Friday, April 30th, 2004~Mom and Tiffany stayed with Trace last night and Tracy finally caught up on some sleep. She ended up sleeping most of the day away and was extremely relaxed. She definitely needed a rest! Tracy's OT, Maria made splints for Tracy's wrists today. Tracy was very relaxed and Maria wanted to take advantage of Tracy's great range of motion. Tracy has been able to wear the splints all day. During PT, Aileen checked Tracy's range of motion since Dr. Ruben just went up on Tracy's baclofen dose. Tracy is definitely more relaxed and extremely loose. Dad arrived late this evening from DC and he is going to stay with Tracy tonight. Cousin Chip surprised us with a visit today and we were so glad to see him. We are still having difficulty balancing the drugs so that Tracy's muscles can relax. The doctors are having mom track Tracy's level of spasticity using the Ashworth scale. Once a trend can be established, the doctors will modify Tracy's baclofen dose to adjust to Tracy's times of high tone. The Amantidine could also be causing Tracy to get more tight at night since it acts as a stimulant. Tracy is still trying to adjust to the Amantidine, a new stimulant to help her stay focused and alert. This medication is typically used as an antiviral drug but has also been found to improve concentration. It must be working! It's so nice having family nearby and it really helps having visitors. While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity.

Thursday, April 29th, 2004~We are nearing the end of the sixth week of Tracy's hospital stay and Tracy is getting a little stronger each day. She is still not back to where she was before she was admitted at University of Miami Jackson Memorial Medical Center. The goal is to get her strong enough to be transferred to the inpatient rehab program at Ryder Trauma Center. Please check out the following links. One includes information about spasticity and the other explains what the Baclofen Pump does. Tracy received a very special visit Monday from Dr. Donna Shalala, University of Miami President. She was glad to meet Tracy and Tracy nodded yes to greet her. Dr. Shalala promised that the University of Miami would stay in contact with Tracy. Way to Go Hurricanes!

Mom and Tiffany stayed with Trace last night and Tracy did not sleep well. She woke up several times during the night sweating and her muscles were very tight. We are still having difficulty balancing the drugs so that Tracy's muscles can relax. The doctors are having mom track Tracy's level of spasticity using the Ashworth scale. Once a trend can be established, the doctors will modify Tracy's baclofen dose to adjust to Tracy's times of high tone. The Amantidine could also be causing Tracy to get more tight at night since it acts as a stimulant. Tracy is still trying to adjust to the Amantidine, a new stimulant to help her stay focused and alert. This medication is typically used as an antiviral drug but has also been found to improve concentration. It must be working! Tracy had a quiet morning. Uncle Johnny surprised us with a visit today. It is always great to see him. Tracy was trying to talk to him and Uncle Johnny showed her some of the flash card/pictures that Liz made for her. She was really trying to focus on them. Tracy was up in her chair for five hours today! During Physical Therapy, Aileen checked Tracy's range of motion. She still has a considerable amount of tone, so Dr. Rubin increased her Baclofen another 20 % today. It is a true balancing act between Amantidine (stimulant which increases tone) and Baclofen (a muscle relaxant which decreases tone). Maria, Tracy's Occupational Therapist, ranged and stretched her arms and shoulders. She will make new splints for Tracy sometime this week. Tracy did not have any nausea/vomiting today. Wahoo! Tiffany and Mom showered Tracy today with her new ginger body lotion and bath wash that Cousin Judy brought. She really loves it! We really appreciate everything she does. It's so nice having family nearby and it really helps having visitors. Dad made it back to DC and is already looking forward to returning to Miami on Friday. While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity.

Wednesday, April 28th, 2004~ Tiffany is back from the wedding and had a wonderful time. Mom is glad to hand the website duties back over to Tiff, although she still tries to get her two cents in. Congratulations to Shelly and Chris and our best wishes to your future happiness. Please check out the following links. One includes information about spasticity and the other explains what the Baclofen Pump does. Tracy received a very special visit Monday from Dr. Donna Shalala, University of Miami President. She was glad to meet Tracy and Tracy nodded yes to greet her. Dr. Shalala promised that the University of Miami would stay in contact with Tracy. Way to Go Hurricanes!

Tiffany stayed with Trace last night and Trace had a good night. It got off to a rough start, though. Tracy's muscles are getting really tight in the evenings. The doctors are having mom track Tracy's level of spasticity using the Ashworth scale. Once a trend can be established, the doctors will modify Tracy's baclofen dose to adjust to Tracy's times of high tone. The Amantidine could also be causing Tracy to get more tight at night since it acts as a stimulant. Tracy is still trying to adjust to the Amantidine, a new stimulant to help her stay focused and alert. This medication is typically used as an antiviral drug but has also been found to improve concentration. It must be working! Tracy had a quiet morning. She sat in her chair for three and a half hours today! During Physical Therapy, Aileen checked Tracy's range of motion. She still has a considerable amount of tone, so Dr. Rubin plans to increase her Baclofen another 20 % again tomorrow. It is a true balancing act between Amantidine (stimulant which increases tone) and Baclofen (a muscle relaxant which decreases tone). Tracy did not have any nausea/vomiting today. Liz left today and we already miss her alot. She was a wonderful help. We are looking forward to seeing her again real soon. Cousin Judy came by today and brought a delicious lunch. She also brought Tracy some ginger body lotion and bath wash. We really appreciate everything she does. It's so nice having family nearby and it really helps having visitors. Dad made it back to DC and is already looking forward to returning to Miami on Friday. While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity.

