Well, Lance Armstrong had another great show of strength and strategy at Stage 17 in the Alps today. Mom has now read both of Lance Armstrong's biographies: It's Not About The Bike and Every Second Counts. She has watched each stage at least four times! Yes, can we say that she is obsessed with Lance? Seriously, he is an almost 8 year survivor of testicular cancer and has his sights on his 6th win of the Tour de France. Why do we admire him? Because he will not let anything get in his way to getting the most out of life! His life! This morning, Jenny and Mom showered Tracy and got her ready for her day. Each morning, Mom and Jenny spend about an hour massaging and ranging Tracy's muscles to keep them in tip top shape. Later in the day, Tiffany and Mom took Tracy to see Joy, the Physician Assistant at Dr. Howe's office to adjust Tracy's Baclofen dose. She increased her dose from 850 to 950 micrograms per day! Maybe we should have a contest to see who can guess her optimal dosage. This afternoon, Robin, Tracy's Physical Therapist, practiced rolling with Tracy. She still has a ways to go but is getting back into the swing of things. She also ranged Tracy and commented that her feet and legs are looking much more relaxed. It seems that the Baclofen, the Botox, and the new knee cast is helping alot! We are patientlly waiting for Dr. Gisolfi to serial cast her feet and stand her up on a tilt table so she can put weight through her bones in her feet, legs and hips. Tracy is now completely back on bolus feedings and off the pump! This is progress. She is still getting fed through her G-tube but she is now getting 16 ozs (2 cans) at a time. This way, we only have to feed her three times a day, just like we eat. The next step will be to get her back to oral feedings like yogurt and ice cream. Nana is still recuperating from total knee replacement (May 24th). She is getting around without any help now and is looking forward to getting her left knee replaced. She is still going to hyperbaric oxygen therapy 6 days per week to improve healing and is undergoing 6 weeks of IV antibiotics to help with her recuperation. Please say some prayers for her! Friday, October 31st, 2003 and Saturday, November 1st, 2003 ~

Friday, August 27th, 2004~ Tracy slept better last night. This morning, Jenny and Mom got Tracy ready for the big trip to Louisiana. Mom, Dad and Tracy leave today and will be in Independence until September 6th. Be sure to give them a call at the number below if you would like to visit them in Louisiana during their stay. This morning, our good friend and hair stylist Dario came by and trimmed Tracy's hair. Dario brought his adorable little girl, Gisellina, to see Tracy. We are so blessed to have wonderful friends such as Dario! He does a great job! Yesterday, Mom and Dad took Tracy to National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda to see Dr. Buescher, the plastic surgeon who has been following Tracy's wound. Dr. Buescher was extremely pleased with the progress that Tracy's wound has made since the wound vac was placed on August 10th. She said that there was quite a bit of new tissue filling in and that there was some granulomatous tissue (healthy scar tissue) filling in over the muscle. Long story short, the wound vac is working. Dr. Buescher said that the healing should even accelerate more now that there is scar tissue forming. We are hopeful that Tracy will be back to her rigorous routine of outpatient therapy at Mt. Vernon Rehab Center by the end of September. Woohoo! Please keep those prayers coming. They are definitely working. If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. Tiffany is having fun (hopefully not too much) at LSU and has survived her first week of classes. WE SURE DO MISS HER! Mom, Dad and Tracy are planning a trip down Saawth to Louisiana at the end of the month to visit Mawmaw and Pawpaw in Independence and to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. It is a two and a half hour nonstop flight so they are planning to fly. It will be so good to get out of Virginia/DC and to see everyone in Independence! We can't wait! While in Independence, we can be reached at 703-628-5588. If you would like to come by to see Tracy, please give us a call. We would love to see y'all! Nana finished her IV antibiotics therapy yesterday after 6 long weeks of daily trips to the infectious disease clinic. The nurse took out her IV line and stitches and she is now FREE to move about the planet! Her wound is now the size of a dime, quite a difference from the dollar bill it was several months ago. Whoopee!

