Welcome family and friends to the Ausman's update website. I (Nikki) am going to use this to keep family and friends updated with any new information on my mom’s recovery and as of April 25th my dad's recovery.
Paul, Andrew, and I (along with Jack and Justin and extended family) are so grateful for the outpouring of love, constant support and encouragement that has been show to us by our family, friends, church, work, school and the community. We appreciate your prayers, happy thoughts, and good vibes more than you will ever know during these extremely difficult and challenging times.
On Sunday evening, April 9th, Raquel collapsed at home. She was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, WI and then airlifted via plane to Regions Hospital- Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit in St. Paul, MN . She was diagnosed with a very large brain aneurysm with subarachnoid hemorrhage (brain vessels ruptured and blood filled her brain). CAT scans have indicated a severe amount of damage due to amount of blood. Her aneurysm was repaired via a procedure called coiling. This stopped any more bleeding and surgeons were pleased with the outcome of the surgery. They have begun to drain blood that has pooled in her brain to relieve pressure and to allow her brain to begin to heal. This was a critical step in the long road to recovery. She will continue to be cared for in the SICU at Regions hospital. She is stabilized on life support. The actual condition of her brain is unknown. It may take from a few days to a few weeks to determine the condition of her brain. She has yet to wake up but has shown some signs of movement in both arms.
She has a very long and unpredictable road to recovery. We have all our fingers and toes crossed that she will soon begin to progress.
On Tuesday afternoon, April 25th, Paul was taken by a very observant and caring co-worker to the ER at St. Josephs hospital. He has had some concentration, balance and cognitive challenges the last few weeks. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor on the right side of his head the size of a bloated golf ball. Surgeon will determine what next steps need to be taken within next few days.
Thank you again for the support. Andrew and I are wrapped in constant love.
Our family will continue to gather at the hospital to be by their sides. So many loving and caring friends have asked how they can support. We appreciate all prayers, happy thoughts and good vibes. In addition-people can support in the following ways:
-Attend Andrew's baseball games. Raquel was an avid baseball game enthusiasts and enjoyed more than anything cheering on her Andrew boy. She rarely missed one of his games.
Andrew’s Varsity Game Schedule-
http://www.cloverbeltconference.org/g5-bin/client.cgi?cwellOnly=1&G5statusflag=view&schoolname=&school_id=11&G5button=13&G5genie=159&vw_schoolyear=1&vw_agl=2-1-5,2-1-4,2-2-4,&category_sel=&category=-Donate to the Ausman's travel/care fund. Nikki and Andrew will be traveling back and forth from Chippewa to St. Paul to Minnetonka over the course of the next few weeks.
https://www.gofundme.com/ausmans-travel-fundThank you for everything,
Love Nikki
