Hello everyone,
It seems like it has been forever since I have been on here and updated everyone. I have been busy wiith the hockey season just around the corner and school as well. Plus, I went on a little mini vacation to Key West, Florida. That was very nice and relaxing to say the least.
Well on to updating everyone on how I am doing...I went to see my therapist today and she has definitely noticed some changes in the way I am walking and how I am standing. For me personally, I have definitely noticed some changes myself. I am able to walk without my foot braces on my feet. Right now I am walking with normal sandals on. I noticed that I am also able to walk a few steps briefly, and I noticed that I was not able to do that before. Like I said, I am able to clear my feet from the ground and pick my feet high off the ground without my braces having to assist me so it has been very nice not having to wear those sweaty braces.
So all in all, I am very pleased with what I have seen so far. And improvements can still be possiblle in the future as I am only three weeks out from my last treatment. The doctor in Panama said I should see the most changes in 4-8 weeks. So with that being said, I still have a ways to go before I hit the peak time. So check back here for more updates.
I hope everyone is doing welll. I will talk to everyone soon!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Day 5 Injection of Stem Cells & agenda for tomorrow (Friday which includes coming home)!!!!!
Good evening everyone,
Well, today, we had yet another day of stem cell injections. I had stem cells injected through the spine but they took so many stem cells out of my bone marrow that I was able to get two injections today (one in the spine and one intravenously, which was bonus). They both went very well and I currently do not have any headaches which is wonderful!
I am so happy to be on my last day of injections. Not only that, but tomorrow we get to come back to Corpus Christi, yay!!!!! I cannot wait to get home so I can see my family and friends. I may not even know what that city looks like anymore; I've been gone for so long. LOL! The thing that really sucks is for our last meal in Panama, well, how do I say this, it was just plain AWFUL! But oh well. If we come back to Panama for more stem cell injections, we will know not to go back to that place.
On to the agenda for tomorrow...Tomorrow, as I have mentioned above, will be the last stem cell treatment. It will be given intravenously. I will have a video of the last injection posted for everyone to see when I get to Corpus Christi either tomorrow night or Saturday. So check back here for it to be posted. Now as far as when I get back home, they told me to do Physical Therapy at least two to three times a week so rest assured I will be doing that. They also told me that I should start noticing results in 4-8 weeks.
That is it for now. Below are two sets of videos of today's injections. I miss everyone and can't wait to see you guys in 24 hours. Until next time back in Corpus Christi, so long everybody!
Well, today, we had yet another day of stem cell injections. I had stem cells injected through the spine but they took so many stem cells out of my bone marrow that I was able to get two injections today (one in the spine and one intravenously, which was bonus). They both went very well and I currently do not have any headaches which is wonderful!
I am so happy to be on my last day of injections. Not only that, but tomorrow we get to come back to Corpus Christi, yay!!!!! I cannot wait to get home so I can see my family and friends. I may not even know what that city looks like anymore; I've been gone for so long. LOL! The thing that really sucks is for our last meal in Panama, well, how do I say this, it was just plain AWFUL! But oh well. If we come back to Panama for more stem cell injections, we will know not to go back to that place.
On to the agenda for tomorrow...Tomorrow, as I have mentioned above, will be the last stem cell treatment. It will be given intravenously. I will have a video of the last injection posted for everyone to see when I get to Corpus Christi either tomorrow night or Saturday. So check back here for it to be posted. Now as far as when I get back home, they told me to do Physical Therapy at least two to three times a week so rest assured I will be doing that. They also told me that I should start noticing results in 4-8 weeks.
That is it for now. Below are two sets of videos of today's injections. I miss everyone and can't wait to see you guys in 24 hours. Until next time back in Corpus Christi, so long everybody!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Day 4 Injection of Stem Cells & agenda for tomorrow (Thursday)...
Hello everyone,
Today, the stem cells were injected intravenously (IV). There was a difference today though. Today's procedure took longer than last time because they injected umbilical cord stem cells (stem cells from a donor), plus my own stem cells that came from my bone marrow. The umbilical cord stem cells were in a little syringe like last time but the bone marrow stem cells were in a huge, round syringe. It was quite interesting. The whole procedure took about ten minutes and again, it was painless and no headaches after.
On to tomorrow...I have another stem cell injection tomorrow. This time the stem cells are going to be injected through the spine. As always, I will have a video of tomorrow's procedure to show everyone.
Below are two videos of today's procedure. Until next time, take care and goodbye!
