Stable but weak

It feels like life has stabilized a bit for us. Rhonda is experiencing only mild stomach problems and head pressure. The main change from this second emergence of the syndrom is that she is now much weaker--even weaker than when she first went into the hospital. Currently, she uses a walker and tries to get up at least every hour to walk around the room. Still, a stroll to the kitchen is exhausting. Hearing the boys' fights is even worse (which makes dad glad the weather is getting cooler--more outside play is coming).

We did make it to the neurologists office yesterday. They thought that she should try a short dose of steroids to try and reduce the inflammation caused by the immune system's attack on the nerves. She started those this morning. Although one friend joked that they would give her more energy and strength we haven't seen it. Emotionally, as one can expect, this second round has emotionally been more difficult. The kids do not always seem so understanding and Rhonda feels helpless. Still, she's reading and listening to music to keep her spirit up and fed. We joked tonight that she now has what every mom dreams about--meals brought every week night and time to read, meditate and listen to music. However, I don't think she would recommend GB as a path to fulfilling those desires to anyone.

Thanks again for all the wonderful help. Due to aid of friends we've had so many of our needs met. Thank you. About the only major pressing need we find right now is what to do with Cody on Thursdays. I'm at least trying to do a little of the research I'm supposed to do this semester during my sabbatical--around four to five hours a day--while still taking care of the boys and Rhonda. Right now, I'm able to do some things from home and still be there for Rhonda, but with either of the boys around I find writing and reading virtually impossible (no surprise). Cody is doing well with two days of preschool and going over to friends houses to play on other days, so we're trying to stick with those options for now since his world has already been turned around a bit.