Quick Update

Saturday was a normal day with therapy and acupuncture. The IV stem cells gave me a boost of energy so Gabby and I went out to dinner with my PT and one of the nurses. After dinner I was up for a challenge and ended up walking 1 mile to Baskin Robins and only stopped to rest 3 times for a couple mins. each time. That was by far the farthest that I have walked non stop since before my injury.
Today Gabby and I went out for shopping and bought some beautiful gifts and stuff for our home. The prices were soooooo cheap, even McDonald's is only about $1.80 for a double cheeseburger, small drink, and small fry. I did see one of the saddest things ever today though. A woman beggar lying on the side of the street with a small bowl in front of her. All that was in her bowl was a few coins so I leaned over to her and grabbed her hand and gave her 10 RMB which she could not believe because she could probably eat 2 meals with that much money. I could tell she started to cry when I gave it to her. I will give her more if I see her again. I'll update more later.

My friend Danny

As many of you know I have a been keeping up with a young man named Danny since his accident in 2005. He is identical to how I was when I 1st got injured. He drives his chair with a straw (sip and puff chair). His legs fell off of his wheel chair the other day and I helped him out and put them back on the chair. I never imagined that I would be helping out someone that is in the shoes I was in. Maybe that's my purpose for being here? Its like God is showing me the past all over again through Danny to show me how far I have come and reminding me that my healing is not finished yet. But, I can honestly say if I had to choose between coming on this trip and getting more mobility back or Danny coming and getting enough movement and strength to at least get out of that sip and puff I would of stayed home and prayed for Danny. We have become close because we can relate.
His MRI shocked the doctors. He has a tremendous amount of scar tissue which is not going to allow the stem cells to grow so they think. This is the 1st time that I have ever heard anything negative from these doctors. Surgery is out of the question only because if something happened to a foreigner here it would be all over the world fast. They did do work on an American the other day but his injury is not as severe. We are praying for the best and Danny and his dad too. He had his 1st injection last night so I will check on him in a little bit. We hope his muscle spasms will decrease like mine did and still are. His spasms are still VERY strong but we will see. Remember that most of the results will show up months down the road when the stem cells mature and grow. I'll see everyone later
Lance

Second Injection Update

Today was Lance's second stem cell treatment, but this time through an IV.
Lance is feeling great, the headaches and the nausea are gone. Today Lance had Occupational therapy, Physical therapy, and Acupuncture. Lance's hair cut was $1.25: this included cranial massage, two washes, and an awesome hair cut. Tonight Lance and I took a cab to eat at a Chinese fast food restaurant where we also had Dairy Queen. The night life and night lights are fascinating to see. Lance will post pictures when our Internet gets a little bit faster. The Internet connection is very slow here, they are working on wireless connection to get better speed.

Bad Spinal Headache

Initial Evaluation

2nd Injection will be IV

The doctor came to see me today and we both decided to go with an IV for my second treatment. The headaches seem to be gone but come back every now and then causing me to have to go lay down. Don't worry its is normal to have these tremendous headaches after lumbar punctures due to an imbalance in my spinal cord fluid. My faith stays strong and I think it is a small price to pay especially if I get any return in the coming months. My muscle spasms are probably 85% better. My bladder is much stronger because I don't have to go so much during the night. I usually have to get up at least 3 times per night to use the restroom but since the injection I get up 1 time and that is when the night is almost over. The doctor let Gabby film the entire procedure with was a surprise. I'll post pictures in a little bit.
Lance

Good News

Monday the headaches went away. P.T. will now be twice a day. The really good news is that my spasms are nearly gone for the first time since the accident. This means that I can stand without having to wait to get control of my legs before walking. My friend from Central Florida is arriving tonight. His name is Danny Gray, and he is 19. Please keep him in your prayers he has a ways to go to get better. It is about 8 p.m. so I am going to bed now. Gabby went to Walmart for some things to make soup.

Monday Morning (my time)

I am still having a hard time with the headache. The chills are gone, however. The doctor will be in shortly so I will know more. I think the first time is the hardest. I will post more when I see the doctor. I also have therapy this morning.