Thursday, August 26th, 2004~ Tracy was awake a lot last night. We are not sure why, but Mom was awake most of the night too. Maybe Mom and Tracy were both getting excited about going to Louisiana. Mom, Dad, and Tracy will be in Louisiana from August 27th until September 6th. Be sure to give them a call at the number below if you would like to visit them in Louisiana during their stay. Tracy did not have any therapy today. Instead, Mom and Dad took Tracy to National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda to see Dr. Buescher, the plastic surgeon who has been following Tracy's wound. Dr. Buescher was extremely pleased with the progress that Tracy's wound has made since the wound vac was placed on August 10th. She said that there was quite a bit of new tissue filling in and that there was some granulomatous tissue (healthy scar tissue) filling in over the muscle. Long story short, the wound vac is working. Dr. Buescher said that the healing should even accelerate more now that there is scar tissue forming. We are hopeful that Tracy will be back to her rigorous routine of outpatient therapy at Mt. Vernon Rehab Center by the end of September. Woohoo! Please keep those prayers coming. They are definitely working. If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. Tiffany is having fun (hopefully not too much) at LSU and has survived her first week of classes. WE SURE DO MISS HER! Mom, Dad and Tracy are planning a trip down Saawth to Louisiana at the end of the month to visit Mawmaw and Pawpaw in Independence and to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. It is a two and a half hour nonstop flight so they are planning to fly. It will be so good to get out of Virginia/DC and to see everyone in Independence! We can't wait! While in Independence, we can be reached at 703-628-5588. If you would like to come by to see Tracy, please give us a call. We would love to see y'all! Nana finished her IV antibiotics therapy yesterday after 6 long weeks of daily trips to the infectious disease clinic. The nurse took out her IV line and stitches and she is now FREE to move about the planet! Her wound is now the size of a dime, quite a difference from the dollar bill it was several months ago. Whoopee!

Wednesday, August 25th, 2004~Tracy had yet another great night's sleep. Mom and Jenny stretched, showered and shampooed Tracy this morning. She really loves her showers. Then Becky, Tracy's OT came and Jenny, Mom and Becky got Tracy on the exercise mat. Becky stretched Tracy's trunk and commented that she was very relaxed. She wanted to know if Tracy had another massage last night! (Emil still gets all of the credit!) Next, Jenny and Becky got Trace prone again on the large balance ball. Try to picture Tracy on her stomach stretched out over the ball leaning on her elbows putting weight through her shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands. At the same time, she is in a high kneeling position, putting weight through her hips and knees. She loves this position and tolerated it for about 20 or more minutes. Tracy was also working hard to lift her head up and look in the mirror. She is getting better at this. Then Robin, Tracy's Physical Therapist, came over and spent some time stretching Tracy on the mat. After stretching, Tracy practiced rolling with Robin. Tracy partially assisted with rolling to the left. It was the first time in months that Tracy was able to assist with rolling! She is really working hard. After her therapy, Mom and Liz fed Tracy 4 ozs of nectar consistency lemon water. Tracy handled the thickened liquid really well, swallowing right away, and did not cough once. She drank the 4 ozs in less than 20 minutes! We are all really proud of Tracy's participation and progress this week! Please keep those prayers coming. They are definitely working. If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. Tiffany is surviving the heat and humidity at LSU on the Louisiana Bayou! We sure do miss her! Mom, Dad and Tracy are planning a trip down Saawth to Louisiana at the end of the month to visit Mawmaw and Pawpaw in Independence and to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. It is a two and a half hour nonstop flight so they are planning to fly. It will be so good to get out of Virginia/DC and to see everyone in Independence! We can't wait! While in Independence, we can be reached at 703-628-5588. If you would like to come by to see Tracy, please give us a call. We would love to see y'all! Nana finished her IV antibiotics therapy today after 6 long weeks of daily trips to the infectious disease clinic. The nurse took out her IV line and stitches and she is now FREE to move about the planet! Whoopee!

Tuesday, August 24th, 2004~ Tracy had another great night's sleep. She had a great massage with Emil last night. (Does that have anything to do with sleeping well? At any rate, we are giving him all of the credit!) Tracy had a great day of therapy today. Jenny and Mom ranged and stretched Tracy this morning and got her ready for the day. Becky, Tracy's Occupational Therapist, spent some time stretching Tracy's trunk in sidelying. Then Becky, Liz, Jenny and Mom for Tracy prone on the large balance ball. Try to picture Tracy on her stomach stretched out over the ball leaning on her elbows putting weight through her shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands. At the same time, she is in a high kneeling position, putting weight through her hips and knees. She loves this position and tolerated it for about 20 or more minutes. Tracy was also working hard to lift her head up and look in the mirror. She is getting better at this. Then Robin, Tracy's Physical Therapist, came over and spent some time stretching Tracy on the mat. After stretching, Tracy practiced rolling with Robin. She is really working hard. After her therapy, Mom and Liz fed Tracy 4 ozs of nectar consistency lemon water. This is the first time that Tracy has drank anything since her baclofen overdose. Tracy handled the thickened liquid really well and did not cough once. She drank the 4 ozs in less than 20 minutes! If there is anyone out there who would lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. Tiffany is surviving the heat and humidity at LSU on the Louisiana Bayou! We sure do miss her! Mom, Dad and Tracy are planning a trip down Saawth to Louisiana at the end of the month to visit Mawmaw and Pawpaw in Independence and to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. It is a two and a half hour nonstop flight so they are planning to fly. It will be so good to get out of Virginia/DC and to see everyone in Independence! We can't wait! While in Independence, we can be reached at 703-628-5588. If you would like to come by to see Tracy, please give us a call. We would love to see y'all!

