Day 6 10/21/08
October 21st, 2008
Before I came over here, I worried that I might be making a very expensive mistake, sort of like buyer’s remorse before you have what you bought. Well, I don’t feel that way anymore. Today, I was talking better and basically using my official Heidi walking stick as a safety measure only. Rising from a sitting or prone position was much easier, and I had a lot more energy. In fact, so much more that I kind of overdid it.
After lunch, (finally couldn’t look at another dumpling, switched to fried rice) I went into town to have my computer checked out and go grocery shopping. One of the interpreters, Wendy, took me. Her fiance, Brian, came too. Wendy is great, her job includes a lot more than interpreting, everything from the day trips with the inmates to taking care of the kids. When I asked how she and Brian met, I was stunned to hear that he was a former patient. He, too, had ataxia, a genetic form, SCA-1 I think he said. I couldn’t believe it! This man seemed completely normal, from speech to balance to walking. Now he did say that his case was milder than mine, and that he had had 2 sets of treatments, 6 and 4 injections (I think he came back the second time as much for Wendy as for the treatments), but the results were amazing.
Anyway, after an afternoon of computer doctoring and shopping, I was really wiped out, and sure enough, I noticed more of a problem walking, but not as much as before the stem cell infusion, 2 steps forward and 1 back. But after resting up a little bit (okay, I was dead to the world for 2 hours) I was right back at that higher level of function. I’ve known for a long time that rest has a lot to do with this condition, and that hasn’t changed, but I’ve only had one treatment, and an IV at that.
Got a different kind of pizza for dinner, and damned if it didn’t have corn on it! What is it with these guys?
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7 Comments Add your own
1. Tina Chen | October 21st, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Hey Mike,this is Tina…I would like you to tell me by the e-mail about your postal address to the hospital…and I think you do have my cellphone number in China,just feel free to call please…best wishes for you…with love…Tina
2. sylvia | October 22nd, 2008 at 2:43 am
WOW!!! THAT IS FANTASTIC NEWS!!! (*does happy dance in chair) I hope these changes are for real, and not because they are adding red kool-aid to the stem cells in your IV. Your observations of the changes in your abilities are impressive, but also impressive are your observations about Brian! I am under the impression that results vary from individual to individual, but if these changes are long term, then that’s a whole new ball game!
You know I am the world’s biggest skeptic (and I don’t mean biggest in actual mass….but maybe?). Mike, your success so far (and so fast!) is thrilling! I mean my heart is jumping through the roof here! I don’t know why, or how, but just in case…I think you should keep eating the corn on the pizza!
xoxoox….you made my day!
3. melissa tantillo | October 22nd, 2008 at 5:08 am
I have to tell you that it was hard to begin with to not get my hopes up. But with what you’re saying, fahgetaboutit!!!! I’m serious Mike, you have to write about this when you get back. People need to know about this and you are such an amazing writer, marriage made in heaven. I had wanted to go with you to China all along for your sake, but now I wish i were there for my sake!! It would be crazy good to watch you improve w/each injection. Ok, so, i’m a little selfish that way, but just hearing about it is killing me, i want to see it for myself!!
Knock em dead, we are all so unbelievably proud of (and excitedfor) you!!
All our love,
Us 5
4. Mom | October 22nd, 2008 at 7:28 am
Mike, it is about 7 PM on Tuesday. I’m getting ready to go to rehearsal. This morning I went to Hannah’s Grandparents Day. Very sweet. Then went into town for, now hear this, an audition for Olive Garden for Steve deAngelis. Actually he had put in a call to Atlas for Melissa and had asked for me with her. Mom, Grandmom, and Granddaughter. Got back around five and was so exhausted I sat down and did nothing. I’m sorry I wasn’t much on the phone last night. The old grey mare ain’t what she used to be. I can’t tell you how excited we all are about your progress. You said you over did it today. Don’t do that. And if tomorrow you are not quite as energetic, don’t be surprised. I wouldn’t be surprised if things were a little up and down for a while. But for sure I wouldn’t give up the corn on the pizza. Sounds like an integral part of the PLAN. Like I said, and if I didn’t, I’ll say it now. You are the man of the moment. Love, hugs, kisses, and all that good stuff. And when you do write your book and are a sensation, don’t forget all the little people you left behind. Your Mom
5. Esther Grigorian (Cousin Esther) | October 22nd, 2008 at 10:24 am
Hi Mike,
Hooray…sounds great. Am happy to read your blog and hear good news and hope it continues. I say a little prayer for you every night. Corn on pizza???!!! YUCK!!!!! Love, Cousin Esther
6. sylvia | October 22nd, 2008 at 12:30 pm
oh yeah…so were they able to fix your DVD player?
7. susan | October 31st, 2008 at 8:39 am
hey dad this blog is really cool I can’t you write all this stuff in your spare time! By the way mom read your message be home soon
Jake
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