April 9, 2007

Andy had a biopsy today and the doctors say everything looks good and his heart is showing no signs of rejection. There is, however, some blockage in his neck vein. So, they are keeping him in the hospital for a day or two just as a precaution. Andy said he will take things slow and not try to do too much too soon. I'm sure Andy would love e-mails or calls!

April Fool's Day No Joke

Andy is recovering rapidly after he discovered on April Fool's Day that he would receive the blessing of a new heart, rather than an April Fool's joke. "I'm not kidding; I'm really getting a new heart," he told several drumline students. Andy was sitting up in a chair next to his bed eating Jello just six hours after his heart transplant--amazing huh?

Today Andy reports that he has taken several laps around the ICU halls and feels like he is returning to his past energy level. This is a far cry from how he felt when he was on medication to "squeeze" his heart into beating just last week. When he arrived at LDS Hospital Sunday evening, the nurses were a little surprised to be prepping someone who was totally lucid for surgery, "We don't usually have a conversation with patients while we are prepping them for a heart transplant...you are very lucky," they said.

Andy skated on to the heart transplant list on March 27 and discovered on April 1st that he had hit the heart lottery, he said. He had the right blood type, height, and weight, and his situation was a little more dire than we all knew. Now, just four short days later, he is learning about the pills that will help him sustain life, and maybe help him return to the golf course someday. If his progress continues as it has, he will most likely leave the ICU for a normal hospital room tomorrow.

According to Andy, he could even be back living in his apartment in Lehi next week as long as he passes his "pill test" and continues his recovery and rest. Meanwhile, he is soaking in every minute of the Masters Golf Tourney this weekend. Andy promises not to rush things to quickly once he returns. He said he will probably take several days off and make sure that he has his medication down since the consequences of missing his daily pills are pretty severe, according to the hospital pharmacist.

Andy would like to thank everyone for their support and prayers; he feels extremely fortunate to be in his current situation and have the support of his mother Diane, his sister Vivian, and his Utah family who have been by his side through this challenging time. The nurses say no visits yet, but maybe Sunday or Monday.

Miracle Man Faces Cops

We're back ... Last time we left you Andy Garcia was recovering nicely and back to most of his usual drumline responsibilities. However, during the past month Andy had spent a couple of weeks having tests at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City. Doctors said that his heart was functioning at approximately 25 percent of capacity and that he would definitely need a heart transplant in the near future. Hmmmmm ... just two weeks later Andy's name was officially placed on the regional heart transplant list. Fast forward to the present ...

Loud pounding abruptly awakened Andy from his afternoon Sunday Slumber. "Are you Andy Garcia?" two uniformed policemen asked. "Yes, what's up?" Andy replied inquisitively. "The hospital has been trying to contact you; they have a heart and they need you at LDS Hospital right now." Andy quickly scurried to his car wearing his signature shorts and a cautious smile.

Amazingly, just two weeks has passed and there is a heart that matches Andy's requirements. Long story short ... he received the heart transplant last night and is now resting somewhat comfortably in stable condition at LDS Hospital. I even spoke with him this morning. Yes, he had questions about the drumline, and no, I didn't respond to them other than, "We'll take care of it and the kids will do fine." Andy's vital signs are strong, at least stable, and the doctor mentioned that he was impressed at the progress he has already made. Now for the six week recovery.

Jody, one of Andy's protective body guards and nurses, asked that no visitors come to see him at the hospital for at least one to two weeks. Stay tuned to this blog for a time to be named later when visits will be allowed. His sister Vivian and Mother (Cub) are now sitting at the Burbank airport waiting for their Southwest flight to arrive in SLC at 6:30 p.m. The nurses station did say that we could make signs, send balloons, flowers, or get-well cards -- just don't try to deliver them to his room in person ;o)

Mr. Twister

They roped Andy like a calf this week with a metal noose connected to a laptop in order to calibrate his pacemaker. Everything is good to go and doing fine, according to the technician--just stay away from power poles and magnets.

