Michelberg Family Updates

Sat, 23 Dec 2006 03:55:00 GMT

(Mailing List Information, including unsubscription instructions, is located at the end of this message.) Greetings - David moved back to Learning Services in Gilroy this past Wednesday. He is settling into his new routine there and has already resumed speech, occupational and physical therapies. I understand that he adjusting well. His therapy schedule will be lighter than usual over the holidays, so I encourage you to visit him. Anytime after 2 p.m. is generally the best time to visit. Please call Learning Services before you go, 408-848-4379, ask for the group home or just tell anyone who answers that you are coming. The address is 10855 DeBruin Way in Gilroy. It is only a half-hour drive from San Jose during non-traffic times. David loves Thai food and Chai tea from Starbucks. He also enjoys backgammon and chess, and might even beat you at both. But mostly he just needs you to spend time with him, even if it's only for a little while. Be well, and Happy New Year. Rachel -- The following information is a reminder of your current mailing list subscription: You are subscribed to the following list: Michelberg Family Updates Using the following email: example@example.com You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: <a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/"> http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/ </a> If the above URL is inoperable, make sure that you have copied the entire address. Some mail readers will wrap a long URL and thus break this automatic unsubscribe mechanism. You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: <a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg"> http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg </a> If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: <a href="mailto:jh@horizonpr.com"> jh@horizonpr.com </a> The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: <pre> 1010 University Avenue San Jose, CA 95126 </pre>

Michelberg Family Updates

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 02:48:00 GMT

(Mailing List Information, including unsubscription instructions, is located at the end of this message.) Hello everyone - David's doctors, therapists and case managers met yesterday. They have decided to discharge him back to Learning Services in Gilroy next Wednesday, December 20, assuming that he continues to be seizure-free. In the meantime he will continue with intensive therapy at Valley Med. David's walking has been slowly improving, though he cannot walk without assistance. He will continue to use a wheelchair, and a walker for shorter distances. Please consider visiting him this weekend, particularly on Sunday. I know everyone is busy with the holidays, but your visits do make a difference. Thank you all again for your kindness. Rachel -- The following information is a reminder of your current mailing list subscription: You are subscribed to the following list: Michelberg Family Updates Using the following email: example@example.com You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: <a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/"> http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/ </a> If the above URL is inoperable, make sure that you have copied the entire address. Some mail readers will wrap a long URL and thus break this automatic unsubscribe mechanism. You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: <a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg"> http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg </a> If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: <a href="mailto:jh@horizonpr.com"> jh@horizonpr.com </a> The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: <pre> 1010 University Avenue San Jose, CA 95126 </pre>

Michelberg Family Updates

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 03:44:00 GMT

(Mailing List Information, including unsubscription instructions, is located at the end of this message.) Hello, friends and family - David continues his therapies at Valley Med. Recently, he has shown improvement with the introduction of a new medication, Sinamet, usually used for patients with Parkinson's Disease. With this new drug, David has shown increased alertness, initiation and improved cognition skills. He is walking in physical therapy with assistance. At this point there is no date set for discharge back to Learning Services in Gilroy, but we hope to determine a discharge date soon. In the meantime, please keep visiting David. He has been in the hospital for almost two months and I know that the visits make a difference for him. It is a good idea to bring a board game (he particularly likes backgammon) to play during your visit. Remember, best times to visit are late afternoons, evenings and especially weekends. The children are doing well, working hard at Yavneh Day School (Joshie is in 2nd grade and Hannah is in 4th.) Joshie started taking karate and is very proud to have earned his orange belt; he also is taking a chess course and will probably start playing competitively in the spring. Both Hannah and Joshie are enjoying their roles as munchkins (among many other roles!) in the Los Gatos JCC's production of The Wizard of Oz, set to run February 3, 4, 10 & 11 at the Heritage Theater in Campbell. For tickets and information you can call Cheryl Bordy at 871-2039. Please tell her you're calling for the Michelbergs so that the kids can get credit for selling tickets. Some news about me. I am enjoying my new role behind the scenes as assistant musical director for The Wizard of Oz. My voice studio is thriving; I have twelve students ranging in age from eleven to fifty-something and I am having a great time with all of them. There is still room in my studio, particularly for those that can come for lessons during the school day. As you can imagine, I'm trying to keep afternoons and weekends free so I can be with the kids. I am also still actively performing. On December 10 at 7 p.m., I will be the alto soloist for Handel's Messiah (my apologies to the Jewish community!) The performance is with the Symphony Silicon Valley and Chorale at the beautiful California Theater in downtown San Jose. My sister Lisa is also singing on this concert with the Chorale. Please consider coming to hear us: A Holiday Celebration Sunday, December 10 7:00 pm All Tickets: $32 SSV Box office: 286-2600 ext. 23 Many thanks to those of you who have brought meals since David has been in the hospital. It is so helpful and supportive. Thanks as well to Temple Emanu-El for continuing to provide the list server for these updates. Be well, Chanukah sameach and happy holidays. Rachel -- The following information is a reminder of your current mailing list subscription: You are subscribed to the following list: Michelberg Family Updates Using the following email: example@example.com You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: <a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/"> http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/ </a> If the above URL is inoperable, make sure that you have copied the entire address. Some mail readers will wrap a long URL and thus break this automatic unsubscribe mechanism. You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: <a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg"> http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg </a> If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: <a href="mailto:jh@horizonpr.com"> jh@horizonpr.com </a> The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: <pre> 1010 University Avenue San Jose, CA 95126 </pre>

