US Eastern Standard Time

Note from Amy: Our apologies if you are not reading more blogs from Steve. His condition is stable and he doesn't want to write a blog unless he sees remarkable improvement, other wise his reports would only sound redundant. We will be sending our usual email news letter and posting here as soon as we see new improvements. In a nutshell, all is well with Steve. We are encountering lesser problems each day, thank God. Thank you for your patience. Take care. xx Amy

Steve's Most Recent Blog

I’m making steady but significant progress, but I am only just now entering the period when I should expect to see some really positive improvements – or changes at least. I believe that part of the process is already under way. I have just today returned from an appointment with my neurologist, and I walked into his office wearing a traditional Chinese jacket and a black fur hat which Amy thought would compliment it – you should have seen his face! Anyway, I was delighted to tell him that since returning from China, I am , Sleeping well (able to relax when lying down in bed – impossible before), I can walk to the early morning bathroom visit, instead of my previous procedure, which involved a controlled “fall” out of bed onto the floor followed by a crawl on all fours to the bathroom door, where I would grab the door handle and pull myself up onto my feet. My first steps in the morning, before having taken any PD medications are initially a bit slow, but after a few steps I am able to walk almost normally for anything up to 45 minutes before taking any medication –that’s a HUGE step for me. I can turn over in bed fairly easily – again almost impossible to do before. All this improvement has occurred during a period when I have decreased the amount of medication by 25%, and I’m showing no problems as a result – it is my goal , given that the Stem Cell treatment is successful, to get off my medication completely, but I don’t anticipate that even remotely possible for at least another 9 -12 months. With care (listening to my body!); I am able to function the whole day with only a few minutes occasionally without descending into a prolonged “off” period like before. Sometimes these “Off”periods could be as long as two hours.

In a nutshell I’m doing pretty well and I’m confident for the future. Again, many thanks to you friends and relations - always with love and gratitude.
 

Amy's Blog Wednesday February 12

Hello readers! Forgive the long gaps between reports now. Steve’s condition is stable and there isn't’ really anything new to report except those wonderful extraordinary days when Steve gets a glimpse of what’s in store for him. Two days out of seven, last week were extraordinary. He went through the full 24 hours only taking two sets of medications instead of four. He was in a marvelous condition all day, and his frame of mind soared with happiness as he enjoyed the day feeling like his old self. So, after a high like that, the depressing days even become more pronounced whenever he gets them because he is now given those unusual days of “normalcy”.

As a caregiver, I am learning to be extraordinarily patient with Steve. For me, having been in the limelight all my life gave me a mammoth ego – I have learned to put that aside, sure it’s difficult but it’s getting easier every day.

Steve hates the wheelchair that I bought after our few experiences of his “freezing” whilst we were out in public. We would be at the mercy of his recovery before we could move and carry on. I just didn’t like the fact that whenever that situation happened, he is further stressed from trying to regain his mobility to avoid embarrassment! The transport chair will  not subject us to situations like these again. The funny thing is that since I bought it, there hasn't been any need for it in public! Steve now has regained longer mobility between medication! I explained that the wheelchair was more for me, than him. It is so much easier to push and thus, doesn’t give me any shoulder or back pain like the old rolling office chair used to cause.

There is really nothing new to report except the fact that the hours between medication has so improved. Again, this may be boring to you now, Steve is able to sleep!!!! That alone is a true miracle. You can’t believe how it worried me because without his good sleep, his life expectancy would considerably shorten. So, to those stem cells helping him to sleep, and to you kind donors, friends and relations, THANK YOU!
 

Amy's Blog Wednesday, February 6

Further about Deprenyl: Do your research and study before taking anything that your doctor did not prescribe for you. Steve had studied about Deprenyl before acquiring it for his use. He stopped using it for awhile when he learned that it was clashing with his medication. After his return from Tiantan Puhua, we received more information about Deprenyl and Steve is now using it in moderation to assist him at certain times of the day or night when he needs it. It has been a lot of help for him. Steve believes that the Deprynel is working in tandem with the Stem Cells.

To learn more about Deprenyl please go to Life Extension Magazine and read their in depth report on Deprenyl. The quickest way to get an idea of what Deprenyl is about is to go to Deprenyl.net. Of course the internet is littered with information about this drug. Be very wary of many claims from companies that are merely there to sell you a product.

The best judge about your own health is yourself with your physician's assistance. Awareness of your own needs, your own weaknesses, and strengths is the key to finding what works for you. For Steve, the Deprenyl is working for him at the moment. Yesterday morning, Steve had his morning walk, something he hadn't been able to do in years. The Stem Cells are doing their job indeed!

Amy's Blog Sunday, Feb 3

Hello there. Forgive the slow updates on our weblog. As Steve mentioned, he would rather report when there is something new and especially something positive to report. So far, Steve's condition has been stable. Every day I monitor his sleeping and he has been sleeping really well. As I have mentioned a few times now, this to me is short of a miracle. However, these past few days, Steve's nighttime condition is returning - usually late at night - he is back to having a hard time with his mobility. He gets angry at himself and because we are not sure why this condition is returning, we end up blaming it on everything, including the food he eats at dinner. We have noted that eating protein from meat isn't compatible with his medication so we have been adjusting to it. I have been reminding Steve that it's only been 2 months since his return, and we should be patient. He calms down when he is reminded of it. I cannot even imagine what he must be feeling seeing the return of some of his old symptoms after his Stem cell treatment. However, I am positive that it is only a matter of time and patience for Steve to see some really great improvements. We shouldn't forget the small wonderful improvements! I'm counting the days.

I was saddened to hear that one of our readers who was quite eager to get his stem cell treatment in Tiantan Puhua, had suddenly died. His death had nothing to do with his PD. I'm in touch with his wife who has been so gracious to let us know. Our prayers go out to the dear departed and the loving people that survives him. I'm also waiting for news from someone whose name we can't reveal who is currently under treatment at Tiantan Puhua. Without mentioning names, i would like to update you with his progress.

Note: THE OTHER DAY NPR's FRESH AIR WITH TERRY GROSS INTERVIEWED SUZANNE MENTZ AND IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST HELPFUL INTERVIEWS I HAVE EVER COME ACROSS. VISIT NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS ASSOCIATION AT http://www.nfcacares.org/

January 23 Blog from Steve!