Andy has made some improvement; he is walking more than he ever has. Andy said, "There are days when I could climb Timp and other days where my medication just kicks my butt." The Lasix medication he has feels like poison sometimes, according to Andy. From how he describes the stuff, it is Mr. Twister in a bottle--it sucks all of the fluid from his system and spits it out in large doses.

On a positive note, his blood sugar has been consistently low, which is an adjustment from where it was prior to his heart attack--high on the hog ;o) Now you couldn't force him to eat hog, pizza, leg of lamb, or especially "those greasy chicken wings I used to eat," he said.

Although Andy is sleeping somewhat better, his cough is still nagging him, especially during the night. In fact, he only sleeps between three and four hours each night. The doctor will check him out on Wednesday to see if they can get rid of his bark.

For those interested, Andy and Ray are still at the house across from LDS Hospital, and yes, Raymond is still two feet from the TV ;o) Andy continues to wander around the house and on the treadmill three times a week for physical therapy. His speech therapists quit, however. They said they could only do so much now that his thick Californian accent has returned.

Don't be surprised if Andy doesn't show up at a drumline practice near you. He visited both Bingham and Lone Peak last week. "They looked really intense, really focused ... no joking around, maybe because I haven't been there to tease them," he said. In his opinion both groups might be ahead of where they were last year, so keep hitting it hard--his expectations are still high.

P.S. Andy's current driving record in the electrical cart at WalMart is still clean after three visits.

Lasix, not Eye Surgery

Andy was supposed to be discharged from the LDS Hospital today around noon. He had swelled up like a bloated buffalo for a couple of days ago until he visited the ER. He is now back on Lasix, a potent diuretic that alleviates water retention. As a result, he is back down to his fighting weight of 191--44 pounds less than when he had his heart attack.

The plan for now is for Andy and Raymond will return to their original housing arrangement across the street from the LDS Hospital. Andy reported that he is now much better and he feels like he is getting stronger each day. He sends his thanks to all those who continue to monitor his progress ... more later.

Hobbit Feet

Andy continued to gradually gain weight little by little until yesterday at 3:30 p.m. when he suddenly gained seven pounds in just under three hours. His then little chicken legs ballooned to the shape of sofa-sized bowling pins and his feet swelled up like a hobbit. Raymond decided it was time to push the red button and wheel Andy down to the ER.

After a quick evaluation, the doctor admitted Andy for treatment. They immediatly put him back on the medication he had taken to alleviate water retention. Needless to say, Andy was relieved; in fact, he relieved himself of between two to three pounds of excess water during the first hour of being admitted. Ray said he is feeling better already ... ahhhhhhh ...

Boy, Andy doesn't seem to do well with water pills or medication designed to help him displace water. When he took a water pill two weeks ago, he regressed three days in his recovery. Now, water has again encircled his heart. This is somewhat disconcerting because it is a result of a weak "pump" struggling to keep up. Hopefully, returning to his previous medication will solve this problem and allow him to continue to recover.

Andy said he is being monitored for precautionary measures and especially for his smoker-like cough; he should be released sometime tomorrow.

Andy Won't Play Tenors

So, will Andy ever be able to live a normal life? A hint could be found in a conversation I had today with a gentleman at the LDS Lindon Cannery. After canning peaches for a couple of hours, we had to lift the lids off of the ovens for cleaning. The man assigned as my work companion said he shouldn't lift the 50 pound covers. "That's fine ... do you have a hernia," I asked. "No," he said. "I have a pacemaker and my doctor said I shouldn't lift anything close to 50 pounds ... the electric leads could be pulled out of my pacemaker." "Well, it's not worth that," I said.

I inquired how the pacemaker had served him during the past two years. He explained that it was great and helped him live a more fulfilling life Furthermore, he said that he had only been "zapped" by it once (he was playing basketball--does this guy realize how many people have died, been killed, are permanently injured or at least crippled by participating in ward basketball games I thought to myself?) He said he does fine as long as he doesn't overdo things, stays on the diet established by his doctor, gets a little exercise, and takes his medication RELIGIOUSLY, uh, and doesn't lift heavy things.