Tuesday, April 27th, 2004 ~ Tiffany is back from the wedding and had a wonderful time. Mom is glad to hand the website duties back over to Tiff, although she still tries to get her two cents in. Congratulations to Shelly and Chris and our best wishes to your future happiness. Please check out the following links. One includes information about spasticity and the other explains what the Baclofen Pump does. Tracy received a very special visit yesterday from Dr. Donna Shalala, University of Miami President. She was glad to meet Tracy and Tracy nodded yes to greet her. Dr. Shalala promised that the University of Miami would stay in contact with Tracy. Way to Go Hurricanes! Liz stayed with Trace last night and Trace slept really well, thankfully. She is still trying to adjust to the Amantidine, a new stimulant to help Tracy stay focused and alert. This medication is typically used as an antiviral drug but has also been found to improve concentration. It must be working! Tracy had a quiet morning. She sat in her chair for two, three and a half hour periods today! During Physical Therapy, Aileen checked Tracy's range of motion. She still has a considerable amount of tone, so Dr. Rubin increased Tracy's Baclofen 20 % again today. It is a true balancing act between Amantidine (stimulant which increases tone) and Baclofen (a muscle relaxant which decreases tone). She is getting better at holding her head in the middle. She is still having some nausea/vomiting problems in response to movement, however, she seems to have mastered the elevator rides. Aileen took Liz, Mom, Tiffany and Tracy for a tour of the Ryder Trauma Center fourth floor rehab center and introduced us to the therapy staff. Right in the middle of the tour, there was a fire drill. Cousin Judy is coming to visit tomorrow. We can't wait to see her. It's so nice having family nearby and it really helps having visitors. We are really enjoying Liz's visit and she is a HUGE help! She leaves tomorrow and we REALLY hate to see her go. Dad made it back to DC and is already looking forward to returning to Miami on Friday. While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity.

Monday, April 26th, 2004 ~ We really miss Tiffany ALOT! She is the creator and webmaster of this page and does a TERRIFIC job! Tiffany is heading back to Miami this evening and we are SO GLAD! We are anxious to hear all about the wedding. Congratulations to Shelly and Chris and our best wishes to your future happiness. Mom has really enjoyed maintaining the webpage in Tiff's absence.

Tracy received a very special visit today from Dr. Donna Shalala, University of Miami President. She was glad to meet Tracy and Tracy nodded yes to greet her. Dr. Shalala promised that the University of Miami would stay in contact with Tracy. Way to Go Hurricanes!

Liz and Mom stayed with Tracy last night and Tracy was awake and alert until about 4:00 AM. She is still trying to adjust to the Amantidine, a new stimulant to help Tracy stay focused and alert. This medication is typically used as an antiviral drug but has also been found to improve concentration. It must be working! Tracy was ranged and stretched during Occupational Therapy this morning. Her range of motion has really improved with the Baclofen. During Physical Therapy, Aileen took Tracy to the small gym on the unit and Tracy was placed on the side of the mat. She is getting better at holding her head in the middle. She is still having some nausea/vomiting problems in response to movement, however, she seems to have mastered the elevator rides. Liz and Mom took Tracy for a long walk around the medical complex. It is really a beautiful campus. Tracy is definitely trying to talk to us. She has been vocalizing more and said Mom and Hi. Tracy's friends Allison, Andrew, and Sasha came by Sunday to see Tracy, and she was really happy to see them. Dad left this morning for D.C. and Tiffany returns this evening. We can't wait to see her and hear about her weekend in Louisiana. It's so nice having family nearby and it really helps having visitors. We are really enjoying Liz's visit and she is a HUGE help! Today she made some speech flash cards with familiar pictures to help with Tracy learn the p, m, b and ah sounds. While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity.

Sunday, April 25th, 2004 ~ We really miss Tiffany ALOT! She is the creator and webmaster of this page and does a TERRIFIC job! Tiffany is in Louisiana this week where she is a bridesmaid in Shelly's wedding. Mom is Clueless when it comes to webpage maintenance, but is giving it her best shot! Please refer to the Daily Updates for information on Wednesday and Thursday of this week.

