctors took her off the morphine that she was on for the pain, and put her on a larger dose of oxycodene that she takes orally. Any ways, please just pray for her strength and healing through all of this. Thank you all so very much. Emily
April 14th
Happy Saturday! I have just a short little update for all of you. Kateen moved rooms again, so for those of you who are planning on visiting her, she is in room 813. Hopefully this will be the last time she changes rooms :) The doctors came in for wound rounds this morning to see how her skin graft was doing. They claimed that it is doing exceptionally well, and that they are very pleased with how it is healing. They are hoping to take out the staples on Monday, which is something that will take place while Kateen is under sedation. Just pray that everything with that goes well. She is still experiencing a lot of pain from what my mom says. But on top of that, she is feeling somewhat sad. The loss of her leg is hitting her again, so she is trying to come to grips with it again. I know that emotionally hard moments like this will come off and on throughout this whole process, so please pray that the Lord would put her mind at ease, and that He shows her the positives in this life change. She has been so incredibly strong since day one, and I know that she still has some strength in her. Pray that she may find it in times like these. Well, that's about all I have for you this afternoon. My mom is headed toward Tonasket soon, so I am sure she will have more to tell me when she gets here. Have a great weekend and thanks so much for all that every one of you do. Emily
April 16th
Hi everyone, hope you had a great weekend and a good start to the week. Kateen had a pretty quiet Sunday and Monday. Like I said in an earlier update, they looked at her skin graft and claimed that it is doing very well. They did not look at it again today, so I believe that they are planning on looking at it on Wednesday again. Up to this point in Kateen's recovery, all of her dressings that have been on her stump have been "wet dressings", meaning that she has had to keep the bandages and the area underneath wet with a medicated solution. This means that she has pretty much been sitting and laying in wetness that is sometimes uncomfortable. But today, the doctors told her that she no longer has to keep her dressings wet, which I imagined that she was very pleased with. This is one step closer to getting her ready to get out of the hospital for a couple months, which she and everyone else is very excited about. The nurses and doctors are going to be instructing her and my parents on how to change her dressing, so that she may change it while she is at home for the few months that she will be. I got a chance to talk to her last night on the phone some. She seems really tired, but I know it is just because her body is using all of her energy to try and heal as fast as possible. She didn't complain at all about the pain, so I imagine that it is getting better than it was previously. Please continue to pray for her morale. She is still trying to cope with the loss of her leg, like I mentioned earlier. Although, I know she is finding some hope in the fact that she will be out of the hospital in about a week. She really wants to see my Senior Project presentation next Wednesday, so we are both praying that she may be able to get over here to Tonasket to be able to see that. It is a shame that she can't see me go to my senior prom like she wanted to so badly, and to miss out on the presentation would just double her disappointment. So please just pray that she can get out of the hospital quickly and experience all those things with the rest of my family and I. Well, that is all I have for you now. I say it again and again, but I can't express how thankful we are for all of you. Even after all this time that my family has been receiving support, we continue to get prayers and support from all over. We are very grateful for you all. I personally do not know what I would do without everyone who has been supporting me through all this, and I know that the rest of my family feels the same way. Thanks so much. Until next time, Emily
April 19th
Kateen had a simple surgery yesterday. They put her under anesthesia to take out the staples on her stump. This went very well, although I have not talked to her yet to ask if she is in pain or not. Just pray that this heals very very quickly, for she is dying to get out of the hospital! If she stays any longer than the time she is supposed to stay, I believe she would lose a little hope. Also, please pray that her spirit continues to brighten, for she is still "down in the dumps" some, trying to come to the realization of her new life style.
