I once again apologize for the delay in providing this latest update on Aimee’s condition. I feel that any report on her situation must be handled with love and compassion and thus it takes more time to deliver news of her medical developments. Past attempts to speed the delivery of such information have appeared to me to be cold and callous. I think you would agree that Aimee deserves better.
This morning Paige and I set off for the hospital first thing. The past two mornings Aimee had been in hyperbarics, which ran through and eliminated her morning visit. When I called this morning, the nurse said that Aimee was not going to hyperbarics. She also said the doctor wanted to talk to us.
I was a bit apprehensive when I saw Aimee’s pulmonologist. As we approached him, he went into a semi-squat, hands on his knees, much like a shortstop getting ready for the next pitch. He reached up and pulled his reading glasses down to the tip of his nose and made eye contact. I took a deep breath and braced myself .
“We need to talk about Aimee’s hands and foot,” he said as his eyes bored into mine. He didn’t have to say anything. We had noticed a remarkable change over the past several days in Aimee’s hands. They went from a splotchy purple color to a red tone and then to a pinkish flesh tone. Yesterday I had noticed them turning back to an angry red. Knowing all this, I nodded and he continued. The doctor explained that her body was trying hard to heal her hands, but the blood flow was too poor. There was an added risk of infection. The palm of her right hand had developed a sore. Today her hands had returned to their splotchy purplish coloration and they were actually hampering Aimee’s recovery.
The massive loss of fascia on Aimee’s left side also continues to present a big risk to her recovery. This weakens her ability to breathe deep and to cough, which further complicates her respiratory condition. The pulmonologist said that Aimee’s respiratory condition was excellent following the tracheotomy that was performed the previous day. We had a window of opportunity to perform the amputations and have a successful outcome. If Aimee developed respiratory problems and her hands released an infection into her body, there was a risk that she could become septic again. As they usually do, the doctors were presenting us with a medical no-brainer. We had to do what is necessary to save Aimee’s life.
A short time after this meeting with the pulmonologist, we convened in a meeting with him and three surgeons. I knew this decision was not being recommended lightly when I learned that they had flown in a noted plastic surgeon who specializes in hands. The hand surgeon confirmed our fears. The hands were endangering Aimee’s progress. As always, my decision was simple.
“Do whatever it takes to give us the best chance to save Aimee’s life.
Some people may criticize my decision and say we should have prayed over Aimee and asked God to heal her hands. Trust me, this we have done every day. I believe God has appointed and anointed Aimee’s doctors as miraculous healers and I trust that their decisions are God-breathed.
I then asked the doctors if Donna, Paige and I could share these developments with Aimee. They responded that they wouldn’t have it any other way.
As we walked back to Aimee’s room there was a man talking loudly to her. He was flailing his arms and kicking his legs. At first I wondered if someone had sneaked into the ICU and was attempting to frustrate her. Then I noticed that the person was trying to get Aimee to follow his motions. He was her physical therapist.
When he saw us gowning up to enter the room, the therapist left. Aimee had a look of frustration on her face. She had been crying from her exertions, which must have been incredibly difficult for her. The look on her face warmed instantly the second we walked into the room. Her pulmonologist had even noted that Aimee’s blood pressure rose when she saw us, which was a good thing.
A small tear rolled down the side of Aimee’s face as she smiled and greeted us.
The next thirty minutes we took Aimee through the timeline of her illness. From the kayaking trip to the amputation of her leg to the miracle of her survival. We told her of the outpouring of love from across the world. We shared with her the Mike Luckovich editorial cartoon. We told her of news conferences and television appearances. We told her that the world loved and admired her. We explained that she had become a symbol of hope, love and faith. Aimee’s eyes widened and her jaw dropped. She was amazed.
I took Aimee’s hands and held them up to her face. She didn’t draw back in horror. She knew the condition she was in.
“Aimee, these hands are not healthy,” I explained. “they are hampering your progress.”
Aimee nodded.
I explained the use of “pressers” and how the medication restricted the blood flow and collapsed the veins in her hands. I explained everything that the doctors explained to us.
“Aimee, I do not want anything to happen to you. Your mind is beautiful, your heart is good and your spirit is strong. These hands can prevent your recovery from moving forward. The doctors want to amputate them and your foot today to assure your best possible chance of survival.
Aimee nodded.
“Do you have any questions about any of what we have discussed?”
Aimee thought for a moment and mouthed some words. Paige caught her response and quickly interpreted.
“I’m a little confused, but I’ll figure it out.”
Aimee nodded to confirm the interpretation.
We went on to explain that Aimee would be able to use prosthetics to get around. That she would be fitted with artificial limbs to help her get around and perform normal daily functions. She nodded at this and asked if they would be fitting her immediately. We told her that she would need to continue to recover and the prosthetics would come later. She again nodded approvingly.
She smiled and raised her hands up, carefully examining them. She then looked at us. We all understood her next three words.
“Let’s do this.”
A tear rolled down my face as I walked out of her room. I wasn’t crying because Aimee was going to lose her hands and foot, I was crying because, in all my 53 years of existence, I have never seen such a strong display of courage. Aimee shed no tears, she never batted an eyelash. I was crying because I am a proud father of an incredibly courageous young lady.