Michelberg Family Updates

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 01:43:00 GMT

(Mailing List Information, including unsubscription instructions, is located at the end of this message.) Hello everyone - David is still in the Head Trauma Rehab at Valley Med. His recovery from the shunt surgery two weeks ago has been very slow, but he is improving. He has one hour each of speech, occupational and physical therapy every day. The doctors are continuing to perform CT scans to ensure that the surgery has not caused any complications (so far, so good.) This week, they plan to decrease one of the anti-seizure meds, in the hope that David will become more alert and less lethargic. It is a risky move, due to the increased risk of more seizures. Again, I would like to encourage you to visit David. I know that it is extremely difficult, since he speaks very little and appears to have regressed quite a bit since the summer. But please do not underestimate the importance of visiting, even for a few minutes. My sense is that he knows that we are there and is - in his way - grateful. Best times to visit are late afternoons and early evenings Mon.-Sat., and all day on Sundays. Thank you. Rachel -- The following information is a reminder of your current mailing list subscription: You are subscribed to the following list: Michelberg Family Updates Using the following email: example@example.com You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: <a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/"> http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/ </a> If the above URL is inoperable, make sure that you have copied the entire address. Some mail readers will wrap a long URL and thus break this automatic unsubscribe mechanism. You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: <a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg"> http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg </a> If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: <a href="mailto:jh@horizonpr.com"> jh@horizonpr.com </a> The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: <pre> 1010 University Avenue San Jose, CA 95126 </pre>

Michelberg Family Updates

Sat, 04 Nov 2006 23:16:00 GMT

(Mailing List Information, including unsubscription instructions, is located at the end of this message.) Hi all - It seems as though my last message did not get to all of you. You can access itat templesanjose.org, community pages, Michelberg family updates. David's shunt surgery went well, and after two weeks in the ICU he is back in the Head Trauma Unit at Valley Med, where he will start intensive rehab on Monday. It is the same unit where he was for so many months last year, on the second floor. Please visit him, especially on the weekends (including tomorrow, Sunday Nov. 5) and in the evenings. I'm not sure how long he will be there before going back to Gilroy; I will let you know. He is on a regular diet and would appreciate a "real" meal, I'm sure. If you do bring him a meal try to get there slightly before mealtimes (12 noon and 6 p.m., approximately.) Thanks for visiting David. Rachel -- The following information is a reminder of your current mailing list subscription: You are subscribed to the following list: Michelberg Family Updates Using the following email: example@example.com You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: <<a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/&gt">http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/&gt</a>; If the above URL is inoperable, make sure that you have copied the entire address. Some mail readers will wrap a long URL and thus break this automatic unsubscribe mechanism. You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: <<a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg&gt">http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg&gt</a>; If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: <<a href="mailto:jh@horizonpr.com&gt">mailto:jh@horizonpr.com&gt</a>; The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: 1010 University Avenue San Jose, CA 95126

Michelberg Family Updates

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 02:18:00 GMT

(Mailing List Information, including unsubscription instructions, is located at the end of this message.) David's ventricular shunt surgery was performed today, Wednesday, sometime between 2 and 5 a.m. Dr. Bergman reports that the procedure went smoothly; the shunt is in place and effectively draining fluid, with no complications. The CT scan of this afternoon did not show significant shrinking of the ventricles, so Dr. Bergman will likely reprogram it (yes, it is programmable!) to drain off more fluid. Today, David was very sleepy from both the anesthesia and the pain medication. He is confused and disoriented but will almost certainly improve in the coming days. It is far too early to tell whether or not the shunt will have any permanent impact. David will most likely remain in the ICU until sometime tomorrow, then will be moved to the neuro observation unit, before returning to the hospital rehab unit. I will let you know when he can receive visitors. Rachel -- The following information is a reminder of your current mailing list subscription: You are subscribed to the following list: Michelberg Family Updates Using the following email: example@example.com You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: <a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/"> http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/ </a> If the above URL is inoperable, make sure that you have copied the entire address. Some mail readers will wrap a long URL and thus break this automatic unsubscribe mechanism. You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: <a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg"> http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg </a> If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: <a href="mailto:jh@horizonpr.com"> jh@horizonpr.com </a> The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: <pre> 1010 University Avenue San Jose, CA 95126 </pre>