This is the end of the second week on the ortho-neuro rehab floor at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. Dad arrived and are we HAPPY to see him! He spent the night with Tracy last night and Tracy was up all night long! Saturday, Dr. Nedd started Tracy on a new stimulant drug called Amantidine. This medication is typically used as an antiviral drug but has been found to improve concentration. It must be working because Tracy has been awake all day (and night)! We hope she sleeps tonight because Mom and Liz are planning to stay. Tracy has a day off from PT today but dad worked her even harder than during her official physical therapy session. Our friends Debbie and Dr. Rand came to visit today and brought some delicious bagels, lox, and hummus. Debbie is a Speech Therapist and she worked with Tracy today on saying "ah" and "oh." Tracy is definitely trying to talk to us. Allison, Andrew, and Sasha came by to see Tracy. Tracy was happy to see them. Aunt Diane is still here and has been a HUGE help. Uncle Johnny and Nana are coming to visit us this afternoon. Dad leaves tomorrow morning for D.C. and Tiffany returns tomorrow evening. We can't wait to see her and hear about her weekend in Louisiana. It's so nice having family nearby and it really helps having visitors. We are really enjoying Liz's visit and she is a HUGE help! While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy a send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity.

Saturday, April 24th, 2004 ~ We really miss Tiffany ALOT! She is the creator and webmaster of this page and does a TERRIFIC job! Tiffany is in Louisiana this week where she is a bridesmaid in Shelly's wedding. Mom is Clueless when it comes to webpage maintenance, but is giving it her best shot! Please refer to the Daily Updates for information on Wednesday and Thursday of this week.

This is the end of the second week on the ortho-neuro rehab floor at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. Dad arrived and are we HAPPY to see him! He spent the night with Tracy last night and they both slept well. Tracy wore her lavender scented arometherapy booties last night that the Costarinos gave her. We heated them in the microwave and she really loved them! Tracy has a day off from PT today but dad worked her even harder than during her official physical therapy session. Today, Dr. Nedd started Tracy on a new stimulant drug called Amantidine. This medication is typically used as an antiviral drug but has been found to improve concentration. It must be working because Tracy has been awake all day! (Mom and Dad needs a little of that too!) She is trying to talk to us and said Mom and Hi a few times. Liz and Mom showered Tracy and washed her hair using her shower chair from home. She really loved it! Aunt Diane came this afternoon to help out and brought us lots of goodies to eat! Uncle Johnny and Nana are coming to visit us tomorrow. It's so nice having family nearby and it really helps having visitors. We are really enjoying Liz's visit and she is a HUGE help! While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity.

Friday, April 23rd, 2004 ~ We really miss Tiffany ALOT! She is the creator and webmaster of this page and does a TERRIFIC job! Tiffany is in Louisiana this week where she is a bridesmaid in Shelly's wedding. Mom is Clueless when it comes to webpage maintenance, but is giving it her best shot! Please refer to the Daily Updates for information on Wednesday and Thursday of this week.

This is the end of the second week on the ortho-neuro rehab floor at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. Tracy slept really well and had an uneventful evening. Mom and Liz stayed with Trace last night and they even slept well. Tracy wore her new tropical bright raspberry outfit with the palm trees that Mawmaw gave her and received lots of compliments from the staff. Today, during PT, Aileen stretched Tracy and then helped her sit on the edge of the mat in the therapy room down the hall. Tracy did well holding her head up, but then she became nauseous. Aileen helped Trace stretch her arms up and rotate her torso, while Tracy held her head up on cue. She was up in her wheelchair for three hours. Dad arrives late this evening for the weekend and Aunt Diane is coming tomorrow to help out! We have really enjoyed the delicious snacks and goodies that Chip and Eileen brought us. It's so nice having family nearby and it really helps having visitors. We are really enjoying Liz's visit and she is a HUGE help! While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity.

Thursday, April 22nd, 2004 ~ Liz and Mom stayed with Tracy last night and they all slept well. Uncle Johnny came to visit today, and we took Tracy outside in her wheelchair to get some rays and breathe some fresh air. Unfortunately, the elevator ride was more like the Tower of Terror and Tracy's stomach got upset once again, both going up and down. She continues to become nauseated with movement and activity, but should gradually adjust. In the evening, we were delighted to see that Tracy was alert and responsive. She nodded her head yes and no in response to questions about Tiffany and Fanancy and how she was feeling. Tracy also enjoyed listening to Dave Matthews on the IPOD and was animated and responsive to Tiffany's and Dad's voices on the cell phone. We are really enjoying Liz's company. She is such a HUGE help! It's so nice having family nearby and it really helps having visitors. Dad arrives Friday night for the weekend and we can't wait to see him! While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity.

Wednesday, April 21st, 2004 ~ This is Tracy's second week on the ortho-neuro rehab floor at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. She has been in the hospital for one month today. Tiffany left for Independence, Louisiana today to be a bridesmaid in Shelly's wedding. Tiff and Tracy have known Shelly since they were really little. They met the year that we lived with Mawmaw and Pawpaw while dad was serving as the Senior Medical Officer on board the Carl Vincent. We REALLY MISS TIFFANY! She is the BEST SISTER in the whole world and much smarter about website management than her mother. Liz spent the night with Tracy and they both slept really well. Tracy is still trying to catch up after her three weeks in the ICU. She has lost weight and is getting protein supplements and extra food in her G-tube to regain her strength. Tracy continues to experience nausea and vomiting and tires easily. It seems that her nausea is related to movement, especially during Physical Therapy. This should gradually improve as her vestibular system adapts to the baclofen. Tracy has not needed oxygen for some time now and her lungs have remained clear. Wednesday evening, Tracy rested comfortably and enjoyed the CPM machine (continuous passive motion) which ranged her hips and knees. We are really enjoying Liz's company. She is such a HUGE help! It's so nice having family nearby and it really helps having visitors. Dad arrives Friday night for the weekend and we can't wait to see him! While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity.

