I think we have the staples all packed. We fly out tomorrow afternoon for yet another round of stem cells. This time I'm taking my daughter Sabine and Mum and will be hiring a carer in Delhi, her name is Nora and we've spoken over the phone a few times, so hopefully it goes smoothly. We are staying 4 weeks.
For the first time I'm actually stuck for words, I've retreated into my emotional cave in anticipation for what is install before me. Think my spirit is tired before I've even begun this round.
Theres a song by a Nickelback called 'If today was your last day' I really like the words...'whats worth the price is always worth the fight'....
I'll keep you updated as I go. Thank you to those who have continued to send positive emails, text messages and phone calls over the last 3 months since my last trip, I know life gets busy for everyone and your thoughts are appreciated.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Ride with Cameron Meyer - World Cycling Champion - Fundraiser
RIDE WITH CAMERON MEYER
WORLD CYCLING CHAMPION
The Perth Integrated Health Clinic-Cycling Club is proud to be associated with Cameron Meyer, current World Cycling Champion as part of his clinical team assisting him in his preparations for the world title in 2010.
Cameron who is also on the professional circuit with Team Garmin Slipstream, one of the premier cycling teams in the world has kindly consented to be the lead rider for PIHC special Ride with Cameron Meyer and Help Claire Anderson Project.
Come and join us for a social ride with Cameron Meyer. Details are as follows:
Date: 19 September 2009, Saturday.
Time: Assemble time: 100 pm meet and greet with ride time at 130pm. Completion time estimated at: 400pm
Location: Point Walter Car Park (specifics will be emailed to those attending)
Distance: social ride for approximately 45 km primarily along the Great Perth Bike Ride Route.
Categories: Cameron has kindly consented to ride with everyone and we are dividing people into 3 categories to best suit their riding speeds:
Category A: 30 km per hour or more
Category B: 25 to 29 km per hour
Category C: less than 24 hours per hour
Category C will take off first with Cameron, followed by Category B and then Category A. Cameron will ride with each Category in this non race social ride.
We are limiting this ride to a maximum of 80 riders on a first sign up basis. This email cannot be on transmitted and only those invited via email can sign up.
Raise Funds for Claire Anderson
This social ride also has a purpose and that is to assist Claire Anderson who suffers from Muscular Dystrophy achieve her dream of gaining greater muscular function and control through stem cell therapy in India.
PIHC thanks Cameron Meyer for his continued generosity in assisting us in this special fund raising project for Claire Anderson.
Claire is a patient of Ian Wee, Director PIHC and she is also a fellow parent with both their daughters studying at the Perth Montessori School.
Ian hopes that his fellow cyclists and friends will help PIHC raise funds for Claire to fulfil her desire for greater function and independence.
Please read about Claire and her need for your assistance with the attached PDF documents in this email.
All riders who are to participate in this social ride event – entitled Ride with Cameron Meyer and Help Claire Anderson Project– will be asked to donate a minimal amount of $10 either in cash on the day or via EFTPOS.
PIHC staff will be on hand from 1200 noon to collect your donations. This time will also be an opportunity for everyone to meet both Cameron and Claire.
Please confirm your participation by emailing to: Ian Wee Director PIHC at: ianwee@pihc.com.au by the 16 Sep 2009. Please leave your name, contact email, contact number and your ride category with Ian Wee via email only. Specific course details and waiver of liability will be sent by email to those who confirm attendance. Those who cannot attend but wish to still donate can do so by contacting us on 9240 5266 and contributing over the phone. Please mention: Project Cameron-Claire when calling. With thanks – Ian Wee PIHC Director.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Did someone say cheeks!!!
Well its official, I had my cheeks injected yesterday...which cheeks I hear you ask? In fact I've had both cheeks injected with the same solution, I wonder if that means when I'm up walking if people will know if I'm coming or going!! Cause most of the time in India we never quite sure who's coming or going. Having my face injected is certainly an experience, the nurse put some numbing gel on first but Dr Ashish was doing his rounds and it wore off so Gaye buzzed the nurse to put on more, it actually didn't help much. The face has so many nerves its really sensitive, it really made my toes curl! It felt like wasp stings. But its done now and lets see what changes occur over the next 6 weeks or so. Actually yesterday was full on with 2 in my face, 1 in my arm, each thigh injected and finally 1 large dose in my veins (which the 5 nurses standing around me at the time hate giving to me, I said to one nurse I bet you'll be glad to see me go, she said yes without hesitating!)
