Hello!
We had quite a day today! It started out a bit rough, but ended on a fantastic note. Early this morning, we were asked to go to the physical therapy room to meet with a dr. that specializes in cerebral palsy. He is a professor here, and works at another hospital. For a minute I thought we were back in the US. He told us that Brayden’s case of CP was severe, his spasticity in his arms and legs is severe, that he basically had no intellegence, and that no surgery or medicine would ever help him. He questioned if Brayden even had any therapy at all at home- he was very suprised when I told him yes. He also told us that he was afraid that Brayden was too old to get the maximum benefits, but that he did believe stem cells would help him. Talk about a shot in the gut! How do you explain to someone that we have been begging our neurologists for 7 years to look into the possibilities of stem cells for Brayden? Each and every time, we were told that there was NO chance for Brayden, especially not stem cells from a third-world country like China! I cannot express how angry it makes me when they tell us how different a life Brayden could have had if we had only done this earlier! For all of you who are reading this, please educate yourselves and those around you about the truths of stem cells. Because of our stupidity, political ignorance, and religious barriers, children like Brayden are suffering- and for no reason other than being uneducated.
Okay, now that I am off of my soapbox, a run-down of the awesome parts! Brayden went to therapy again. Talk about aggressive- but in a good way! He was very sore. He screamed at Jason (the therapist) every time he moved him. Thankfully, they are making a plan for us to take home. He also tolerated the accupuncture much better today. I am sorry to report that I am not able to upload any pics of that to this blog- the file is too big. I know you were all dying to see pics of him with needles poking out of his head! Not long after, we had the opportunity to speak with the COO of Beike- the company that is providing the treatments. That was wonderful. They told us that they had been reading our blog! At first I was a bit nervous, but then it made me realize that they are doing it to better their services. He was very willing to answer our questions, and was right on top of our concerns about the yucky OR! We definately got lucky being able to be a part of their visit.
This evening we got to hang out in the commons area and visit with some of the other families. That was alot of fun. There are people here from the US, Australia, Romania, New Zealand, and Pakistan just to name a few. Very interesting to hear about the different cultures. Jason and I are just hanging out, watching the kids sleep, and enjoying a glass of Qingdao beer. Chris, our friend from Vegas, is our bootlegger. He brings us a little glass in the evening! I tell you what, we were spoiled tonight! I made grilled cheese sandwiches and we had beer! What a treat!! Speaking of treats, we did find out the truth about eating dogs….. IT IS TRUE!!!! They eat dog in the winter bc they believe it will keep them healthy. YUCK!!! I would rather be sick. Will talk to you all soon! Brayden has his next spinal on Monday- Sunday middle of the night for you back home. Please keep him in your prayers! Love to all, The Johnson’s
12 comments April 18th, 2008