It has been awhile since my last update, but I feel it is best to make an entry when there is specific and important to mention. This could of course be negative as well as positive. However, this latest report is definitely positive. As I was explaining to my wife earlier today, I fell "different", and when asked to be specific, I was finding it difficult to pinpoint an explanation. The best one that I can find is that I feel "stronger" or, more confident in my self. this is not specifically a physical feeling, per se, but one of a general nature which is definitely being enhanced by my medication window continuing to expand. I am being very careful not to allow myself to hit a "down cycle", rather if my medication appears to be lasting 4.5 hours then I will take my medication at four hours. This is working very well and depending on how I feel, at the four-hour mark, I may attempt to extend it by 30 minutes, still maintaining my "on" feeling. I feel it is significant that this is happening some six weeks after leaving China and indeed the expectations are that it will be between three and six months after that the Stem Cells really come to fore. On that basis, I still have another six weeks to go before expecting anything really significant! Suffice to say that I am sleeping well to the delight of my wife, I'm able to walk early in the morning (before having taken my medication), I no longer experience cramping in the feet and my general movement is becoming more fluid. So, until the next time, I remain yours, a very positive, Steve

Jan 22 Blog from Amy

Personally, as a caregiver and spouse to a PD patient, the hardest adjustment I had to make was to learn to IGNORE. Whenever Steve and I have arguments is when I am watching over him too much. I can imagine what that must be like if the tables were turned. However, when he has his down moments and he is struggling, it is very difficult for me to turn the other way. I think that my ego gets in the way because I am thinking that okay, if I don't help him... how will that look to him and to other people? Case in point, when we were once in an Indian Restaurant in UK sharing a wonderful meal with Steve's brother Chris and his two daughters, I came across that quandary. Steve whispered to me his insistence in getting up from the table and walking to the door, way across the room, by himself. I had no choice, I let him. While he struggle through taking mincing steps, of course most of the customers became concerned and focused attention on him, a natural occurrence when he is trying to be inconspicuous. Frankly, people just want to help. I don't care what other people say about the uncaring attitude of people nowadays, it isn't true in general, and Steve and I can attest to that. The next Tom, Dick and Harry will ALWAYS offer to help with very few exceptions. Getting back to my point, I sat at the table explaining to my brother in law and my nieces that I am not helping because of Steve's request. However, as I sat there, my ego got in the way and I felt guilty and felt like the most uncaring spouse in the whole universe. That is my point. I had to learn since then to put my ego aside and help by NOT helping! At home, you can still hear me ask "are you okay" maybe hundreds of times. Sometimes I can hear a tinge of annoyance in Steve's voice. I would feel that way too, just like when in a restaurant, you can't have a moment of peace with your meal when confronted with an overzealous server.

More later today. I have to fix lunch.

 

Jan 19 An email from a reader
(Names withheld for privacy protection)

 I am a person like you, wrestling with the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. I was diagnosed in 1999, and at this point can not live independently. 

I have been searching for a treatment to give me back my life, as the usual drug therapy gives me nothing but bad side effects. In my search on the internet I came across stemcellschina.com and Tiantan Puhua Hospital. I am seriously considering going to China for stem cell treatment. Would you please provide me with feedback on your treatment, and how, and if your life has improved with the stem cell treatment?  In hindsight would you still have the treatment?

Jan 16 Blog from Amy

The biggest improvement in Steve since his return has been his ability to sleep! For Parkinson’s Disease sufferers, this must read like a miracle because one of the side effects of PD medication and PD itself is the inability to get quality sleep. Well, my friends, I am witness to Steve being able to sleep normally now. Last night we stayed up late because of a great movie that held our attention. The film ended at about 2am. I then realised that it was a mistake to have stayed up that late because Steve would then, as he had done before, be unable to sleep when he’s been up for too long. Well, miracle of miracles, he got to bed and in a few minutes was out like a light, snoring away. His snoring was music to my ears!

Another wonderful improvement is the fact that he is able to move freely in bed when he needs to shift position. It wasn’t long ago when Steve slept only in one position causing the expected cramps and muscle aches when he woke up having been in one position for all those hours. This is another improvement on Steve that has made me so happy, and Steve ecstatic!

Before Steve left for his stem cell treatment, I recall how difficult it was to get him comfortable in bed. I would have to help him get into bed and when his back was flat, we would try pillows in different sizes, or the booster cushion for his knees so he could find comfort being on his back. Then just a few minutes after that he would change his mind and get up again and we try to get him on his side, wedging his back with a cushion so he won't roll over during the night. It was quite a chore for him and me to “find” that modicum of comfort so that we could then proceed to get him to sleep. At this stage, a week before Beijing, Steve had to take Tylenol PM regularly so he could at least catch some Zs. So dear reader, I am very happy to say that sleep is no longer an issue for Steve. Consequently, we are now in better moods during the day, even managing to laugh when he suddenly reverts to old postures between medication.

Lastly, for today’s report, on top of those wonderful improvements, his medications are lasting longer and longer every day. We are so looking forward to next month when the stem cells will really begin to show their might!

I apologise for the long delay in reporting. Steve should be getting on with his own blog soon. He is busy making up for lost time in his work with our company Ocean Images. Thank you for coming by today. Cheers, Amy

Jan 9 Blog from Amy

Our apologies for the longer breaks between blogs at this point in Steve's rehabilitation. I update our donors with emails and I can email anyone interested with additional updates that sometimes are not posted here. Or most likely you will get both updates on the web and also via email. Just send us your email address via our "Feedback" page or simply just email me and let me know.

Well, one of our faithful readers had left for Beijing yesterday. We have spoken to them on the telephone and they sound very hopeful and confident. Steve had a long conversation wtih them, answering all the questions they have been meaning to ask Steve about his treatment. We are looking forward to their correspondence once they have settled themselves at Tiantan Puhua Hospital.

An interesting article came up today on MSNBC about Americans seeking treatments in China. I copied the article so that you can access it at any time. Here is our inside link. Click Here. There will always be people who will argue the efficacy of any revolutionary treatment. Of course the news comment writer could be right that patients who have been to China for the stem cell treatment might be too embarrassed to tell the truth if indeed they have not seen any improvement in their condition, but Steve won't be embarrassed. He will report the results exactly and as honestly as possible - positive or negative.