Michelberg Family Updates

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 00:30:00 GMT

(Mailing List Information, including unsubscription instructions, is located at the end of this message.) Hi all - David did not have surgery today. An emergency forced Dr. Bergman to reschedule him for Wednesday morning. Also, the doctors wanted to again check David's gait (walking ability) to see if it has improved. Today, after working with a physical therapist and with both Dr. Englander (rehab) and Dr. Bergman (neurosurgeon) present, it was determined that David's walking has not yet improved, despite significant CSF (cerebral spinal fluid) drainage. The doctors feel that it is still early in the process, and that the walking will likely improve over time, especially since David hasn't really been out of bed for over a week. I will let you know how he is doing after the surgery on Wednesday. Rachel -- The following information is a reminder of your current mailing list subscription: You are subscribed to the following list: Michelberg Family Updates Using the following email: example@example.com You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: <a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/"> http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/ </a> If the above URL is inoperable, make sure that you have copied the entire address. Some mail readers will wrap a long URL and thus break this automatic unsubscribe mechanism. You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: <a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg"> http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg </a> If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: <a href="mailto:jh@horizonpr.com"> jh@horizonpr.com </a> The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: <pre> 1010 University Avenue San Jose, CA 95126 </pre>

Michelberg Family Updates

Fri, 27 Oct 2006 02:56:00 GMT

(Mailing List Information, including unsubscription instructions, is located at the end of this message.) Hello all - The news is good. The ventricles in David's brain are "communicating," so the doctors will be inserting a shunt on Monday morning. Meanwhile he will remain in the ICU, with the ventriculostomy attached so that the excess CSF (cerebral spinal fluid) continues to drain while he is awaiting surgery. David is not in pain, but was very sleepy today due to the number of scans and tests being performed. Additionally, the anti-seizure medication has been increased which tends to make him lethargic. An ENT (ear, nose and throat doctor) will be present at the surgery on Monday, to determine whether the sinuses can be repaired. Dora will be going back to Israel on Saturday night. She has been a tremendous support for me and the kids, and has spent numerous hours at David's bedside. I don't know what I would do without her. Rachel -- The following information is a reminder of your current mailing list subscription: You are subscribed to the following list: Michelberg Family Updates Using the following email: example@example.com You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: <a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/"> http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/ </a> If the above URL is inoperable, make sure that you have copied the entire address. Some mail readers will wrap a long URL and thus break this automatic unsubscribe mechanism. You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: <a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg"> http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg </a> If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: <a href="mailto:jh@horizonpr.com"> jh@horizonpr.com </a> The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: <pre> 1010 University Avenue San Jose, CA 95126 </pre>

Michelberg Family Updates

Thu, 26 Oct 2006 00:42:00 GMT

(Mailing List Information, including unsubscription instructions, is located at the end of this message.) Hello everyone - David is in the Surgical ICU at Valley Med. Late Monday afternoon, a ventriculostomy was inserted into his skull to drain off excess fluid. Yesterday he was in some pain, indicating a serious headache and extreme sensitivity to light. He was given some pain medication, but it has been limited so that he can be as responsive as possible. Today David was more comfortable, sleeping on and off throughout the day. He is confused about his situation and speaks very little. This evening, Dora (David's sister) tells me that he was more alert, and was finally permitted to eat, which apparently he did with great pleasure (he must have been really hungry - we're talking about hospital food here!) Another CT scan was taken this afternoon. Unfortunately, the results are not conclusive as to whether or not the brain ventricles are "communicating;" this must be determined in order to proceed with the shunt surgery. Tomorrow morning, Dr.Bergman will inject dye into the ventricles to gather more definitive results. In the meantime, we are still requesting that only close friends and family visit him in the ICU. Best wishes to you all, Rachel and Dora -- The following information is a reminder of your current mailing list subscription: You are subscribed to the following list: Michelberg Family Updates Using the following email: example@example.com You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: <a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/"> http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/ </a> If the above URL is inoperable, make sure that you have copied the entire address. Some mail readers will wrap a long URL and thus break this automatic unsubscribe mechanism. You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: <a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg"> http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg </a> If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: <a href="mailto:jh@horizonpr.com"> jh@horizonpr.com </a> The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: <pre> 1010 University Avenue San Jose, CA 95126 </pre>

