Busy Friday

Well today is a full day. We've been to the fitness center where we had the normal PT. But also today the nutritionalist met with us and went over the best diet for us and possible supplements. They want you on an anti-inflammatory diet - I didn't know what that would be but I do now - and I even know why my body needs that diet. When I use that word "diet", don't think that means eating less than I am - quite the opposite - on this diet, I may weigh 250 lbs in 3 months.

We will go to the clinic at 3:30 for our injection and then lie flat for the recommended time, and that will about make the day.

I've included some pictures from yesterday. Ivan and his brother Gustavo came over in the afternoon for some QB training. Then for supper last night we met Edward and Janice, the couple we met in the airport when we arrived. Janice is the lady with the scooter and she will probably use it again at the airport when they leave tomorrow (Our wish was for her not to need it on the return trip), but she has made some good progress - she's walking better and she used the escalator last night for the first time in several years. So these small steps are very encouraging, and I believe bigger gains will continue once she is back home. She is very pleased with her trip to Panama.

Hasta mañana!

Favorite Book & Good News

Today was another slow day with only PT.

I'm glad I knew there would be some down time during these weeks - that's why I brought an Ipod with songs, 5 audiobooks (I've finished 3), and 15 podcasts from the Beltway church in Abilene. I have plenty of encouraging things to listen to during my downtime. However, my favorite "book" of encouragement is one the football team gave me on our last day of regular classes. The pages contain note cards from the players with their own words of support. I read it again this morning - some make me laugh, some bring a tear, and all give me confidence! Thanks guys (players and coaches) - you're the Best!

When I got up this morning, I really felt like my walking and balance were decisively better. I didn't want to say anything to Kathy, but she said "you look like you're walking better." Then at PT Ivan said, "you're walking faster than I am." Now after PT, my legs were wobbly like always so the fatigue factor is still there, but we have seen the first sign of actual improvement in 4 years! Now let's not think it's time for the celebration cake yet, but you might start preheating that oven!

Routine Day

Another day of simply Physical Therapy, so not too much to report. Ivan is doing a good job - very patient and encouraging. Everyone in the workout facility was tuned into the World Cup. Since Panama's team is not in the WC, many different flags are being flown around here - seems like the most popular teams here are Brazil and Spain.

We had Steve, Suzie and Nancy over for dinner tonight. We really haven't had the opportunity to see or visit with Steve much because we are on different treatment schedules and stay in different buildings, so it was good to see them and catch up with his progress. He feels his strength and his balance have improved, and he is walking more than when he arrived so that is all good. Tomorrow is his last day of injections, and they are leaving for Texas on Friday. I know they will be ready to be home.

Suzie, Nancy and Kathy are going to do some market shopping tomorrow so they won't be slowed down by the men - that might be good news and bad news!

Tuesday - 2nd week

Nothing much to report - had PT this morning - Ivan is just doing some very basic things with me that you would think - oh brother - like walking in a line while holding a ball - now that sounds difficult, doesn't it? Well if you could see me stumbling and falling, you would think I had only a tightrope under me - but no, it's the whole floor! I have to remember - that's why I'm here. I would love to see some improvements in some of those areas of balance and coordination, but I can't get too expectant. They will come at the right time.

I'm getting to coach some football while I'm here - that's fun. Ivan happens to play QB for a local football team (real football). I won't tell you how we got from that tidbit to me coaching him (yes, it involves Kathy), but I enjoy talking QB stuff anyway. So he is coming by the apt after his work and we are going to talk QB play and drills. His little brother plays QB for his team too, so we're hoping to get the whole family throwing better spirals. Of course, he can't stay too long because the Yankees are on TV tonight and then the Celtics - QB's, Yanks, & Celtics - that makes for a good night!

Don't touch that remote - hasta mañana!

2nd Week begins

For the next 3 weeks I will be on the same schedule - Mon & Fri will be PT and injection day; Tue, Wed, & Thur will be PT only. So today I went to PT before lunch then had my 3rd injection at 3:30 - as always, after the injection, I had to come home and lie flat for over 3 hours. I got up at 7:30, and Kathy had a tasty tuna salad with a big bowl of fruit salad waiting on me.

The PT trainer, Ivan (on my left in the picture), is working on my balance and legs 3 days a week and focusing on my core strength the other 2 days. That's one thing that is bad about MS - you can't do very much because of the disease, so while you do nothing, your muscles are deteriorating and your coordination is worsening. Therefore, you get worse because your nerves don't work correctly and because of your lack of exercise. You're double-dipping in the wrong direction. Hopefully Ivan is going to help that problem and will teach us what to do when we return. Everyone is very nice and very helpful here.

Steve is into his 4th and final week and seems to be doing well with the treatments. Suzie is coming back tomorrow and I know he is looking forward to having her here again. Everyone reminds us that it will take several weeks after we get home to see some distinguishable results, so we are being very patient and trusting.

Until tomorrow.

Relaxing Sunday

Today's been a nice relaxing day - that ought to be good for these new stem cells.

We did find a church to go to this morning - Crossroads Bible Church. The message was in English - the singing was a mixture of English and Spanish and was very good. We met the pastor and his wife, Steve and Heather Gunn, and they were very friendly.

The second person we met was Keith Forster who has lived in Panama for the last 40 years - but he has a daughter who lives in Waxahachie! Pretty amazing. Keith and his sweet wife, Wilma, gave us a ride home during a downpour that started as soon as church was over. It was easy finding a taxi from our apt to the church, but finding a taxi in the rain for the return trip was going to be difficult, so Keith & Wilma were truly angels.

Seems like wherever you are, you can go to worship and feel at home.

Hasta mañana!

Weekend sights

Yesterday's 2nd injection went fine - no headaches or chills or fever. No improving signs yet but it's too early.

Thought I might just show some sights of Panama City that we have seen - went to the causeway today - Kathy & I at la restuarante - I had grilled octopus! (Can you believe that, K Boston)

These ships are in the Pacific Ocean waiting to go thru the canal. They have to wait until their check is cleared through the Bank of Panama!

Another day we went to Ancon Hill - this is a view of Casco Viejo - the old city.

This view is of the new city with all of it's condos and hotels - very American-like - still from Ancon Hill just adjacent to the old city.

Here's a shot of the Bridge of Americas from Ancon Hill - the road that will get you from Central America to South America.

This picture is in Casco Viejo - it's a very old church with ornate carving with gold plating.

We take taxis to these places and that is always interesting. If you paint your car taxi yellow, then it's a taxi - may be an old Mazda PU, or exhaust blowing Toyota or a old van - doesn't matter as long as it's yellow! They don't have meters or rules - you tell them where you want to go - they say "yes" and then you say "how much?" If it's more than 5 dollars, you say "no" and they come down. You finally get in and better hold on - driving is absolutely crazy - worse than NYC because they have no rules or concerns - just blow their horn and pull out in front of anyone or anything. It's really not believable - but they get you where you want to go and it doesn't cost much. So hop in and enjoy the ride!