I am very happy to see his improvement. To other people, it may not appear significant but to me, to us, it is already quite amazing. The fact that he can relax and go to sleep at night with no problem is already short of a miracle! PD sufferers can relate to this comment. He has been so good since the last blog. There was only one day when we were faced with his usual problem in mobility and even the length of time encountered was shorter than usual. Consequently, he is in a brighter, happier mood and thus NOT stressed! For Steve, (and for me) this is like manna from heaven.

January 5 Report from Steve!

BACK ON TRACK!!!
After a very difficult transition from one medication to the other, my system is stabilised once again with my original medication, and within a few weeks, there have been noticeable changes in my condition. The most significant is the extended “window” for my medication which has increased from 3 hours to almost 6 hours which means that I’m functional for the entire day with no “off” periods. (Hallelujah!) Furthermore, my movement on rising in the morning has got much better. Even before taking my medication in the morning, I am able to walk quite freely and dress without any problem. For me this is a significant change where before going to China I would have to take my medication while in bed. I am cautiously optimistic that this is the beginning of the benefit of the Stem Cells which still have many months of maturing to complete. I am now at almost one month from the end of my stay in China and I still have two months of medications to assist nurturing the Stem Cells. From the period of March through May, I am expecting the full benefit of the stem cells as they gradually mature. While this period may yield exceptional improvements, I am sure that this will not be the end of the benefits from the Stem Cells. This whole therapy was not and is not a quick fix, and the improvement in my condition I anticipate carrying on for several more months or even years. So I will keep you updated on my progress, but everything is looking extremely positive at present!

January 3, Thursday Blog from Amy
Happy New Year, kind people.

Dec 31 Blog from Amy
We apologise for the long silence.

Dec. 21 Friday, Blog from Amy

It is a rough patch right now - the main reason for our erratic Blog reports. Frankly, Steve appears worse now than before he left mainly because of the changeover in medication. There are apparent little changes that are so fascinating, like his new ability to walk, stop and turn around easily which was something he couldn't do before. There are a few more movement maneuvers he is now capable of doing when he is walking or sitting. Most of all, he is able to rest and sleep even when his medication is behaving erratically. This phase of medication changeover has been the roughest and toughest that I can remember. However, when Steve is doing his daily job on the computer and phones, one would never know he has PD. When his medication is at its best, it's hard to believe he has PD. I sometimes forget and when he begins to look concerned that his medication is wearing off, that is the only time I am reminded that he has PD. My senses are heightened as far as observing the changes in Steve. I will begin a journal to log the changes in him as these will be more apparent given time. As we know every person is different. Steve might get all these changes sooner than the other patients before him, in my 18 years with Steve, he had never had a cold for more than two days, he heals from bruises and wounds faster than any man I know, he had always been an active person and his health had never been an issue, thus I believe that his recovery aided by the new stem cells will also start earlier than most people. I believe in that strongly, and so does Steve.

FYI, we will soon be calling one of our readers to discuss their own plans to avail of Tiantan Puhua's Stem Cell Treatment. We will update you on whatever information can be of help if you are interested in the same treatment for your self or for someone you know. Names will be withheld for obvious privacy reasons.

Dec. 17 Blog from Steve

Hi, this is Steve with apologies for the late update, however the transition from hospital to home was a little delicate. My troubles began when rising on Monday morning the 10th December in Beijing. I was greeted by the first snowfall of the year but unfortunately accompanied by extremely poor visibility. These conditions played havoc with Beijing Air Traffic Control resulting in my departure being one hour late. With 3 connections to make, the delay did concern me, particularly as all my layovers were fairly short, and as it unfolded, I agonised over every connection only to be pleasantly surprised that subsequent delays in other airlines resulted in my making all my connections and arriving in Tallahassee on time at midnight. However, it was a very stressful journey. I was elated to see my wife Amy at the airport, a sight for sore eyes after 2 months in Beijing.

This past week at home has been one of readjustment. As you probably know, I was obliged to take a substitute medication for my Requip and I now have to transfer back to it. Inevitably, this is causing a little imbalance which will probably resolve itself in the next 3 to 4 days. I am now reintroducing the strength exercises that I was taught in the Physiotherapy and I continue to be very optimistic of my progress over the next 3 to 6 months. This period will be the "crunch" as it is not until such a time that the stem cells will be mature enough to have an impact on my Parkinson's symptoms. So as with all these things, we must be patient and my first priority is to stabilise my Parkinson's medications. On a positive note, although in its early stages, I am able to sleep at night lying comfortably and relaxed in bed and on waking, my movements while little slow, are positive and I am able to walk slowly before any medications are taken. I will update this blog on a weekly basis, or when any marked improvement is discovered. Amy will also add her own blogs regularly and continue sending update emails. Many thanks to all.

Dec. 12 Blog from Amy: Steve has been up and about town saying hello to neighbours and friends, he's been to do chores like pay for our car tag for the new year, pay for our local bills and even had time to chat with our Chinese neighbours who run the one and only Chinese take-out in town! So when he comes home, I only see him at his not-so-brilliant condition - when the medication is flagging and he needs to replenish. Because he is switching now to his regular medication to get rid of the cumbersome Pergolide and easing into Requip again, he is undergoing difficulty between medications. I know that by tomorrow or the next day, he would be feeling much better. When medicated one wouldn't know he has PD at all. Again I am so thankful that he is sleeping. This is like striking gold for PD sufferers.

I know that not everyone can afford to go to China for the stem cell treatment so it might be worth investigating these other options closer to home:

• Medra.com
• Regenecell.com
• Cellular Medicine Institute
• Georgetown University Hospital
• Manipal Hospital, India
• News re Tijuana Mexico
• My research for you will continue...Best regards, Amy

Dec 11 Blog from Amy
Steve arrived safe and sound after an ultra long and arduous journey: Beijing-Toronto-New York-Tallahassee each time changing planes! I had to distract myself to avoid worrying about him. Fortunately, as i had anticipated, the airlines took good care of him, gave him assistance when flights were delayed, at one time using a wheelchair to literally wheel him fast to the gate! Steve was very grateful for the royal treatment and is amazed at the graciousness of the airline personnel. Steve will elaborate when he finds the chance to write or dictate to me what he wants to impart to you. His arrival in Tallahassee was 20 minutes early and I was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief to see him walking briskly through the gate.

the first thing he did after giving me hugs and kisses, was to demonstrate a fancy Chinese style paddle game using two paddles and a ball with fancy lights which I think is quite clever because it aids your coordination. We forgot we were still at the airport terminal as we played this game! It's like a Badminton cum Ping-Pong without the table game, lol. People looked on with amusement, and me with delight to see Steve as energetic as this after a day and half of travelling!!!

