November 28, 2006 - Day 306

Rand is going to be a demonstration patient for the Neuro-developmental Treatment class for five days, beginning this Thursday! Yippee! The class is taught at a local hospital to graduate OTs and PTs from around the nation. It is a four week course - the first two weeks are held here and are classroom work. The third week the students return to their home venues and use the techniques they've learned on their patients. The fourth week they return to San Jose to work with selected patients under the guidance/critical eye of the instructor. These students are now returning for their fourth week and Rand will be one of the patients! The course is geared to people who have had strokes and the treatment concentrates on his weak side. I'm so happy about that, as to date, everyone has dismissed Rand's right side as being so damaged that it isn't worth putting time and energy in to it. They will work on strengthening the trunk muscles, the right side, balance and to get him to stand straighter, put weight on his right leg, and to be confident in his ability to stand and balance. If they can do that, I'll be sooooooooooo happy! The instructor said that I can bring Thuan along also so he can see the techniques and that I will be able to sit with the other wives and gab about the changes in our lives as a result of the stroke. That is something I have not done at all and I think it will be good for me. Now I have a bunch of appointments to rearrange, etc. so we can pull this off. I'm thrilled!

Last night was Kellie's last speech session with Rand. I may have found another SLP who is willing to come to Rand's house to work with him. Her name is also Kellie! I'm waiting for a call from her so we can chat and get somethings set up. Between Thuan and the "Kellies", the extra monthly expenses are huge, but I think they are worth every cent as Rand is trying so hard and is still making progress. I dread the day when their services are no longer needed.

All is well. Keep Rand close.

Love,
Connie