Update for 2nd Injection - Day 2

Today was a hard day because I had to fly back to North Carolina. Mom and Dad are on their own again this week, until Danielle arrives next Tuesday.

It was very sad saying good-bye to them, but Mom gave me a big hug when I was leaving. A small thing to most people, but hugs are one of those things that have returned since we started treatment and each hug is so precious to me.

I called Dad tonight when I got home to get the daily update.

Dad said Mom had a tough time during the middle of the day. She hasn't been having lots of accidents since we got to California. We had a few immediately after the 1st treatment, then only a couple since the second day after the 1st treatment. Today they went to a place for lunch, and Mom had one "more major than most". Probaby too much information, but it's important only in that we are trying to figure out what happened. Stressors for the day could include the fact that I left that morning. It is also possible she ate something that didn't agree, and it came on her all of the sudden and couldn't react fast enough. So we won't make too much of this if it is a one-time deal, but as always we will watch to see if it is unique or a pattern. Dad gave her some Imodium and we wait and see.

He said he worked with her normal drills - alphabet, numbers, days of the week - and she did well and is still retaining those. He also worked with her on people's names. When Missy called to talk he gave Mom the phone and told her to "say hi to Missy". Mom said "hi Missy" into the phone. Not really conversational, but definitely something she would not do before. Missy was thrilled just to hear Mom say her name.

Dad reports that mom is following directions well. When he showered her after "the accident" she actually stuck her own head under the water to wash her hair. This is one of those lifeskills that we reported earlier she wouldn't do for herself. This time, she took the initiative to put her hair under the water - great news and a great improvement as any of us who have showered mom can attest.

I will try to keep the updates going from home. I can't promise daily updates, but hopefully at least every other day. I will call Dad every day and ask for updates. But it is very hard to take care of Mom alone, and keep detailed notes on progress at the same time. So we will work with the situation we have, and report as time permits.

Thanks to everyone who has been following this and supporting us! We read all of your comments, and though we don't always have time to respond your notes are very appreciated.

Triche