I thought he would take a longer time to recover but as I write this he had been gone a couple of hours to do chores in town, to see some friends, and do what Steve would always do on his busy days. The only moments where I saw one of his struggles was when he had to adjust to our soft Queen size bed and PD sufferers know why this is such a difficult task. To try and settle in bed and to try and get out of bed which non-PD sufferers take for granted is quite a challenge for PD patients. Steve would hang on to the slatted headboard and use that for leverage trying to settle in the soft bed. In fact he told me that in the hospital, he did not use the regular hospital bed but opted for the fold-up portable bed which gave him more comfort and easier maneuverability.

The good news is I watched him WALK, yes, actually walk from the bed to the loo with no difficulty. When before he had to lunge, kneel and get up and lunge again, now he is walking - slowly, but walking! And, another thing - miracle of miracles, he was actually sleeping and snoring! I can hear PD patients, their spouses, and caregivers rejoicing! This is really short of a miracle!
 

Dec. 9  Steve's Short Blog:

I'm back from Brunch, and my medications are holding up well. This was a bit of a test of my meds. With only a couple of Sinemet tablets as back up, I did not take any in the restaurant, and when leaving for a second or so I thought I might "stick" [FREEZE] - however with my new found technique any slight hesitation was overcome and I have managed perfectly well back to the hospital and I am only just now considering taking a second dose at 12 noon - but there's still none of the usual signs that things are going to "turn off" - I just got up out of the chair and walked into a corner, turned easily on my worst turn (to the left) and returned to the chair - no hesitation whatsoever. I'm currently attempting to pack the "Quart into a pint pot" as I did on the outward journey and it looks as if it will all fit in spite of the 3 months worth of medication I'm bringing back with me!

Amy's short note Dec. 8 : We will be getting an update from Steve when he wakes up. Just wanted to share with you a line in Steve's email to me today. This made me so happy!

----- Original Message -----

From: Steve Woodward

To: Amy Maria Woodward

Sent: Friday, December 07, 2007 1:25 AM

Subject: STEM CELLS ARE KICKING IN!
 

Yes, and I started to feel this "difference" while I was at Grandma's Kitchen having my dinner. I can't explain in words but I know its  real!

Dec. 6, Steve's Exciting Blog!

It's still the day after my 4th and final injection of neural Stem cells administered by lumbar puncture into the Cerebral fluid tract in the spine. I know all that sounds dramatic but it is a literal description of the procedure and is one of two ways by which they administer stem cells to Parkinson's disease sufferers. This day has been a milestone in the course of these 8 weeks, which has had it's ups and downs along the way.

For those of you out there wondering what a lumbar puncture procedure is like, based on my limited experience it is a huge "non - event" and by that I mean just that - the last two injections prompted me to ask the doctor "That's it? Are you sure you did it?" This is not said tongue in cheek either. In their skilled hands, the doctors here did a fine job of four lumbar puncture procedures over a period of 8 weeks. However while the injection itself it normally swift and pain free (under local anesthetic) the prescribed and rigidly enforced lying down on your back for 6 hours, not being able to raise your head is something else - and it certainly is no picnic!

The only other fairly common complication, or possible side effect from these procedures, is post injection, the pressure in the cerebral fluid tract may be changed ever so slightly, and being very sensitive to this pressure, the brain greets any differential with a most violet headache. I thankfully experienced this only once in four injections, and this mother of all headaches took a week to dissipate.

Having said that after this last injection, executed so perfectly I believe by Dr. Xi, while I was prudent in taking water frequently post injection, I have not had the slightest inkling of a headache. What's more and I am quite sure that this is not my imagination, I feel different. Along with this general and completely unscientific observation, there are real signs that indicating a "change" for the better.

1) My PD meds. kicked in in less than 30 minutes, and have lasted a genuine 4 hours for the first dose and I'm already at 2.5 hours into my second dose which again became effective almost immediately.

2) Even so early since the injection, my obligatory bathroom visit (this time at 5.00am having slept at 10.30 pm) while slow, was accomplished without resorting to my "crawl and lunge forward " procedure. My legs felt steady enough to complete the task and they did.

I am very excited!

Dec. 5 Blog from Amy:
Here was Steve's short but happy email this morning:
Email subject: THE LAST HOORAH! This is coming a little ahead of time before you wake up so that it's there for you immediately. The 4th injection went through without any problems, and I feel better than ever- no signs of any headache at all and I'll continue to drink water so it stays that way! I'm now feeling more positive than ever about the eventual out come of this treatment which as you know will not be really seen for several months.

This is such great news. I was right that the gossip he heard about the excruciating pain was subjective. I am so relieved that he would then be able to travel with the least minimum of discomfort from his 4th and last surgery. This was the most discomforting thought. I have been in touch with the Occupational Therapist and Acupuncturist and I will make sure his therapy continues when he's home, albeit not as intensive. I do not need Christmas gifts. This is Christmas for me - Steve being home, and having had the best positive treatment for his PD - thanks to the many kindhearted people that have helped us realise this medical adventure. Our deepest gratitude to you. The major improvements will happen - as Steve mentioned a few times - within a few months from now. Knowing Steve and how healthy he had been most of his life, I know he will see some major improvements earlier than predicted. Hooray!

Dec 4  Blog from Amy:
Steve is gearing himself for Wednesday's (tomorrow) fourth and last surgery - just probably 6 or 7 hours away, Beijing time. He had been told by other patients that the 4th surgery would be the most painful but I reminded Steve that every person's pain threshold vary and some people can take pain better than others. I didn't want Steve thinking negatively before/during his surgery. Again we were deliberating whether I should go and pick him up and keep him company during his return flight but in the end he decided that he would be fine because his system is adjusting to the new medication at last. The hospital staff will be with Steve until his flight leaves and the airline attendants will take good care of him before and during his flight. Thank goodness because I am always on pins and needles about matters like this. Some of my friends think that I "baby" Steve but these are people that do not know what PD is like. It is a malady that needs constant attention in order to maintain a good quality of life.

This morning I received an email from one of our blog readers who have decided to go to Tiantan Puhua as well. We will be in touch with them by phone when Steve returns 10 December. We hope to give them all the necessary information that they need to facilitate their sojourn.

