Winters on it's way and already I don't like it. It's been cold in the mornings and evenings but not to bad in the day. We've had one good storm so far with 11 1/2 inches of rain in Boulder Creek. Ironically I like a good storm, I just hate dreary, overcast, drizzly, cold days. I'm not a big fan of the time change either, it was dark before we left SCI-FIT in Pleasanton yesterday, it makes me tired driving home in the dark. One last complaint, the TVs on but the channel is off the air so they play music, Christmas music. Are you kidding me, Christmas already we haven't even had Thanksgiving yet, Costco's had their Christmas stuff out for at least two weeks. OK, I got all that out of the way, I'm done complaining.
We all had a night out of enjoyment Friday before Halloween, Dennis and I went to a Murder Mystery Dinner at a friends house. The scene was 1929, my character was a socialite dressed in a flapper dress, fish nets and boa. Dennis' character was a pro baseball player, that was an easy costume to come up with. Jessica played a server and served us a delicious dinner (chicken parmasian). We had a wonderful time and got home pretty late. Jerry went to a costume party with some friends, Luke was home from college, Kiki and Natani. Jerry was a prisoner in an electric chair, I know kinda morbid right, at least he's able to have a sense of humor. Jerry got home really late close to 4:00 am but he said he had a lot of fun. The person having the party Sean and his landlord built a ramp so Jerry could get in the house. Thanks guys for making it easy for Jerry to be involved in a fun night out.
Not much change physically with Jer, he's still struggling with the nausea. Jerry had a CT scan which didn't get to the root cause of anything. The CT scan did show that he has two small stones, one in each Kidney however the doctor feels that they are so small they aren't causing any problem. We continue to go to therapy four days a week, Jerry's body is staying strong and he seems to be moving his arms more. Jerry is so close to being able to control his wheelchair with the joy stick as opposed to the chin drive, he can pull back and go left and right he just can't push forward yet. It will be a glorious day when he is able to use the joy stick.
I've been doing stem cell research for some time now which can be very overwhelming. We are looking to go over seas for Jerry to have stem cell surgery. China, India and Portugal are all more advanced in this area then we are here in the States. Stem cell therapy has not been perfected to the point of curing spinal cord injury however most patients get some improvement whether it be bowel or bladder function, or the use of arms, some even have regained the ability to walk but thats a small percentage. I really am leaning toward China, I like what I'm learning. One thing I like is they use your own bone marrow cells and turn them into nerve cells as opposed to using embryonic cells. There's no moral issue when they are using your own cells. Jerry very much wants to have stem cell therapy but is concerned about the cost. He worries we won't have the money to do it or if we do come up with the funds he's concerned about spending all that money on something that may not work. My feeling is we will come up with the money one way or another through fund raising efforts, it's a small price to pay for the hope that it could help him walk again. Even if he could just regain bowel and bladder and the use of his arms that would be HUGE. I'll keep you posted about my research.
The transmission on Janea's car is going out, I've been on craigs list and vehics.com looking for a car for her. I really hate car shopping it's so time consuming. I miss the days when a couple thousand dollars would get you a pretty decent car. It' seems like anything less then $3,000 is a piece of doodoo. The hunt goes on....
I better get moving, I have to get Jerry ready for therapy. Jerry is doing the arm cycle at Dominican Rehab today, that's one of my favorite therapies, I feel he gets stronger each time he does the arm cycle.
Have a wonderful day,
Katie
12 comments:
Katie, good to here from you. I'm glad you got to have a fun night out. We went to one of those party's there fun. Good job Jerry getting your arms stronger before you know it we will be telling you to slow down! Love you all!
Aunt Teresa
Wow, what a lovely post Katie.
I was beginning to worry you were getting the winter blues.
That Murder Mystery Dinner was really a blast. I can't wait to host the next one. I've already bought it and will keep you posted as to the atire it will require.
A big shout out to Jessie!
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
You can serve at my house anytime.
Jerry,
Keep up the hard work and gaining the strength to get rid of the chin stick.
I already can visualize you walking with all the OT and PT you do all week long.
Praying for complete healing.
Love,
Gretchen
Katie
I'm glad to hear from you. I'm so glad all of you had a good Holloween.
I had a great Halloween, went trick or treating with Jaden & Joel. Jaden is already looking forward to next year. He keeps talking about who he wants to be for Halloween. This year he was Batman.
I hope all goes well with Jerry's therapy. I still wish they could cure his nausea. I keep praying for a full recovery for him.
Love
Grandma
China's nice - so I've heard. Go for it!! We can always talk ourselves out of doing something that seems like it's too much money and therefore, end up not going for it. It's about the journey Jer. If you don't do it, you'll always wonder whether you should have. No regrets - just do it!
I have some of the best pics of your folks from the Murder Mystery. They laughed so hard we just about fell off our seats. It was a hoot!
I'd say the progress you're making with your arm movements is great! Just about being able to control your chair with a joy stick is huge progress. I know it's not a much as you'd like but that dumb old adage, slow and steady...
You are never far from my thoughts, nor are your folks and sibs. Love ya lots!
Trish
I'm with Trish. Just do the trip. The cost is worth it. I'm glad everyone is feeling well again and it sounds like everyone had a great night out. I love the idea you had for a costume Jerry. It sounds great. Keep working hard at meeting your goals and I'll keep praying that you nausia goes away. Love you,
Aunt Stephanie
Always in my thoughts and prayers -- hang in there!
It is great to hear about a night out on Halloween with friends. And the progress with arms and use of the joy stick is promising. Keep fighting! The hope that stem cell treatment can offer, wherever it comes from, is real. Best of luck to all of you.
- One Day At A Time.
I can't believe the Holidays are almost upon us.
Jerry,
Remember that this time is all about the birth of Christ. He has not foresaken you. He will heal you whether it's by stem cell or a "miracle waiting around the corner".
Lord bless Jerry and his family. Keep them strong during these next few months. Do not let them forget that it is YOU who can heal their hearts, minds and especially Jerry's body.
I beleive!
Gretchen
Happy Birthday Jessica!
xoxoxo
Morning Macs, Been thinkin', and hopin' and prayin' no wait, that's a song - well, been singin', too, with you in heart and mind.
The day ins and day outs never cease to amaze me. There is always so much to do and thinking of you daily, especially, is the first thing many of us do. And in the thinking comes the praying - Father, it's coming upon a year that Jerry was injured. You have been so good in so many ways. Your Light has shone through some incredibly dark and frightening days. Please, Lord, continue the healing and progress Jerry has experienced. Fortify his spirit and resolve. Continue to touch his body, neuron by neuron and heal the connections needed for muscle control. We remain faithful to your presence and know you to be our Healer. Thank you, Father, for your loving presence and faithfulness. Amen.
I've got something special for you guys. Mary comes home Friday nights, so we'll be by and I'll give it to you - no Jerry, I'm not bringing Mentos, but Mary might! :)
See you soon,
Trish
Amen to Trish's prayer!!
Praying that all is well and checking on you all often!!
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