Stem Cells at Work

Well it's been a couple weeks since I've been home, and I think the stem cells are starting to work.  I've only had a few muscle spasms, as opposed to multiple ones a day, and I've definitely had a lot more energy.  The first couple of days home, I was very tired from the travel, but I felt much better after that.  I know the doctors say it can take up to 6 months to feel the full effects of the treatments. I'm really excited to see what each and every day brings. 

I am sad to report that Nick has not been doing well since I've been home.  He had an infected pilonidal cyst that had to be removed by a general surgeon.  The poor guy has a pretty big wound that has to be packed several times a day.  Good thing I have more energy than I used to so I can take good care of him.  His recovery has been about a week so far, and the doctor predicts it will be another week before he can return to work. 

So I haven't decided for sure, but I have been thinking that maybe I might look into working part-time.  It really is difficult since I never know how I'm going to be feeling, but I think something part-time would be ok.  Maybe the stem cells will continue to kick in and then I will be feeling like my old self again.  I will keep everyone posted on the job situation as it unfolds...

DAY #15 - Last Day in Panama!

This morning Franklin and Luchita picked us up from the hotel and took us on another Panama adventure.  Poor Luchita wasn't feeling the best and her voice was hoarse (not to be confused with the animal "horse," right Franklin and Luchita? hee hee)  They drove us to a gift store in Old Panama where we'd been once before and love.  Franklin waited in the car for us while we took our time picking souvenirs out - what a gentleman!  As we were leaving Old Panama, we got to drive about a block away from where Franklin was born.  It was really neat to hear both of their stories about growing up in Panama as well as their continued education in the States and then back to Panama.

Before lunch, we had time to visit the Bridge of Americas entrance, where there was a beautiful monument commemorating the Chinese culture's influence in Panama.  It was built in 2004 and was meant to celebrate 150 years of the Chinese living in Panama, starting with their influence working on the railroad. 

From the monument, you can see the amazing bridge that connects the Americas to each other - 2 continents together as 1!  What's really interesting is that there is talk about tearing the bridge down once the Panama Canal is expanded.  The ships that will go through the canal are so tall that they might not be able to fit underneath the bridge.  Sad! 

 

After touring the bridge entrance, we had lunch at Tinajas, which is translated to mean little, clay vases.  I tried the coconut shrimp, and my dad tried corvina (a type of white fish like sea bass).  They were both very good and were a great experience to try!