Steve's Blog Dec. 2, 2007
To all who have been following my "Blog" of late (I'm not sure that I really LIKE that word, journal is far more elegant!) I apologise for the sparseness of my commentary. These last ten days or so have been a rollercoaster of emotions and some of them not at all pretty! Having been told not to worry about bringing enough of my own PD medications to last the duration (eight weeks), I made a cardinal error in failing to confirm at the start after arrival, that they could provide me with the same medication. I found out far too late into the game, that the dopamine agonist medication, chemical name "Ropinirole HCL" brand name in the USA is Requip, which some of you may recognise as this drug is marketed on the television channels as a cure for "restless leg syndrome" - it's also as many people discover excellent at putting you to sleep - often at the most inconvenient times, could not be supplied in China - welcome the World of international marketing "you have that area, we'll take this one" etcetera.

The patient of course is the one who has to live with the consequences and sometimes as in this case is it more than a little inconvenient. Putting it candidly it has been a living hell, As they gradually increased the dose of the dopamine agonist alternate which shall remain nameless, except to say that It's horrendously expensive, and is now no longer available in the USA - been withdrawn by the FDA. This switch over caused a real upset to the period of effectiveness of the medication and for awhile I really had no idea how long it would last. The times varied from zero - yes I mean that - it just never kicked in, to 4.5 to 5 hours. For a brief and very unsettling moment over the last two days saw a couple off weeping episodes I am not ashamed to reveal, as it looked as if I might return home in a worse condition than when I arrived. Now quite apart from the obvious should this have been the case (as it will NOT be), the feelings of responsibility to many generous family, colleagues and friends plus mere acquaintances who have stepped up to assist me and Amy in paying for this therapy had a wicked two-edged blade - the feeling that I might let everyone down was intolerable and I as I thought of my dear wife Amy, who has been a super human support for me in this time, I broke down and wept. Actually I was on the tale in the Traditional Chinese Medicine room with about 6 needles in me, and as I lay there I started to sing (something I do quite often in that therapy session as it helps me relax) the Josh Groban song "You raise me up.........." and as I got to the third line "........and my heart burdened be..." it tipped me over the edge and the tears rolled down my cheeks. The TCM doctor (William) was right by my side, and in his tentative English, gave me tremendously calming and soothing help - he pinpointed exactly what was troubling me and encouraged me to let it out which I gladly did, while he mopped up the tears with some toilet roll!

This was infact a definitive point during my stay here and I'm relieved to tell you all that I have come out of it stronger and more positive than ever! The medication does finally seem to be coming on line, as I have experienced NO OFF time since 8.10 am this morning and we are now at 9.40pm having just take my last dose for the day. This morning also saw a return to the ability to walk to the bathroom albeit a little more slowly than I would like, but even this is a milestone to me. So to wrap things up for now, I'll resort to a little bible waving, when ,I quote, "Yea though I walk through the shadow of the valley of death, yet will I feel no ill, as thy rod and staff they comfort me still" I apologise should the quoting of this text not be quite legit, but It's been a while - however I'm sure you will have understood the meaning in relation to my latest situation. I'll be back on tomorrow - there's just too much for one message!

With my heartfelt thanks to all of those that are supporting me in the many different ways - THANK YOU ALL. This is the Stem Cell Kid of the "No-brainers" band signing off from the heart of Beijing CHINA.

Good night to you all - tomorrow is another day!

Steve's Blog, Thursday, Nov. 29

I'm sorry but the hospital internet connection is so fickle that it's on one minute and gone the next! I was invited out tonight for a meal with several of the other patients and the head of the hospital International Department . I was trying to email Amy about this when the connection went AWOL!

Any way - the medication is still very erratic and I'll be speaking with the doctor tomorrow. But there are some rays of light that the corner may be turning at last. I'll be turning in soon but my bout of depression is over - I'm back on the "get sorted out" trail!

On my last telephone conversation with Amy, I broached the subject of cutting my stay short and coming home one week earlier but in closer scrutiny it was best to stay and finish the full program. I guess I was feeling that way because I was depressed. My depression was like getting the CHANCE card on a Monopoly game - Go Back Three Steps - then landing on a property with a hotel! I was feeling really good after the first surgery and because I was not feeling as good recently, I became disheartened. But now I'm back on track. I felt sorry putting Amy through the burden of possibly shipping my medication, and the intricacies of finding a one-way flight from Beijing to Tallahassee which I understand is uncommon that even Delta Air Lines doesn't serve! All I really need to do is wait and allow my body to adjust to this new medication.

Amy's Blog, Nov 27 Tuesday

Steve would be close to homestretch now on his 2nd to the last week at Tiantan Puhua. Already I am lining up two key people from Tallahassee to continue his therapy - one Acupuncturist originally from Beijing, China (!); and a Physical Therapist I recently met named Cynthia Cowen, who has been a fountain of knowledge on who's who in the healing industry in our county. I have been phoning Steve lately as they seem to be having server problems of late. So to Steve's friends and relations that have been missing his emails, he will make it up once he can get on the internet again. The daily grind of Intravenous transfusions continue. Steve had been complaining about the pain he has been feeling in the Lumbar area where the surgery occurs. He had heard that someone who has had the fourth injection on his last week, suffered a tremendous amount of pain. I reminded him that every person has a different threshold of pain. He also mentioned that this was the best feeling he has had in awhile. No headaches, great mobility and a happy frame of mind - the regular Steve that I know! I was happy to hear that because we had been going back and forth on whether I should be sending him his usual medication via Intl. UPS. He said he has now adjusted to the new medication, Pergolide, if I'm correct with the spelling. It was a little bet of a rough time there for him as he weaned himself from his usual meds. PD sufferes who read our blog will know exactly that discomfort I am talking about. As soon as the internet is back, he will update us with his usual reports. Thank you!

Steve's Blog, November 26 Monday

The new medication is at last stabilising and I'm doing a lot better - it's 3 hours and shows no signs of wearing off yet. So things are on the up - I had a good talk with one of the doctors, and the reaction to the stem cell treatment varies from person to person, and is largely dependent on the amount of damage sustained by the brain, but they expect to see significant signs of improvement between 3 -6 months after the treatment. I have already noticed some small but significant changes as you know, but this is just the tip f the iceberg - patience is a virtue!

What I have noticed is just how much functionality in my limbs I have lost and not really noticed it - I've been too preoccupied with the fact that the legs won't move to see the other things - equally significant. Everything is on the up and up!