Monday, August 23rd, 2004~ Trace slept well last night. She was due! Tracy did not have therapy today. Therapists are right up there with bankers when it comes to working. When I grow up, I want to be a therapist! (Shh! Don't tell anybody but I think I already am!) Mom and Dad took Tracy to see Dr. Gisolfi at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab today to see if she is ready for her new knee cast. Well, guess what? She wasn't ready yet! We will try again in September. Because of the location of her wound, we have not been able to put her right knee cast on at night for the past two weeks. Last night was the first time that Tracy was able to tolerate the cast. So, we will continue to put her cast on at night now that the wound is healing. Once we get back from Louisiana, Tracy should be ready for another cast for her right knee. Liz came to visit this afternoon and read Tracy some more of The Little Prince. Tracy seems to enjoy it alot! If there is anyone out there who would lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. Tiffany had her first class today and seems to like the program. She is meeting lots of nice people in her program. We sure do miss her! Mom, Dad and Tracy are planning a trip down Saawth to Louisiana at the end of the month to visit Mawmaw and Pawpaw in Independence and to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. It is a two and a half hour nonstop flight so they are planning to fly. It will be so good to get out of Virginia/DC and to see everyone in Independence! We can't wait! While in Independence, we can be reached at 703-628-5588. If you would like to come by to see Tracy, please give us a call. We would love to see y'all!

Sunday, August 22nd, 2004~ Viva the Olympics!~ Trace was up all last night. Consequently, everyone slept in this morning. Tracy had Occupational Therapy with Becky today. Becky did not feel well on Friday, so today was a make-up day. Becky stretched Tracy on the mat this morning. She loves her trunk stretches! Then, Mom, Dad and Becky got Tracy prone on the large balance ball. In this position, we are able to get Tracy on her knees. This allows her to put weight through her legs and hips. Tracy really relaxed in this position. Tracy tried really hard to pick her head up off the ball. She is getting better at this. Later, Mom and Dad showered Tracy and shampooed her hair. She loves her showers. Tracy slept some this afternoon and we all watched the Olympics. What are we going to do when the Olympics are over and the torch is extinguished for another two years? First the Tour de France, then the Olympics, what next? The Apprentice? Tiffany is surviving in Baton Rouge. Mawmaw and cousin Caroline met Tiffany for lunch at Chili's in Baton Rouge and they went shopping. Tiffany is all moved in and getting ready for grad school; classes start Monday! Our girl will be back to the books and ready to study hard! We expect all A's! We miss Tiff a lot and can't wait to see her when we go to Lousiana. Mom, Dad and Tracy are planning a trip down Saawth to Louisiana at the end of the month to visit Mawmaw and Pawpaw in Independence and to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. It is a two and a half hour nonstop flight so they are planning to fly. It will be so good to get out of Virginia/DC and to see everyone in Independence! We can't wait! While in Independence, we can be reached at 703-628-5588. If you would like to come by to see Tracy, please give us a call. We would love to see y'all!

Saturday, August 21st, 2004~ Tracy slept well again last night. Emil gave her a massage which always helps her relax and have a good night's sleep. Tracy has a pretty laid back day watching the Olympics with Mom and Dad. This evening, Mom and Dad changed Tracy's dressing and things are coming along with the wound healing process. Sunday, Becky is coming to do some Occupational Therapy with Tracy. We heard from Tiffany today and she is all moved in and getting ready for grad school.; classes start Monday! Our girl will be back to the books and ready to study hard! We expect all A's! We miss Tiff a lot and can't wait to see her when we go to Lousiana. Mom, Dad and Tracy are planning a trip down Saawth to Louisiana at the end of the month to visit Mawmaw and Pawpaw in Independence and to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. It is a two and a half hour nonstop flight so they are planning to fly. It will be so good to get out of Virginia/DC and to see everyone in Independence! We can't wait! Thanks to Betty in Bella Napoli for sending Tracy the adorable teddy bears from such faraway places as Ireland, Poland, Palermo (is that a country?), etc. She is so thoughtful! Thanks to Betty and all of our friends, Tracy has accumulated an extensive teddy bear collection! Thanks to Gloria and her beautiful daughters for the manicure set! Mom and Jenny gave Tracy a manicure on Friday!

