Toni Times 9-26-10

First, many thanks again for stopping by, leaving such encouraging and helpful comments, and especially for your many prayers.

We are on day three of the second phase treatment - Five days of IVIG - and hoping the introduction of these new antibodies will have a good effect. Toni was very tired and weak, and slept most of the day right up until about three. We managed one brief walk down the hall in the morning and a more lengthy walk at three, this one down to the courtyard on level three where Toni really enjoyed sitting in the fresh air.

She fell asleep down there as well, but only for a short time, and then back to the room. She was starting to 'warm up' a little at that point, and wanted to 'get her lips on', so she managed to get beautified in time for Jeanne Phillips to drop by some very nice chinese food, enough for us all (Claire and Anna had joined us by then). She was especially glad to see her sister, brother, Mom and Dad then walk in. They are in town to check on her and help out for a few days. Its terrific to have them here.

I managed to write some thank you notes to so many of you who have sent so many flowers and gifts, and given so much of your time to help in so many wonderful ways. Cathy Collier will be glad to know that I also found time to sign all the baptism certificates! We missed church very much today, but appreciate the prayers on our behalf. We also enjoyed listening to Bob and Joey Phillips today on their not to be missed 'Dad and Joey Show' on 106.4 - hysterical stuff and their prayers for Toni were deeply appreciated.

The Duperes had Anna at Baylor on Saturday hanging out with Catherine and friends. Apparently, she learned to swing dance to the tunes of Ella Fitzgerald while there. She does have dancin feet!

In summary, Toni seems most weak in the morning and early afternoon and then strengthens later in the afternoon and early evening. She is struggling with occasional low blood pressure and low oxygen levels, but as I observe things, the mobility and strength of her afflicted left side is improving, if only by painfully slow degrees. I left her in the able hands of her sister Kim and took Anna home for a good nights sleep in preparation for school tomorrow. I will be back to the hospital first thing tomorrow and hope that I can report in the evening that we have seen more progress, and - perhaps! - even pass along some more test results that point to a more definitive diagnosis.