Today, the stem cells were injected intravenously (IV). There was a difference today though. Today's procedure took longer than last time because they injected umbilical cord stem cells (stem cells from a donor), plus my own stem cells that came from my bone marrow. The umbilical cord stem cells were in a little syringe like last time but the bone marrow stem cells were in a huge, round syringe. It was quite interesting. The whole procedure took about ten minutes and again, it was painless and no headaches after.
On to tomorrow...I have another stem cell injection tomorrow. This time the stem cells are going to be injected through the spine. As always, I will have a video of tomorrow's procedure to show everyone.
Below are two videos of today's procedure. Until next time, take care and goodbye!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Day 3 Injection of Stem Cells & agenda for tomorrow (Wednesday)...
Hello everyone,
Today was a very easy day. The doctor injected my stem cells intravenously (IV). That means I did not have to come back to the hotel room and immediately lay down for three hours. The injection process was dramatically shorter than the past two. It only took two to three minutes to inject the stem cells in my body. This time, I did not freak out before they did the injection and of course this time, they did not have to deaden the area. So with that being said, I was at much ease this go around! I could resume normal activities right after the treatment was over. I was feeling so good that I even shopped a little bit after I had the injection.
I feel like I have already seen somewhat of an impact with the stem cells (although the doctors have said that I would not notice any change until 4-8 weeks after my last injection). I feel like my hamstrings and my abductors are much looser. Other than that, I have not seen any other change. Like I have said before, we will see what happens down the road.
Tomorrow, I will have the same procedure as I did today. They will do another stem cell injection intravenously (IV). I will again have another video of tomorrow's procedure to show everyone.
I miss dearly all my family and friends and cannot wait to see everyone. Only three more days left and I will be back in Corpus Christi! Home sweet home! :)
Below is a video of today's procedure. Until next time, have a good one!
Today was a very easy day. The doctor injected my stem cells intravenously (IV). That means I did not have to come back to the hotel room and immediately lay down for three hours. The injection process was dramatically shorter than the past two. It only took two to three minutes to inject the stem cells in my body. This time, I did not freak out before they did the injection and of course this time, they did not have to deaden the area. So with that being said, I was at much ease this go around! I could resume normal activities right after the treatment was over. I was feeling so good that I even shopped a little bit after I had the injection.
I feel like I have already seen somewhat of an impact with the stem cells (although the doctors have said that I would not notice any change until 4-8 weeks after my last injection). I feel like my hamstrings and my abductors are much looser. Other than that, I have not seen any other change. Like I have said before, we will see what happens down the road.
Tomorrow, I will have the same procedure as I did today. They will do another stem cell injection intravenously (IV). I will again have another video of tomorrow's procedure to show everyone.
I miss dearly all my family and friends and cannot wait to see everyone. Only three more days left and I will be back in Corpus Christi! Home sweet home! :)
Below is a video of today's procedure. Until next time, have a good one!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Day 2 Injection of Stem Cells and the agenda for tomorrow (Tuesday)...
Hello everyone,
Everyone will be glad to know that I am not in any pain after my second injection (which was in the spine). The total procedure lasted about 10 minutes. The doctors actually injecting the stem cells into my body lasted about three minutes. It was not painful at all, although I was nervous and freaking out that it was going to hurt but as usual, it did not. The trick to me not having a headache was a soon as we got back to the hotel room, I took a pain pill. That is what I should have done after Friday's injection, but I did not. But all is well after today's injection, and I am in a great mood.
Tomorrow, I will have yet another stem cell injection. This time, they are going to inject the stem cells intravenously (IV). It is going to be the same routine, just injected in a different place. I will have a video of that procedure to show everyone tomorrow.
For dinner tonight, we met the Nolan's (also from Corpus Christi). They brought their daughter up here to get stem cell injections as well. We had a nice dinner and chat with them. It was good to see them. I have not seen them in forever and it was cool to catch up with them.
That is it for now. Below, there is a set of two videos of today's procedure. Until next time, take care everyone!
Everyone will be glad to know that I am not in any pain after my second injection (which was in the spine). The total procedure lasted about 10 minutes. The doctors actually injecting the stem cells into my body lasted about three minutes. It was not painful at all, although I was nervous and freaking out that it was going to hurt but as usual, it did not. The trick to me not having a headache was a soon as we got back to the hotel room, I took a pain pill. That is what I should have done after Friday's injection, but I did not. But all is well after today's injection, and I am in a great mood.
Tomorrow, I will have yet another stem cell injection. This time, they are going to inject the stem cells intravenously (IV). It is going to be the same routine, just injected in a different place. I will have a video of that procedure to show everyone tomorrow.
