On the way to visit Cassie

Friday evening I was on a flight to Charlotte, NC when I passed out. The combination of warm temperatures along with a few hot-flashes were more than I could handle.

I had dressed warm with layers of clothing. I did not take the ice vest. Never, ever did it occur to me that the temperature in the cabin of the plane might be a problem for me.

About an hour into the flight, I started feeling uncomfortably warm. Then I had a couple of hot flashes and started sweating. I turned the cabin air on full blast BUT it was warm air. I started to feel awful so I got up and asked to use the restroom in the front of the plane...

NO WAY - the front of the plane is for 1st class!

The walk to the back of the plane seemed impossible BUT I did not feel well so I turned to walk to the back of the plane. Moments later things became a blur - I could not understand what a man was saying and I could not coordinate or focus my eyes. I was down for the count!

YUP - right there on the plane, I collapsed. Finally, I could stretch out and be comfortable in the over-crowded plane. The next thing I hear :

"Is there a medic on board?"

"Maam, are you traveling with someone?"

"Do you have chest pain?"


"Nooo - I'm too hot" was my reply.

I was thinking - I want to stay on the floor - it's much more comfortable than my seat. And I'm glad my kids aren't with me - how embarrassing.

With a moist cool towel, a bag of ice water on my neck, and some orange juice - I began to feel better. Darn if they didn't make me return to my seat.

Then about a half hour later, I remembered I was wearing my glasses. I called the stewardess, she looked and found them under a seat. They looked as though they had been walked on and will need a major adjustment before they fit on my face correctly - I didn't get to the restroom until I was off the plane in Charlotte.

DO YOU THINK THE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS WOULD HAVE FOLLOWED UP and possibly had an someone go with me as I changed flights in Charlotte? THEY didn't and IT DID NOT OCCUR TO ME TO ASK... Fortunately, I made it to my next flight, which was much more comfortable (less crowded and cooler temps).

Tomorrow, I have to fly USAir to get home. I hope and pray that my flight will be more comfortable. At the very least, I promise you that I will speak up when I don't feel well - and I WILL ask for assistance!

Remember - nothing ever stays the same

I remained strong, adjusted to the changes in my health and was able to support my daughter with the birth of Emma. Developing pneumonia, which exacerbated the Multiple Sclerosis the month prior to going to San Francisco was not good. My daughter remained positive and was glad to have my company even though I slept a lot and we had some problems with my scooter - for mobility - while in SF. God blessed us in so many ways and answered so many prayers.

Through this experience I have learned how truly amazing my friends and family are. Thank you for your kind words, encouragement, and support. Emma's life and health is an answer to many of your prayers. I am so blessed to have these experiences. I feel that she belongs to all of us. Thank you again for your prayers and support.

I am doing better too - walking more and sleeping less. Today, I met with Shari and Karen at Kyrene District Office to discuss work. I am hoping to pick up a couple of evaluations prior to the end of the school year - about 8 hours each week. I feel better just thinking about the possibilities. Also, today I met with a mortgage officer about obtaining a loan for a condo in Scottsdale. With the additional hours - I should qualify.

Things are looking up!

We are home!

Finally, after 34 days in San Franscico we are back in Phoenix. We will let you know when you can see Emma. Her appointment with her pediatrician is this Monday.

I have my follow-up appointment with my neurologist on the 8th. I continue to have significant problems with fatigue, sleeping 10 to 12 hours every day and on ocassion I have slept 16 hours.

About Emma's Shunt

This is part of the shunt that controls the flow of CSF from the
ventricles into her abdominal area. This is placed under her scalp on the right side of her head.

RECOVERY

Miss Emma is in style and well on her way to recovery!

Surgery tomorrow morning

Most of you are aware that Emma is scheduled for surgery this Thursday or Friday at 7:30.

Each day seems to be full of various adventures especially traveling back and forth to the hospital. Today, I made at least 4 trips and had more difficulties. If my scooter didn't stop dead in the middle of the road on the train tracks with the MUNI train coming my direction, I was dropping my cane on the tracks, or my purse in the street, and on one occasion I was not able to get OFF the MUNI train (while I desperately tried to get the chair to go while everyone watched, waited, and asked if my battery died) - No must have been just me... par for today. For some reason I could not get my GO GO scooter to go until after I had turned it off and back on 3 times! After these frustrating and challenging experiences - I went back to the Family House and took a nice long nap.

Amber is exhausted too. We are both back at the Family House and grateful to have a room, bed, and shower. Even though we share with other families, we are finding that this preferred over the hospital chair-bed and no shower.

Please continue to pray for Emma.

All of our days in the past have brought us to today

Emma is 4 days old and recovering from her back surgery. So far, Emma has proven to be very proficient when it comes to nursing.

Amber is doing well. She was released from the hospital but is allowed to stay so she can nurse Emma every 2 - 3 hours.

Emma is being cared for in the Intensive Care Unit. She is going to be scheduled for another surgery this week. She will receive a shunt to reduce the fluid that is building up in her spine and on her brain. She no longer has bowel and bladder control. We hope and pray that when the swelling has gone, she will regain control.

At times my emotions are overwhelming and experiences are beyond any I have ever had. She is so beautiful and tiny. I love little Emma Lou Rose!