Monday I had my last procedure where Dr Ashish did a deep muscle injection, he goes in close to the spine and its amazing how I can feel the solution running along my spine and then into my right hip, then he injected the left side and i could feel the same sensation into my left hip, its like a cold pressure running along your spine and into the area where it settles.
Its hard to believe 5 weeks has come to an end, I fly out early Friday morning. Dad and Gaye have pulled through and feeling better. They are not the only ones here who have been sick, its common, touch wood I haven't been sick!!
I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon on the 26th August, hopefully I can have surgery soon after that and be ready to come back here in November.
Even though I'm looking forward to coming home there is always a sadness to leave the people I've bonded with, my heart has 2 homes. This time around there have been a lot of couples here and its been so lovely to experience there unconditional love for each other. I met a lady from the States who was in a car accident, she was hit by a drunk driver killing her sister and breaking her neck, she had been married 1 month. When the psychologist came to see her he said that she needed to give her husband the choice to leave. Can you imagine losing your sister, breaking your neck and then giving your husband the option to leave! But she did give him this option and he said no, they've been married 9 years. I could tell you more stories of love over coming tragedy or they met after the accident and I realised something, it doesn't matter what relationship you are in, if you have a disability or not...problems don't leave...people do.
The role that the carer plays here is vital to our treatment and not always easy for them. I found a poem by Elizabeth Kubler Ross which is for the patients who come here with hope in there hearts, the carers (my carers past and present) who cheer us on and for those at home who don't realise how important it is for us to hear from you, and for looking after my precious angel Sabine, I couldn't come all this way if I didn't know she was ok (thanks Mum and John...oh I believe I'm coming home to Sabine doing tap dancing lessons, I have floor boards at home and its never going to be the same again, thanks Michelle for buying her the shoes and Jess for taking her to lessons!!) Gaye and Dad are real troopers sticking this out for me, love you both, sorry I tried to kill you!! :-)
The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known struggle, known loss and have found there way out of their depths. These persons have an appreciation, sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen. Elizabeth Kubler Ross 1926 - 2004
Gaye has gone to the markets to pick up some last minute things and Dad is out doing a coffee run.
Thank you again for continuing to support me and I look forward to seeing some of you on Wednesday night at my fundraiser, the plays are brilliant, it will be a great night.
Monday I had my last procedure where Dr Ashish did a deep muscle injection, he goes in close to the spine and its amazing how I can feel the solution running along my spine and then into my right hip, then he injected the left side and i could feel the same sensation into my left hip, its like a cold pressure running along your spine and into the area where it settles.
Its hard to believe 5 weeks has come to an end, I fly out early Friday morning. Dad and Gaye have pulled through and feeling better. They are not the only ones here who have been sick, its common, touch wood I haven't been sick!!
I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon on the 26th August, hopefully I can have surgery soon after that and be ready to come back here in November.
Even though I'm looking forward to coming home there is always a sadness to leave the people I've bonded with, my heart has 2 homes. This time around there have been a lot of couples here and its been so lovely to experience there unconditional love for each other. I met a lady from the States who was in a car accident, she was hit by a drunk driver killing her sister and breaking her neck, she had been married 1 month. When the psychologist came to see her he said that she needed to give her husband the choice to leave. Can you imagine losing your sister, breaking your neck and then giving your husband the option to leave! But she did give him this option and he said no, they've been married 9 years. I could tell you more stories of love over coming tragedy or they met after the accident and I realised something, it doesn't matter what relationship you are in, if you have a disability or not...problems don't leave...people do.
The role that the carer plays here is vital to our treatment and not always easy for them. I found a poem by Elizabeth Kubler Ross which is for the patients who come here with hope in there hearts, the carers (my carers past and present) who cheer us on and for those at home who don't realise how important it is for us to hear from you, and for looking after my precious angel Sabine, I couldn't come all this way if I didn't know she was ok (thanks Mum and John...oh I believe I'm coming home to Sabine doing tap dancing lessons, I have floor boards at home and its never going to be the same again, thanks Michelle for buying her the shoes and Jess for taking her to lessons!!) Gaye and Dad are real troopers sticking this out for me, love you both, sorry I tried to kill you!! :-)
The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known struggle, known loss and have found there way out of their depths. These persons have an appreciation, sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen. Elizabeth Kubler Ross 1926 - 2004
Gaye has gone to the markets to pick up some last minute things and Dad is out doing a coffee run.
Thank you again for continuing to support me and I look forward to seeing some of you on Wednesday night at my fundraiser, the plays are brilliant, it will be a great night.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Photos
Dr Su Deep giving me injections in my shoulders before tying me up for an hour. The t-shirt i'm wearing was a gift from a patient here.
I'm just tied up at the moment!!
