Saturday 29th November 2014

Well this week has been a big week. The doctors have decided to go ahead (finally) and give diaphragmatic pacing another go. The last test a month or so ago was unsuccessful. This time they will “operate” on Gerard with a laparoscope and stimulate his diaphragm from below. If it works they will insert electrodes that will mean that he will be able to breathe without the ventilator for a few hours a day (apparently this takes a few weeks to build up to) This will mean that it will be easier for Gerard to be moved around in his wheelchair as we won’t have to take as much back up stuff with us. Gerard is really keen to give it a go. So this week has been filled with visits from the surgeon, anaesthetists, tracheostomy/respiratory team, cardiologist and who knows who else in preparation. So we wait and see what happens.

We also had an exciting day on Wednesday. Gerard, Charlotte (the physio) Jen and Claire (nurses) and myself hopped into a maxi taxi an headed over to Royal Talbot for a tour. Gerard loved his outing and is looking forward to moving over there. He loved the lounge and dining room, the trees, the physio and OT room and especially the basketball court. Ah yes! There is now a good reason for the boys to visit Gerard! They can shoot hoops when they come to visit Gerard. The court is great and the wheelchair basketball team and rugby teams apparently train and play there, so that will be some good entertainment for Gerard and ourselves as well. Planning is now underway for our next outing… we’re going out for lunch again to Heidelberg somewhere in a couple of weeks time! Yesterday Gerard also got out into the sunshine for a little while. Something the nurses really like doing for him (it involves at least one of them sitting outside with him) as they all really like his attitude, and thankfulness for their help. So tonight is the fundraiser and we approach it with apprehension. Hopefully Max and myself can keep it together and not spend our evening crying in a corner! (I think Max will be right. It will be me that will be the train wreck) The support from everyone has been totally overwhelming. Having said that we are looking forward to seeing you and doing something a bit different to what we have been up to in the last few weeks. Year 11 Exams are over! School is over and work for me is starting to wind down as the end of the school year comes to a close. Thank you again to everyone for your support which is coming to us in so many different ways- a smile and a nod in IGA, a catch up for a coffee, spraying some weeds, and …... They all mean so much to us. (well to me anywayJ) Sue, Gerard, Max and Zac