Just had another week end treat - went to breakfast at Grandma's that really put the Waffle house or similar restaurant to shame - they were served with delicious freshly made apple sauce, and came with home fries, and should have been two eggs, but I had veggies instead, plus of course toast. I then ordered a chicken Cordon Bleu to go and that's set my day with the delicious fruit basket choices for dessert!

Amy's Notes Nov.23:  The plan on shipping Steve's Requip has been scratched. He feels he could adjust to the new medication given by the hospital. It is Steve's birthday today and Flora2000.com had delivered the fruit and cake yesterday, and Steve was tickled pink! He was delighted! On top of this, the SingSnap community of singers, dozens and dozens of them had sent their best wishes through songs I had done for Steve. So all in all, even in these circumstances and at a great distance, Steve was able to have a special birthday celebration. It's now been only 4 days since Steve's third surgery and already he sounded bright and cheery on the phone, a far cry from last week when he had headaches for the full week following the 2nd surgery. This is great news! When I spoke to him today at 7:30 pm EST, it was 8:30am Beijing time and he was on his way to "Grandma's Kitchen" and looking forward to a breakfast of ham and eggs. He said it's funny how we take for granted the availability of simple fare such as the one I mentioned. Once in a foreign country, simple breakfast fare we take for granted becomes a special treat! It was great to hear him bright and bushy-tailed and sounding more like the Steve I know.

I had been struggling to get his PD medication to him and doing my homework of studying the UPS International policies. It was like studying for a science project as I feverishly scanned the Pharmaceutical list to find the nearest to any PD medication. This was needed for Tariff number before UPS will even allow me to get to first base! After an afternoon of  understanding the shipping policies, including Steve's having to have an import license to receive my shipment, Steve decided finally to forego the meds and just persevere with the generic medication they have been giving him at the hospital. He said that he seems to be getting acclimated to the new medication. It had been difficult to hear him "suffer" through  the adjustment period of changing medications. For a couple of days, he just wasn't himself and wasn't' comfortable at all. Hearing him today - bright and cheery - certainly made me sigh with relief. We are counting down now for his return in 17 days! Meanwhile in preparation for his home recovery program, I have found a Chinese acupuncturist as I had mentioned in my previous blog. WE will need to find Occupational therapists or similar, and also a good Yoga class or Tai Chi that Steve can attend on a regular basis. It is a regimen of fitness that Steve needs to carry out. Knowing how he works everyday in his office, Steve will be challenged in the implementation of his current fitness regimen once he is home. I'm willing to do the fitness regimen to keep him company. It will only do me good, right? There will be an update from Steve tomorrow.

Amy's Notes: In reply to Jay McGrath and Carol who kindly wrote to Steve, as soon as he can, he will be able to post a complete report about his treatment from A to Z. I will be assisting him as usual and we will make the report as thorough and as complete as possible for yours and other PD patients information.

Steve has had his third surgery and apart from the six-hour laying in bed session, Steve was feeling better than the previous week. He didn't forget drink water this time and it made a world of difference. One of the best changes he is happy to announce is the vast improvement in the efficacy of his PD medication. Before he left, the window of efficacy was shrinking to less than two hours. Now he is functioning well even up to 5 hours. There is definitely a lot of wonderful things happening to him, thanks to those stem cells. He hasn't been able to record his messages via his software, thus no personal blog from him. However, he sends his best wishes and heartfelt thanks to all the donors that he hadn't been able to thank personally. He would be able to do this when he returns. The day after tomorrow is Steve's birthday and he already received the cake I sent him and a Fruit basket I knew he needed badly. He should be able to write us a blog soon. At the moment believe it or not, he is busy on his computer creating a database program which we need to have for our office use on his return. As far as I am concerned, my Flu is behaving and I have been to my doctor for antibiotics. I could not join my family in California as planned as I did not want to bring them this awful bug. I will be fine by next week. Thank you my dear concerned people. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Love, Amy

Steve's Blog Nov.19 Monday

Hello again from China!

And things are on the move again - a bit of a frustrating week, after my second stem cell injection, with a very bad headache which precluded me from doing any Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy for a while, followed by the Doctor's getting a little spooked at my low Pulse rate which at one time was going down to 42 BPM! This has now stabilised and is no longer a cause for concern. The last few days, have also been affected as I am weaned off my Requip on to Permax but again this ha stabilised and I am experiencing once again the medication "window" expanding again. Walking to and from the bathroom in the early hours of the morning, previously a crawling job at home, is now accomplished in a normal manner ie erect and walking. My ability to turn and negotiate tight spaces and doorways is also becoming less and less an issue. I'm typing this 5 and a half hours since my last dose and I'm able to use all the fingers fluidly as I could before my PD - please note that that does not mean I can type well - I never could!

During the last two days, after becoming a bit bored with the food I have been eating, I ventured out in search of more varied meals with a bit more emphasis on American or at least western cuisine - and oh boy did I find it! A am presently on a mission to explore the fulll menu at a small chain called Grandma's Kitchen. Their burgers are the best I have ever had - ANYWHERE, and are served with real chips (French fries) fresh salad, and with a very unusual bun - nothing like the soft "nothing" buns fro Burger King or McDonalds - they just do not compare. So if traveling to Beijing I would highly recommend this chain.

My third injection could be Tomorrow or Tuesday, and I am looking forward to that tremendously. However the real progress is going to be experienced after returning home - as the stem cells bed in - my continued oral medications, plus the PT which I will continue vigorously, should lead to very noticeable improvement 4 to 8 months from now, and will continue further than that - I will continue to document my progress for all those to see - that there IS an alternative out there - you just have to believe.

By the way, I just tested myself with a walk around the hospital - never missed a beat or had any hesitation and it's now 6 hours since my last dose - this is very promising.

Warm regards to you all - your thoughts support and prayers are a terrific source of strength to me at this time.

Steve (the Stem Cell Kid)

Steve's Email Today, Nov. 16 Thursday

Can you believe it - the doctors are getting spooked by my low pulse rate -I'm currently being monitored for the next 24 hrs . I think they feel like I'm going to roll over - actually I feel better than ever!!

There's nothing to be concerned about - I've never felt better - it's just that there's a lot of sitting or even lying around with these intravenous drips - I'm hardly surprised that my pulse rate is quite low. I don't think there's anything different. I know how I feel and I haven't felt any thing out of the ordinary since I arrived - I feel great!

