Getwellbean

Kathleen had a very busy weekend with her all of her sisters in town staying over while Mike took his "LIFE Class" (based on a class Kathleen took while in high school) camping at Big Basin State Park with his brother-in-laws. The house was a zoo, but Kathleen slept well at night and was okay during the day. Their are a few supply problems with Apria, but otherwise all is going okay.

This report looks very encouraging even though the "someday" line is always a bit frustrating to see. Its about time the medical industry stops moving at a snails pace, weighs the risk reward factor and launches some new studies on willing human participants

Kathleen has another urine infection (probably not cleared out completely last time) but has avoided the fever and esteem sickness she experienced earlier. She is now on antibiotics.

I've had an utterly depressing and difficult week despite the fun with my girls last Saturday. I just don't know why and feel too tired to continue. I know exactly how Koo feels, and haven't seen significant improvement recently with Kathleen either (nor even her smile I love so much).

Kathleen reportedly had areally good weekend in the absence of Mike and her family who were in Santa Barbara. When the family got home, Bean looked simply radiant. Sydney, the family dog, also had a good time doing her bathroom duty upstairs all weekend in protest for the rest of the family being gone (despite ample opportunity to do her duty outside).

The girls had a great time learning Reiki with their Grandma and enjoyed bowling on Saturday night with their cousin (UCSB student) Erin. Rachie bowled her first strike and Samie had 3 spares. The girls had a great time all weekend (and even saw a gray whale while on the beach) and Mike enjoyed moments too in between intense sadness and longing for Kathleen (his normal vacation partner) by his side.

Time's headline story this week details the horrors on HMOs that even doctor's fee. It can only be worse when doctors are rewarded for refusing tests as they are at many HMOs. Hopefully doctors like the one at Kaiser who refused Bean's tests will change the system from the inside before its too late for them and their families. Then maybe he won't have to hide his tears on the way home from vacations from his kids. Right Dr. C?

The girls, who want to talk to mommy, are going to Reiki conference this weekend with their dad.

Stay tuned for details on a fundraiser at Cold Stone Creamery (yummy) in Los Gatos next Thursday.

Kathleen had a rough night last night with lots and coughing and phlegm. She seemed to be really struggling but had some powerful coughs showing that she remains strong.

Samie's endless present parade continued tonight with another mini-present opening session and promises of more late presents coming in the mail.

Please come support the global ischemia foundation tomorrow night (Tues) at Chevy's in Westgate. Go to the Global Ischemia website and print out the flyer to support the group.

Kathleen had a great time at Samie's birthday party at the ice rink on Saturday night. Several people have also noticed that Kathleen has been especially focused the past few days.

Exciting news regarding the stem cell therapy reportedly taking place in Portugal.

Kathleen has enjoyed the bettter weather that we've had the past couple of days. She was able to go on several long walks which she really appeared to enjoy.

Friday night Mike, his dad, and a couple of friends were able to go to the Warriors Suns game and see NBA M.V.P. Steve Nash after the game. The first question Steve asked Mike was how Kathleen was doing and offered to help out however he could with the Global Ischemia Foundation. Its great to see that the NBA, despite its problems, still has some intelligent, caring individuals with class for whom the fame has not gone to their head. Good luck in the playoffs Steve.

Our prayers and thoughts go out to Kathleen's dad today. Jerry McGrath died three years ago today. His death really hurt Kathleen. Jerry, you'd better be up there using your formidable rhetorical skills to speak with God about bringing Kathleen back to us.

Congrats to all out of the box doctors who are looking to help people with debillitating injuries now.

Intriguing story of a drawn out recovery from a brain injury that rings with many similarities to Kathleen's case.

Please join us tonight at the Jungle to support the Global Ischemia Foundation. See details and get a flyer at the GIF Website.

Kathleen has had a good couple of days. She has been more responsive than usual and enjoyed the company of her kids and a great massage on Sunday. The only negative was that her wheelchair's reclining feature malfunctioned and that the first time a repair could be scheduled was on Thursday.

Please come support the Global Ischemia Foundation's next fundraiser at the Jungle on Tuesday evening. See details and get a flyer at the GIF Website.

Kathleen's family is exploring use of the combination of drugs that woke a firefighter, Donalde Herbert, from a ten year long coma.

Thanks to Gloria and Liz for setting up the Fresh Choice fundraiser for the Global Ischemia Foundation which raised $143.63. According to Fresh Choice, that was a surprisingly high total for a Tuesday night. Thanks also to everyone who participated.

Fears that the United States will fall behind in stem cell research due to lack of funding now appear to be a reality. See article

Happy Birthday Papa. Kathleen is doing well though her blood is a little to thick depsite her coumaden. The family is thinking about exploring a more natural enzyme therapy rather than using coumaden (which was formally used as rat poison).

Kathleen's infection has apparently run its course along with her bed sore. She has been feeling well as of late and slept well. The family has experimented with exchanging some of her jevity food with some homemade soup which seems to be going well.