Friday, August 20th, 2004~ Tracy slept well again last night. She was a little tight, but since the baclofen was increased again yesterday (by 100 micrograms to a total of 1150), this should be resolved within a day or so. Dad and Mom changed her dressing Thursday evening and the wound vac is working its magic. The wound looks really healthy and is filling in. We hope to be back to out patient therapy by the end of September. Jenny brought Tracy some pretty blue micro-pillows which are great for positioning Tracy. These will be perfect to bring on our trip. Thanks Jenny! After Mom and Jenny completed Tracy's morning routine, Liz came over to vist and brought Mom sushi and some other goodies for lunch. She is such an angel. The world needs more Lizzes! Tracy was pretty sleepy most of today which is her usual day-after-baclofen-increase-routine. Robin, Tracy's PT, came over and ranged and stretched Tracy in her bed. Becky, Tracy's OT, is planning to come on Sunday to work with Tracy. Emil is coming this evening to give Tracy a massage. Ahhh! Tiffany is getting her bearings around the LSU campus and the Baton Rouge area. She hates getting lost! It won't take her long to get into the swing of her new routine. Classes start Monday! Our girl will be back to the books and better study hard! We expect all A's! We miss Tiff a lot and can't wait to see her when we go to Lousiana. Mom, Dad and Tracy are planning a trip down Saawth to Louisiana at the end of the month to visit Mawmaw and Pawpaw in Independence and to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. It is a two and a half hour nonstop flight so they are planning to fly. It will be so good to get out of Virginia/DC and to see everyone in Independence! We can't wait!

Thursday, August 19th, 2004~ Tiffany's 24th Birthday! Happy Birthday Tiff~ Tracy slept well Tuesday night. Mom and Jenny showered Tracy and got her ready for her doctor's appointment this afternoon. Mom and Liz took Tracy to see Joy, the Physician Assistant who manages Tracy's baclofen pump. She increased her dose to 1150 micrograms per day, that is a 100 microgram increase since the last visit. We are definitely getting closer to Tracy's optimal dose. Dad amd Mom changed Tracy's wound vac dressing this evening. The wound is definitely progressing nicely. There is a good bit of healthy tissue filling in and the wound vac is doing its magic. Hind sight is 20/20: we should have done this in the beginning of the summer. Tracy will have OT with Becky tomorrow. She is trying to corporate more sensory integration using Tracy's hands to feel her mouth and tongue, etc. This integration provides Tracy the necessary feedback that she needs to realize that her mouth is open and closed, etc. She will also have PT with Robin tomorrow afternoon and Emil will come by to give Tracy a massage. Tiffany is getting settled in her new apartment in Baton Rouge. Today is her birthday! She is 24 years old! (I can't believe it!) If you would like to send her a birthday wish her email address is tiffanyluv@aol.com. She is such a great daughter and we miss her so much! We wish we could be there to celebrate with her! Mom, Dad and Tracy are planning a trip to Louisiana at the end of the month to visit Mawmaw and Pawpaw in Independence and to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. It is a two and a half hour nonstop flight so they are planning to fly. It will be so good to get out of Virginia/DC and to see everyone in Independence! We can't wait!

Wednesday, August 18th, 2004~Tracy slept well Monday and Tuesday nights. Tracy did not have therapy Tuesday. Jenny and Mom stretched and ranged Tracy and got her ready for the day. Liz came over and stayed with Tracy and Jenny while Mom went to the dentist (ouch, no fun but she has white teeth!). Liz fed Tracy almost 3 ozs of pureed bananas. She is moving her tongue and mouth a lot better these days. Tamra, the case worker from Brain Injury Services came by with some great ideas for accessing Pet Therapy and Therapeutic Horseback Riding in the Virginia area. We will look into these things for the Fall. Dad, Mom and Liz changed Tracy's dressing and her wound is healing nicely. There is definitely healthy tissue filling in and the wound vac is doing its magic. Hind sight is 20/20: we should have done this in the beginning of the summer. Tracy had OT with Becky on Wednesday and really enjoyed the trunk stretches she does with her on the mat. Becky is trying to incorporate more sensory integration using Tracy's hands to feel her mouth and tongue, etc. This integration provides Tracy the necessary feedback that she needs to realize that her mouth is open and closed, etc. Liz, Gloria, and Gloria's two daughters, Samantha and Katherine came to see Tracy today. Liz read The Little Prince to Tracy while Gloria, Mom and the girls went out by the pool for a little R & R. It is always great to have them visit. They are wonderful friends and some of God's little angels. We are so blessed to have them. Tiffany had her master's program orientation at LSU today! She is getting ready to hit the books! (She better study hard!) She is such a great daughter and we miss her so much! She will celebrate her 24th birthday tomorrow (August 19th). We wish we could be there to celebrate with her! Mom, Dad and Tracy are planning a trip to Louisiana at the end of the month to visit Mawmaw and Pawpaw in Independence and to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. It is a two and a half hour nonstop flight so they are planning to fly. It will be so good to get out of Virginia/DC and to see everyone in Independence! We can't wait! Nana, Aunt Diane and Uncle Johnny escaped Hurricane Charley in Florida. Thank goodness it missed them this time!