I asked him if he golfed. "No...I don't have time, and I probably wouldn't want to carry a bag that is that heavy around," he said. Hmmmm, that means that if Andy recovers he might be playing the snare (on a stand), but he won't be carrying the tenors around any time soon. Golfing won't be a problem with a good friend and the help of a cart. This man's heart is now functioning at around 25 percent of capacity; similarly, Andy's heart is beating at approximately 30 percent right now. I know what you are thinking . . . how old is this guy? Well, he is 70-years-old. Nonetheless, watching this guy peel peaches and shovel pits gave me, and all of us, hope that Andy can recover to live a somewhat normal, although slower paced life, as long as he continues to do the things mentioned above. Besides, what defines a "normal" life anyway, right?

Finally, Andy said that he now has some sticks and he has been practicing. Let's just say that he has some ground to make up, especially his left hand ;o) He's working on it, but at his own pace . . .

Shopping with a Woman

"My doctor just kept on smiling today," Andy said. "It's hard for him to believe that I lived and that I am improving so quickly," he said. Andy enjoys seeing others smile when they see him. In my opinion, he can't keep smiling himself these days (this might explain the fetish he has with brushing his teeth seven times a day) since he is now a walking miracle.

Speaking of smiling and miracles . . . Andy returned this week to Utah Valley Hospital to pick up some clothes. The smiles he received were pretty cool he said. Some squinted to see if it was really him, or his sidekick brother Raymond. Once they realized it was really him (vertical), they welcomed him back and congratulated him.

Andy has enjoyed beating the odds and doing things his way. He explained to me today that he believes he survived because of his stubborness and unwillingness to accept his fate. Well yes, but that doesn't explain why you ripped all of the life-supporting tubes from your body Andy . . . "I'm a fighter," he responded. Indeed. This also explains his attempt to shower solo 30 minutes after his pacemaker surgery ;o)

Futhermore, he is learning to temper his enthusiasm to do things his way into a desire to do what the doctors say. He continues to lose more weight on the now ordained diet given to him by his doctor; he even claims he is committed to stick to it. He is trying to get back into fighting shape at a gradual pace so he can begin a new medication designed to strengthen his heart--cool!

Where was I? Oh yeah, Andy is prepared to follow some new rules, unless that means he can't drive. He had to go to Deseret Industries, an often popular LDS second-hand store, you know. "Going to Deseret Industries with Ray, was like shopping with a woman . . . I couldn't get him out of there," he said. There must of been some cool shorts and tee shirts on sale. Andy seems to be on his way to greatness . . . gradually . . .

Everybody Loves Raymond

Andy continues to improve each day. Déjâ-vous right? But that's a good thing. He is working out at his new pad across from the LDS Hospital. Doing what? Well, he is doing small laps around the kitchen and common area of his house and getting up from the couch to change the channel from ESPN to Oprah in the afternoon (he doesn't have a remote).

He said he had a great visit from approximately eight drumline members on Sunday, and that there was a possibility sometime this week that he might stop by either the Bingham and/or Lone Peak Drumline practices to say hello. No . . . he's not driving and neither is Raymond. Andy said he was going to give that a couple more weeks just to make sure nothing happens while he cruises State Street.

For those of you who would like to contact Andy, please call 801-408-1413. Good luck trying to tell if it is Andy who answers, or his brother, Everybody Loves "Raymond." One more thing: Andy has a checkup with the doc tomorrow. Hopefully everything will be on the right track so he can someday fulfill his dream of getting back on the golf course!

Wally World

Andy, now that he is out of the hospital, took a trip over to Lone Peak High School with Darin and Elaine to pick up his car. Here is where another miracle happens; it fired right up. As most of you know, Andy has been blessed with mechanic skills that most of us can only dream of . . . enough said.

