Tuesday, August 12, 2008

8pm: Terry made his decision

Based on the surgeons dim prognosis that his left leg had little chance of surviving, Terry decided to "go for it" and have his left leg amputated. He was very calm and sure about this, and he says he does not need a leg...he will have a titanium spring foot like the guy in the olympics , and will still be able to do anything he wants. Then said that all he needed was his arms so he could hug his kids and Dana. True grit, that guy. And honest! He is sound asleep right now, and finally getting some rest. Based on all the risks of severe infection that he would face for the rest of his life if he kept a leg that no longer functioned, we all believe that Terry made the correct decision.
We meet with the doctors tomorrow mid-morning to schedule time...Most likely Wed night or Thursday morning...as soon as possible, since he continues to run a fever which indicated some infection still exists.

13 comments:

AZmommy23 said...

Oh, that was the sweetest thing I've heard in a long time, that all he needs is his arms to hug his wife and kids. Seriously, with Terry's attitude, there's nothing to stop him! A movie should be made about this guy! Much love and prayers for the Wild West....

AZmommy23 said...

That was supposed to be FROM the Wild West! :)

Anonymous said...

"It's all good DOG"just do it real quick!!.can't wait to see ya buddy,and when I do ,I'll have a strawberry freeze for ya.
al

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see you Bro!

Always thinking of you!

Kooz!

Mid-Michigan Dirt Diggerz said...

Terry, I belive you made the right call here. You are 100% right about only needing your arms to hold and hug your family. If it was me, that would be all I needed. Keep a positive attitude and keep the fight going.

Hope to see you soon,
John & Shelley & Kids

Anonymous said...

Terry, what a guy! What he said is exactly true! Keep up the good thoughts and positive attitude and you will be out of there in no time.

Saw the kids yesterday for the 1st time in along time and they are beautiful, Mike is the spitting image of you and Amber looks like Traci but also like Dana. It brought back some memories of when we were kids. Like when you and Traci used to fight and have to sit on opposite ends of the couch and I would sit and laugh at you guys for getting in trouble. Or when you stuck your tongue on the cold pole and I had to run and get your Dad.

Get well fast so you can hug those little kids of yours.

Thoughts and prayers still coming your way.

Love ya.

Shannon

Anonymous said...

WOW, what a strong guy you are. Although we have never met, "meeting" you through the blogs and the posts from your friends, I can tell you are an amazing person. God has much for you to do, what a great attitude. Many blessings to you and your family. We continue to pray...

The Cherioli Family

Carlene said...

I continue to check in daily for updates and to pray for Terry and his family. This is quite the roller coaster ride they are on. And I wish them all the best in the days ahead.

Anonymous said...

terry a couple hundred of your friends are heading to your place this weekend to race...you will be in our thoughts the whole time....we are expecting a huge crowd and i hope your family members get a chance to stop by and see all the wonderful friends you have in the rc community....

Anonymous said...

Terry and Dana
you are in our thoughts and prayers.
doug, nancy, and Dakotah

Anonymous said...

It's a good thing Terry is part Ox! A weaker person would have turned in their chips a week ago! We're all gonna be at the Runn this weekend. We hope for Terry to be well soon. Hang in there buddy!
Mikey P. and Family

Anonymous said...

Terry,
You have a great attitude buddy!!When you get right down to it all you need is the love of your family and a ton of friends pulling for you. This weekend, we race for you and your family.

See you soon.

Mentz

Unknown said...

What a great attitude and determination! Get Well Soon....

Always in our prayers

ADE (Tony) and family

What Happened?

On Saturday, August 2, at approximately 11:30 a.m. Terry McDowell was involved in a head-on collision on Ormond Road in White Lake Township, MI.

An unknown young-adult fell asleep at the wheel, crossed over into the opposite lane, and struck Terry's van head-on. Police are still investigating.

Paramedics rushed Terry via helicopter to Beaumont Medical Center's Trauma Unit. He is in stable, but critical, condition and is currently in the Intensive Care Unit.

From what we know, there is no damage to the spinal cord or brain. He will undergo more X-rays and scans today to determine if there are further injuries. His injuries, as of Sunday, Aug 3 at 10:00 a.m. include:
> Broken right femur
> A compound fracture in his left femur
> A broken tibia
> A shattered ankle
> Slight cut to his liver
> Dissected aorta
> Fractured pelvis
> Unknown back injury
> Three broken ribs

Terry underwent 11 hours of surgery on Saturday evening. The first surgery was cardiac surgery to repair the damage to his torn, or dissected, aorta. They performed non-invasive heart surgery and used a stent to repair the aorta. The surgery was completed without complications.

The second surgery was orthopedic surgery to repair his broken bones. He came out of surgery strong, but remains in critical condition due to the complications that could arise from heart surgery and a compound fracture of the Femur.

He is expected to remain in the ICU for at least 48 hours.