Michelberg Family Updates

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 02:40:00 GMT

(Mailing List Information, including unsubscription instructions, is located at the end of this message.) Hello everyone - David is currently back at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. He has been experiencing frequent seizures since late August, and has had a marked deterioration in walking and balance. He was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, which is an accumulation of fluid in the ventricles of the brain. Tomorrow (Monday) David will be transferred to the neuro ICU where he will undergo a ventriculostomy. This is a procedure that involves placing a catheter in the ventricle and draining the fluid externally. The brain pressure will be monitored, and after 24-36 hours David will be encouraged to walk in order to determine if the drainage is at the proper level. At that time, Dr. Bergman (the neurosurgeon) will most likely then proceed with the peritoneal shunt. This is a more invasive sugery in which a permanent tube is inserted into the ventricles and will drain the exess fluid into David's abdomen. This course of action is due to David's extensive injuries and facial fractures. There is still excess air entering the brain (pneumocephalus) and the doctors are trying to deal with many factors - hence the cautious approach. Certainly as he recovers it would be good for him to have visitors. I will send out another update in a few days to let you know how he is progressing. In the meantime, Dora (David's sister) is here from Israel, and has extended her stay to be with us at least until the end of this week. Thank you all again for your support. Rachel -- The following information is a reminder of your current mailing list subscription: You are subscribed to the following list: Michelberg Family Updates Using the following email: example@example.com You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: <<a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/&gt">http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/&gt</a>; If the above URL is inoperable, make sure that you have copied the entire address. Some mail readers will wrap a long URL and thus break this automatic unsubscribe mechanism. You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: <<a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg&gt">http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg&gt</a>; If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: <<a href="mailto:jh@horizonpr.com&gt">mailto:jh@horizonpr.com&gt</a>; The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: 1010 University Avenue San Jose, CA 95126

Michelberg Family update

Wed, 31 May 2006 02:46:00 GMT

(Mailing List Information, including unsubscription instructions, is located at the end of this message.) Hi all - David continues to do well at Learning Services in Gilroy. He is quite active, participating in many outings including bowling, billiards and trips to local attractions. Over Memorial Day weekend I'm told he went to the airshow in Watsonville - needless to say he loved it. The nice folks at Passave - rather, PMC Sierra, (thanks, Dror and Yaron!) have brought David a laptop computer which he is enjoying in the evenings. Additionally, David will soon be taking a few courses at Gavilan College, and has also been given the paying job of walking a dog belonging to one of the staff three times per week. There have been a few minor setbacks. While on an outing a few weeks ago, David experienced a five-minute seizure. Luckily there were no lasting repercussions other than his anti-seizure medication being increased. He is being monitored closely for additional episodes. Additionally, while playing soccer a few days ago David fell and cut his chin, requiring four stitches. Never a dull moment.... Like father, like daughter: Hannah also fell down in front of our house and broke her arm a week ago (for those of you "in the know," she sustained a green stick fracture of the left radius.) She will be in a full cast (a pretty blue one - already covered with her classmates' names) for four weeks. Though at first she loved the attention, she's really ready to get the cast off NOW. Allow me to take this opportunity to again encourage you to visit David. His 46th birthday is this Thursday, June 1. I'm sure he would love a visit or a phone call. The number for Learning Services is 408-848-4379, address is 10855 DeBruin Way in Gilroy. If you get the recording, you can press 1 and you will probably get a live person. Remember that visits are strongly preferred after 2 p.m. on weekdays or almost anytime on the weekend. But PLEASE call Learning Services, not me, if you'd like to visit - they know his schedule much better than I do. A few ideas for visitors - David loves chinese or thai food, diet coke, soy chai lattes, and fish from IKEA (check out the refrigerated food section where they have salmon paste in a tube and herring in a jar.) Thanks again for your support. Rachel -- The following information is a reminder of your current mailing list subscription: You are subscribed to the following list: Michelberg Family Updates Using the following email: example@example.com You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: <<a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/&gt">http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi/u/michelberg/&gt</a>; If the above URL is inoperable, make sure that you have copied the entire address. Some mail readers will wrap a long URL and thus break this automatic unsubscribe mechanism. You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: <<a href="http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg&gt">http://lists.templesanjose.org/mail.cgi?f=list&l=michelberg&gt</a>; If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: <<a href="mailto:jh@horizonpr.com&gt">mailto:jh@horizonpr.com&gt</a>; The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: 1010 University Avenue San Jose, CA 95126