"Pump at 290mics/24 Hours as of Tonight

November 5, 2009

0430 Hours

Darlene continues to do well. It appears that we have had our stay extended another week. Not confirmed to me, but that is the rumor.

Pump titration is up to 280mics/24 hours. We started seeing noticeable results in Dar’s upper and lower arms and some small results in her fingers at 270mics. That was the day before yesterday.

Sinamet, used as a neuro stimulant has been stopped. It was the opinion of Dr Park that it might be having some affects that caused Dar to remain sleepy and too laid back. The life span of the med is about 3 hours, getting the med at 7 and 12, Dar was not getting bright eyed and bushy tailed till about 3-3:30. We notice an immediate change after reducing the med by half. Dar is currently not taking the med and is more alert and participatory in her therapies.

On Tuesday Dar stood in the “Standing Frame”, (which she hated at Kentfield) for 12 minutes. I am told she tolerated it very well.

Jamiesue has been at “momma’s side every day learning all kinds of new things that will help her as she takes care of Dar during the day when she returns home. I am so proud of this young lady and her commitment to Dar. Having gone through her own struggles in the past, Jamiesue has become not only a wonderful, thoughtful person she too is a testament that miracles happen everyday and God is alive and well in her life.

Last night at 9:00 pm, they started Dar on a new feeding schedule and technique, ikt is called “bolas feeding”. If all goes well, Dar will receive her food directly through the “G Tube” at specific times of the day. If she handles the transition well she will get food about 5 times a day thus eliminating the need for the “pump” and the tubes that go with it. This could be a big plus in her daily care and when we choose to venture out to see friends and family or go camping. No more need to bring the pump, the hanging tree for the pump, and no worries about power of re-charging the batteries on the pump. Just crack open a can of “supper”, pour it through the G-tube and away we go, kind of cool, huh.

Tomorrow I will be taking the school kids on a trip to Redding’s Turtle Bay, I am soooo tempted to take the fly fishing gear and walk about 100 yards to the Sacramento River and see if I can catch a big ol trout. Last time I was there, just before Dar’s accident I caught a couple of nice ones. We’ll have to wait and see how things go.

A rain front is headed our way and we certainly need the water.

Our prayers and joy go out to the Murphy’s as they prepare to bring John home in just 5 more days. Go John!!!!!!!

Tammy, Mark, Ryne, Nikki, Cayle, we think of all of you everyday and continue to pray for Ryne. We miss you all terribly.

Bonnie, glad to hear Ken continues to make progress, please call or drop a line sometime.

Latosha, how the heck are you and your parents doing? Let us know.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, talk again soon,

Love,

Dar/Danny/Mav