Getwellbean

More hopeful embryonic stem cell news tested on rats. Hopefully someone reputable will take the next step for those with little hope.

Kathleen was a bit better today and enjoyed the family gathered for a bbq. Her oxygen sats were better and she seemed more relaxed.

Good news about the brain repairing itself.

Today's Ramble:
Sometimes I'm glad I don't have the time to sit around and wonder. Driving back and forth between softball tournaments and basketball camp, answering emails from students complaining about grades and gently being told my schedule wont work out for next year. Pretending that these little things matter keeps me going and makes me sick at the same time. Really, only family, love, and your soul matter. It hurts so much to watch your most loved gasp for air and fight everyday just to survive and it makes me sick to actually be concerned about other mundane tasks and meaningless battles. Those are battles which I have more control over, but in the end mean nothing. I wonder, what if? :(

Kathleen's oxygen has been slowly declining since she threw up the other day and the family worries about another bout with pneumonia.

With the heat and her shaking, the family has increased Kathleen's water intake to try and avoid dehydration. So far, she seems to have responded and is shaking less and her heart rate has declined. Water is clearly a ssuper food along with these others which certainly help feed the brain.

Kathleen had another nice weekend with lots of guests coming over and a house filled with children. She did concern Mike however with her "shaking" which usually takes place as she is getting sick. She showed no signs of fever or infection otherwise, but the family has seen this shaking as an early sign of illness and has asked Kaiser to give the appropriate tests.

Apparently Bean continues to chew up caregivers during one shift schedule (3 new ones this week...which makes it difficult). Still, she is doing pretty well and appears strong.

Interesting report on the oft misunderstood idea of therapeutic cloning

Kathleen has recovered from a bout with throwing up. We think we've discovered the problem. Today she enjoyed some time in the backyard watching Rachel swim while Samie participated in another marathon all day softball tournament.

Kathleen has begun using the new medicine. She is moving her body significantly more, but other than that there is no recognizeable difference..

Bean had quite a bit of phlegm tonight which is a bit concerning.

Sorry for the lack of posts as of late: There have been several tiring days with a change in caregivers and one night where no caregiver showed up in the midst of Samie's six game softball tournament. Kathleen has thrown up twice in the past few days, but seems to be doing fine. Kathleen's PT/OT was thrilled that during her time at the hospital she did not tighten up anymore and now that the pool in the backyard is nearly complete, she may be able to do some aqua therapy.

On the research front there has been some interesting developments. Mike and Kathleen just received the zolpidem prescription from abroad and are starting Kathleen on it today. The family is also looking into Orexins which appear to help control wakefulness.

This is the first time I've noticed a Stem cell Replacement surgery on anyone with Kathleen's exact condition (although he seems like he was hit a little harder by the injury).