Steve's Blog, Nov. 14, Wednesday

Greetings from Beijing China. Time really seems to be accelerating, whereas 4 and a half weeks ago two months seemed like an eternity the realisaton that I have little more than 3 and a half weeks to go and I will be back in Monticello is beginning to seem just around the corner - and that's when the work really starts. This past week since the second Stem Cell injection has been undeniably difficult. With my failure to drink water and lots of it after the injection, I had the mother of all headaches which lasted the whole week - this problem was only, I should add when erect - when lying down the ache dissipated quickly. However as you can imagine life was pretty tedious in this condition.

A small further complication is a slight juggling of my PD meds as I am being weaned onto a Chinese equivalent for my Requip dopamine agonist, as the supplies I brought would not last the whole trip - I was told that this would not be a problem however Requip per se is not available in China so they are using one of the numerous alternatives. This has complicated the relatively smooth running to date but I can already feel that an equilibrium is being restored.

The stem cells take about 3 -6 months before becoming really effective, and during this vitally important nurturing and maturing phase, intense Physio exercises coupled with oral medications will be crucial to the long term success of the treatment . More than once have I stated that this is not a quick fix, or a band aid - it s a long term process that I will be delighted to monitor with my neurologist on my return.

I am looking forward to the third injection, so that I can be up and active far quicker than before and maximise my time in the Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy . There are some really wonderful exercises which really target the muscles in the legs used for balance and motion which leave me pretty exhausted after an intense session which may involve simply standing on one leg for several seconds. - try it and you'll see what I mean!

I should hear tomorrow confirmation of my next injection and will keep you all posted - all in all a dificult week but one that was not entirely unexpected.

More from the Stem Cell Kid in due course!

Tuesday, November 13

From Amy: No direct blog from Steve as he doesn't have the borrowed microphone for his Dragon Speak software on his laptop but he'll be back with us as soon as he arranges it. He has however been emailing me on set times. The latest report from him is that the Doctors are not impressed with his progress, as they were expecting more after the 2nd surgery. Today they changed Steve's medication and dosage to their own version of "Requip", and they also will be changing Stem Cells for the 3rd surgery. Steve reports that other than that, he feels good.

When I spoke to him on the phone, his voice was full of energy and there is a "clarity" in his speaking that I hadn't heard in years. As you all probably know, one of the symptoms of PD is the diminished volume in the speaking voice. It was the first symptom I noticed with Steve after contracting PD. However, this time when I spoke to him his voice was clear as a bell and he was so pleased with his singing too! I asked him about the leg "cramps" that he often suffered during his sleep and he hadn't had any in a while! He is sleeping well, and let me tell you, if he is able to sleep and rest properly, and if he is able to move as he is doing now, I am very well pleased as those are the two urgent matters that plagued him and plagued us before he left for Beijing. We have readers of this blog that are Parkinson's Disease sufferers, and they know what that's about. I welcome them and can truly empathise as I have seen it first hand how difficult it is to have a restful night - and consequently a restful day. I also want to point out that the US are quite advanced in this treatment but they have to practise Stem Cell surgery outside of the USA - I read bout the Costa Rica and Mexico treatment facilities. Steve chose Tiantan Puhua from all his research because they had the most patients that had recovered from various neurological disorders - all chronicled with videos and testimonials. He also was in touch with a former Tiantan Puhua hospital PD patient who is doing very well with her new PD lifestyle maintenance, as we speak.

Nov 12th, Monday, Note from Amy: Steve had been fighting his recurring headaches and I was on needles and pins when I didn't hear from him for 24 hours, unusual for him. We "meet" online usually at 10pm or 10 am (vice-versa) but yesterday I could not get hold of him at all. I must have dialed the hospital ten times and also hung up ten times. I was imagining the inconvenience if he were tied to his IV, or if he were sleeping soundly. I knew that his room telephone wasn't at his bedside, so, it was a very apprehensive 24 hours waiting for his email. I was ecstatic to see one email at an early hour for him. He slept well last night said he, so he was awake early. You cant' imagine my relief! And what a relief for Steve to finally rid himself of the headache, mind you, a record setting one, since he started having them after Tuesday's injection! Poor man. BUT, he is okay and I am so relieved. BTW if you want international delivery of a Fruit basket call Flora2000.com - they delivered the SAME DAY to Beijing, China at a reasonable price! Steve's diet had been consisting of Chinese food and other stuff served in the Hospital canteen. He had never mentioned the availability of fruit. He finally treated himself to some this morning and my new nickname is "lifesaver"! I'm grinning with satisfaction with Flora2000.com!

Email from Steve!
Subject: Captain's Blog Stardate Nov 10th, Saturday

Greetings from China! My apologies for the slow down in communication, since the second Injection of stem cells on Tuesday. I can honestly say that the problem was entirely down to ME. After a flawless injection by the doctor, and 6 hours on my back which I managed to cope with far easier this time, I then messed up. The moment you are allowed to move after enforced bed rest in one position for that long, that is exactly what I did - clothes on and get moving, but first DRINK LOADS OF WATER. Well.......! You guessed - I forgot and paid for it big time with thumping headache when upright for the last few days. So I have not really felt like writing anything of length since this debilitating headache set in.

However there is a happy end to this story. Last night I was so zonked that I crashed out at 9.30pm and slept with the usual numerous bathroom visits (walking very easily I must add) until I finally got up at 6.00am. The headache is almost completely gone (I did not take headache medication so that I could monitor my condition), and what is even more noticeable is that as I crashed early, my Parkinson's medication for 10.30pm was obviously missed - meaning that by 5 am in the morning I would have been in an "off" state since about 10.00pm the previous night, i.e. 7 hours of "off" status. But I was walking fluidly (relatively) during that time, and I just took my first morning dose at 6.00am. This has kicked in quickly about 20 minutes adding more evidence that positive things are going on.

So what you may ask have been a summary of the improvements in my condition so far.

Parkinson's Medication window extended from 3.5 hrs to 5 hours.

This really says it all, by default, because when medicated well I can function very normally, to the point of total disguise to people around my that there is anything wrong, so all the aspects of freezing, not being able to write or type, really struggling to dress and undress, and those off periods of lying around waiting for the next dose to kick in are ALL gone.

