Getwellbean

Kathleen hasn't been feeling well the past few days so Tuesday night after she showed significant signs on infection and had thrown up Mike called Kaiser who sent out a nurse who was very kind to take test. Mike then ran the test to the hospital to see if they would grow an infection and picked up antibiotics just in case. Today, a different nurse came out and chewed out one of the caregivers for not starting the antibiotics. Either nobody informed us about the test results or this nurse has an attitude problem. Also, Kathleen's food shipments have somehow been interrupted and she was down to 1 can today before a box on emergency rush order arrived. How can that happen? Grrrr.

Extra:

Apparently after calling Kaiser and checking the lab results on the computer, Kathleen does indeed have another bladder infection. Also, the boxes that arrived were not food so I am now off to Walgreens to buy a substitute. Hopefully whatever is found will not upset Kathleen's now delicate stomach. I certainly feel like I am thriving. Thanks Kaiser.

Kathleen had a good weekend. She is very healthy and doing well health wise as of now. Kathleen also picked up a new caregiver today who did very well. This finally completes the schedule which may help the consistency of her care.

The girls had a good first two days of school (pics above). Both girls told mommy their hopes and expectations for the new year prior to going out to the front porch for the annual tradition of pics on the first day of school

Interesting article on factors which can promote healing from brain injuries.

Kathleen has a mild cold which is sometimes alarming to her when she is coughing up mucous. Her caregivers and family are keeping a close watch on her. Bean also restarted her neurogenic diet today and is going to increase her dosages.

After months of a gradual dulling of the sense of loss, today was particularly hard. I don't know why, but a return of the intense feeling of loss and crying so violent that you shake and can't see straight was certainly not a welcome development. It lasted all day and this song didn't help it stop. The tears did, however, wash away trivial political concerns at work and refocus issues on what is important, family. Good luck in Spain Erin!

Pontentially good stem cell news.

Kathleen slept wonderfully last night with a bible under her pillow. She seemed incredibly comfortable for the first time in awhile.

More proof that those against embryonic stem cell research really have no idea what its about.

The girls had a wonderful time at the week long Walden West outdoor hiking camp. That would have been Kathleen's thing when she was little and it was great to take the kids there to do something "mommy would have loved." It was a bit sad last night, however, when the kids were doing skits and playing games for the parents and Kathleen could not attend.
Kathleen had a nice shower this morning and is relaxed yet alert.

Global Ischemia Foundation medial advisory board member Dennis Steindler helps make a significant find about brain cells.

Hooray for the Washington Post

A third very unhappy wedding anniversary is today. At least there has been some good news on the health of other family members.

More money for war, less for those who have suffered its effects. The government recently slashed half the budget for brain injured veterans. We spend hundred of billions on a failed mission in Iraq but cut the 14million dollar budget for our own veterans in half.

Kathleen was very stiff today. She also had a new caregiver for the majority of the day which could potentially explain her tightness. The new caregiver did well though. Our prayers go out to Uncle Jack.

Kids slept with mommy once again. 'We feel safe with mommy after we were scared.'
A happy moment of zen.

More potentially positive news for the recently brain injured. Unfortuately, little is still being done (other than joint mobilization) to help those who already have tramatic and anoxic injuries.


Paralyzed mom goes to Portugal to undergo stem cell transplant. In America, the FDA will not allow this to take place.

An amazing description of how Bush's stem cell regulations waste money and thwart innovation

Interesting story regarding the prevention of brain injury after a stroke/cardiac arrest.

Kathleen moved a lot last night in her sleep swallowing hard and moving her legs and arms. Hopefully she didn't catch the nagging sore throat that Mike and Samie have.

Kathleen had a great massage today and appeared very alert afterwards. She also had a nice visit from her cousin, aunt, and other relatives.

The girls wanted to sleep with Kathleen last night (and unfortunately one threw up in the early morning and the other coughed all evening), which unfortunately gave Mike some time to reflect until deep in the night.
Time continues to pass since Kathleen's accident and our happy past seems even more removed. Complicated by political roadblocks to scientific research by Bush, I find myself wishing everyday to rewind everything and wake up from this ongoing nightmare Kathleen the girls and I share. To no avail...now what? I still remember watching the second video with Kathleen. Both of us were haunted by it and late the next evening we had the discussion...'what if.' If came way too soon afterwards. Now their is only sadness and a fake smile for the girls.

Stem cell funding is too little to further science and find cures. The bipartisan bill vetoed by Bush could have rectified this situation, but as a result of his actions more funding is needed soon.



Pictures from San Diego's Wild Animal Park. The girls had a great day in Escondido and were able to troop onward despite three days in a row of walking amusement parks.

Rachie and Samie enjoyed feeding the birds during their stay at the park. They were also pleased to get their one-millionth stuffed animals while there.

Brain continues to make new neurons. Not new news yet still interesting.

Apparently Kathleen did very well while we were away. She has been very responsive since we got home (although she did throw up once), and enjoyed extra visiting from the girls.

All wet on the Jurassic Park ride at Universal Studios. The park is much improved since Mike graduated from college (in the dark ages), and was very appropriate for kids the ages of Samie and Rachie.

Jaws eats the girls
The girls and Mike arrived at 3:00am from their 1100 mile whirlwind tour of LA and San Diego. Along the way they hit Disneyland/California Adventure, Wild Animal Park, Sea World, Universal Stuidos, an Angels game (the A's won...go A's), and a Padres game. Kathleen apparently did well while they were gone (her mom moved in to help for a few days), and Kim came over to take Kathleen out for multiple strolls around the neighborhood.



American opinon on stem cells.