Getwellbean

Kathleen has increased her range of motion which is an encouraging sign that the massages and stretching are working along with the physical therapy. Kathleen's cold though, which seemed to be on the mend has returned with new vigor however.

Kathleeen had a good weekend. Both visitors from up north and Samie and Rachie noticed that she was moving her mouth in response to people speaking to her. Rachie noticed that Kathleen was turning her head towards the sound of people's voices and she looked very alert with clear eyes. Kathleen continues to battle her cold but seems to be improving.


For those of you who would like to send well wishes to Angie's who lost her son this week in an auto accident, her address is 2368 Samoa Way San Jose 95122. Rudy Moreno's obituary is in today's San Jose Mercury. Our prayers go out to Rudy and his family.

Kathleen has slept a bit better the past two nights and her coughing has been reduced. The family was shaken by news that one of Kathleen's regular caregivers lost a son in an auto accident yesterday. Our prayers go out to Angie and her family. More news as soon as we get some.

Paying huge copays at Kaiser since the new year, Mike found out that Kathleen and teachers in our district have all been messed over by Kaiser Permanente. Kaiser has illegally been charging subscribers a higher co-pay amounts than what was negotiated for the year 2006 renewal contract with Kaiser.

Two Years. I really didn't think it would be any different than any other day (depressed, intensely lonely, and regretful about everyday that passes -- every day she misses watching them grow up), but I guess it is. Words can't describe it, songs can't explain it. Just a sense of watching your life pass by in an ethereal sort of way. Witnessing but not participating.

Kathleen continues to slowly recover from her cold. She has struggled to rest at night with frequent coughing and congestion but the past two night have been better. Samie and Rachie have been drawing pictures for her to help her get well.

Kathleen has been struggling mightily with a significant cold (which the entire family also seems to have). She was up all night Wednesday night and slept poorly on Thursday too. Her wonderful respiratory therapist came over and checked her out, changed her trach, and gave some advice and she seems to be on the mend. Hopefully she will sleep better this evening.

Kathleen seemed to catch a cold today. She was producing colored phlegm, but was coughing forcefully and getting it out. She felt well enough to go to the park with the girls and watch them play on the bars and swings.

A planned video conference with the doctor in England failed to work out due to technical difficulties and will be rescheduled for later in the week. Here is an explanation of one of the products she is taking which is trying to facilitate axon connection with the nervous system and movement signals. The other product is designed to facilitate neurogenesis.

Kathleen had her weekly massage which led her to relax significantly and seemingly enjoy the day. She sat in her chair for quite some time and then relaxed with the bed straight rather than elevated.
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Deer antlers could potentially shed some light on stem cell regeneration of organs or body parts.

Kathleen had a good few days after one rough night. Our thoughts go out to one of Kathleen's caregivers who got a severe case of food poisoning and forced some scrambling on the family's part to both care for Kathleen and get the girls to all of their activities.

Kathleen had video footage of her interaction with her environment sent to an expert in England for analysis for the second time. Eight months ago the verdict was little to no voluntary interaction with her environment. This time the video results recorded definite attempts to interact including a forceful blink on command and efforts to respond. The verdict was that she is closer to 'locked in syndrome' rather than minimally conscious or pvs. In some ways this is even more painful. Kathleen is aggressively taking extracts to try and alter this situation.

Kathleen toured Campbell with her caregiver Maria this morning. She headed downtown to Starbucks, to the post office, the bank, and the grocery store and did great throughout.

Here is something that seems blatantly obvious from my own personal lack of sleep.

Kathleen had a really good couple of days. She is clearly holding her head better in both therapy and in the shower and seems to be responding to commands such as bring your head down more frequently. The one negative this week is that her medicine refill which was ordered on Monday, still did not have doctors approval on Saturday. Thus, Kathleen ran out of her dantrium Friday which significantly lessens her tone. Though Kaiser again messed up, I want to thank the weekend nurse who stayed after hours just to make sure that Kathleen got her prescription approved by another doctor this morning. (Of course, in another sign of what is wrong with the health care system the prescription went from $10 to $50 as of January 1st)

Stem cell conference in India which is likely one of the first places to begin testing on humans.

Samie's comment on New Years. "Dad, is it bad that everyone else has New Year's Resolutions and I have a New Year's Wish?"

Kathleen had a really tough night last night with frequent coughing and phlegm production. Her INR was also measured a bit hight but she appears to be doing a bit better today.

We hope this year is a much happier one for Kathleen. At least this year she was in her home and healthy for the new year (and we didn't have to smuggle champagne into the hospital room). Happy New Year everyone.

The alumni game benefit raised about $1800 for the fledgling Global Ischemia Foundation. Thanks to all who supported the organization by coming last Thursday night. The board is now trying to determine the next fundraising opportunity. Any ideas?