Progress Report from Neurologist

On our last visit, the Neurologist instructed me to begin cutting back on Nick's medication. We started on the muscle relaxer. We have seen no change, which is a good thing. That means that he should be able to function without taking it, so we are now in the process of eliminating it completely. Hopefully, this will help him to be more focused, less groggy and stronger. This doctor is new. Nick's previous doctor has left the practice to pursue a career in research. We were sorry to see him go, but I am encouraged to have such a good doctor focusing on new treatments. For the time being, there is no treatment that will return Nick to his former self. Saying this does not mean that we have given up hope. We are accepting things as they are for now. We rejoice in small improvements.

Special note: Thank you PeeWee and Erin for taking Nick to the game...Also, thank you Brandon for inviting him to the bonfire and Marcus for bringing him home. He had a great weekend.

Thank you! Thank you!

Good word for today!!!

There are things in my life which I have no power to change, my peace depends upon accepting them. The more I fight them, the more they will torment me. Having the courage to change the things I can, gives me unlimited freedom to work on what concerns me. When I emphasize “things” not people, it leaves room for improving MY life. To do that, I must change my attitude and actions for the better.

We are going to the neurologist in Baton Rouge tomorrow! May the hand of God be upon us all!

Out with the old - in with the new!

Well, it's that time again. Today was Nick's last day of Physical Therapy. They sent him home with new exercises and will re-evaluate in 3 months. He started speech therapy at UL with the graduate students in the Speech Pathology Department. My hopes are high that the change in clinics will do him some good. Anything out of the ordinary is a great stimulant for him.

Gulf Shores

We just got back from a 5 day vacation to Gulf Shores. Nicholas spent much of his time walking back and forth across the pool. It seems that was possibly the best therapy he could have gotten because he took six steps from one couch to the other in the living room when we got home. Now, we are trying to talk Eric into putting in a pool. The only problem with that is the worry that Nick won't follow the rules. He is so stubborn and always tries to do things he shouldn't (especially when we tell him not to). Eric and I worry that he might try to get into the pool alone, so we will have to make sure we have thought this through and have taken all of the precautions to ensure his safety. We tried joining the spa but Nick didn't enjoy sharing the pool with the ladies water exercise class. Please join us in praying for guidance in this decision. Thanks.

Jeremy and Lauren's wedding

For the last several months we have been very slowly cutting back on Nick's medication. This was very scary process for me. There was a time when he shook so violently that he had to take in thousands of calories just to keep from loosing too much weight. He also did not sleep for more than 15 minutes at a time. Those were some very difficult days. Even though I wanted very badly for him not to be on so much medication, I was afraid. The neurologist was also very cautious because of the fact that brain medication is very powerful and cutting back too quickly could cause seizures and possibly additional brain damage. I saw the first signs that the cutting back may be doing some good. As you can see from the photo above that was taken at Nick's cousin Jeremy's wedding his smile is not as pulled as it was before (see below). He also seems to be talking slightly better. This does not come without a price. Nick has been much more aggitated and lashes out at us (the sitter, his dad and me). Hopefully this will get better.

Thanks for your prayers.
Sondra

Nick's New Bike

I ordered this interesting new bike for Nick from a catalogue. He had some difficulty at first, with the steering...but as you can see he is doing great now. We go around the subdivision every afternoon. He bugs me until I get off of the sofa. Thank goodness for his determination. It's helping both of us.

Look out Abadie Oaks - NICK'S ON THE MOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Class Party

On June 5th, the most precious thing happened to Nick. His classmates had a surprise party for him. I was just coming home from Charlotte, where I had gone to spend a few days with Adam (My oldest son). I can't put into words how much this touched me. Nick was so happy to be with all of his old friends again. I thank you all so much for everything. It was truly a day he will cherish forever, especially since his "adopted brother" Blake proposed to his love - Chelsea.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!