Monday, August 16th, 2004~ Tiffany leaves for school today! Tracy was awake most of last night. Maybe she knew that her sister Tiffany was leaving for school today. Tiffany and Shelly left bright and early this morning for LSU in Baton Rouge. Tiffany has orientation on Wednesday and moves into her apartment on Friday. We hated to see her go and miss her already. She is a wonderful sister and daughter! We are all very proud of her and wish her the very best in her endeavors. I am sure that we will have some great stories to share soon. Jenny and Mom got Tracy ready for the day this morning. She was a little tight. We think it may be due to some discomfort from her bedsore. Dad and Mom will change the dressing Tuesday and will get another look at the site. When they saw it Sunday, it already looked like it was filling in with healthy tissue. Tracy did not have any therapy today, but she had a great massage with Emil. She will have OT on Wednesday and Friday this week. We are not sure when she will have PT this week. We are really anxious to get Tracy back to Outpatient Therapy soon. Please say some prayers that the woundvac works its magic fast so Tracy can get back to Outpatient Therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center ASAP! Liz came by to visit today and brought some Tiramasu gelato and a delicious Mediterranean salad. She is a great friend (and cook)! Mom, Dad and Tracy are planning a trip to Louisiana at the end of the month to visit Mawmaw and Pawpaw in Independence and to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. It is a two and a half hour nonstop flight so they are planning to fly. It will be so good to get out of Virginia/DC and to see everyone in Independence! We can't wait! Nana, Aunt Diane and Uncle Johnny escaped Hurricane Charley in Florida. Thank goodness it missed them this time!

Sunday, August 15th, 2004~Tracy slept well Saturday night. Tiffany is packing her Honda Civic for her journey south to LSU in Baton Rouge. Shelly, Tiff's friend from Louisiana arrived Saturday night to ride with Tiff. We are glad that she is here to help. They will stop at Auburn University to visit Tiff's good friend Amanda on the way. We are all sad to see her go and will miss her alot! She is a great sister and daughter! Margaret, the KCI rep, came by today to check Tracy's wound and to walk Dad through the dressing change steps. It isn't difficult but it sure helps to have a little inservice to make sure that we are doing it correctly. Tracy's wound looked like it is healing well. It is already filling in with healthy tissue. We are also giving Tracy 30 extra grams of protein a day to help with wound healing. Please say some prayers that the woundvac works its magic fast so Tracy can get back to Outpatient Therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center ASAP! Mom and Dad got Tracy on the big balance ball on her back and stetched her shoulders and back. Tracy really enjoys stretching on the ball. Mom, Dad and Tracy are planning a trip to Louisiana at the end of the month to visit Mawmaw and Pawpaw in Independence and to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. It is a two and a half hour nonstop flight so they are planning to fly. It will be so good to get out of Virginia/DC and to see everyone in Independence! We can't wait! Nana, Aunt Diane and Uncle Johnny escaped Hurricane Charley in Florida. Thank goodness it missed them this time!

Saturday, August 14th, 2004~ Tracy slept well Wednesday night and then was awake most of Thursday night. Dad was in Pensacola Thursday until Friday evening. Maybe Tracy was missing him, and that's why she was awake Thursday night. Cousin Rene' came to visit us for two days and it was great to see her. Thursday, Tracy rested most of the day and had Physical Therapy in the afternoon with Robin. Robin ranged Tracy in the bed because we have been making sure that Tracy recovers from her surgery last Tuesday. Thursday evening, Emil came over and gave Mom, Tiffany and Rene' massages. Tracy got her massage Friday night, since she was asleep Thursday evening and we decided to let her rest. Friday morning, Jenny and Mom showered Tracy. They were able to disconnect the woundvac while she showered. Later in the day, the representative from KCI, Margaret, came by to switch out the machine. It was beeping all morning and the computer froze. I guess it had a glitch just like all computers do! Of course, it was just a coincidence that it was Friday the 13th! Margaret also walked Mom through the dressing change one more time. Tracy's wound looks like it is on its way to healing. Margaret was pleased with the progress she saw. She'll be back on Sunday to give Dad an inservice and to check on Tracy. Friday evening, Mom and Robin got Tracy on the mat for her PT and massage. She hasn't been on the mat since before her surgery. She did well. Please say some prayers that the woundvac works its magic fast so Tracy can get back to Outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center ASAP!