Tuesday, April 20th, 2004 ~ Tracy is still on the ortho-neuro rehab floor at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. She is in a very comfortable VIP room on the 11th floor. We actually have a semi-bed instead of a recliner to sleep in! Mom and I both stayed with Tracy last night. Tracy slept really well and had an uneventful evening. Mom and Liz showered Trace this morning. She loves her showers. We are hoping to get Tracy dressed and up in her wheelchair soon. Plus, she has PT this afternoon. Yesterday, during PT, Maria and Aileen stretched Tracy and then helped her sit up at the edge of her bed. Tracy did well holding her head up, but then she became nauseous. This weekend, Michael and Jenny, two of our friends from Key West, visited. Thanks Jenny for the wonderful socks! Trace loves them! Sunday, Chip, Eileen, Nana, Uncle Johnny, and Aunt Diane stopped by. It was so great to see all of them and it definitely helps to have visitors. Ashley went back to DC last night. She was such a huge help and we miss her already. Liz arrived Saturday night and is staying for a week. It's so nice having family nearby and it really helps having visitors. Dad is arriving Friday and I leave tomorrow for Shelly's (she was with us when we were hit by the car in Italy) wedding in Louisiana. While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity.

Monday, April 19th, 2004 ~ Tracy is still on the ortho-neuro rehab floor at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. She is in a very comfortable VIP room on the 11th floor. We actually have a semi-bed instead of a recliner to sleep in! Tracy had many visitors this weekend. Liz stayed with Trace the past two nights. Tracy slept well last night and wasn't feeling very well today. She was up in her wheelchair for a few hours and then had physical therapy. During PT, Maria and Aileen stretched Tracy and then helped her sit up at the edge of her bed. Tracy did well holding her head up, but then she became nauseous. Liz read to Trace last night and Trace enjoyed visiting with her. This weekend, Michael and Jenny, two of our friends from Key West, visited. Thanks Jenny for the wonderful socks! Trace loves them! We wanted to take Trace outside today, but we let her rest since she wasn't feeling well. Sunday, Chip, Eileen, Nana, Uncle Johnny, and Aunt Diane stopped by. It was so great to see all of them and it definitely helps to have visitors. Ashley went back to DC last night. She was such a huge help and we miss her already. It's so nice having family nearby and it really helps having visitors. While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity.

Sunday, April 18th, 2004 ~ Tracy is still on the ortho-neuro rehab floor at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. She is in a very comfortable VIP room on the 11th floor. We actually have a semi-bed instead of a recliner to sleep in! Tracy is having a quiet weekend. I stayed with Tracy Friday night and she slept well. Liz arrived last night from DC and stayed with Trace last night at the hospital. We are very happy that she is here. Saturday, Tracy was up in the chair twice. Ashley and I spent Saturday with Trace and then Ashley went back to DC this evening. She was such a big help and it was so good to see her. Today, Mom and Liz showered Trace and finally got her dressed in her own clothes. We also took Tracy outside for a bit to soak up some rays. Tracy looks so much better and is tolerating sitting in her wheelchair more. Chip and Eileen stopped by for awhile and Uncle Johnny, Nana, and Aunt Diane are coming this evening. They are still trying to find a correct dosage of Baclofen to give Trace via the pump. Some days she is really loose and others she is extremely tight again. Ashley arrived Wednesday night from DC and is staying until Sunday. Our good friend, Liz, is coming Saturday night from DC and will be staying for over a week. We can't wait to see her! It's so nice having family nearby and it really helps to having visitors. While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity.

Friday, April 16th, 2004 ~ Tracy is still on the ortho-neuro rehab floor at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. She is in a very comfortable VIP room on the 11th floor. We actually have a semi-bed instead of a recliner to sleep in! Mom stayed with Tracy the past two nights. Tracy has been sleeping through the night, thankfully. She needs her rest! Tracy is still not back to where she was prior to the baclofen placement, but she is doing much better. She is gaining strength everyday. Yesterday, Tracy had PT with Maria and Aileen. They brought Trace to a rehab gym and got her on the mat. Trace did really well sitting up and held her head up for quite some time. A speech therapist stopped by to observe Trace. This was the first time that Tracy was able to sit on the mat and not get nauseous. Trace also had OT yesterday. The OT stretched Tracy's hands and arms really well while Trace was sitting in her wheelchair. Tracy has really enjoyed Claire's company. Claire showed Tracy some pictures of her family yesterday, along with her new puppy. Tracy looked at and focused on the pictures. Claire unfortunately is flying back to LA this evening. We will definitely miss her! They are still trying to find a correct dosage of Baclofen to give Trace via the pump. Some days she is really loose and others she is extremely tight again. Ashley arrived Wednesday night from DC and is staying until Sunday. Our good friend, Liz, is coming Saturday night from DC and will be staying for over a week. We can't wait to see her! It's so nice having family nearby and it really helps to having visitors. While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity.