Friends in our room
Lunch at Spaghettis :-)
Who's gonna walk Claire??
Its the question of the day, whos going to walk Claire? Last week after Gaye recovered from Delhi belly she was hit with a flu and sinus infection, took her a couple of days to revover with a fever and sweats. Then Dad came down with it, its taken him even longer to recover as he's had a high temperature and his blood pressure has been up. So its been a bit of a toss up as to which one of them has the strength or energy to stand me up. Gayes hurt her back so Dad does it but the poor guy was so weak, I was really worried about him. His temperature has finally broken today and he's feeling better but is still fatigued. Gaye went for a massage today which has helped her pain...OMG I'm killing them!!! It really has been hard for them, hopefully by the time we are ready to fly they will feel better.
When I go to physio one of the male physiotherapists helps me to stand so I can get on the bed, its a technique they use for spinal cord patients where they grab the back of there pants and lift them up, lets just say this took me by surprise!!!I had an image of bart simpson with his undies pulled up over the back of his head! So the next day I made it quite clear that this technique didn't work for me, the male physio laughed but followed my instructions. Physiotherapy is going quite well, I'm improving slightly, particularly my right leg which was always the more dominant. I almost slipped over walking at the beginning of the week as the floors are very shiny and slippery. Since then I've lost a bit of confidence and make Shivani hold my frame, when she does I feel more confident to take a bigger step, especially with my left foot, which I use to drag a bit, but now I take a more controlled step, not perfect but its a little better
Dr Geeta decided to inject my deltoids muscle to encourage growth. So on Tuesday Dr Sud Deep injected large doeses of cells then instructed that I have my arms in slings, the nurse put the sling around my neck and crossed my wrists at the front, but this didn't help because the aim was to push my arms up into my shoulders so the bones are sitting correctly which will take pressure off the deltoids muscles, nerves and tendons. In the end Dad and Gaye made a sling, Gaye held my arm in place and Dad banged from my elbow up to my shoulder, on both sides! I couldn't do anything for an hour. I'm meant to do this three times per day, but it pulls on my neck, so I figured out that if I lay flat on my back my arms will sit correctly in my shoulders. On Friday I had the same injections again into the deltoids muscles, so hopefully this will encourage growth over the next few months, and surgery too will relieve the pressure, but one at a time! I had another IV on Thursday and slept for a few hours as my body ached. Generally I have 2 injections in the morning where they inject a large amount into my vein and then 1 intra muscular injection, at night I just have 1 intra muscular. I haven't had any more in my face yet but I'm going to ask Dr Ashish on Monday to inject my cheeks before I leave, I have a procedure on Monday but I don't know what its is! Thats just the surprise of India, you just never know what procedure your going to have, when dinner is going to come, when is the taxi coming and does he know where he's going and will the lift be working! Talking of lifts working, Dad and I got stuck the other day, we got in started to move and the power went off, you have no idea how dark and hot a life can be. I told Dad to pull open the doors and yell for help, which he did, nothing happened. We were stuck between floors so Dad had to yell up wards which he did a couple of more times before we heard the familiar flip flop sound of the nurse coming, she didn't know where the sound was coming from, so Dad yelled, down here..oooooh! She called the ward boy who ran up stairs and we could hear tinkering, the power came on, so we had light but still no movement. A few minutes later we moved and went to the basement as the doors opened I told Dad to get out and go up stairs to the reception area and wait there with Gaye, no point in both of us being in there. I waited a few more minutes then went back into the lift with the ward boy and to my delight we went to the correct floor. The whole ordeal was probably only 15 minutes but in the dark and heat it feels much longer. You've just got to laugh...what else can you do! I think its the friends that you make which helps your sanity as we are all feeling the same emotional highs and lows. Its Saturday night which means pizza night, I wasn't too keen at first but Jarrad said ..'they also sell cake'!! He's an Aussie boy with the cheekiest grin who's room I visit to harass him and his Dad frequently...so that changed everything for me, looks like pizza, cake and poker tonight!