For dinner tonight, we met the Nolan's (also from Corpus Christi). They brought their daughter up here to get stem cell injections as well. We had a nice dinner and chat with them. It was good to see them. I have not seen them in forever and it was cool to catch up with them.
That is it for now. Below, there is a set of two videos of today's procedure. Until next time, take care everyone!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Agenda for tomorrow (Monday)!
Hello everyone,
Just wanted to say hello to everyone and give an update to what is going to happen tomorrow. Tomorrow at 2:30 PM Central Daylight Time, I am going to have another stem cell treatment. The treatment will be in the same area as last time (which is the spine). I will try to update everyone as to how I am doing after tomorrow's procedure as soon as I can. It will depend on how I am feeling. As probably many of you may recall, I did not update the blog with Friday's procedure until the next day because I was in so much pain. So it all depends on how much pain I am in, but I will try to shoot for updating the blog tomorrow night. I will also have a video of tomorrow's procedure as well for everyone to view.
As for everything else, I have not really done a whole lot of anything. Each day, I just go eat lunch and come back to the hotel room (except for the day we went to the Panama Canal). Then at night, I go eat dinner and go back to the hotel room. It is not really nice here because it rains everyday. I just learned that it rains 9 months out of a year in Panama. So there really is not a whole lot of sun at this time of year. It is mostly overcast and ugly. I also learned from our tour driver the day we went to the Panama Canal, that Panama's summer months are between December and March...interesting!
That is all I have for now. Until next time, so long everybody!
Just wanted to say hello to everyone and give an update to what is going to happen tomorrow. Tomorrow at 2:30 PM Central Daylight Time, I am going to have another stem cell treatment. The treatment will be in the same area as last time (which is the spine). I will try to update everyone as to how I am doing after tomorrow's procedure as soon as I can. It will depend on how I am feeling. As probably many of you may recall, I did not update the blog with Friday's procedure until the next day because I was in so much pain. So it all depends on how much pain I am in, but I will try to shoot for updating the blog tomorrow night. I will also have a video of tomorrow's procedure as well for everyone to view.
As for everything else, I have not really done a whole lot of anything. Each day, I just go eat lunch and come back to the hotel room (except for the day we went to the Panama Canal). Then at night, I go eat dinner and go back to the hotel room. It is not really nice here because it rains everyday. I just learned that it rains 9 months out of a year in Panama. So there really is not a whole lot of sun at this time of year. It is mostly overcast and ugly. I also learned from our tour driver the day we went to the Panama Canal, that Panama's summer months are between December and March...interesting!
That is all I have for now. Until next time, so long everybody!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Day 1 Injection of Stem Cells...
Hello everyone,
Sorry that I have not updated the blog sooner, but I had a rough night and a rough morning. After the stem cell injection in the spine yesterday, I had a throbbing headache that almost made me throw up and soreness in my back. I was not doing well. That is why it has taken me so long to update this, but do not worry, I am still alive and doing much better this afternoon.
The stem cell injection procedure took about 20 minutes from the beginning to the end. The doctors first had to inject a local anesthetic to deaden the spot where they were going to inject the stem cells in my spine. Then after they did that, they injected the stem cells (which looked like a clear liquid). It took about 4-5 minutes to inject the stem cells in my body. After the procedure was done, I was able to go back to the hotel room. I was given strict instructions to lay flat on my back for 3-4 hours and drink about 4-5 regular size bottles of water. At about 9:00 last night is when things started to get a little hairy. My back started to get real sore and my head started hurting so bad to where I could not even move. It was not good. Needless to say, I am all better now.
I am uploading a video of the stem cell injection on Facebook right now. I am uploading it on Facebook because the video file is too big to publish on this blog. The link is to watch the video is: http://www.facebook.com/cassidyl1#!/video/video.php?v=412126038207&ref=mf. Or for people who do not have a Facebook can view it below.
Hope everyone doing is doing well and know that I truly miss everyone. I can't wait to be back in the states! I am counting down. See everyone soon.
Until next time, so long everybody!
Sorry that I have not updated the blog sooner, but I had a rough night and a rough morning. After the stem cell injection in the spine yesterday, I had a throbbing headache that almost made me throw up and soreness in my back. I was not doing well. That is why it has taken me so long to update this, but do not worry, I am still alive and doing much better this afternoon.
