We have detected that JavaScript is currently disabled. CaringBridge is best viewed with JavaScript enabled.

Tom’s Story

Site created on November 15, 2021

Tom suffered a stroke on Friday, November 12th while driving home from a quick trip to the grocery store. The accident occurred across the street from Tom and Jamie's house in Sonoma. They rushed him via ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Because he was in a car accident, they had to rule out any internal bleeding before giving the anti-clotting tPA (blood thinner) medicine. Thankfully he was able to get the medicine within the critical 3-hour window from onset of stroke. He was transported to CPMC Davies campus in SF for a higher level of care. Once he got to CPMC, the CT scan revealed surgery would be too risky to remove the clot for fear of it bleeding out and causing more damage to his brain. The MRI on Saturday showed that there was no active hemorrhaging so they could start him on blood thinners that night. For the next 5 days they are monitoring him closely for any signs of swelling in his brain and the ongoing goal of preventing any more strokes.

Tom’s left side of his body was affected by the stroke. His right side is still very strong and he has taken very good care of himself so his physical fitness will serve him well. He passed the swallow test and is jokingly requesting an IPA with meals. Thankfully, Tom is still witty and has a sharp memory-still cracking silly “Tom” jokes and knows every staff member by name.

They will keep him in Transitional ICU (TICU) until Wednesday/Thursday at which time he will be transferred to rehab at CPMC. They have one of the best stroke rehabs in the nation. The staff is encouraged by his current status and feels confident that he will be a good candidate for rehabilitation.

Tom will have PT/OT/ST daily. Part of rehab is retraining his brain to acknowledge and use the left side of his body again. In yesterday’s session, Tom was able to stand with assistance. We are so grateful for the wonderful care he is receiving and the progress he has already made. We are being like Grandma Rita and playing the “glad game” by celebrating the small wins and the fact that his cognition and spirit is alive and well.

We will use this page to keep you all informed of his progress. We thank you for your continued prayers and support. We know his angels are guiding him every step of the way. 💕

Love,
Jamie, Courtney, Erin and Seamus and our families

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Courtney McMahon — Aug 29, 2022

Today is Mom and Dad’s 51st wedding anniversary and I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate this special occasion! This year has been the ultimate test and their respect, love, support and care for each other has been incredibly inspiring to witness. It has certainly not been easy but their faith, sense of humor, and support of family and friends has carried them through. Thank you so much for all the ongoing love! 💕

Their journey continues with Dad’s outpatient rehabilitation, walking 1/4 mile a day, and now water therapy! They have been trying new devices and therapies to strengthen Dad’s left side and increase the neuroplasticity and creating new pathways for movement. Their caregiver, Sandy, drives him up to Santa Rosa which has been really helpful to my mom. Although he would rather be driving, he is able to get in and out of the front seat and is constantly working on becoming more independent. Seamus came up a couple weeks ago and could see improvements in Dad’s function compared to a month ago in Tahoe. Dad is doing everything he can to keep those improvements coming!

One silver lining in this experience has been the reminder to truly be present, savor every moment and reach out to the people you love for we don’t know what tomorrow brings. Today we are extremely grateful to be celebrating this milestone of another year together. Happy 51st Anniversary, Mom and Dad! We love you so much!! ❤️

Read More of the journal titled "August 28, 2022"

Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.

Help Tom Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Tom's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Comments Hide comments

Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser

Support Links

Helpful Requests

Go to Ways to Help