My mom is traveling over to Seattle just this morning. While she is there, she will learn how to change Kateen's bandages, along with my Dad and his wife Karen. That way if Kateen needs any assistance in doing this at home, they will be able to help her.I have posted another picture for you all. It is from Easter time (I don't believe it is on Easter day, but around that time...). Her friends Olympia, Suzanne, and Derik are visiting with her. She also has a special canine visitor on her bed...or is it a bunny? Just kidding! Well any ways, there is a picture so you can see her beautiful face! That is all I have for you this morning, but I will give you another update tonight once I call Kateen or my mother to see how she is doing today. Have a great rest of your day! Thank you all so much for everything. Emily
April 20th - am Hi everyone! There is not much going on, so this is a small update. We are just waiting for her to be able to leave the hospital and be at home for a couple months. Kateen is more ready than ever to get out of the hospital, and I don't blame her. It has been over two months since she was checked into the hospital in Brighton. I am soo excited for her to get out of there! Please just pray that there is NOTHING that keeps her from getting out of there on time. Also, please continue to pray for her leg to heal nicely. I will leave another update soon. Thanks so much. Emily
April 20th - pm
I talked to my mom a couple of hours ago on the phone, and she let me know a little more about how Kateen's day went. The nurses taught my mom how to change Kateen's dressing, so that when she is in Tonasket my mom can help her if she needs it. They actually let my mom change it herself, showing and guiding her along the way. Any ways, Kateen also got quite a few visitors today. Mr. Moran and Mrs. Filer, some teachers she had when she went to Cedarcrest High School (where she attended 9th-11th grade), came by to see her. I know she loved that, she always loved having them both as teachers. She also had some of our long time family friends stop in, Vince and Frankie. I am actually quite jealous that she got to see them and that I wasn't there to see them also! But I am positive that this was a highlight of her day, for they have been such an influence in our lives.
I know that I ask for you all to pray for this all the time, but please pray for Kateen to be able to do better emotionally. She is having a really hard time lately for a few specific reasons. The team that she led while staffing the DTS (Discipleship Training School) in England left for Tanzania about a week ago. As she hears their progress and how they are doing, she becomes sad because she is not there with them. Just pray that the Lord may come beside her in these times and show her his reasons for all this. Thank you all so very much. You all mean so much to us. God bless. Emily
April 23rd am - Good morning and happy Monday everyone. My mother just got a phone call from Kateen last night, so I thought I would pass the things that she told her on to you all so that there can be prayer. An area on Kateen's skin graft is showing signs of infection. There are about two spots approximately the size of a quarter that the doctors are saying are infected. They took a culture on the areas yesterday, and they should know what the infection is by this evening. I just wanted to clarify, so there is no confusion, that the infection she has is not the Necrotizing Fasciitis that took her leg. It is some kind of secondary infection. This could keep her in the hospital for a few more weeks, depending on what it is. As it was, without the infection, she was going to have to stay in the hospital until the end of the week. Please pray that this infection goes away very, very quickly and does not spread anymore. This is really taking a toll on her hope of getting out of the hospital, also, so please pray that she may have patience and the strength to get through this. I know that she is disappointed, and that all she wants is to get out of the hospital and get on with her life, for she feels like she has missed almost three months of it sitting in a hospital bed. Please just keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you all. (The bell just rang for class, so that's why this is ending so abrupt, but I will post more later...sorry!) Emily
April 23rd pm
Hi everyone. So I have some more information on Kateen's situation right now, since I talked with my mom after school today. The culture from Kateen's leg came back from the lab the afternoon. The results showed that she has a staff infection on her stump. As you can imagine, she is very upset about this. All she wants is a clear path out of that hospital, and this just puts a roadblock in her way. They have changed her treatment for awhile, with hopes that they can get rid of this infection quickly. They are changing her dressings twice a day. They also have her on heavy antibiotics.
On top of all this, her body is acting in such a way that the doctors are suspicious of another secondary infection, apart from the staff infection. They took a blood sample and are testing it for a variety of possible infections, all which are nothing major.
So just keep Kateen in your prayers throughout the day. She is very distraught over all this. She was looking forward to getting out of that hospital so much, and now all this comes along and seems to almost crush those hopes. Just pray for her to have strength. This is also stressing her out majorly, so pray that she may find peace through all this, and that she may give all her worries to the Lord. Please just continue to pray for her through this time. Thank you all so very much.
I will write another update as soon as I know more about her condition.
Thank you again for taking the time to stay connected and read these updates. You all are amazing. God bless. Emily
PS. - I have started a Carepage for Kateen. For those of you who do not know what that is, it is a page on the Internet that has lots of information about Kateen such as pictures, updates, visiting information, and all that kind of stuff. But perhaps the coolest thing in all of it is being able to leave a message on the message board section of her page. So I decided to leave directions that will take you through the steps of how to view her page.