Now, a shopping trip--where? Where else? Wally World (WalMart for those of you who haven't been there). The down side is that they were all out of electric carts. I hate it when that happens. Upside is that Darin agreed to push him around in a wheel chair in order to purchase the necessary items he needs to make it on his own for the next couple of weeks: a food processor, several Lean Cuisine meals, fruit, and even some vegetables. Darin even tried to bump into a few women with the wheelchair to give Andy an opportunity to introduce himself.

Andy seems intent on obeying his doctor's orders. He even purchased a scale to watch his intake, especially now that he is sporting a new light-weight look after dropping 35 pounds. According to Darin, the scale Andy purchased was displaying weights approximately 15 pounds over what they should have, but then again, they all were, so no worries.

Final Test: Darin offered Andy some snacky items from his doc's "no-no" list. Andy's response, "Dude, I just had a heart attack ... I don't think I'll be havin' any of that!" Good answer Andy. Keep on truckin' . . .

180 Pound Weight Class

Andy left the hospital today! He and Raymond are living three houses North of the LDS Hospital on the West side of the street. For now, he plans to stay close to the hospital to complete both physical and speech therapy (he never sounded like he had much of an accent to me). When necessary, Raymond will push him back and forth in a wheelchair for his doctor checkups and testing.

Andy looks much better, and now he is in the process of changing his lifestyle. That said, he looks the best he has looked in nearly a month for sure. He has shed approximately 35 pounds and now tips the scales somewhere around the 180 pound weight class--it looks like he will be looking for some new shorts. After not drumming for a month, we'll see how many seconds it takes him to get back into form.

For the next couple of weeks he will be concentrating on rehabilitating himself and learning how to prepare a sundry of healthy food dishes. Thanks to all of you who have donated money to the Andy Garcia Fund at the Bank of American Fork and who continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Andy admits a miracle has occurred and he has a second lease on life. Welcome back Andy . . . one step at a time . . .

Tomorrow's a New Day

Rumor has it that Andy might be released from LDS Hospital as early as Friday. He will live temporarily with Raymond, his brother, in a nearby home owned by IHC. Raymond said that he and Andy will live together in SLC until they can be assured that Andy's health is stable enough to possibly move back to Bakersfield for a short time before returning to Utah. Andy plans to continue writing music and providing drum lessons to students on a volunteer basis.

Although the water has cleared from Andy's lungs, a brutal-sounding cough lingers as a subtle reminder of his ordeal. Daily insulin shots and regular blood sugar and blood pressure tests are now the norm. "The shots don't even hurt because the needle is so small," Andy said. "I'll do what I have to do . . . you get what you deserve if you don't take care of yourself," he said. In reality, however, that might be part of it, but heredity also plays a huge role in the lives we live.

If anyone knows where Andy's iPod is, please return it . . . and bring some watermelon if you think of it. We'll see how his tests go tomorrow, as it could be the start to a whole new life . . . his journey is just beginning, again.

Dodgers vs Padres

Andy is still experiencing dizziness when he stands. He can get around great in a wheelchair though, he said. Doctors will evaluate his blood sugar, which is low, and try to regulate his medication tomorrow in order to determine a potential release date. He continues to improve day by day. He must be doing better if he can sit through a Dodgers/Padres game...out.

Spinning Tea Cups

Andy is making progress slowly but surely. His biggest challenge right now is the dizziness he experiences whenever he is standing up. What he has experienced so far is a drop in blood pressure once he stands up and starts walking. Solution = "hospital hosiery" ... somehow, a pair of good tight, masculine, nylons (don't tell Andy we said that here) evidently help normalize his blood pressure.

Andy continues to eat real meals and prepare for more physical therapy. In addition, he will need a pacemaker check-up in one to two weeks to see how things are going. Other than that, he could be on his way to greatness, as long as he eats properly, exercises, takes his medication (including Insulin), finds a temporary place to live, and has some good fortune.