But there are other small but equally significant changes I've grown hair (no just kidding!) but seriously, going to sleep is no longer an uphill struggle - when I lie down in bed my body is far more relaxed, and I have no problem sleeping. Also the frequent cramps in my feet have completely gone, and turning over in bed is equally much easier than before.

So I have all this to build on - I see the next major phase being the very gradual reduction in my PD meds, with the goal of removing them completely, but this will of necessity have to be done very gradually, so the stem cells don't panic!

This could easily take 12 to 18 months - but hey I'm here for the long haul.

Stem Cell Kid

From Amy: It's now three days after Steve's 2nd stem cell injection. There isn't any  new blog from Steve after the last one as he has been having recurring headaches. I have a feeling it is from the MSG from Chinese food as I know they still use this item in Chinese restaurants outside of the USA  or UK. Steve's meals consists of food from the hospital canteen, solely. Then of course the added stress on his body from the new stem cells. Our email correspondence since the last injection has been very spotty. I'm sure there is now that restlessness and boredom as I read between the few lines I am receiving from Steve. Thankfully, we are now only a month away from completion of his program. Yes, I am apprehensive about Steve's health, all the time. Not being there is hellish for me. However, Steve feels it is best that I stay behind and not join him for several reasons, one is the inconvenience of my accommodations and daily grind while he's undergoing his treatments. I would certainly become a burden rather than a help to him. I have offered to join him numerous times but numerous times Steve declined. I am of better use being out here to continue both our lives. Being here will make his return smoother. I have researched local health alternatives and have come across a Chinese acupuncturist who herself hails from Beijing. She goes back home once a year to update her knowledge and skills. This will be an ideal transition for Steve. I have also found a Licensed Massage Therapist who understands PD. The next step is to make sure Steve's diet is ideal for his recovery. The autumn leaves are falling like crazy now and inside and outside the house Steve's absence is conspicuous, needless to say. I am looking forward to sending you thank you cards with Steve's personal signature on them.

Steve's Blog, Wednesday, November 7

I was dog tired last night and forgot the prime rule after the injection to drink lots of water - so I was rewarded with one thumping throbbing head in the middle of the night. Consequently I spent the rest of the night drinking water like a fish, and getting it out just as fast! Now the head is clearing and I'm back on the drip to assist the new boy's in town, who will begin training the day after tomorrow. The battalion commander has been summoned to report his troops status and will receive a list of duties in due course! With the strength doubled I'm expecting to see slowly more improvement over the coming week and I'll keep you up to date.

Regarding those needles on the back of my hand - I know it appears unpleasant, but they are no problem really, until I stuff my hand into my jeans pocket (an automatic action!) only to be brought to an abrupt stop - that can be a little painful, but most of the time they are really no problem and as all the patients here have them, it's a bit like a badge and we all belong to the same club!

I'm not sure what I said before, but this time the 6 hours on my back was much easier - I only needed one bathroom experience in the 6 hours, and I managed to regularly move my legs and arms to vary the position and the stress - so while it wasn't a picnic, it was tolerable.

I'm now fully mobile except for that drip (Mr. IV) who keeps following me around! I shall rest up as much as possible these two days before training of the battalions begins again.

Amy's Notes for Tuesday, November 6 - Today is Steve's 2nd Stem Cell injection.

Steve's Blog, Sunday, November 4

Good morning! Having gone back to bed, I did not really sleep, which is unfortunate but I did rest, and seeing as I spent much of the previous day in bed dosing and on the drip I have had quite a of sleep and rest so I feel pretty good. The very encouraging signs are that it is now some 8 hours since I took my last Parkinson's medications and my movements are still fluid and I'm able to walk around the room to the bathroom backwards and forwards turning, indeed all of the actions normally find very difficult at this time of the morning. I am very very encouraged by the way I feel, notwithstanding yesterday's brief fever which is well gone, and it would appear that the first batch of stem cells are making a good home for themselves.

My next injection of stem cells could be as early as Tuesday of this week but in any event no later than Thursday. If the improvements from single injection are duplicated, this could see the major improvement in my condition and I'm very hopeful of that. I think possibly what may have freaked my stem cells a little, was using my recently restrung badminton racquets with albeit a very gentle hitting of the shuttle into the air in the foyer of the hospital which is quite high. Now bearing in mind that I have not used a racket for probably 35 years at least not a badminton racquet and maybe these very strange ancient actions freaked out the stem cells!

Well whatever it was it's done and I seem to be making very very good progress. I am looking forward to the doctor's visit and I'll try and set up the web cam and take a video introducing you to all the members of the medical team that would be neat. I note that it is 5.00 PM in Florida and its 6.00 AM for me. I'm feeling good, with no headache, my temperature is normal, and all in all I feel great.

Amy's Blog, Nov. 3

Steve is running a low fever, which isn't a surprise to the doctors. He emailed that I shouldn't worry - a very difficult thing to do - under the circumstances. He reiterated that he is in good hands and everything is under control. He had been given antibiotics and ordered to rest. Please let's continue the positive thoughts for Steve and let's keep our prayers going. I have my bags packed and he only needs to give me the green light to join him. I will update you tomorrow after I make a phone call to the hospital. Thank you for your continued support and concern for Steve.

Steve's Blog, Thursday, November 1st

 I managed to get out this afternoon for a couple of hours with the guy from Physiotherapy and I was successful in getting my badminton racquets re-strung! My wife worried for a moment about airport security when she saw me lug these rackets while loading luggage in the car on my departure. It wasn't a problem at all when I explained to airport authorities what they were for, obviously, but for the work I needed done on them in Beijing.

Back to Beijing: you should have seen their faces in the shop, they inspected the rackets as though they'd never seen anything like it, on the planet! When I asked them if they could do the job, at first they declined, fearful that the rackets might break which is understandable I suppose, but pure ignorance of the very strong construction of a first class racquet. Finally they agreed and to my surprise they did it there and then in the shop so I came home to the hospital with two brand new racquets some shuttlecocks and a nice warm jacket which will be necessary in these coming weeks. For about 20 minutes tonight I played in the vestibule of the hospital which was deserted and has a high ceiling, just knocking the shuttlecock vertically towards roof, just to reacquaint myself with the hand eye coordination and it was great.

I've got my Intravenous drips sorted out and I'm sleeping better without getting up in the middle of the night more than once. So everything's on track with my second dose of stem cells due next Thursday 8 November. Between now and then I have more Physiotherapy which will set the groove for the new stem cells.