Wednesday, April 14th, 2004 ~ Tracy is still on the ortho-neuro rehab floor at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. She is in a very comfortable VIP room on the 11th floor. We actually have a semi-bed instead of a recliner to sleep in! Tracy is no longer using the nasal canula to get some extra oxygen. It's been off since Friday afternoon and she still needs it once in awhile. Trace slept well last night after they bumped up her baclofen dose. This relaxed her muscles and made her a little more comfortable. Tracy is still having problems with her tummy and gets nauseous easily. I stayed with Tracy last night and Mom is going to stay with her this evening. Trace was in her wheelchair for about six hours today. She had PT with Maria and Aileen. They got her on the therapy mat and helped her sit up on the edge of the mat. They stretched her legs and hips really well too. She was making "ahh" and "ohh" sounds while they were stretching her abductors. They are still trying to find a correct dosage of Baclofen to give Trace via the pump. Some days she is really loose and others she is extremely tight again. Claire, one of our best friend's from childhood, arrived Saturday from Los Angeles. Tracy definitely recognizes her and it's so wonderful to see her. Ashley Brown is coming tonight to visit us here in Miami. It's so nice having family nearby and it really helps to having visitors. While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. A big thank you to the Abuan Family for the delicious package, the Anzalone's for the popcorn and Val and Brent for the box of goodies! Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity.

Tuesday, April 13th, 2004 ~ Tracy is still on the ortho-neuro rehab floor at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. She is in a very comfortable VIP room on the 11th floor. We actually have a semi-bed instead of a recliner to sleep in! Tracy is no longer using the nasal canula to get some extra oxygen. It's been off since Friday afternoon and she still needs it once in awhile. She is doing pretty well, but is still having problems with her tummy. Mom stayed with Tracy last night. Trace wasn't that comfortable, but she slept a bit. Tracy was up in her wheelchair this morning and then had an afternoon nap. During PT, Maria and Aileen got Tracy up in her wheelchair and we took Trace on a tour of the hospital. We went outside for a little bit and watched the rain under an awning. Tracy enjoyed getting some fresh air. They are still trying to find a correct dosage of Baclofen to give Trace via the pump. Some days she is really loose and others she is extremely tight again. Claire, one of our best friend's from childhood, arrived Saturday from Los Angeles. Tracy definitely recognizes her and it's so wonderful to see her. Ashley Brown is coming Wednesday to visit us here in Miami. Last night, Uncle Johnny, Aunt Diane, and Nana came over to celebrate Easter with us. They brought us a lovely Easter meal and were very happy with Tracy's progress. She looks so much better! It's so nice having family nearby and it really helps to having visitors. While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. A big thank you to the Abuan Family for the delicious package, the Anzalone's for the popcorn and Val and Brent for the box of goodies! Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity.

Monday, April 12th, 2004 ~ Tracy is still on the ortho-neuro rehab floor at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. She is in a very comfortable VIP room on the 11th floor. We actually have a semi-bed instead of a recliner to sleep in! Tracy is no longer using the nasal canula to get some extra oxygen. It's been off since Friday afternoon and she still needs it once in awhile. She is doing pretty well, but is still having problems with her tummy. We have been getting Tracy in her wheel chair at least once a day. She had PT today with Aileen and Maria. They got Tracy up in her chair and took her to a rehab gym. They got her on the mat to sit her up and stretch her shoulders, but Tracy wasn't feeling well. She seemed to be feeling nauseous. They are still trying to find a correct dosage of Baclofen to give Trace via the pump. Some days she is really loose and others she is extremely tight again. Dad left this morning for DC and Charles left yesterday afternoon. Claire, one of our best friend's from childhood, arrived Saturday from Los Angeles. Tracy definitely recognizes her and it's so wonderful to see her. Claire, Tracy and I had a sleepover last night. Trace slept well and seemed to enjoy our company. Ashley Brown is coming Wednesday to visit us here in Miami. Last night, Uncle Johnny, Aunt Diane, and Nana came over to celebrate Easter with us. They brought us a lovely Easter meal and were very happy with Tracy's progress. She looks so much better! It's so nice having family nearby and it really helps to having visitors. While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. A big thank you to the Abuan Family for the delicious package, the Anzalone's for the popcorn and Val and Brent for the box of goodies! Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity.

