As you all know, Powell had surgery on Wednesday, July 13th, 2011 at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital to remove a cancerous tumor in his salivary gland which extended into his tongue and other parts of his mouth. We have put this site together to allow people to find out about his progress and see some images as he progresses. Additionally, we have set up a blog for everyone to send their well wishes to Powell and his family and to discuss with each other ways that you may be able to help and to leave your comments. Here's the link to the new blog:
Powell is back to work with Windborne Music!
After five months off the road, Powell has returned to work with Windborne Music. He is back to his performance spot on stage with the band and orchestras and is excited to be back performing the music he loves.
Below, you will find updates in reverse order (latest updates at the top of the list and earlier updates later in the page).
Powell Gets his Tracheotomy Tube Removed!!
Monday, October 31st: "The Best Day Ever!" Powell spent Halloween morning at the doctor's office having his tracheotomy tube removed. He is extremely excited to have it out now and it will take a couple of months for the trachea to heal up. In the meantime he will have it covered with gauze but will also begin to work on swallowing. With the tube removed swallowing is much easier and doctors are confident that he will pass his next swallow test which should be some time next month. Powell calls this day "The Best Day Ever!" having lived with the tube since the operation in July... having it out is wonderful. The doctors are very pleased with his progress and he has an appointment with the speech therapist soon to evaluate his needs and to work out a program to help with his speech.
I'll try to keep you up to date on that progress as well.
Powell continues to improve his strength and is playing his drums as often as possible. Stamina is the big issue at the moment and he's working to build that up. Hopefully, with the tube now gone he will be able to sleep better. Keep your prayers coming and thanks again for all the support.
Click on the images to see the full sized versions.
Powell Completes Radiation Treament!!
Monday, September 26th: Powell has completed all 33 radiation treatments and as noted previously he has completed all chemo. That means there are no more chemicals and ionized waves having to be pumped into his system! (Congratulations Powell for getting through these two difficult procedures.) It's been a tough time but he has handled it with grace and dignity and has been willing to share his experiences and updates with all of you along the way. The doc says that his body will still be "percolating" for the next three weeks and after that he should begin to feel better each day. The photos to the right are pictures of his nurses during the final radiation treatment and the other picture is a drumstick orchid arrangement that Powell's mom sent to the hospital where he was receiving treatments. Awesome stuff! (Way to go mom! You're awesome!)
Next up on the agenda... the 5k run/1mile walk on October 8th. (see below) Be there!
Click on the images to see the full sized versions.
Benefit Concert brings in nearly $12,000!
A HUGE "THANK YOU!!!" to all of you who came out to the Jewish Mother a little over a week ago for Powell's benefit concert. It was an overwhelming success. Some of the final numbers are still being tallied from the remaining auction items but the concert so far has brought in nearly $12,000 to help support Powell and his family through this difficult time. Thank you all (both musicians and fans) for giving of your time, talent, money and love to Powell and his family. It means more than you will ever know. Thanks especially to Dan Clemens and Mark Dunn for tirelessly working on the promotion and details of the concert and for making it flow so well. Amazing job, guys! Next up is the 5k run/1 mile walk on October 8th. The race is the All Access 5k run and 1 mile walk at the VB amphitheater. Remember to use the code "powell" (without the quotes) in the box so that the funds go to his account. Let's make that benefit as successful as the concert!
Don't Forget the Benefit Concert Sunday
Please remember that there is a benefit concert scheduled at The Jewish Mother at Hilltop in Virginia Beach this Sunday, September 18th. Currently signed up to perform are Carbon Jam, Butter, Tailgate Down, Jessie Chong, and other local musicians. The benefit is being planned from about 3:00 to 9:00 or maybe 10:00 pm. There will be items to raffle off to help raise money. They are currently looking at a $10.00 donation at the door which will benefit Powell and the family with Jimmy Ray Dunn from Eagle 97.3 and Eric Wordon from Bob FM 93.7 hosting the night. Be there!
Update
Powell Completes Chemo Treatments!!
Tuesday, September 13th: Powell completed his full run of chemo treatments on Tuesday marking an early completion. He was expected to receive one more treatment next Tuesday but the docs felt that as long as he completes all of his radiation on schedule, then he can skip the last chemo treatment. Awesome! The top image to the right is an image of the nurses and Powell's mom celebrating the last treatment. The second image is his confirmation of completion.
Click on the images to see the full sized versions.
