Oh what a day.
Today has been filled with much anxiety and much progress. Big big meeting with the Dr.s. Mark and I were taken into a room – down a long hall way – with 3 Dr.s (one neurologist) and 2 of our favorite nurses. It was ominous and nerve-wracking being led down that hall and having the door close behind us.
The outcome of the meeting was rather promising on our end. And not nearly as dramatic as were the moments leading up to it. The conclusions of the cultures of the past week point to pneumonia and not meningitis, which we were led to believe might be the case a few days ago. Pneumonia is a common occurrence in the ICU due to the respirators and we are now well on our way to moving through that hurdle. Todd will remain sedated through out the evening and I just helped the nurse give him a bath and put him to sleep. He really seemed to like it.
His temp. is 37.5 and holding *
And everyone in the ICU is relieved – but none more then us.
Tomorrow is a big day. Todd’s father, Dr. Blair, arrives in the morning and we begin to revisit lowering the sedation and monitoring his response. Pneumonia is also a strong indicator that his internal temperature regulator is not damaged – which has been a big concern of all here. Pneumonia can be fixed.
One thing is clear – Todd is a fighter.
Good night from Amsterdam
We love you all
Alex, Todd, Mark, Amy and JakeEddie (who really really really wants to see his Unci Todd who bumped his head)
P.S. Thank you so much To Barney, John R., & North et all for taking over classes and commitments. There is nothing closer to his heart than teaching and his students. Thank you all for your efforts.
P.P.S Another change around here that was discussed was the relocation of Alex from the sleeping room. In other words we are getting kicked out of the hospital. The apartment will be available just in time (and there are hookers outside the window! Bonus) So if there is a bump in our communications which we are working on, it is not cause for alarm but just another transition here. We are not alone and have the loveliest of angels guiding our path. We have no idea how long it will take to have the internet installed, and after the wallet fiasco I can guarantee you I will not be carrying my computer around! Love Alex.
Todd Blair 
October 3, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Saundra! I love you! and Todd (by proxy)! I am here for you and can’t imagine the pain you are going thru. I sent a post to fellow artists and I hope that helps. Seth has also tried to contact people there as he lived there for 3 months. I loved the fridge post about his fever and took it a step higher. I wrote positive thoughts and put them in a water bottle, then put it in the freezer. Hope he didn’t get too cold. You know I am here and you can call me night or day. I am at a loss for words, but you know I am always here for you!
October 3, 2007 at 12:24 pm
Me too I am here waiting and helping out as well. Good news to hear about the fever going down.
baba
October 3, 2007 at 12:44 pm
sleep and heal and dream and fight and rest and feel all the hands ready to support you along the path in any way imaginable.
beth
October 3, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Dear doter, we keep up with the prayers and healing energy going your way!
Pete and I are so happy to hear about Todd fever going down and that is pneumonia and not something else. Thanks God!!
That is so good that is temperature has gone down. We will pray for it to go awya cmpletly so he can start his recovry!!
Send you a lot of love and energy so you can deal with what you have to deal with!!
That is wonderful that Todd’s dad is going to be there, that will be a relief for you I hope.
Pete sends both his love!
Love and many kisses Mummy
October 3, 2007 at 1:04 pm
Todd, every night I stick my right foot in a bucket of ice and water. I keep it there for as long as I can bear it and then I keep it in slightly longer. After that comes tennis ball therapy to release the knots in my leg and foot. During this little ritual I think of you. Did you know, I am wearing a shoes again?! What I am dealing with is nothing in comparison. I hope I am able to support you as you have been so kind to me.
October 3, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Shannon and I have been keeping a daily vigil on your webpage – thanks to everyone who put it together – it makes such a difference to those of us so far away from Todd. Keep up the good fight, Todd, we’re also here fighting with you. I’m sending lots of energy balancing flows your way so that you can be at ease in your body when you wake up fully!
October 3, 2007 at 2:49 pm
Dear Alex and my dear cousin Todd,
I know that every day is a long day but this is very good news. Todd is a fighter…a very tough fighter and I have a feeling that he knows what is happening and he is doing everything he can to get better.
Alex, dear Alex–there is a special cloud for you in heaven. You are truly special and we are so blessed to have you taking care of Todd. I know you wouldn’t give it a second thought. The love you two share was so evident when we met you last summer. You two are truly a team and that is a rare thing. We read the blog several times a day, not only to get updates on his progress but also to read the wonderful and loving messages from his friends around the world. We are with you in spirit and we love you dearly. Take care of yourself.
Much love,
Joni
October 3, 2007 at 3:43 pm
Todd- I’m thinking of you with love and care and am sending healing thoughts across the ocean. Alex-with all that you are dealing with, thank you so much for this update. I am deeply appreciative. Love to you all- Arthur
October 3, 2007 at 4:12 pm
You guys are champions. Thanks you so much for keeping us all up to date despite everything you’re going through there. I hope the new apartment provides a little more comfort and security than staying in the hospital.
Clint
October 3, 2007 at 4:40 pm
Dear ones,
Some good news…thanks for sharing. Hope the new apartment is lovely.