Wednesday, August 11, 2004~ Tracy rested well last night and caught up on some well deserved rest today! Jenny and Mom got Tracy bathed and ready for her day. Tracy seemed a little tighter today, most likely due to some post-op discomfort from her procedure yesterday. Mom gave her some Tylenol with codeine to help with the pain. This afternoon, the representative from KCI who makes the woundvac, came by to give Mom an inservice on dressing changes and woundvac maintenance. Mary-Margaret walked Mom through the various steps and they attached her to the pump. This particulat woundvac is called the Freedom, a portable model with a 12-hour battery back-up which allows Tracy to take it with her and not interfere with her therapy. The average treatment duration is about 43 days. This afternoon, Robin, Tracy's PT came by to work with Tracy. She took it easy on Tracy today and ranged her arms and legs in the bed. Tomorrow, Tracy better be ready to get back on the mat and kick some butt in her usual "argh" fashion. Please say some prayers that the woundvac works its magic fast so Tracy can get back to Outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center ASAP!

Tuesday, August 10th, 2004~ Tracy was up all last night. She may have been a little anxious knowing that she was going to National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) this morning for her surgery. Mom, Dad and Tiffany took Tracy bright and early (around 6:00 AM) to the APU (Ambulatory Procedure Unit) for debridement of her bed sore and placement of a Wound V.A.C (Vacuum Assisted Closure) under IV sedation in the Operating Room. Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Buescher, decided that this would be the best course of action to expedite the healing process and hopefully get Tracy back to Outpatient Therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. It is documented that Wound V.A.C.s. can actually cut healing time in half when placed in a clean wound. We were all hoping that this procedure would not be needed, but we will have to accept it as yet another speed bump along Tracy's road to recovery. Will they ever end? This time Dad was right there in the OR with Tracy. He sure looked cute in his big white bunny suite! While at NNMC, Dr. Rullan, a Navy podiatrist, examined Tracy's feet and discussed her options for straightening her feet. This is so important to get Tracy ready to stand up (plantar grade positioning of her feet) with the help of a tilt table or a standing frame. The podiatrist was very positive about getting Tracy's feet and ankles straightened with the help of serial casting and hamstring lengthening. This procedure would also be done in the OR under IV sedation. He explained that three small incisions would be made in each of Tracy's heels, allowing Dr. Rullan to lengthen Tracy's hamstrings and facilitate her getting her feet flat on the ground (dorsiflexion). Then serial casting would be performed. Tracy has responded very well to serial casting of her right knee and also Botox injections in her hamstring. She will have another cast made next week at a much lower angle. She has gained at least 20 degrees of range from the last time she was casted.

Sunday, August 8th, 2004~Tracy slept well again Saturday night. She was sleepy most of the day Sunday too. Sunday morning, Mom and Dad showered and ranged Tracy. Sunday afternoon, Mom and Dad positioned Tracy prone on the balance ball. In this position, Tracy was kneeling on her knees with support of the ball and was able to put weight through her knees and hips. She really likes being on the ball and tolerated 20 minutes! Tracy's GI doctor prescribed a new stomach medicine to help with Tracy's reflux called Don Peridone. It sounds like the expensive bubbly stuff but trust me it isn't. The Zelnorm doesn't seem to be doing the trick. We'll see how this new medicine works. Saturday afternoon, Tracy's good friend Sasha, came over to visit. Mom, Dad, and Sasha took Tracy for a walk on the Mt. Vernon trail. It was beautiful. Friday, Dad and Mom took Tracy to see the Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Buescher, at NNMC (Bethesda). Dr. Buescher decided that she needed to take Tracy to the OR on Tuesday, August 10th, to debride her bedsore and to put in a Wound V.A.C. (vacuum assisted closure) to speed up the healing process. It is documented that Wound V.A.C.S. can actually cut healing time in half when placed in a clean wound. So, the rest of the day was spent doing the necessary preop requirements such as drawing blood, etc. We were all hoping that this procedure would not be needed, but we will have to accept it as yet another speed bump along Tracy's road to recovery. Will they ever end? This time Dad is planning to be in the OR with Tracy. Thursday, Dad and Mom took Tracy to a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon to discuss a plan to get Tracy's feet straightened. The specialist recommended surgical intervention to release Tracy's contractures. Mom and Dad both agreed that this was premature, and they are making plans to see a pediatric orthopedic surgeon who specializes in serial casting of the feet. Tracy has responded very well to serial casting of her right knee and also Botox injections in her hamstring. She will have another cast made next week at a much lower angle. She has gained at least 20 degrees of range from the last time she was casted. Nana is still recovering from total knee replacement (May 24th). She is getting around without any help now and is looking forward to getting her left knee replaced. She had her last hyperbaric oxygen treatment last Wednesday and has another month of IV antibiotics. Please continue to pray for her!