Powell Gets a Visit from the Doc
Tuesday, September 13th: (From Robin)- Powell saw Dr. Bak, the reconstructive surgeon and he was pleased with the way things are going. Best thing about the visit was when he said that Powell will be able to eat whatever he wants soon, but it will just take him longer to eat and he will need the help of lots of liquid to wash things down. The only downside will be that his dry mouth will be a lifelong issue, but we' ll take it if that's the worst. He is hoping to do another swallow test 4 -6 weeks after treatment. We were told that after the chemo and radiation is done, the treatments will still be processing in his system for up to three weeks. They say the last week will be the worst. Here is a picture of Powell and the boys. Notice Hunter is holding up a color paper chain we made with each day of Powell's treatment as a link. At the end of the day we take one more off to count down how much longer and the last one is decorated with balloons and says Happy Powell day. Heart felt moment for me when Hunter said "oh, I know why you put Happy Powell day on there, cause it's like his new BIRTHDAY"!!
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Powell & Mom
Wednesday, August 31st: Powell and his mom pose for a wonderful picture. Through it all a mom's love is #1 and this is THE #1 mom!
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Powell is in Modern Drummer
Wednesday, August 31st: Powell was looking through the latest Modern Drummer Magazine and saw his endorsement of Dream Cymbals. Perfect timing! Click the image to see his listing.
Click on the image to see what's in the magazine.
Radiation Burns
Tuesday, August 30th: A quick update that Powell has asked us to let you know about: The radiation burn is starting to kick in deep in Powell's throat especially when he tries to swallow and along with that he is having much more congestion in that area, which is making him more hoarse. He is also noticing that there is a loss of hair around the radiation area. The hair in his beard and at the bottom of his hairline. He asked the staff how severe the radiation burn will be by the end of the treaments and they said it's going to get much worse and if he couldn't take it, the doctor can hold treatments so the area can heal back up a little before continuing. He decided that he'd much rather tough it out and get it done, but reserve judgement and wait to see how bad it actually gets. Powell also noticed a loss of muscle in his thighs today. He's still playing drums when he can and he walks around the cul-de-sac near his home. On the good side, he does seem to have a little more movement of his tongue and his mouth opens a little wider than it has been. He's been doing stretching exercises for his mouth which appears to be helping.
Benefit Concert
Thanks again for all you're doing. Please remember to help out if you can. To that end there is a benefit concert scheduled at The Jewish Mother at Hilltop in Virginia Beach on September 18th. Currently signed up to perform are Carbon Jam, Butter, Tailgate Down, Jessie Chong, Lewis McGehee, and other local musicians. There will be more added to the lineup and we'll keep you updated as we find out. The benefit is being planned from about 3:00 to 9:00 or maybe 10:00 pm. There will be items to raffle off to help raise money. They are currently looking at a $10.00 donation at the door which will benefit Powell and the family with Jimmy Ray Dunn from Eagle 97.3 and Eric Wordon from Bob FM 93.7 hosting the night.
5k Run/1 Mile Walk
Don't forget about the 5k Run/1 Mile Walk- The race is the All Access 5k run and 1 mile walk at the VB amphitheater. Registration is ongoing until the day of the race. For every participant who registers on Powell's behalf, a donation will be made. At the end of the evening, a contribution amount will be announced. When you register, use the discount code: powell in the code box. There is no limit to the number of participants using the code. The race is on Saturday, Oct 8 with the walk beginning at 5 pm and the 5k race at 5:30pm. If you don't feel like running or walking, the race coordinators are looking for volunteers as well. And, if all goes well and Powell feels up to it, perhaps he can join us at the amphitheater and watch the run.
Radiation and Chemo
Friday, August 19th: Powell is on his 7th day of radiation... one week down and 26 more to go, he will have 33 treatments of radiation in all. He has started to feel nausea along with some vomiting and is very tired. This is mainly due to the chemo treatments rather than the radiation. He had his first chemo treatment on Tuesday and as expected, the treatment caused the nausea. Usually within 24 to 48 hours and then he begins to feel better until the next one which is next Tuesday. He will have two weekly chemo treatments and then be off for a week. Then two more weeks and off a week. Then one final treatment to end the chemo. He is also having difficulty with the amount of food they would like him to have... (reflux issues)! He saw the speech therapist Thursday and will have a long road to travel but will have good results in the end, considering the severity of the cancer and size of the tumor. He is thrilled by friends and coworkers and their efforts to do so much for him and the family. He is still trying to practice a little each day along with anything that has to do with music... he is watching videos, listening to music, or reading magazines and books about music. The family is taking this hour by hour at this point and each day is a blessing but Powell said he has "never wanted a summer to end so badly." Thanks again to everyone who has written, sent in funds, and generally supported Powell and his family. They appreciate all that's been done more than you know. Please be diligent and help out when you can. There is still much to be done.