Vivian, his sister, returned to Bakersfield last week. Also, Diane, his mother, will be flying back to Bakersfield Wednesday morning. Ray will stick around for a little while to help determine Andy's next steps, which might include returning to Bakersfield or staying here in Utah for a while longer. Suggestions welcome as D-Day (Discharge Day) might be coming sooner than expected--now, some of the real challenges begin.

Real Food & Insulin

Andy is finally eating real food again...almost. He is enjoying mashed potatoes, jello, corn, and some other things. He is really craving some watermelon--we need to get on that. For now, doctors have also introduced Insulin to Andy's diet. If things proceed as hoped, he might be able to return to his diabetes pills, but for now, it's Insulin "straight up" or "on the rocks."

Word on the street says that Diane is still guarding the door and phone so that Andy can rest. Word from Andy says that he really enjoys the company and interaction; it makes him feel better, keep up to date, and know he is still needed in our community. In fact, Raymond says it is helping him heal even faster. So feel free to visit, just make sure you give Diane a hug at the door ;o)

Andy has some big decisions coming up soon as to where he will stay in order to try to regain and maintain his health. A Utah or California debate has already begun in the back rooms of Congress, and the discussion could move to the floor soon. Thanks for your ongoing support and let us know if you have suggestions.

Got Shower?

Andy received his new companion pacemaker this morning. The doctors report that everything went as expected during the operation. After being wheeled back to his room; however, Andy tried to get up and take a shower by himself (again). What is with him and showers? He wants a shower before surgery, one after surgery, one with assistance, one by himself. He is resting today and should be able to speak to folks tomorrow, as long as he's not in the shower ... he continues life in room #706.

Keeping Good Pace

Andy continues to make impressive improvement this week, although he still faces some huge lifestyle and life-changing decisions during the coming week. He has now been transferred out of ICU and into a somewhat "normal" room (#706)--no restrictive visiting hours anymore. Feel free to visit him beginning this coming Friday; however, please don't give him more ice chips than suggested by his nurses and don't do what Raymond did and give Andy gum--Andy said he could have gum, uh, but he shouldn't yet ;o) He also told us that he was craving watermelon and orange juice, quite in contrast to what he used to crave. Call the nurses' station (on the 7th Floor) ahead of time to get your visit approved by dialing (801) 408-1100.

Andy has done more than take a lap around his bed; he has begun shaving and even taken a few "assisted" showers. That said, he is still adamant that things will happen on his terms. For example, last night he decided to disconnect all of his IVs and other tubes and take a shower by himself. After searching his room and surroundings, a nurse finally discovered him all lathered up and enjoying the hot water and Zest body wash Diane bought for him. Andy...mind your manners or you'll get five across the eye!

Back on the serious side of things, his doctors have decided that Andy will receive a new pacemaker tomorrow, sometime between 10:30 and 2 p.m. Although this surgery is delicate, the pacemaker operation should be standard procedure for these guys after performing so many of them. The estimate for Andy's recovery, assuming everything goes well, is one week. If he continues to improve on schedule, he should be able to leave LDS Hospital in three days after his recovery: Translation = Andy should be out of the hospital in 8-10 days!

Andy seems to be making a near miraculous turn-around by overcoming the earlier projections that he had only a 25 percent chance of survival. He's strong and stubborn: two attributes that have definitely contributed to his survival thus far. Now may come even the more difficult part--life after a major heart attack. According to doctors, this means ongoing medication, exercise, proper eating habits and other major lifestyle changes. Therefore, Andy's ultimate survival still requires dedication and attention from all of us, especially Andy. For all of you who have made donations, thank you very much. Andy and his family are truly touched by your ongoing generosity. Please keep Andy in your prayers and thoughts as his battle continues.

Left Side Learning

Andy continues to make progress little by little. Word on the street, however, suggests that he might have suffered a stroke sometime during the initial stages of his hospitalization. Consequently, the left side of his body will require some physical therapy and fine tuning. We'll see what his ultimate diagnosis and progress will be; we know he is anxious to return to as normal a life as he can as soon as possible. For a while, however, it will most likely be Andy's students who will encourage him to keep his left hand up on his flams.

