It's been a few days

Things at home this week have been uneventful. Although, Dylan does seem more lovable, if that is even possible. He seems a little more expressive with showing that he is hungry/thirsty. Dylan loves cheese balls and before he would stand at the counter and look at the bag and reach for them, not grabbing them. Well, this week he grabbed the bag off the counter and opened the unsealed bag and helped himself. Not typical of him. He doesn't understand to put just one or two in his mouth though so I have to help him with that. He would just keep stuffing them in his mouth. I do find I am looking to see if there are any changes but I need to stop. I will drive myself crazy. Like all great things in life, it will come. And probably when I'm not looking. Isn't that usually when great things happen? When you lease expect it. Patience just is NOT my strong point.

We had Physical Therapy today, Thursday 10/28/2010. Lisa, Dylan's therapist, took some range of motion assessments on Dylan so that we will have information to compare to later. Lisa, as well as Kristen, our Occupational Therapist, are just as interested in Dylan's improvements as I am. But they will be able to note the changes from a point of view that is impartial. We all are excited to be a part of Dylan's journey.

The therapy session went well. Dylan did seem to tucker out sooner than usual. Dylan works hard for Lisa. Dr. Steenblock did tell us that the stem cells will make you tired so that could be they be the reason. Lisa has Dylan going up and down ramps, working with him to get his feet planted straight, as he now walks with his feet pointed inward. He is getting there. Lisa and Kristen know Dylan's rate of improvement as they have been seeing Dylan since March of 2009. One day at a time.

Dylan's Appointment

So today has finally come. Monday October 25th. Didn't sleep well last night. Neither did Dylan. Maybe he senses that something is different. Or about to be different. I think he knows that starting today, some healing will begin in that wondrous brain of his. Oh, if only I could see inside that brain of his. To know what he is thinking. What is going through his mind when he is looking at things. My son is such a puzzle, as one physician said. And he comes with many pieces. But I love puzzles. And I will enjoy putting Dylan together, one piece at a time.

The staff at the clinic was wonderful. Very personable and sincere. And we finally met Chase, after talking to him since our initial phone chat in July. He is young, just as I pictured. A knowledgeable and caring person. Chase has answered many questions for me throughout. If he didn't know the answer, he asked. And he returned calls promptly. He and I spoke the Friday before to confirm the appointment and to ask if I needed anything. Had anymore questions. And just to be supportive. I think he really does have Dylan's best interest at heart. That shows allot. Part of his job? Maybe. But you can hear it in his voice that he cares.

He then introduced us to Chris, who would take a video of us. Chris was great as well. He listened to every word I had to say about Dylan. His start in life. When we found out about the CP and so on. He then took a video of us asking the same questions. Also wanted to know what we hope to see as a result of the treatment. Dylan walked for the video and stumbled a couple of times. That's good though. Now we have something to compare to later.

Then came time for the treatment. I was nervous about the IV but Dylan handled it like a champ. No tears. He did flinch when she put the needle in, but that was it. He even watched the nurse. He has no fear about him what-so-ever. That's my boy. Met the doctor, he asked about questions or concerns. Told us what he would be doing. Took about 30 seconds for the stem cells to be injected. Just like that, we are done. Scheduled follow up phone calls, and said our goodbyes. Said Dylan may feel tired. We needed to keep him as relaxed and calm as possible. Basically accident free. Any bruising and the stem cells will want to heal those areas first. Told them we will do our best. Dylan is just so active and full of life.

From my conversations with Chase, Dr. Steenblock, his nurse, and all the many reports I have read, I know not to expect to see much until around week 3 or 4. New connections need to be formed. That takes time. I have read allot about the brain and how it works. Not enough to be a specialist, but I understand more now than I thought I would ever need to know. Our brain is the one vital organ that controls everything. All the things we take for granted each and everyday. It tells us how to walk, how to talk, ride a bike, drive a car, and so, so much more. I hope you appreciate all the advantages you have in life by having a healthy brain. Treasure each and every moment because in an instant it can all change.

Now all we can do is let the healing begin and watch the changes come in their own time.