Sunday, April 11th, 2004 ~ Happy Easter! After being in the ICU for two weeks, Tracy was moved Monday to ortho-neuro rehab on the 11th floor of Jackson Memorial Hospital. She is in a very comfortable VIP room. We actually have a semi-bed instead of a recliner to sleep in! Tracy is no longer using the nasal canula to get some extra oxygen. It's been off since Friday afternoon and we only had to put it back on once for about an hour. She is doing pretty well, but is still having problems with her tummy. We have been getting Tracy in her wheel chair at least once a day. They are still trying to find a correct dosage of Baclofen to give Trace via the pump. Some days she is really loose and others she is extremely tight again. Dad arrived Friday evening and stayed with Tracy the past two nights. He goes back to DC again tomorrow morning. Charles leaves this evening and is heading over to Bahrain at the end of the month, and then possibly Iraq. Claire arrived last night and it's so great to see her. Tracy definitely recognizes her. Claire and I are going to have a sleepover with Tracy this evening. Tonight, Uncle Johnny, Aunt Diane, and Nana are coming over to celebrate Easter with us. It's so nice having family nearby and it really helps to having visitors. While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity.

Friday, April 9th, 2004 ~ After being in the ICU for two weeks, Tracy was moved Monday to ortho-neuro rehab on the 11th floor of Jackson Memorial Hospital. She is in a very comfortable VIP room. We actually have a semi-bed instead of a recliner to sleep in! Tracy is still wearing a nasal canula to get some extra oxygen. Gradually, we hope to ween her off the oxygen once she regains her strength. Mom stayed with Tracy last night and Trace was out like a light. Tracy's tummy has been bothering her and she gracefully threw-up all over Mom this morning. She even threw-up on Mom's cell phone, so unfortunately, it is not working anymore. If you need to get ahold of her, you can call my cell phone. We aren't sure why Tracy is unable to keep food down. Tracy is still being checked on about every two hours and receives breathing treatments every four. Tracy will have PT some time this afternoon and they want to get her in the wheelchair again. The baclofen pump is definitely working and they have found a dose that is right for Tracy. Her arms and legs are extremely loose. We hope that she is more comfortable now. Allison, Tracy's friend from UM, visited this morning and was happy with Tracy's progress. Chip and Eileen payed us a surprise visit last night! It was so great to see them and they brought Tracy some Easter goodies. An adorable Easter bunny and an Easter egg tree. Dad arrives tonight from Washington, DC. It will be extremely helpful to have him here, even if it's only for a few days. It definitely comes in hand having a Mom that's a nurse and a Dad that's a doctor! Charles is visiting from Va Beach and will go back on Sunday. Our good friend Claire is coming Saturday from Los Angeles. We can't wait to see her. While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. Many thanks to everyone at Tracy's rehab facility in Palm Beach, the RCCA. Thanks for all of your notes. We enjoyed reading them to Tracy. Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity. Tracy continues to have many visitors and we are so grateful to have family close by.

Thursday, April 8th, 2004 ~ After being in the ICU for two weeks, Tracy was moved Monday to ortho-neuro rehab on the 11th floor of Jackson Memorial Hospital. She is in a very comfortable VIP room. We actually have a semi-bed instead of a recliner to sleep in! Tracy is still wearing a nasal canula to get some extra oxygen. Gradually, we hope to ween her off the oxygen once she regains her strength. I stayed with Tracy last night and she slept well. She is still being checked on about every two hours and receives breathing treatments every four. Yesterday, Tracy was off the oxygen for six hours, but then started to get tired. Today, Tracy had PT with Aileen and Maria. They stretched and ranged Tracy's legs, hips, and feet before getting her in the wheelchair. Tracy is pretty sleepy today and had some trouble keeping her food down. Mom is going to stay with Tracy tonight. Dad left Tuesday evening for DC and will return late Friday evening. Charles is visiting from Va Beach and will go back on Sunday. Our good friend Claire is coming Saturday from Los Angeles. We can't wait to see her. While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. Uncle Johnny informed us that Tracy recently received flowers from the Rogers in Seattle, WA! Thank you so much! Also, Cousins Guy, Dawn and Sophia sent Tracy cards from the kids in Dawn's Sunday school class. The cards are precious and thank you for sharing them with us. Many thanks to everyone at Tracy's rehab facility in Palm Beach, the RCCA. Thanks for all of your notes. We enjoyed reading them to Tracy. Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity. Tracy continues to have many visitors and we are so grateful to have family close by.

Wednesday, April 7th, 2004 ~ We really need everyone's prayers and thoughts right now! Tracy is now out of the ICU! Woohoo! It took her two weeks! She is now on the 11th floor at Jackson Memorial Hospital and is still wearing a nasal canula to get some extra oxygen. We moved Trace out of the ICU Monday afternoon. Mom stayed with Tracy last night. Trace slept through the night and is pretty sleepy today. This morning, Tracy's PT came by to get Trace up in her chair. She was up for about two hours. We took Tracy's nasal canula off of her while she was in the chair and her oxygen levels remained high. We are trying to ween her off the nasal canula slowly. Dad left Tuesday evening for DC and will return on Friday. Charles is visiting from Va Beach and will go back on Sunday. Our good friend Claire is coming Saturday from Los Angeles. We can't wait to see her. While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. Uncle Johnny informed us that Tracy recently received flowers from the Rogers in Seattle, WA! Thank you so much! Also, Cousins Guy, Dawn and Sophia sent Tracy cards from the kids in Dawn's Sunday school class. The cards are precious and thank you for sharing them with us. Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity. Tracy continues to have many visitors and we are so grateful to have family close by.

