June 15th update from China

I got another update from Debbie's brother today. Things seem to be going well, but there is still room for much more improvement in Mike's condition. If you look at the bottom of this post, Debbie lists a website for the hospital Mike is at. You can go to that site and actually write Mike and Debbie comments. Debbie reads them all to Mike, and she says it helps keep his spirits up. As you will read in this update, they have the option to pay for an additional treatment to help Mike see again. Even though they are going through the process right now, they still need our help. Get onto Paypal and keep those donations coming, and if you have the time, write a comment or 2 to Mike on the blog. He really needs our support right now. Here is the update:


June 15th update
Michael (aka "Vinny") had his 3rd treatment today, the 2nd spinal infusion. When the nurses put the IV port in, around 1:30, they stuck him 4 times before hitting a vein! Needless to say, he turned white as a ghost. They wheeled him to the O.R. at 4:30 and he was back in the room at 5:05. He said he felt the lumbar puncture(s), as they tried a few times before hitting the correct spot. Later, the doctor came in and said they need him to lay on his left side next time because they had to try 4 times before having success. I guess you know that he'll lay on his left side on Friday!!

He has already had a drink of water, which is allowed 2 hrs. after the treatment is completed. He doesn't seem to be in pain, just some discomfort having to lay flat. The doctor said to give him Ibuprofen if he has any pain. He's not one to ask for anything!

When we orignally registered for these treatments, the doctors reviewed his medical records and suggested 6 - 7 treatments. Of course, I opted for the 7 treatments because we want to maximize the benefit of the treatments. Last week when the doctor evaluated him, she mentioned that he is eligible for an 8th treatment if we would like to purchase it. So, today I asked the doctor if an 8th could be worked into Michael's schedule/timeframe. She confirmed that he could have an IV treatment on July 6th, which is the day before we leave China. They offer a discounted rate of $3500.00 for the extra treatment, so I will be going with a translator to the Bank of China tomorrow to get $3500.00 USD in Chinese RMB's as they only accept cash payment. We spent all this money to get here, we may as well get the maximum! Besides, you cannot put a price tag on the results we hope to gain.

He has been funny today! He asked me to find out where I can buy some of the bootleg DVD's! He had bought 20-25 when he was in China once before. I talked to one of the translators and she's willing to take me to the Gimmo Market (where they barter). I guess we have to go to the back of the market, but she said I can get them for approx. $2.00 USD/each. Michael wants me to go with her on Thursday! He can't leave the hospital because he has treatment again on Friday. I guess the market is way too busy for him to try to get around anyway. He insists that I go! Let's just hope the Chinese Gov't doesn't crack down on the bootleggers while I'm there!!

We've made friends with many families here. Beginning next Sunday, another family and I decided to have a 10:00 Sunday Brunch and "Share in Prayer". Rather than a "church" service, we thought we could share a prayer and share our stories. So far, I've talked with six families and they are all excited to participate. We're all here for the same goal.

Michael and I want to thank you for your continued support. Please email or write a comment on his blog (stemcellschina.com/blog/MikeV), as I read all of them to him.

BTW, the "V" in Vincent is actually "V" for VICTORY!!!! Thanks to our dear friend, Ed Dunn, for that.

Regards from Qingdao, China.....

Debbie and Michael