Ice, Ice Baby

Andy's diet was upgraded yesterday afternoon to include ice chips with a dash of Splenda™. The ice chips help solve the overwhelming thirst sensations he has experienced from the minute he woke up from his two-week long "dream." As far as the Splenda™ is concerned, I think it's just to add a little "taste" to his meal ... sweet, without the sugar.

Andy impressed everyone by taking his first lap around his bed today. Using the bed for balance he strolled around his bed nearly on his own, oh, and back ... the only down side to his big jaunt was the cramps he experienced afterwards. He did manage to make it over to the lounge chair in his room for a rest though. He has been able to sit in a normal chair for short periods today. The leg wraps that Andy loves so much automatically fill with air, and then decompress, in order to prevent blood clots, but not cramps I guess.

The Garcia family said that Andy really enjoys the visits from his students and friends, even though they do wear him out. So, feel free to visit Andy at LDS Hospital most anytime except the hours of 6 to 8 p.m. Thanks to everyone who set up booths, distributed donation buckets, or wore Andy Garcia signs at the Alpine Parade on Saturday. Every little bit goes a long way.

Finally, there is one last note this evening from the Andy Garcia Headquarters. You will all be proud to know that Andy received an average "fashion rating" of 9.3 out of a possible 10 points for the blue hospital gown (folded down to expose one shoulder) and gray booties he is wearing--these results according to a recent KSL/Dan Jones poll based on a margin of error of +/-3 percent.

Same Old Andy

Well Andy appears to be the same old Andy we know and love. Yesterday he was joking around a little, although he is still very tired. He is anxious to leave the hospital, and he is looking forward to getting back to normal life as much as he can (without about 15 extra pounds as far as I can tell).

His trach tube is out now, replaced by a nice oxygen tube in his nose (just like on ER) that is less intrusive than the trach tube and the oxygen mask he was sporting most recently. His blood pressure and other vital signs are returning near "just above" normal. Although doing better, he still has plenty of room for improvement and we are unsure what the ultimate permanent damage to his heart truly is. That said, however, he is with us and responsive again and we are all thankful for that blessing.

When you visit Andy, please do not offer him your cell phone, give him water (or Diet Coke), or poke fun of the short, blue, hospital skirt and cute gray booties he is wearing. He's still hooked up to many tubes, but he might take a little swing at you like he did us. When he's awake, Andy is alert and responsive; he can write notes and even type on a computer when necessary. He's bored out of his gord, though. The tunes on the iPod are helpful, but he is still trapped in that bed and you can tell he hates it not being out drumming and yelling at (encouraging) his kids.

All Andy talked about the whole time was his drum students and their progress and dedication to become better and making sure that we tell them he'll be back and has high expectations--admirable after what he has been through to think solely of others.

We'll see what the next doctor's update brings. His rapid progress during the past two days is encouraging, but we have to see what the ultimate test results determine. Nonetheless, what we do know is that Andy has one fewer chin and his wry smile and spicy attitude are returning quickly. If you get a chance, poke your head in and say hello; he will appreciate it and so will his family. Thanks to everyone who continues to support Andy with their donations, time, love and prayers!!

Donations Update ;o)

Everyone interested in donating to the "Andy Garcia Fund" can do so by going to any branch of the Bank of American Fork. For all of you computer people, electronic donations can be made via PayPal by accessing this URL click here. Thanks to everyone who has already made a donation. Every dollar helps--thanks!!

Trach Tube Re-Installed

After coughing nearly all day yesterday, doctors reinserted Andy's trach tube in order to pump more oxygen to his heart and other vital organs. He was not a happy camper about this, as he hated even wearing an oxygen mask. Andy did write a couple of notes to Vivian today explaining that the trach tube was too long and was touching his stomach and that he didn't like the way the nurse brushes his teeth. Other than that, he is still trying to relax, which is difficult for someone who has been used to doing something every minute of the day with little sleep. We have not yet learned the results of the neurology tests, but he answered every question. Additionally, we are awaiting the results of the ultrasound test they did on his heart. Andy still has a long road ahead, but we remain confident in his ability to overcome this setback.