When I go to physio one of the male physiotherapists helps me to stand so I can get on the bed, its a technique they use for spinal cord patients where they grab the back of there pants and lift them up, lets just say this took me by surprise!!!I had an image of bart simpson with his undies pulled up over the back of his head! So the next day I made it quite clear that this technique didn't work for me, the male physio laughed but followed my instructions. Physiotherapy is going quite well, I'm improving slightly, particularly my right leg which was always the more dominant. I almost slipped over walking at the beginning of the week as the floors are very shiny and slippery. Since then I've lost a bit of confidence and make Shivani hold my frame, when she does I feel more confident to take a bigger step, especially with my left foot, which I use to drag a bit, but now I take a more controlled step, not perfect but its a little better
Dr Geeta decided to inject my deltoids muscle to encourage growth. So on Tuesday Dr Sud Deep injected large doeses of cells then instructed that I have my arms in slings, the nurse put the sling around my neck and crossed my wrists at the front, but this didn't help because the aim was to push my arms up into my shoulders so the bones are sitting correctly which will take pressure off the deltoids muscles, nerves and tendons. In the end Dad and Gaye made a sling, Gaye held my arm in place and Dad banged from my elbow up to my shoulder, on both sides! I couldn't do anything for an hour. I'm meant to do this three times per day, but it pulls on my neck, so I figured out that if I lay flat on my back my arms will sit correctly in my shoulders. On Friday I had the same injections again into the deltoids muscles, so hopefully this will encourage growth over the next few months, and surgery too will relieve the pressure, but one at a time! I had another IV on Thursday and slept for a few hours as my body ached. Generally I have 2 injections in the morning where they inject a large amount into my vein and then 1 intra muscular injection, at night I just have 1 intra muscular. I haven't had any more in my face yet but I'm going to ask Dr Ashish on Monday to inject my cheeks before I leave, I have a procedure on Monday but I don't know what its is! Thats just the surprise of India, you just never know what procedure your going to have, when dinner is going to come, when is the taxi coming and does he know where he's going and will the lift be working! Talking of lifts working, Dad and I got stuck the other day, we got in started to move and the power went off, you have no idea how dark and hot a life can be. I told Dad to pull open the doors and yell for help, which he did, nothing happened. We were stuck between floors so Dad had to yell up wards which he did a couple of more times before we heard the familiar flip flop sound of the nurse coming, she didn't know where the sound was coming from, so Dad yelled, down here..oooooh! She called the ward boy who ran up stairs and we could hear tinkering, the power came on, so we had light but still no movement. A few minutes later we moved and went to the basement as the doors opened I told Dad to get out and go up stairs to the reception area and wait there with Gaye, no point in both of us being in there. I waited a few more minutes then went back into the lift with the ward boy and to my delight we went to the correct floor. The whole ordeal was probably only 15 minutes but in the dark and heat it feels much longer. You've just got to laugh...what else can you do! I think its the friends that you make which helps your sanity as we are all feeling the same emotional highs and lows. Its Saturday night which means pizza night, I wasn't too keen at first but Jarrad said ..'they also sell cake'!! He's an Aussie boy with the cheekiest grin who's room I visit to harass him and his Dad frequently...so that changed everything for me, looks like pizza, cake and poker tonight!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
We're all slowing down a bit...
I have to go through day by day so I don't forget anything. Dad arrived early hours Monday morning, the flight is long and he was tired. Unfortunately Gaye came down with Delhi belly too which wiped her out. They gave her antibiotics which she had a reaction too and made the Delhi belly much worse, she was so unwell. Lucky Dad was here to keep me in my routine with Gaye in the back ground reminding him to feed and water me! I had an IV of stem cells on Tuesday, slightly more cells than last time but I was ok. I was tired and my body ached but I didn't get the high temperature or sweats, so that was good, my body obviously was finding it easier to embrace the new cells. By Thursday Gaye was feeling much better and then Dad started to complain of a funny tummy, so then it was his turn to have Delhi belly, very considerate of them to take it turn about and not be both wiped out at the same time!! Today is Saturday and Gaye has gone to have a massage, Day is laying down watching the football and resting, give him another day or so and he''ll be his usually charming self again.
I finally had injections in my face on Thursday. Dr Ashish injected either side of my chin. Dr Geeta said she'll come and see me on Monday to see if there are any changes, if there are I will then get injections in my cheeks. I'm still getting my daily injections of stem cells but they are also giving me a large does in my veins, the nurses don't like doing this on me because my veins are so hard to find.
Let me tell you about today. Actually the story starts yesterday. I finally spoke up and told Dr Geeta that I really didn't feel my shoulders were making any progress and I think its because my arms drop out from my shoulder sockets. She told me I had to have ex rays and see an orthopedic surgeon. To my surprise it was arranged for this morning. An ambulance will pick me us up. A world war 2 ambulance would have been in better condition. Dad managed to get me in the front seat and I had to seating options, flat on my back looking at the roof or pushed forward so that I could kiss my knees! I opted to lay back. As we drove off I asked if there was aircondition but as I did I noticed there were not electronics on the dash board and so no airconditioning. Ok, no problem. As we drove along the glove box kept opening, and the driver would reach over and slam it shut, he did this several times taking his eyes off the road. I looked over my shoulder and Dad and Gaye were squashed in the back sitting on a makeshift stretcher. We went inside and the receptionist beckoned Gaye over to sign paper work, Dad asked me what she was doing and I told him she's signing permission to leave me here so you guys can go home!! After the week they've had with there health I wouldn't blame them. I had the ex-rays and we went through the same fiasco getting me back into the ambulance and back to Nutech. I'm feeling quite drained today and after my ex-ray I decided not to go to physio, I had my injections and went to bed, slept for an hour or so. Woke feeling a bit better but still drained.