1. Go to www.carepages.com. This will take you to the websites home page.
2. Click on the "Visit a CarePage" button, located on the right half of the page.
3. If you already have a CarePage account, you may just log in with your username and password. Although, assuming most of you do not, you must Sign Up. This DOES NOT take a long at all, and is absolutely free. Just locate the Sign Up box in the page and click on "Sign Up". (don't forget to remember or write down your username and password...)
4. This takes you to a sign up page that asks for some of your information. Enter your information, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click Continue.
5. Next, you come to a page where it asks you to enter the page name that you would like to visit. Kateen's page name is simply "Kateen". This must be typed exactly that way or it will not work.
6. This will bring you to Kateen's page! From here it is pretty self explanatory. To leave a message, just click on the message board tab, and follow the prompts to leave a message. To view pictures, click on the View Photos tab.
If you have any questions on how to do anything on the page, my email is emily.solberg@tonasket.echalk.com. I check this one daily, so I will try to get back to you very quickly. Thanks! Emily
April 24th
As I mentioned in the update yesterday, Kateen has a staph infection on her stump. I also mentioned that there is a possibility of another secondary infection. Well, today we just found out that the symptoms she has been experiencing are due to an overactive thyroid. A specialist is supposed to come to talk with Kateen about her options as far as where to go from here, with the information she just recieved. This problem is not life-threatening, and can be fixed with some medical procedures and some medication. I will let you all know what direction the doctors are headed as soon as my family and I know. I just can't believe that my dear sister has to endure this, on top of everything else that she has gone through. So please just think about this new development as you pray for Kateen. We really appreciate all the support you are all giving. It matters more than ever in moments like these, when Kateen feels like her hospital stay is never ending, along with her medical problems. We just really appreciate the time you all take to read about her progress, pray for her, and just keep her in your thoughts. Emily
April 27th
Just thought I would let you all know the wonderful news that Kateen was discharged from the hospital this morning. She is staying at our dad's house in Carnation. Although I have not talked to her, I know she is very happy to get out of there. I am so glad that she was able to leave. She has been dying to get out of the hospital for so long. Her staph infection is beginning to improve, due to the medications that she has been on. This is very good news, and we are thankful that it didnt get any worse than it already was. Also, it is a possibility that her overactive thyroid is due to a type of medication she is on. They are doing a test to discover if this is true or not, and I have not talked with her to hear the outcome of that test. I will post another update later this evening after I have talked with her. Also, I wanted to apologize if I offended anyone by referring to Kateen's left leg as a "stump". This is the term that the doctors used to desribe it, and after hearing both Kateen and the doctors referring to it as that, I guess I just assumed that it was acceptable. I have been informed that people would rather not have it called that. My mistake. Sorry. It was never my intention to offend anyone with the use of it. Anyways, have a great week. You will be hearing from me soon. Praise God that Kateen is out of that hospital! And continue to pray for a quick recovery. Thanks. Emily
May 1st
I was able to spend this weekend with Kateen, which was really nice. She is home now, which she is really happy about. I wanted to share with you what a day was like for Kateen. She wakes up at about 8 in the morning to eat some breakfast so she can take medicine. Her dressings on her left leg are changed twice a day by Karen, usually once at about noon and again at night. This gets pretty boring and monotonous for her, and sometimes a little frustrating. She has a hard time with having an appetite, cause she usually doesnt, but she needs to eat so she can take her meds. We went shopping, and that was quite different for her. She really enjoyed being able to get out and about. She is a size 4, which she cant remember the last time she was that size. She bought some clothes that fit her. She seemed to enjoy that. Keep praying for her strength. She is having a hard time coming to grips with her new life. She gets frustrated with what she cant do, which is hard. Just keep praying for her, and that she may be happy and enjoy being out of the hospital. I will leave more of an update after school. Thanks so much you guys. Emily
May 3
Kateen has a doctors appointment today, so that they can check on how everything is healing. Although it is just a regular check-up, they really wanted to check on her how her staph infection is healing. When I know how it went, I will let you all know. My mom is over there to be at Kateen's appointment. She is going to bring her back with her, which I am very excited about. They are heading over to Tonasket on Friday. I wanted to give you all our address in Tonasket so that you can mail her something if you like.