Peter Pan?

Well the old Andy we all know seems to be coming back day by day, or at least his attitude does. He awoke today and tried to get out of his bed by himself. After having trouble with the IV tubes connected to him, he ... a ... ripped them out. After three hours of getting them reinserted, the nurses allowed us to visit him.

A box fan now blows a cool 60 mph breeze onto his usually bare chest to keep him cool as the nurses and his mother alternate putting his oxygen mask back on his nose and mouth after he rattles it off by shaking his head like a dog after a dip in a canal. His cough is much dryer now, but still consistent and strong.

We are not yet certain of the condition of his heart, but his stubborn nature has most likely enabled him to survive until now; he doesn't seem willing to give in. He wants to leave the hospital today and isn't very patient. For example, one nurse spent nearly 45 minutes doing an ultrasound on his heart. Andy was obviously restless, so I said that he needed to remain patient and still or we wouldn't be able to determine the gender of his baby. He laughed a little, but mostly coughed.

The ventilator has remained off, but the calf warmers that he hates so much remain on in order to increase blood flow through his legs due to his lack of movement. If you visit him, please don't give him any of the three things he constantly asks for in faint whispers through his mask: a glass of water, a cell phone, and to remove his oxygen mask.

Finally, the neurologist interviewed him to determine his sense of awareness and memory. He correctly answered his own name, the date (I didn't even know that), the month (she tried to trick him by saying July?), the current president, and president before him, and before him; however, when asked his mother's name, he replied, "Peter Pan." He usually calls her "Cubs" when he is happy and mom when is not, but sometimes something sarcastic when he's upset.

Ventilator Off

They removed the ventilator last night and Andy is now breathing on his own. He is stilling coughing, however, so they now have him sporting a very handsome oxygen mask. Diane said the doctors explained that the tests they conducted did not show that Andy had suffered any conclusive brain damage.

Andy continues to respond yes or no to questions, but he is not yet speaking. The nurses have sedated him again today because he kept trying to sit up and flail his arms (maybe drumming?), which was unhooking the IV tubes that feed him the medications that regulate his blood pressure, breathing, and urinary output.

I was able to speak to Andy over the phone this morning. Because of the loudness of his oxygen mask, however, our conversation sounded more like a weak plea from Luke to Darth Vader telling him to "be good" and rest so that he could once again rule his drumming Empire. Diane said he appeared to concentrate very hard on every word. When she asked if he wanted to stay in Utah for now, he shook his head "yes." Who knows? He is very committed...only time will tell...

Meanwhile, Vivian and Raymond are planning to stay in SLC for at least one more week, and two of Andy's cousins are flying into SLC in about an hour to stay a few days and help wherever possible.

Andy Turns First Corner

After a week and a half, Andy has definitely made his first "real" progress and noticeable responses. While his mother Diane was talking to him last night, he squeezed her hand in response to her request. This morning his sister Vivian reported that "he is even more responsive...he can recognize some voices and faces now," she said. "He responds by squeezing your hand or blinking his eyes to questions."

This morning Andy woke up making signals that he didn't like his temperature--not his own--his fever has gone now, but the temperature of his room. They are working on getting him a fan now and maybe even a pair of those now-famous shorts once they move some tubes connected "down under" into his arms. Word on the street also claims there is a possibility that the doctors might remove his ventilator later this afternoon to see how he responds. Go Andy...Go Andy Go, Dawg!!! After biting down on that trach tube for a week now, his voice might sound like Aunt Gladys from The Simpsons, as he always says, but it will be music to our ears.

LDS Hospital has now approved him to listen to the drum songs he wrote on an iPod so we'll get him one up there this afternoon like he had at UVRMC. If you have songs recorded that we might not have, please send them to "dtmarct@aol.com" -- and keep those prayers and donations coming...they are much appreciated!