The orthopedic surgeon came to see me. He pushed my arm up into my shoulder and it instantly felt better. He suggested I would need shoulder surgery as my muscles don't have a stable base to work from or grow over. When I get home I'll contact the Dr who did my scapula fusion surgery 10 years ago and discuss my options. Something else to add to the list of things I need to do, but if it gives me better stability then I have to try it. (she says with a deep sigh)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Lets get Claire to India once more
A lad in sane
PRODUCTIONS
The theatre troupe infamous for bringing strange tales
from lands and times afar, return closer to home with…
What becomes of the broken hearted?
3 One Act plays By John Grimshaw at the
The Phoenix Theatre
( Corner Rockingham Road & Carrington St in Hamilton Hill)
Wednesday 12th August 2009
Join us at 7.15 pm for a complimentary glass of wine and cheese
8 pm the plays begin!
Tickets are only $25 per person
For bookings contact Michelle Cousins 0417 965 852
Rated MA contains adult themes
Proceeds of This Production Are Proudly Donated To Claire’s fundraising efforts
Let’s Get Claire To India once more!
Please come along and support Claire’s fundraising
The Last Waltz (a drama topped with a dash of Aussie humour)
Shane Grantham is a devastated young man. His wife of five years has ended their relationship, and worse, is that she's moved in with her new lover. For Shane, The hurt, burns like a furnace. Frequent alcohol fuelled attempts to douse the flames within, fail to do so. The slurred voices in his head insist that 'he won't get over it, until he stands up, and extracts revenge on the pommy bastard that stole his missus!' And so, the seed is sown.... 'I'd like a taxi please! ... Shane Grantham! Going from Wembley to Leederville... Unit 17A, 2596 Herdsman Parade! Cheers mate!' Shane's checking his bag again, yep; he's got everything he needs. He's ready. He’s primed! For taxi driver, Kirsten Singh, this Tuesday evening offers no such grand plans. For Kirsten, this night is but another routine shift and the young man he's about to collect, another faceless passenger. A chance meeting between strangers, two men from very different worlds who on this one night discover that love has a universal appeal, and the power to bring worlds together.
White Roses (a comedy with a bloke’s sense of drama)
When it comes to relationship breakdowns, men of today's X-Y-Z generation, find themselves in a more fortunate position that did their baby boomer forefathers. Today’s broken hearted man can seek solace in a multitude of ways, through relationship counseling and men’s self-help groups. There’s government sponsored programs such as the highly acclaimed, ‘How to re-build your self esteem after she’s left you with nothing!’ In addition there are numerous books on the topic, books such as 'Men are from Mars, and how to stop looking at women through your penis!' In days gone by, your average broken hearted man had naught but his mates to turn to. And so it was, that when Rob Jackson discovered his wife of thirty years had left the marital bed, he turned to his best mate, the thrice married George 'the gun' Mulligan. Rob figured if anyone could help him get his wife back, George was that man! The play is a tongue in cheek salute to men born long before modern women had the audacity to remove the first two letters from the word insensitive.
Tissues and Wine (a comedy about women‘s dramas)
What’s a girl to do when she discovers her husband has been having an affair with her best friend? What can she possibly do to overcome the feelings of hurt and anger? Well for a start she could locate her dress making scissors, and proceed with making slight alterations to his 'signed by the entire squad' Wallaby jumper. Oh that's nice, he'll love that! Next she might chose to re-shape his precious cricket trophies into something far more abstract. Oh! That is art darling! What else? You're going to practice your reversing skills by backing over his expensive racing bike? Can there be anything more attractive in this world, than a woman scorned? What was that darling? You’re going to drive to his office, to place your wedding rings on his desk, alongside the photo of them taken at your wedding? Would you like me to help you pack your things into the car? Have you called your mother? Before you go, would you care for a small aperitif to calm your nerves? How about a dash of ‘love on the rocks?’ Our tale of love and deceit continues over at mother’s house. We’ll meet you there! Don’t be late darling!
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