Solberg/Walenta
32134A Highway 97
Tonasket, WA 98855
Other than that, there is not much going on. I will be sure to leave an update later tonight, by then I will know how her appointment went. Thank you all so very much for continuing to check on Kateen's progress. It means a lot to all of us that Kateen has your support. Thank you soo much, you are all great. God Bless. Emily
May 8th
Well, it has been quite a while since I have written an update for you all. Its near the end of my senior year and things are getting pretty busy. I apolojize.
Kateen is at her mothers in Tonasket now. It is really nice to have her home. She has been spending most of her time at home resting. She was able to attend church on Sunday, which was somewhat emotionally hard, but she really enjoyed the sermon and seeing everyone. My mom was home for a long weekend so she could help her get situated. Kateen was able to go run some errands with her. She has really enjoyed being able to get out of the house.
She had a doctors appointment with Dr. Hellison, a local doctor here in Tonasket. He took a look at her leg and some spots that she was somewhat worried about. He said that he thought everything looked fine. He gave her some medicine that may help reduce her phantom pains, for they have been kind of bad lately. But all in all, the appointment went well.
Please pray for Kateen, for she is having a hard time adjusting both physically and mentally with her new lifestyle. She has some really good days, but sometimes she can be pretty emotionally down. Anyways, just pray that she will continue to take it one day at a time, and that she may look for the good in life.
Thank you so much for all of your support. Its been great hearing from you all on the Care Page. Thanks again. Emily
May 10th, 2007, ----- Greetings Since Emily is off to her State FFA competition in Pullman through Sunday, I decided to be the one to drop you a note. We have had Kateen back to Tonasket for a week now. We are so blessed to have her smile in our lives again. She of course is going through emotions of her loss of her leg, as well as her independence. She and I have had alot of discussions that this feeling of inadequacy is only for a "season". We all are encouraging her to set small goals each day and celebrate her accomplishments, even if that is as small as washing 4 plates that day. We have had many good moments, but with that we have had the harsh moments of asking "why" too. We have found that having her follow a schedule of active times and then designated times of rest, has somewhat helped with the phantom pains. Whether that is because she can cope better, or that the rest actually triggers the brain to decipher better, we don't know. I have been searching out on the web, different theory's as to what causes this phenomenen, but it seems each group of Dr's have their own take on it. Kateen loves to get out to town. The folks everywhere have all been so wonderful to her, and she in turn feels comfortable enough with herself to stop and chat awhile. Our home is slowly changing to accomadate her needs, and we hope soon to feel confident for her to get to her room upstairs. The only hard adjustment has been for our over-sized Lab mix, Roscoe. He just can't get use to having his "T" on wheels, instead of 2 feet. He runs everytime he sees the chair coming. The crutches are fine, just the chair. I hope this has given another view on Kateen's life at this moment. Please continue to pray for her emotions and that her purpose is made clear to her. Thank you again for checking in on her via this page. One day we will get her to be more interactive on here and the carepage.
With His Love Rhonda
May 14th, 2007 Hi there! Kateen has had a very busy time since our last update. Friday evening a friend took us to dinner and the play "Sound of Music". Kateen has always had a "love" for drama and as she sat and watched the play, she was more encouraged about the possibilities of volunteering in the theater. It was a very enjoyable night for her, and by the time we were done with her dressing change, she was glad to fall into bed. Saturday she slept in a bit as I was at work. I got home to smiles. We enjoyed the sunny warm day, and then went to a family friends home for dinner. Her friends Oly and Derik joined us about 9:00pm and took her back to our home and visited till midnight. We have seemed to find the balance with all these late nights, and preparing for them with rest times before the event. Kateen shared with me that she wakes from these times of rest, anxious and sometimes wonders if she really gets rested. Sunday we again slept in and went to late service at church. She has been so encouraged by our church family. There have been many emotional struggles through this "journey" for Kateen, yet the Lord is faithful to bring someone to her with just the words she needs to hear at that time. I am so blessed and thankful to witness the Lord at work in all aspects of this life change for Kateen. Emily was home from State FFA convention when we got back to the house. We ended the day with Craig taking us across the border to Canada for my Mother's Day dinner. We had a great time, and it was good to be together and hear the laughter. We missed Leif though. He had started a new job on the weekend, and was unable to share the time with us. I hope that gives you some new insight. Kateen has appointments at Harborview on Tuesday so we will be traveling over on Monday afternoon to be there bright and early on Tuesday. She will stay the nght with Dad, and then we will return on Wednesday back to Tonasket. Prayer requests are for the Lord's peace when she wakes from her rests, that the Phantom pains will be less frequent (Praise for the progress we are making there); that Kateen will continue to build physical strength. I would also ask for prayer Emily and her winding down of her Senior year. That we will continue to keep up with all the details of graduation and honoring her the way she deserves to be honored. Blessings to you all. Rhonda