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First i want to say my thoughts and prayers are with you.Iv been following this story and brings me to tears.Its sounds like Aimee is a fighter and her will to live will pull her through this.The mind is a powerful thing.I work with people with disabilities.There is nothing that they cant do and i have learned so many grat lessons through them.They dont let anything or anyone stand in there way .There is no such word as can’t.Aimee you can do anything and achieve your dreams.You r in my thoughts every day God bless your strength and determination to not give up.I believe in you!!!!
You are a true inspiration
Very eloquent, Lise. I agree completely. We will continue to pray and to follow Aimee’s progress. What an inspiration she is.
First off i want to say that i am praying for Aimee and her recovery..I have been following her story…She is such a fighter…I can relate to this situation somewhat..because i too contracted necrotizing fascitis..it is such a scary infection..I am so blessed to have my life as much as i have been through in the last 5 months..but i can say that i am blessed to have my life. 🙂
Praying for Aimee and family. In 2002 my Momma suddenly became ill with this awful disease and succombed to death in a matter of hours.The doctor said we will never know how the bacteria got in her body. I will continue to pray for you all.
I have been following your families story ever since it made national news. I live in Nebraska and your story has spread across our cornfields and into farmers prayers. Your daughters fight is a proven existence of God and the miracles that He grants. Your entire family is a portrait of strength, persistence, dedication, and faith all wrapped up in one. Your right, your daughter deserves better than that. Your FaceBook page, blogsites, etc., are an amazing example of patience and strength on your part. Apologizing, when you have a beautiful daughter fighting a deadly bacteria, really isn’t necessary. As your family has been patient and understanding during your entire whirlwind, I believe America will be just as patient and understanding whenever you find the time to provide us with an update. God bless you, your family, and Aimee.
Brian, Nebraska
God’s timming is always perfect, Iwill continue to pray for your beautiful daughter , and family… MAY GOD BLESS.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially with Aimee in this fight for her life!! God Bless you Aimee!! Will continue to pray for your recovery!!
Your daughter’s story has made an impact on all of our family here in Knoxville, TN. She is such a beautiful person. We continually pray for her recovery. God Bless you and your family. We pray for his guidance and strength and know that Aimee is such a strong fighter. She is an amazing young lady who has touched our heart.
I have been following Aimee’s progress and praying for her and for your entire family. I want you to know she is an inspiration, such a courageous and beautiful young woman!! Thank you so much Mr. Copeland for your dedication to your blog and for sharing your journey with us. It is a privledge to be able to witness the miracles God is performing in Aimee’s recovery. It’s heartwarming too, to read all the loving replies from fellow Americans. God Bless you, I will be continuing to pray for you Aimee!! xxoo
God speed in your recovery! Sending Prayers!
Everyone in my family and at my work is praying for Aimee and all of you. Aimee is such an example of strength and courage and you are right she does not deserve this. I have no idea why this happened but I have to tell you Aimee has proven how important the love of her family is to her. She is fighting for all of you. Your love is giving her the courage to continue because she knows as long as she has you she will be fine! There will be tough roads ahead but with you and your family and friends (and now with the entire country cheering for her) – she will succeed and have a beautiful life ahead of her. I don’t know Aimee but I bet she will continue to suprise you with her recovery. You will see. May God bless all of you. You can do it Aimee! keep fighting. America needs more people like you!
Isabel, Florida
prayers are with you aimee!! speedy recovery!! team aimee!!
Andy, As a fellow Elk, please know that all of Atlanta Northlake and Ga Elks are praying for you and your family. See all of you at the Lodge one day real soon.
To the Copeland Family, it’s such wonderful news that Aimee is progressing so well. I think of her daily. I can understand what you are going thru as my daughter fought necrotizing facitious last yr. Will cont to pray for Aimee and your family. Aimee is a beautiful young woman and seems to be a survivor. Such an inspiration. Stay strong and keep the faith. Kathy Gibbs
I’m very sad for your situation , aimee you are very strong very courageous!!! plzzz be strong, i know it’s not easy but we are with you!!! Sorry for my english because i come from france and i don’t understand everything but in france and all around the world we are with you.
john
How courageous Aimee and your family are. My prayers are with you and yours daily. I see that Aimee studied holistic health. I am a nurse and have come across a wonderful molecular product for your cells, called ASEA, which helps nourish, repair and replenish your 75 trillion cells. You can go to my website and learn more. It is native to the body, no toxins, and has been studied for 17 yrs. Now stabilized and in a bottle.
I hope this information is helpful for you.
Peggy Lacey RN, MPH
“The massive loss of fascia on Aimee’s left side also continues to present a big risk to her recovery.”
That line meant a lot to my. My mother in law almost died a couple years ago. Most of the hospital knows her name and calls her the miracle patient. She lost almost all of the fascia in her abdomen, as well as all of her abdominal muscles.
It is a long road of healing, but your daughter is so strong and courageous. She’ll be alright.