Tuesday, April 6th, 2004 ~ We really need everyone's prayers and thoughts right now! Tracy is now out of the ICU! Woohoo! It took her two weeks! Dad stayed with her the entire time that she was in the ICU and he stayed with her again last night. She is now on the 11th floor at Jackson Memorial Hospital and is still wearing a nasal canula to get some extra oxygen. We moved Trace out of the ICU Monday afternoon. Today, Tracy had PT with Aileen and Maria. They stretched Tracy's legs and then helped her sit up at the edge of her bed. She gets tired very easily now, so they didn't keep her up very long. Afterwards, they put Tracy in her wheelchair. Trace was in her chair for about 2 hours. We took Tracy's nasal canula off of her while she was in the chair and her oxygen levels remained high. We are trying to ween her off the nasal canula slowly. Tracy also had OT today. Her OT stretched Tracy's arms, hands and shoulders. She noticed a difference in Tracy's tone and believes that the Baclofen pump is working well thus far. Dad left this evening for DC and will return on Friday. Mamaw left yesterday and we were so sad to see her go. It was so nice to have her here and we enjoyed her company. Charles is visiting from Va Beach and will go back on Sunday. Tracy has been off of the respirator for over a week now. Her breathing has almost returned to normal and her lungs are completely cleared. Trace is looking much better and is acting more like she was prior to the surgery. She still is not talking or moving her extremities. However, Tracy has started to make some different noises and one of her ICU nurse's reported that she said "Ouch" when getting a shot. Hopefully Tracy will go to the Ryder Trauma Center for in-patient rehab soon. Her breathing treatments are now every four hours. It may take a little while for Trace to regain her strength, however, she's coming along! While Tracy is in the hospital in Miami we are staying at a hotel. Uncle Johnny is periodically bringing us our mail from Palm Beach. Uncle Johnny informed us that Tracy recently received flowers from the Rogers in Seattle, WA! Thank you so much! Also, Cousins Guy, Dawn and Sophia sent Tracy cards from the kids in Dawn's Sunday school class. The cards are precious and thank you for sharing them with us. Again, thank you for everyone who continues to write to Tracy and send her Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers and generosity. Tracy continues to have many visitors. Uncle Johnny, Aunt Diane, and Nana stopped by again Sunday night. We are so grateful that they are close by. Everyone is so pleased with Tracy's noticeable progress. They did start the Baclofen pump over a week ago in order to start Tracy on the program. The pump will increase 20% every 48 hours and hopefully soon we will find out how much Tracy needs in order for her muscles to be relaxed. We really appreciate everyone's support. We have been reading the guest book entries to Trace and thank you all for your lovely notes.

Sunday, April 4th, 2004 ~We really need everyone's prayers and thoughts right now! Trace is still in the ICU at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. Since Tuesday, Tracy has been breathing on her own. She now only has to wear a nasal canula in order to get some extra oxygen. Her breathing has almost returned to normal and her lungs are almost completely cleared. Trace is looking much better and is acting more like she was prior to the surgery. She will remain in the ICU until Monday and most likely will go up to the 11th floor where she was before the surgery. Hopefully she will go to the Ryder Trauma Center for in-patient rehab soon. Her breathing treatments are still every two hours. Tracy had OT yesterday for about 20 min. Her arms, wrists, and shoulders were stretched really well. It may take a little while for Trace to regain her strength, however, she's coming along! Tracy watched some of the Nasdaq-100 tennis tournament yesterday. It is held at Key Biscayne, not too far from here. She watched Serena Williams win the title! Tracy continues to have many visitors. Cousins Chip and Eileen stopped by again last night. We are so grateful that they are close by. Tonight, Uncle Johnny, Nana, and Aunt Diane are coming by to visit Trace. Charles arrives tomorrow and will be staying for a week. Everyone is so pleased with Tracy's noticeable progress. Mamaw arrived safely Wednesday morning and she leaves Monday evening. When Mamaw went to see Trace, Trace had her eyes closed. Mamaw said, "Hey darling!" and Trace immediately opened her eyes and looked at Mamaw. Visiting hours at the ICU are from 930-10am, 1-6pm, and 830-10pm. Dad is allowed to stay with Tracy during non-visiting hours and sleeps in her room in a chair. We are so thankful that he can be with her all the time. They did start the Baclofen pump over a week ago in order to start Tracy on the program. The pump will increase 20% every 48 hours and hopefully soon we will find out how much Tracy needs in order for her muscles to be relaxed. We really appreciate everyone's support. We have been reading the guest book entries to Trace and thank you all for your lovely notes.