Channel 17 Bakersfield

To view a story aired about Andy in on the KGET Channel 17 news from Bakersfield, CA click here. The story is called "Local Drum Teacher in Critical Condition". Just click on the URL above (preferrably from a FireFox or Internet Explorer browser) and their site will automatically launch a Windows Media Player for you to view the story. I'm not sure how long they will keep this story on their site, so do it now ;o)

MRI Results Pending

Andy's CAT Scan results were inconclusive, so they conducted an MRI to ensure there are no blood clots. Those results will hopefully be available sometime tomorrow. He continues to be on a ventilator, but his heart is beating on its own. As of now, they have not conducted an EEG to determine the level of brain activity. Furthermore, it is yet to be determined what amount of damage his heart and kidneys have truly sustained because of his heart attacks. Although Andy is on several medications that help regulate his breathing and blood pressure, his level of sedation has been reduced. He is somewhat responsive, especially when the nurse pats his shoulder and says, "Andy, you have visitors." He even opened his eyes when we spoke to him. The family continues to be hopeful for more progress.

For those wanting to visit Andy, you should call 801-408-3771 and ask for the nursing station in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. There are times when he is taken to other rooms for additional testing or when the nurses will not allow visitors. In addition, ask if you are able to visit Andy without an immediate family member present; we were given the impression that someone from Andy's family should be there.

Money in small bits and pieces continues to flow to the Andy Garcia Fund located at the Bank of American Fork. Thank you very much for your kindness and consideration.

PayPal Electronic Donations

Please click the "Click Here" button below that will take you to a PayPal website for making all electronic donations to the Andy Garcia Fund. Thanks in advance for your love and support.
click here.

CAT Scan

Today Andy had a CAT scan. Hopefully we will have the results tomorrow. His sister Vivian said he was opening his eyes again and moving his head and arms. The family knows Andy can hear them and I told them to tell him the drumline was working really hard for him.

CAT Scan Coming

Andy remains in nearly the same condition he has been in for the past few days at LDS Hospital. He continues to have a fever and some water in his lungs, so they are monitoring those symptoms closely. In addition, they will perform a CAT Scan tomorrow to determine the status of his neurological system, his mother (Diane) said.

The good news for today is that Andy is still fighting to stay alive. His brother Raymond said he can tell that Andy might be making a little progress. "I can tell he's still fighting," Ray said. Andy coughs a little occasionally, opens his eyes from time to time (even though he only stares at this point because of the sedation), and he is trying to move his legs--he must miss his shorts!!

Andy Garcia Picture

KUTV Channel 2 Story

To view a story about Andy shown on KUTV Channel 2, click here.

Daily Herald Story

To view a story printed about Andy in the Daily Herald, click here.

Andy Garcia Fund

Everyone interested in donating to the "Andy Garcia Fund" can do so by going to any branch of the Bank of American Fork. Starting soon, for all of you computer people, electronic donations will also be accepted via PayPal.

LDS Hospital

Andy arrived at LDS Hospital today around 4:30 p.m. He made the transfer safely and the doctors are currently evaluating his situation. The family is all moved in to a house just up the street. There is plenty of room in the house, a kitchen, and common area for them. Currently no other people are there with them, but that could change at any time. Unfortunately, the house rules do not allow anyone outside of the immediate family to visit.

LDS Hospital is much more strict than UVRMC concerning visiting hours and especially cell phone use, as Raymond can attest--they practically threw him up against the wall and conducted a strip search when he opened his phone to check a phone number. They said we can visit nearly anytime in very small groups, except for the hours between 6-8 a.m. and 6-8 p.m.

The Garcia family would like to express their appreciation for all the love and help that has been given to them. They are very appreciative and thankful that he has so many people who care about him.

Transfer from UVRMC

After consultation with the doctors at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, Andy's family has decided that his chances of survival will be greater if he is transfered to LDS Hospital in SLC. He will be transferred from UVRMC at approximately 3 p.m. by helicopter.