Powell's First Night Out
Thursday, August 11th: Powell and Robin take a trip out to a concert at the Beach to see the Virginia Symphony perform the Music of Disney at the 31st Street Stage. It's Powell's first night out (other than hospital visits) since the operation. Here he poses with Allegra right after the performance.
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Powell, Robin and Powell's Brother and Sister-in-Law
Thursday, August 11th: Powell and Robin have their picture taken with Powell's brother and sister-in-law at the Virginia Symphony 31st Street Stage concert.
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Powell Update
Monday, August 8th: I apologize for the delay in updates about Powell. I have been out of town most of last week so there are a couple of updates for you all this week.
Late last week Powell had his "swallow test" where the doctors test to see how his throat (and tongue) are doing and if he is able to swallow following the operation. He didn't pass the test but doctors are pleased with his progress nonetheless. He will begin the radiation treatments this week (which is earlier than planned due to his progress) and he will start chemo on the 16th. We will let you know how he's doing as they happen. The radiation treatments will continue til near the end of September and after all of his treatments are completed he will be given the swallow test again.
Funds are coming in for the Randolph family and the family is hanging in there. Please keep the family in mind and send what you can within the limits of your ability. Instructions on giving are above. Thanks everyone.
Powell during Physical Therapy
Monday, August 1st: A shot of Powell showing off during Physical Therapy in the pool. Lookin' good. Don't forget that you can leave comments on Powell's blog:
Powell visits Alpha
Friday, July 29th: For the first time since this whole ordeal began, Powell is strong enough to visit the guys at Alpha. Clearly, everyone is thrilled to see him. He's feeling stronger as the days go by. Thanks agian for all of your prayers and best wishes. Don't forget that you can leave comments on Powell's blog:
Powell unplugged
Friday, July 29th: Feeling much better, Powell unplugs from everything, jumps in the shower and relaxes on one of his favorite chairs.
Click on the image to see the full sized version.
Powell relaxes at home
Wednesday, July 27th: Powell has been home since the afternoon of July 23rd and is thankful to be there. Healing is continuing and it's great to be able to be home with the family rather than stuck in bed at the hospital. He is able to walk around a bit using the walker and has a nurse that comes by three times a week to assist Robin in caring for Powell. The picture at right is simply Powell relaxing while listening to some of his favorite music.
Click on the image to see the full sized version.
Powell says goodbye to the hospital Powell recorded this video with Robin's help just before leaving the hospital on Saturday. It will take some time and some PT (Physical Therapy) to learn how to use his new tongue since 20% of it was removed during the operation and replaced with tissue and muscles from his thigh.
Click on the video to play the clip.
Powell is headed home at noon on Saturday, July 23rd!!
Saturday, July 23rd: The doctors met last night (July 22nd) around 6:00 pm and decided that he should be able to go home on Saturday since he is making such amazing progress. Early Saturday morning the final decision was made and he heads out at noon. Incredible! Powell is off the pain meds and is more alert and responsive now as well. Thank you for all the prayers. Please continue to pray that his progress continues at such an amazing rate. He still has a ways to go but we are thrilled at how well he is doing. He is now vocalizing and will need PT (Physical Thearpy) to figure out how to use his new tongue and learn how to swallow again once things progress. The doctors still need to decide on the radiation and chemo. Radiation is for certain and they are still considering chemo at some point in the future. Updates on those decisions will be posted here. Additionally, posts on what kind of help Robin and Powell might need around the house now that he is headed home will be forthcoming on this site.
Since Powell is out of the hospital, flowers and cards can be sent to the house and starting on Tuesday (after he settles in) visitors will be permitted. Robin and Powell will figure out the best time of the day to accept visitors and we'll let you know on this site. In the meantime, you can send cards and flowers to the house. Here's the address:
1208 Mendelssohn Ct
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
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Powell is up and about. Amazing!
Friday, July 22nd: You kidding me? He's up and about. Walking down the hall of the hospital for the first time.
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Powell & his Doc
Thursday, July 21st: The doctor checks in on Powell and gets his face plastered on the Internet. They are pleased with Powell's progress.
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Powell - Now you don't
Thursday, July 21st: Powell with the last tube removed from his face. And notice that he's already back to reading his drummer mags. Can't keep a good drummer down!
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Powell - Now you see his nose tube....
Thursday, July 21st: This is the last image of Powell with his nose tube in. Now you see it...