Saturday, April 3rd, 2004 ~We really need everyone's prayers and thoughts right now! Trace is still in the ICU at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. Since Tuesday, Tracy has been breathing on her own. She now only has to wear a nasal canula in order to get some extra oxygen. Her breathing has almost returned to normal and her lungs are almost completely cleared. Trace is looking much better and is acting more like she was prior to the surgery. She will remain in the ICU until Monday and most likely will go up to the 11th floor where she was before the surgery. Hopefully she will go to the Ryder Trauma Center for in-patient rehab soon. Her breathing treatments are every four hours now. Tracy had physical therapy yesterday afternoon. Aileen stretched Tracy's legs, hips, and feet really well before getting her up in her wheel chair. Tracy was in the chair for a little over an hour. It's so great to see her up. It may take a little while for Trace to regain her strength, however, she's coming along! Tracy watched some of the Nasdaq-100 tennis tournament yesterday. It is held at Key Biscayne, not too far from here. She watched Andy Roddick's quick win last night! Tracy continues to have many visitors. Everyone is so pleased with her noticeable progress. Mamaw arrived safely Wednesday morning. When Mamaw went to see Trace, Trace had her eyes closed. Mamaw said, "Hey darling!" and Trace immediately opened her eyes and looked at Mamaw. Visiting hours at the ICU are from 930-10am, 1-6pm, and 830-10pm. Dad is allowed to stay with Tracy during non-visiting hours and sleeps in her room in a chair. We are so thankful that he can be with her all the time. They did start the Baclofen pump last Thursday in order to start Tracy on the program. The pump will increase 20% every 48 hours and hopefully soon we will find out how much Tracy needs in order for her muscles to be relaxed. We really appreciate everyone's support. We have been reading the guest book entries to Trace and thank you all for your lovely notes.

Friday, April 2nd, 2004 ~We really need everyone's prayers and thoughts right now! Trace is still in the ICU at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. Since Tuesday, Tracy has been breathing on her own. She is wearing an oxygen mask and they are hoping to slowly ween her off of it. Yesterday, Tracy continued to breath better and the xrays showed that her lungs have almost completely cleared. She is still coughing quite a bit and is receiving breathing treatments every two hours. Tracy had physical therapy today. Instead of stretching Tracy, they got her in her wheelchair for 1 1/2 hours. She was so glad to get out of bed and really relaxed in her chair. Tracy had her eyes open the majority of the day yesterday. She continues to look at us when we are talking to her and seems to understand what is going on. It may take a little while for Trace to regain her strength, however, she's coming along! Tracy watched some of the Nasdaq-100 tennis tournament yesterday. It is held in Key Biscayne, not too far from here. She watched her favorite Williams sister, Serena kick some butt! Tracy continues to have many visitors. Yesterday evening, cousins Chip and Eileen visited again, along with Dr. and Mrs. Rand. Wednesday afternoon, Allison Rand stopped by to see Trace as well. Everyone is so pleased with her noticeable progress. Mamaw arrived safely Wednesday morning. When Mamaw went to see Trace, Trace had her eyes closed. Mamaw said, "Hey darling!" and Trace immediately opened her eyes and looked at Mamaw. Trace looks a ton better, however she still needs your prayers! Unfortunately, all of these complications are a result of her initial drug overdose. Visiting hours at the ICU are from 930-10am, 1-6pm, and 830-10pm. Dad is allowed to stay with Tracy during non-visiting hours and sleeps in her room in a chair. We are so thankful that he can be with her all the time. Tracy is still in the woods and we really need your prayers right now. They did start the Baclofen pump last Thursday in order to start Tracy on the program. The pump will increase 20% every 48 hours and hopefully soon we will find out how much Tracy needs in order for her muscles to be relaxed. We really appreciate everyone's support. We have been reading the guest book entries to Trace and thank you all for your lovely notes.

Thursday, April 1st, 2004 ~We really need everyone's prayers and thoughts right now! Trace is still in the ICU at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. Since Tuesday, Tracy has been breathing on her own. She is wearing an oxygen mask and they are hoping to slowly ween her off of it. Yesterday, her breathing became more stable and Tracy finally slept through the night last night. Her right lung is almost clear, but her left one still needs more time for it to expand again. She receives breathing treatments every two hours and is being kept extremely hydrated via an IV. Unfortunately, all of these complications are a result of her initial drug overdose. Tracy had her eyes open almost all day yesterday. Mamaw arrived safely yesterday morning. When Mamaw went to see Trace, Trace had her eyes closed. Mamaw said, "Hey darling!" and Trace immediately opened her eyes and looked at Mamaw. Trace looks a ton better, however she still needs your prayers! Unfortunately, all of these complications are a result of her initial drug overdose. Visiting hours at the ICU are from 930-10am, 1-6pm, and 830-10pm. Dad is allowed to stay with Tracy during non-visiting hours and sleeps in her room in a chair. We are so thankful that he can be with her all the time. Tracy is still in the woods and we really need your prayers right now. They did start the Baclofen pump last Thursday in order to start Tracy on the program. The pump will increase 20% each day and hopefully soon we will find out how much Tracy needs in order for her muscles to be relaxed. We really appreciate everyone's support. We have been reading the guest book entries to Trace and thank you all for your lovely notes.