May 18th, 2007 - Friday Kateen and I traveled to Seattle Monday evening for appointments with 2 doctors on Tuesday. The first appointment was to see Dr Smith who is with Limb Viability. Dr Smith has been observing Kateens progress since she arrived at Harborview, but this was really our first time to meet him and get a "feel" for what lies ahead. He looked at Kateens left leg with a team of Doctors to discuss the reshaping of the leg, and getting it ready for the prosthesis. They thought the graft looked great and that it was time to start "hugging" the leg with a sock that has gel and mineral oil in it. Kateen was measured for this as well as a cap that will protect the end of her leg, and work on toughening it up. We will again be traveling next Thursday for the actual fitting of the sock and cap. From my understanding this sock and cap will put pressure on the leg, and work at softening the layers of grafts she has, to allow the prosthesis to be more comfortable. Of course there will be alot of participation on her part, to massage and excercise the leg. Dr Smith emphasized that since Kateen's case was so different then most amputees, that they were proceeding forward as if there would not be anymore surgeries to re-shape her leg, but that there was always that possibility. As far as a time frame on receiving a prosthesis, he would not give one. There are too many variables, and a major one is how much discomfort Kateen wants to endure to as she is working her left leg. We discussed in great length about her phantom pains, and different opinions on how to minimize them. There seems to be some alternatives out there to try. Kateen's next appointment was with Dr. Klein and his team. He was very excited to see how well the graft looked. He gave his "thumbs up" and stated that Kateen no longer needed to do the extensive wound care twice a day that she had been. Just a once a day bandage change on the one small open area. What a huge blessing, as this has taken so much of her day in doing these changes. We left feeling encouraged and that she was making steps forward. Kateen is concerned though about the pain that will be involved in preparing her left leg for her prosthesis. We know that with progress will come some pain and discomfort. A highlight of the day for Kateen was when she answered her phone and on the other end was her friend Jen Willson from Malawi. The time was short, but incredibly uplifting for Kateen. She is so inspired and encouraged by their friendship to her. We had a wonderful evening with Leif. We shared dinner together and then went to his 9th grade presentation at Family night. It was so fun to see his school and the people he shares his days with. He is becoming quite the young man. We were very proud of him. Kateen and I traveled back home on Wednesday. Prayer needs are for continued emotional and physical healing for Kateen; that we could find the solution to ease her phantom pains even more; that the small accomplishments that she is making will make a difference in her outlook of the future. Praise ~ for the accomplishments she has made; that her medical insurance stateside was approved and that her basic needs will be covered. Thank you for remembering her, and all the many ways you are supporting her and our family. We are so grateful for the strength we receive through the prayer on our behalf. With Love Rhonda and family
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Thank You Note to EveryoneThe level of support (financial, prayers and love has been HUGE, we're talking world wide here) and your prayers have truly been heard. There are no words to describe the families appreciation for this support and they will be responding and giving thanks when they are able.
I have not a clue as to how great the financial burden of this will be and I have established an account with :
Wells Fargo Bank, under the account name; "The Family of Kateen Solberg."
This account is accessable from any Wells Fargo Branch (listed as a Donation Acct), for anyone who wishes to contribute.
Those of you who are outside the Wells Fargo Bank service area you may make contributions by check or money order, payable to:
"The Family of Kateen Solberg"
and mailed or wired to:
Wells Fargo Bank
Tonasket Branch
PO Box 667
Tonasket, Wa. 98855
My e-mail is hink@nvinet.com for any one who would like a contact for any reason. Keep checking back to this website as we will keep it updated as soon as new information about Kateen's progress is available.
Thank You
Craig Hinkley