The stem cell injection procedure took about 20 minutes from the beginning to the end. The doctors first had to inject a local anesthetic to deaden the spot where they were going to inject the stem cells in my spine. Then after they did that, they injected the stem cells (which looked like a clear liquid). It took about 4-5 minutes to inject the stem cells in my body. After the procedure was done, I was able to go back to the hotel room. I was given strict instructions to lay flat on my back for 3-4 hours and drink about 4-5 regular size bottles of water. At about 9:00 last night is when things started to get a little hairy. My back started to get real sore and my head started hurting so bad to where I could not even move. It was not good. Needless to say, I am all better now.
I am uploading a video of the stem cell injection on Facebook right now. I am uploading it on Facebook because the video file is too big to publish on this blog. The link is to watch the video is: http://www.facebook.com/cassidyl1#!/video/video.php?v=412126038207&ref=mf. Or for people who do not have a Facebook can view it below.
Hope everyone doing is doing well and know that I truly miss everyone. I can't wait to be back in the states! I am counting down. See everyone soon.
Until next time, so long everybody!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Panama Canal & agenda for tomorrow (Friday)...
Hello everyone,
On my day off, Mom and I went to the Panama Canal today. To say the least, it was very interesting. There is sure a lot of history behind it that I had no clue about. The pictures from the Panama Canal are below. We saw a ship passing through the canal as we were getting ready to leave. That was an awesome and amazing site to see. While the ship was passing, we got to see where the crew stays on the ship while they are working. It is just absolutely unreal. Take a good look at the pictures that are below.
Tomorrow is going to be my first injection of stem cells. They are going to inject them through the spine. The injection should take about 35 minutes. I will post a short video of the procedure tomorrow.
Until tomorrow, so long everybody!
The ship they used to dig up the rocks when they were building the canal
On my day off, Mom and I went to the Panama Canal today. To say the least, it was very interesting. There is sure a lot of history behind it that I had no clue about. The pictures from the Panama Canal are below. We saw a ship passing through the canal as we were getting ready to leave. That was an awesome and amazing site to see. While the ship was passing, we got to see where the crew stays on the ship while they are working. It is just absolutely unreal. Take a good look at the pictures that are below.
Tomorrow is going to be my first injection of stem cells. They are going to inject them through the spine. The injection should take about 35 minutes. I will post a short video of the procedure tomorrow.
Until tomorrow, so long everybody!
The ship they used to dig up the rocks when they were building the canal
The Panama Canal
Ship Passing through the Panama Canal
Another picture of the Panama Canal
Where the crew on the ship stay while onboard
The canal administration building
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Bone Marrow Extraction Procedure!
Hello everyone,
Yesterday, I had the bone marrow extraction procedure done. At first, I was a bit nervous because I did not know how sterile the practice and the hospital was but suprisingly enough, the hospital was very sterile and they took very good care of before and during the surgery. I was in the operating room for about 30 minutes. After the procedure, they took me to a recovery room where I was in there for around another 30 minutes. Then, I got to go home. I thought I was going to be in pain after the procedure, but oddly enough, I am not. I am not the least one bit sore. I am able to move around and function normally like I would on an everyday basis. The procedure overall went very well, and I have no complaints.
Today and tomorrow, I have nothing to do stem cell procedure wise, so Mom wants to go to the Panama Canal one of those days if I feel up to going. If we do end up going, I will post pictures up on the blog for everyone to see. If not, you will probably not be seeing me blog until Thursday night to let everyone know what they are going to do Friday (which is the first day of the stem cell injection which is going to be through my spine). The reason I have off today and tomorrow is because The Stem Cell Institute has to seperate my stem cells from bone marrow then, they will mix it with my blood.
The videos of today's procedure (the bone marrow extraction) can be viewed below. Beware the videos may be a little graphic. Until next time, so long!
Yesterday, I had the bone marrow extraction procedure done. At first, I was a bit nervous because I did not know how sterile the practice and the hospital was but suprisingly enough, the hospital was very sterile and they took very good care of before and during the surgery. I was in the operating room for about 30 minutes. After the procedure, they took me to a recovery room where I was in there for around another 30 minutes. Then, I got to go home. I thought I was going to be in pain after the procedure, but oddly enough, I am not. I am not the least one bit sore. I am able to move around and function normally like I would on an everyday basis. The procedure overall went very well, and I have no complaints.
Today and tomorrow, I have nothing to do stem cell procedure wise, so Mom wants to go to the Panama Canal one of those days if I feel up to going. If we do end up going, I will post pictures up on the blog for everyone to see. If not, you will probably not be seeing me blog until Thursday night to let everyone know what they are going to do Friday (which is the first day of the stem cell injection which is going to be through my spine). The reason I have off today and tomorrow is because The Stem Cell Institute has to seperate my stem cells from bone marrow then, they will mix it with my blood.