Tell my brother hello…so glad he’s getting there. Will be nice to have some more support and a few extra hands to help out.
Love you much,
Aunt Jane & Bob
October 3, 2007 at 5:01 pm
Todd and all,
I send you all my love, support and strength.
I’ve seen the depth of Todd’s strength and know how he gathers it
from the loved ones in his life, the emense amount of
love and honor being expressed toward todd should
work as rocket fuel for his soul to heal him and send him home to all that love him…..
me included Wanda
October 3, 2007 at 5:01 pm
I can’t believe I am glad to hear that pneumonia is a probable cause of fever, but I am glad to hear it. I talked to my friend Sarah who had an 8 hour brain surgery last year to remove (not kidding) a grapefruit sized benign tumor – she too developed a bad fever from an infection sustained during the surgery. She thought it wasn’t entirely uncommon for this to happen. But less than a year later she is back teaching and back to her old ironical wry self and her hair looks really cute too (has Todd’s head been shaved? Maybe it’ll grow back all curly!)
I’m also glad to hear about Dr. Blair’s arrival and Levon’s impending arrival as well! That’s got to give you guys a good boost. Here’s hoping the hookers are well worth looking at.
with love, Catherine
October 3, 2007 at 6:03 pm
Yes, may the hookers be as cute as the neighborhood, and as happy. 😉
Speaking of which, how is it that Todd still looks tanned and swarthy and exactly like Todd -except bald- during all of this ? That guy just can’t help it!
October 3, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Hola Todd – and Alex, Amy and friends
Just found out about the accident this weekend from John Law. I understand you are sleeping now, that your body has cooled down from the fever. I’ve been thinking of you, sending you good energy, as has Carbon. I send you a big hug – and a kiss.
and the Amsterdam hookers have to be better looking than the ones in my lovely neighborhood, but the girls here do the best CRACKDANCE – arms a flailing.
David
October 3, 2007 at 8:57 pm
Promising news indeed. It is good to hear that. Keep on fighting, Todd, and keep on lavishing him with love and comfort Alex, Amy, Mark (and anyone else who is there with him). Thanks and kudos also to the Dutch medical team who is taking care of Todd, for all they are doing.
October 3, 2007 at 9:11 pm
I’ve been thinking about both of you much of the day today and wanted to send my love! Keep up the strong work Alex and all that are with you! I leave you with positive, happy, peaceful, restful thoughts!
Good Night.
love you-
Tatjana
October 3, 2007 at 9:16 pm
Great news! Glad that the docs are relaying their optimism (it’s so strange when they withold that – you’ll have to ask Todd’s dad about that – WTF?)
Hope the transition from having the Amy/Mark goodness to having some father goodness goes well… keep on the lookout from my friend Toetsie, she said she would bring you some treats.
Sending that good energy your way…
October 3, 2007 at 9:40 pm
my loves, all of the courage & strength of the universe to you. serenity & love from the depths of my soul. your union keeps my spirit alive. i love you both so much. laura.
October 3, 2007 at 10:03 pm
come on todd, comas are so last year.
keep fighting.
i know you can.
much love,
anjali
October 3, 2007 at 11:06 pm
No doubt he will make it!!!!
Big love and power from the East Coast and the entire
Madagascar Institute crew in NYC. Just found out about this ordeal. All of our best wishes are sent over to Holland.
power up Todd,
Ryan
October 3, 2007 at 11:26 pm
I would like to tell you all how tough Alex is in this whole process of Todd fighting, trying to get better. She is at his side almost every minute of the day, having a short break once in a while to take a small walk outside the AMC. And also Amy, who is there almost constantly, missing Jakeeddy very much of course. And Mark and Babalou taking care of Jakeeddy. Last night I saw pictures of the appartement Alex will be living in soon. It looks really great and I think she will be ok there. And do not worry we will continue being there for Todd and Alex during the time they will have to stay in Amsterdam.
October 4, 2007 at 3:47 am
Hey Todd,etc. I just found out. WOW…don’t know what to say…just went through a similar experience with Amacker. Hopefully everything turns out well…
I hope you continue to recover. Let me know if I can help out from L.A. this week.
-Ethan
October 4, 2007 at 4:56 am
Just found out about the accident on http://www.zichtlijnen.nl.
My thoughts are at his recovery. get well soon.
October 4, 2007 at 9:55 am
the fall winds stir the Monterey pines to a brisk dance here on CA’s central coast chanting hymns of forward motion and new chapters beginning in Amsterdam. Promising and refreshing. Cheers to Todd, renewal to Alex,
welcome to Dr Blair and immeasurable gratitude
to Amy, Mark, babaLou, Jake Eddie and the rest of the team on the ground.
October 4, 2007 at 10:34 am
dear alex and todd:
The love and support flowing your way is awesome. we think and send you our healing thoughts.
S+M
October 4, 2007 at 12:07 pm
Waiting for more news… Thinking of you all so many times during the day. Much love & surrogate strength & balls-out gritty will I send from the three of us.
Sabrina, Ruby, Arlo