Karing 4 Kerri

Hi wonderful family and friends!

Kerri was not able to get any relief from the booster treatment she received last night, but we have new hope tonight. Dr. Cantu saw that things were not getting any better for her and this evening called in a neurologist friend of his to consult. As we may have told you before many things here happen in Mexico time which is very laid back and non-rushed. However, when it comes to good medical care, things happen! Within an hour the neurologist was at Kerri's bedside and recommended a different type of medication, which she began tonight. He explained that what is happening to Kerri's brain since the coma ended will most likely subside in time on it's own, but that he knows it is extremely uncomfortable in the meantime. He feels this medication will give her the relief she needs and that in time she'll be able to stop taking it. He also reassured her that if this doesn't work, they have a plan B, plan C etc. Kerri's doctor's discussed this already tonight so that they can also stop some of her other meds. so there are no reactions taking place that wouldn't be good for her.

The doctor tonight also shared a beautiful story with us. The story goes..... I would like to be able to speak in 4 languages. I will learn to speak German to be able to talk to my soldiers. I will learn to speak English to talk to all of my business colleagues. I will learn to speak French to talk to my fiancee. And I will learn to speak Spanish to talk to God.

We are so touched by how beautiful this language is, for us it is the healing language spoken by those who are caring so kindly to our daughter. We are also struck by how important God and family are in this culture. When a loved one is in the intensive care unit downstairs, we have seen individual families of 20 people or more camped out for weeks in the waiting room together. We can't tell you enough how much you, our family and friends, mean to us. Your encouraging messages make us feel like you are all right here waiting with us!

Thanks to our wonderful friend, Gerardo, for taking Mark to run some important errands today. First, he took Mark to pick up the fantastic care package sent to us from the Shuster family. We were worried it wouldn't come before we leave, because other families have told us mail takes at least 5 weeks to travel between here and the US, and often doesn't make it at all. Thank you, Shuster family! We were very excited to unpack and enjoy the goodies. You got all of our favorites (did a little bird named Erin give you any ideas?) Then Gerardo took Mark to a vegetarian restaurant recommended by Dr. Cantu, to get Kerri a tofu and vegetable take-out dish. She enjoyed it very much and the nurses are keeping her leftovers in their fridge for tomorrow.

Our friends Rosemary and John and their family are flying here tomorrow from Pennsylvania for treatment. We met them in January at Dr. Schwartzman's office in Philadelphia and they have been so much help to us, as John is a former coma patient. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers for their safe journey and promising medical care. We understand there are a few more coma patients coming soon, as well as other families for booster treatments. This is sure the hospital of hope for many! By the way Kerri is officially number 30 for the patients undergoing the ketamine coma procedure. Usually, one doesn't like to be thought of as a number, but in this situation the patient number is a proud badge of courage and hope to help future RSD patients, since this research study will help so many people down the road.