Wednesday, August 29, 2007 – Last Stem Cell Injection!
Today was Dave’s last stem cell injection, which was given through an IV. This injection is the easy one because there is no preparation before the injection and no down time afterwards. Dave was so relaxed during it that he fell asleep. Of course, the fact that Nurse Catherine put some lovely music on for him and and he was in a comfy recliner helped the sleep factor!
It was a very light day for us today, with no physical therapy, because Dave got the stem cells during his regular therapy time. Afterwards, we decided to take a little nap which was quite refreshing. We decided not to go outside of the hospital today because our friend, Ryan, from Colorado got a spinal injection today and since his parents left on Monday for a quick tour of the Great Wall, I assured them we would check up on Ryan during the six hour flat period.
Many of the patients here have had stem cell treatments at other hospitals in China. These hospitals are all run by the Beike Biotech Company. Presently there are three hospitals doing stem cells and they are planning to open two more shortly. It is very interesting to hear their stories and stories of people they saw who had great results. Today I spent some time holding baby, Liam, who is now five weeks old. He arrived when he was three weeks old and was deprived of oxygen for 13 minutes when he was born. Knowing that there was some brain damage and signs of CP, his parents were able to quickly get everything approved for a fast trip to China. He has had two injections so far and we all see such improvement in him. His legs are no longer rigid and his hands are no longer clenched tight. He is very observant and is able to track movement with his eyes. His mom is so very happy and we feel that his dad, who was only here for the first week, will not recognize him when they return home.
Pictures today are of Dave getting his injection, as well as some of the actual stem cells. That little pouch of stem cells provides such hope for us. Maybe someday, Dave will not only be able to walk out to our mailbox, but maybe he will be able to tackle the Great Wall of China! (Ryan’s parents e-mailed this picture to us so we would be able to say we saw the Great Wall while on our trip to China)!
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