Saturday, August 7th, 2004~Tracy had a good night's sleep Friday night. Saturday morning, Mom and Dad stretched Tracy and got her ready for the day. Tracy's GI doctor prescribed a new stomach medicine to help with Tracy's reflux. The Zelnorm doesn't seem to be doing the trick. We'll see how this new medicine works. This afternoon, Tracy's good friend Sasha, came over to visit. Mom, Dad, and Sasha took Tracy for a walk on the Mt. Vernon trail. It was beautiful. Friday, Dad and Mom took Tracy to see the Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Buescher, at NNMC (Bethesda). Dr. Buescher decided that she needed to take Tracy to the OR on Tuesday, August 10th, to debride her bedsore and to put in a wound vac to speed up the healing process. It is documented that wound vacs can actually cut healing time in half when placed in a clean wound. So, the rest of the day was spent doing the necessary preop requirements such as drawing blood, etc. We were all hoping that this procedure would not be needed, but we will have to accept it as yet another speed bump along Tracy's road to recovery. Will they ever end? This time Dad is planning to be in the OR with Tracy. Friday evening, Tracy had PT with Robin and Mom, Dad, and Robin positioned Tracy prone on the balance ball. In this position, Tracy was kneeling on her knees with support of the ball and was able to put weight through her knees and hips. She really liked being on the ball and tolerated 20 minutes! Thursday, Dad and Mom took Tracy to a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon to discuss a plan to get Tracy's feet straightened. The specialist recommended surgical intervention to release Tracy's contractures. Mom and Dad both agreed that this was premature, and we are making plans to see a pediatric orthopedic surgeon who specializes in serial casting of the feet. Tracy has responded very well to serial casting of her right knee and also Botox injections in her hamstring. She will have another cast made next week at a much lower angle. She has gained at least 20 degrees of range from the last time she was casted. Nana is still recovering from total knee replacement (May 24th). She is getting around without any help now and is looking forward to getting her left knee replaced. She had her last hyperbaric oxygen treatment last Wednesday and has another month of IV antibiotics. Please continue to pray for her

Friday, August 6th, 2004~Tracy did not sleep well Thursday night. Jenny's sister, Zulma, helped Mom with her morning stretching exercises and then they bathed and dressed her. Dad and Mom took Tracy to see the Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Buescher, at NNMC (Bethesda). Dr. Buescher decided that she needed to take Tracy to the OR on Tuesday, August 10th, to debride her bedsore and to put in a wound vac to speed up the healing process. It is documented that wound vacs can actually cut healing time in half when placed in a clean wound. So, the rest of the day was spent doing the necessary preop requirements such as drawing blood, etc. We were all hoping that this procedure would not be needed, but we will have to accept it as yet another speed bump along Tracy's road to recovery. Will they ever end? This time Dad is planning to be in the OR with Tracy. Friday evening, Tracy had PT with Robin and Mom, Dad, and Robin positioned Tracy prone on the balance ball. In this position, Tracy was kneeling on her knees with support of the ball and was able to put weight through her knees and hips. She really liked being on the ball and tolerated 20 minutes! Thursday, Dad and Mom took Tracy to a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon to discuss a plan to get Tracy's feet straightened. The specialist recommended surgical intervention to release Tracy's contractures. Mom and Dad both agreed that this was premature, and we are making plans to see a pediatric orthopedic surgeon who specializes in serial casting of the feet. Tracy has responded very well to serial casting of her right knee and also Botox injections in her hamstring. She will have another cast made next week at a much lower angle. She has gained at least 20 degrees of range from the last time she was casted. Nana is still recovering from total knee replacement (May 24th). She is getting around without any help now and is looking forward to getting her left knee replaced. She had her last hyperbaric oxygen treatment last Wednesday and has another month of IV antibiotics. Please continue to pray for her!

Thursday, August 5th, 2004~Tracy did not sleep well Tuesday night. She had a really great day Wednesday! Very busy! Wednesday morning, Jenny and Mom showered Tracy and got her ready for therapy. Becky, Tracy's OT worked with Tracy this morning. She, Mom, and Jenny got Tracy prone (on her tummy) on the large balance ball. We positioned Tracy in this position on her elbows so she could put weight through her shoulders and arms. Tracy tried really hard and was able to lift her head up in this position and look in the mirror. Becky also got Trace in side lying on the mat and stretched her trunk. She commented on how straight Tracy's torso looked. This evening, Mom and Robin, Tracy's PT, got Tracy in a seated position on the balance ball. She did a good job holding her head up and we also had her looking in the mirror. Robin commented on how well she did with trunk control. Robin also stretched Tracy's legs and feet on the mat. Robin is very pleased with Tracy's range in her feet and legs and feels that the Baclofen is working. Mom fed Tracy about 3 ozs of vanilla pudding today. She is definitely swallowing better than she has in a long time. Tracy also has better control of her mouth and tongue. Wednesday evening, Emil came and gave Tracy a massage. She really enjoyed it and relaxed. Thursday, Dad and Mom have an appointment with a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon to discuss getting Tracy's feet straightened. Friday, they also will take Tracy to see Dr. Buescher, the plastic surgeon at NNMC, to see if Tracy's wound is healing appropriately. If not, Tracy will get her wound debrided in the OR on Monday, August 9th, and Dr. Buescher will put in a wound vac to expedite healing. We'll let you know how that goes. Nana is still recovering from total knee replacement (May 24th). She is getting around without any help now and is looking forward to getting her left knee replaced. She had her last hyperbaric oxygen treatment last Wednesday and has another month of IV antibiotics. Please continue to pray for her!