The videos of today's procedure (the bone marrow extraction) can be viewed below. Beware the videos may be a little graphic. Until next time, so long!
Monday, July 19, 2010
On to the bone marrow extraction...
Hello All,
Tomorrow morning at about 11:00 AM Central Standard Time, the Stem Cell Institute in Panama City is going to take me into surgery to take my extract my bone marrow for the harvesting of my stem cells. The procedure will only take about five minutes, but they are going to put me to sleep. Today, the doctors said I will only be asleep for about 20 minutes. Then, once I wake up, they are going to keep me in a recovery room for about one hour. After that, I will be able to go back to my hotel room. That pretty much sums up what they are going to do tomorrow. I am sure I will be sore after the procedure, who knows. But one thing is for sure, I will update everyone as to how I am doing tomorrow.
Also, check back on my blog tomorrow as the doctor's assistant will be videotaping the procedure tomorrow for me so I can post it on here. So be sure to check back here tomorrow to see the procedure. That is it for now.
Goodbye and good night everyone!
Tomorrow morning at about 11:00 AM Central Standard Time, the Stem Cell Institute in Panama City is going to take me into surgery to take my extract my bone marrow for the harvesting of my stem cells. The procedure will only take about five minutes, but they are going to put me to sleep. Today, the doctors said I will only be asleep for about 20 minutes. Then, once I wake up, they are going to keep me in a recovery room for about one hour. After that, I will be able to go back to my hotel room. That pretty much sums up what they are going to do tomorrow. I am sure I will be sore after the procedure, who knows. But one thing is for sure, I will update everyone as to how I am doing tomorrow.
Also, check back on my blog tomorrow as the doctor's assistant will be videotaping the procedure tomorrow for me so I can post it on here. So be sure to check back here tomorrow to see the procedure. That is it for now.
Goodbye and good night everyone!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
The day before the procedure starts...
Hello everyone,
We arrived in Panama City (south of Corpus Christi in Central America) earlier this afternoon. To say the least, it has been a culture shock for me. Citizens down here barely speak any english, so with that being said, I do not know how I am going to get through the next 12 days. But, one good thing is, they have a few American Restaurants here. We just got through eating at Tony Romas. It was very, very good. The coming days will be very interesting.
Now on to what is on the agenda for tomorrow.
The Stem Cell Institute is going to take blood work and evaluate me. That is the only thing they are going to do tomorrow. Now, Tuesday is a different story. On that day, they are going harvest my bone marrow for the stem cells.
That is all I have for now. I miss all my family and friends already and can't wait to see everyone when I get back. Check back for more updates. Hope everyone is doing superb!
We arrived in Panama City (south of Corpus Christi in Central America) earlier this afternoon. To say the least, it has been a culture shock for me. Citizens down here barely speak any english, so with that being said, I do not know how I am going to get through the next 12 days. But, one good thing is, they have a few American Restaurants here. We just got through eating at Tony Romas. It was very, very good. The coming days will be very interesting.
Now on to what is on the agenda for tomorrow.
The Stem Cell Institute is going to take blood work and evaluate me. That is the only thing they are going to do tomorrow. Now, Tuesday is a different story. On that day, they are going harvest my bone marrow for the stem cells.
That is all I have for now. I miss all my family and friends already and can't wait to see everyone when I get back. Check back for more updates. Hope everyone is doing superb!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Seven Days Out!
Hello everyone,
I created this blog to let my family and friends know how I am doing while I am in Panama getting this life changing procedure done. I have talked to a local businessman that had it done for his arthritis in his hand, and after two weeks of injections, he does not have arthritis anymore. So with that being said, I hope I have the same fate. I know it is not a cure for my ceberal palsy, I am just hoping that I will be able to walk without canes (or with one cane) after the procedure.
I will be there for a total of two weeks (July 18th-July 30th). I will let everyone know how I am doing and what all they are doing procedure wise along the way so be sure and check back on this website. Thanks!
I created this blog to let my family and friends know how I am doing while I am in Panama getting this life changing procedure done. I have talked to a local businessman that had it done for his arthritis in his hand, and after two weeks of injections, he does not have arthritis anymore. So with that being said, I hope I have the same fate. I know it is not a cure for my ceberal palsy, I am just hoping that I will be able to walk without canes (or with one cane) after the procedure.
I will be there for a total of two weeks (July 18th-July 30th). I will let everyone know how I am doing and what all they are doing procedure wise along the way so be sure and check back on this website. Thanks!
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