Visit to Neuro Surgeon and CT Scan

Luke had a follow up visit to his neuro surgeon on Friday. As was the case with all the follow up visits he has had with his other doctors, the neuro surgeon was very pleased to see Luke in such an improved condition. He is not able to give a precise prognosis to the extent of the damage to the brachial plexus. It is, however, a very good sign that Luke is getting feeling sensations on the inside of his upper arm. Nerves will regenerate, but only at the rate of one millimeter per day. Also, they do not just repair a damage area, but must regenerate from the injured area all the way down to their end. Since the damage is in Luke's shoulder, it will take months for the healing to take place. Essentially, we don't know how much feeling and mobility Luke will finally regain as only time will reveal that.

After the doctor appointment, Luke had a check up CT scan done on the stent that patched the tear in his aorta. This was the first of many periodic scans that he will have to make sure the stent is holding steady.

Luke had a visit from several Border Patrol agents that are a part of the Patrol's peer support group on Thursday. They presented him with mugs and coffee cups with Border Patrol logos on them, but the primary reason for the visit was to present a gift from the chief of the San Diego Sector of the Border Patrol, Chief Fisher. It was a 2008 Pittsburgh Steeler football which was signed by all the players on the team. Here is Luke admiring the gift.



Friday evening Luke joined with several other Border Patrol agents for a farewell party for a fellow agent that is transferring to another station in Texas. Luke thoroughly enjoyed the time together with his co-workers.

---Bill