Tuesday, August 3rd~ Tiffany made it back from Boston/New Hampshire and are we glad to see her! It was pretty dull here at home without her. She had a good time. Thank you Aunt Candy for helping her pack up her school stuff and ship it south. Slowly but surely we are getting all of our stuff back in two or three places. Nothing like the Navy life! Tracy had another good night's sleep. It seems that the Melotonen is helping her reset her clock. They use Melotonen in pilots who are constantly changing time zones and need to quickly adapt. This morning, Jenny and Mom got Tracy through her morning routine in time for Gloria to visit us. She is such a good friend. We are blessed to have her. Liz is away getting her daughter Mary back to FSU. We can't wait for her to get back! We miss her! Becky, Tracy's OT worked with Tracy this morning. She, Mom, Gloria and Jenny got Tracy seated on the large balance ball. Tracy practiced head and trunk control and did a good job! Becky also got Trace in sidelying on the mat and stretched her trunk. She commented on how straight Tracy's torso looked. This evening, Dad and Mom got Tracy supine (on her back) on the large balance ball and stretched her trunk, shoulders, arms, and neck. Tracy did a really good job breathing from her diaphragm. She looked like she enjoyed stretching on the ball. Thursday, Dad and Mom have an appointment with a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon to discuss getting Tracy's feet straightened. Friday, they also will take Tracy to see Dr. Buescher, the plastic surgeon at NNMC, to see if Tracy's wound is healing appropriately. If not, Tracy will get her wound debrided in the OR on Monday, August 9th, and Dr. Buescher will put in a wound vac to expedite healing. Nana is still recovering from total knee replacement (May 24th). She is getting around without any help now and is looking forward to getting her left knee replaced. She had her last hyperbaric oxygen treatment last Wednesday and has another month of IV antibiotics. Please continue to pray for her!

Monday, August 2nd, 2004~ Tiffany is in Boston this weekend where she spent time with her BC room mates celebrating Meghan's bachelorette party on the Cape. She sounds like she had a nice time and enjoyed being with everyone. She is also spending some time with Cousins Candy, Jon and Mike. Jon had his 15th birthday on Sunday, August 1st. Wow! It is hard to believe he is 15! Tracy had a quiet Sunday at home with Mom and Dad. They got Tracy seated on the balance ball and she did a good job holding her head up. Tracy had a massage by Emil who is back from Colorado. He said it was her best session yet, since he started working with her over a year ago. She really loves his massages. Tracy slept well Sunday night, although she was up all night Saturday night. Dad is trying her on Melotonen to see if this helps Tracy with her crazy sleep-wake cycle. They use Melotonen in pilots who are constantly changing time zones and need to quickly adapt. Monday morning, Jenny and Mom performed their daily routine of stretching and bathing Tracy. Jenny is doing a really great job and Tracy really seems to like her. Dad and Mom took Tracy to get her baclofen pump refilled and adjusted and Joy increased the dose to 1050 micrograms per day. Tracy had about 2 ozs of vanilla pudding today and did a really good job getting the pudding back and swallowing. She is moving her tongue a lot better than before. This evening, Dad and Mom got Tracy prone (on her tummy) on a large balance ball and stretched her trunk, shoulders and arms. Then they rolled Tracy back a little so that she was on her knees. This allowed her to put weight through her knees and hips. Tuesday and Wednesday, Tracy will have Occupational Therapy at home with Becky. We'll let you know how that goes. Thursdday, Dad and Mom have an appointment with a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon to discuss getting Tracy's feet straightened. Friday, they also will take Tracy to see Dr. Buescher, the plastic surgeon at NNMC, to see if Tracy's wound is healing appropriately. If not, Tracy will get her wound debrided in the OR on Monday, August 9th, and Dr. Buescher will put in a wound vac to expedite healing. Nana is still recovering from total knee replacement (May 24th). She is getting around without any help now and is looking forward to getting her left knee replaced. She had her last hyperbaric oxygen treatment last Wednesday and has another month of IV antibiotics. Please continue to pray for her!