The 7 week stretch...

Well this weekend is coming up on the 7th week since Katelyn developed her current condition. We've tried to remain positive and hopeful amongst the set backs and slow progress.

The latest is that the last few days she has had increased involuntary movement. On Wed. at p.t., when her right leg was moved out, her right pointer finger curled in. And then when the leg was brought back in, the finger went out. She also had random "typing like" movement with the fingers in her right hand. The therapist was encouraged though it is still all movements she is not able to control.

Today was a rather "interesting" day. I think we are too overwhelmed to know what to think. First, one of her doctors here is suggesting getting a 2nd opinion with a pediatric neurologist he knows at Sutter Sac. We are going to pursue this but know it will take awhile to get it.

Second, this morning in p.t. Katelyn did something completely new. As they put her through the motions of trying to stand (as they've been doing more and more lately to put pressure through her legs and try to stimulate the muscles), her major head muscles decided to kick in. However, they kicked in uncontrollably and with large spuradic movements. This was very scarey for Kate and it took awhile to slow down the intense twitching. Upon transfering her to home, anytime she is moved, the head spasms start up again. Her p.t. was very reassuring that this is not unusually as the brain is trying to figure out how to make things work again (layman's explaination). Also, he did contact her UC Davis doctor to consult him regarding this and let him know that her pupils have also been very dilated on and off. They both feel this is the body's way of starting to try to "come out of it". It's hard to be excited as we watch the concern in her face as she can't control the movements. It's been so hard for her that she can't make her body move and now this. We're working through it though. Hopefully this is the start of something... (isn't that a song?)

Also, we have been told by two different sources that they've heard of RND patients having something like this happen and then when the "paralysis" goes away, the RND pain is gone too. It's sorta like rebooting a computer. To come out of this with her chronic pain condition gone would be a huge blessing but we don't want to hang too much hope on that and just focus on what we working with right now.

On that note, we have been counseled to not give up hope on Kate's full recover but to be sure that we are accepting that right now, we're taking care of a basically quadroplegic 14 year old and all that entails. We're in for the long haul! We've been blessed that the support we have received has been great and we greatly appreciate everyone!!! It's a balance between having people come help and entertain her, and then also making sure she isn't overwehlmed and gets the rest she needs.

All that to say, keep the prayers coming...

Please pray for:

1. Katelyn's head spasms to become controllable and lead to increased head muscle control.

2. For Kate to not be anxious about this change in her condition

3. For an opening with the new doctor and wisdom

4. For Robert and Becca as they left for Tahoe today camping for 4 days that they have fun and be recharged. Especially for Robert to have some time of peace and renewal without being worried about us.

5. For myself and Robert's sister Vicki as we care for Kate with Robert away. That we have some special "girl time" even in the midst of the situation.


As Katelyn's favorite verse says, "God has a plan for us..." I just wish He'd give us a little glimpse right now :)