July 22

I had more wonderful visitors today!! My other friend named Christy works from home on Fridays and came over to keep me company. And I was thrilled she brought her 12 year old daughter, because of course this meant watching tv and painting our nails. She even treated us to lunch, which has been totally unnecessary from all our visitors this week, but I've been so thankful. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the time at the beach and being able to soak up the sun, but I also really enjoyed being home with Grandma, catching up with my visitors, and finding some of my own independence. Grandma and I had such great bonding time. And being able to do so much for myself made me feel really good... I made myself breakfast, got my own coffee, and then Dusty and I made dinner tonight! I felt kind of bossy saying "I need a bowl" or "get out the garlic press" and "do we have a new container of mayonnaise?" But in the end, it was me that made dinner and it was amazing food and a wonderful experience. As Dusty would say, I was "back in my element." These last few days showed me how much I can do own my own and I really feel like if I was in a completely accessible environment, I'd totally be able to do everything on my own. That makes me feel so amazing. 

This week's break was just what I needed and I'm going to go into this next week feeling so refreshed and determined. I have a really good feeling about what's to come. First of all, it's my birthday week! I have an appointment with a neurologist at Hopkins on Wednesday and I've been waiting for this appointment for so long. I haven't really seen a neurologist since UVA. It's been all rehab doctors and I just have so many questions. Dr. Recio said this new doctor, Dr. Pardo, is a transverse myelitis specialist and has seen the most cases of ADEM in the nation or something like that. He said not to be surprised if he changes my diagnosis just because he's so experienced and may know more than the other doctors I've seen. I'm hoping we'll be able to sit down and look over my old mri's and learn more about what the heck happened to my body. Then, I finally get to meet with my school on Friday! I know it might be an emotional trip and being back on campus or seeing friends and professors for the first time since I got sick may be strange, but I'm looking forward to it. The concert should be a really good time Friday night and then being able to go by clinic and say hi to everyone at Magee will be nice as well. I think it's only going up from here!