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Powell & His Main Nurse Nikki
Thursday, July 21st: Powell and his nurse Niiki. She's an angel!
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Powell & Robin
Wednesday, July 20th: A new photo of Powell and Robin. So cute.
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Powell goofing off
Wednesday, July 20th: Feelin' better and goofing off for the camera. Must be feelin' better.
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Flowers, Cards, etc. now permitted
Wednesday, July 20th: Since Powell has been moved out of ICU and is doing so well he is now permitted flowers, cards, balloons, etc. Still no visitors for a few more days but you're welcome to send your best wishes. The results of the tests on the tumor came back and the doctors are pleased that they did indeed get all of the tumor. They will be discussing tomorrow whether Powell will need radiation only (site specific) or radiation and chemo as a combination. They seem to be leaning toward just site specific radiation so please pray that that would be the case as it would be less stressful on Powell's body to only have the radiation. The remaining draining tube has been removed from Powell's neck so he only has one left in his leg. The doctors were considering testing Powell's ability to swallow today but have decided against it thinking that he might not be ready. Instead, they have decided to put a tube into his stomach and remove the tube in his nose. It should make him more comfortable with the tube out of his nose. To install the tube in his stomach they will need to perform a short operation that will happen sometime today. They will then consider the swallow test possibly on Friday to see if he can manage. His tongue is continuing to heal nicely and the doctors are encouraged by the progress after only a week of healing. His digestive tract is continuing to make progress as things are beginning to flow a little better there. He is also now able to walk (with the aide of a walker) to the bathroom and also sits in his chair at least a couple of times a day.
He is a little down and Robin is trying to keep his spirits up. He is frustrated that he can't communicate as well as he would like. He is using a whiteboard to communicate with Robin and the doctors and nurses and it gets tedious so he is a little down. Maybe the cards and flowers would help.
5k Benefit Run Announced
Wednesday, July 20th: Allegra is helping to coordinate a benefit race for Powell. The race is the All Access 5k run and 1 mile walk at the VB amphitheater. Registration is ongoing until the day of the race. For every participant who registers on Powell's behalf, a donation will be made. At the end of the evening, a contribution amount will be announced. When you register, use the discount code: Powell in the code box. There is no limit to the number of participants using the code. The race is on Saturday, Oct 8 with the walk beginning at 5 pm and the 5k race at 5:30pm. If you don't feel like running or walking, the race coordinators are looking for volunteers as well. And, if all goes well with Powell's recovery, perhaps he can join us at the amphitheater and watch the run.
Powell moves out of ICU
Monday, July 18th: At 5:30 pm. Powell has been moved out of ICU into a private room. He is doing very well. The doctors removed one of the drains from his neck so only one more remains. Additionally, things are moving through his system nicely at this point. He is making progress with his digestive tract coming back online and that's another excellent sign.
Even though Powell is being moved out of ICU the doctors will not permit visitors for another 5 days. Rest is a big part of his recovery and he will have plenty of doctors and nurses working with him and they want to make sure that he gets the rest he needs.
Powell and Logan
Saturday, July 16th: At 8:50 pm. Logan poses with Dad after getting back from camp.
"Logan and Dad"
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Powell Sits Up
Saturday, July 16th: At 3:22 pm. Powell sat up for the first time since the operation. The doctors would like to get him moving little by little to make sure that things don't stagnate in his system. The image at the right was taken as they helped him sit up. The doctors did an amazing job putting him back together after the lengthy surgery on Wednesday.
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Thumbs Up
Friday, July 15th: At 9:33 am. Robin snaps this picture of Powell with the caption:
"Cancer free and working on recovery!"
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Out of Surgery Wednesday, July 13th: At 10:46 pm. Powell is out of surgery and the doctors are pleased. Lots of reconstruction and I said in my last update that they took tissue from his hip but it was actually from his thigh. He will be in ICU (intensive Care Unit) for a few days and they will not permit visitors for about 10 days. Fear of infection and trying to keep him rested. They are going to try to have him on his feet in a couple of days but it's very limited movement. The tumor was about the size of a golf ball but they got it all. I'll give a more detailed update on the web later this week.
Reconstruction Wednesday, July 13th: At 8:22 pm. The latest on Powell is they are currently working on reconstructing his tongue. Since they had to remove much of it during the operation to get all of the tumor, they are rebuilding it with skin from his hip. This is normal and was expected so they are on track. He is still doing well so far and they still have a bit more work to do overall so there will probably be one more update from me tonight when they are finished.
