Tuesday 12:00 PM

Hello everyone,

Sorry I haven't posted recently. There was nothing to report. Sunday and Monday were just watch and wait. Today, Allyson had a MEG test. I don't completely understand it but it has to do with magnetic something that penetrates the skull better than the MRI and the PET. We also have the last MRI today at 2:30 PM and then we go home (Yeah!)

Last night we again stayed up until 4:00 am. Lack of sleep helps show the problem areas in the brain. This is why Ally has trouble when school is in. Getting up every day at 6:00 am is a lot tougher than her summer hours, sleeping till noon.

We talked with the doctor today. Nothing will be decided until the end of August. After that a time will be set up. The waiting is hard but it will all be for the better in the end.

God Bless,

Dana

Saturday 4:30 PM

Things are going rather slow here. The seizures are happening but mostly when she sleeps. By the way, That's what we told them would happen. Anyway, Allyson is now into mega-boredom. You can only do so many crossword puzzles or word finds in a day. I was able to get her a copy of the New Harry Potter book so at least she now has something to do. I got the last one at Kroger's for her. We had pre-ordered one for Sarah, but as much as Sarah loves Ally, parting with the first copy was not an option. Sarah is a huge fan and loves to read.

They have now asked that either Randy or I be here 24/7 until she is released. We are here until Tuesday afternoon. Doesn't that sound great? We can't leave unless we get a nurse to come in and sit with her. This is so we can push the seizure button. Once again, she only has them when she is sleeping. I think this will drive Allyson crazy. She loves us but she is 15.

I know I shouldn't complain. They are doing it all for Ally, but this place can get to you after a while.


Lots of love to all,

Dana

Friday 7:00 PM

It has been a very long day for Ally. Without her meds, she is very tried. They were able to get a good reading on one seizure but are hoping for another. I brought her something to read so she is not quite so bored...for now.

If you have been trying to call, the phone was not working. It is now working. Her number is 636-1744. She'd love to hear from her friends.

Dana

Friday 8:30 am

Good Morning. Well it's good for Ally. She now gets to sleep all day while a nurse watches her. They are trying to catch a seizure. As per usual, nothing actual happens while you are watching and wanting it to happen. We stayed up until 4:00 am. this is supposed to help induce a seizure. But the watched pot theory as begun.

John the nurse is now here watching everything she does. Oh what fun for him. Ally is just sleeping. His job is to inject dye at the onset of the seizure. This dye will collect in the area of her brain affected by the seizure. They will then do another PET scan to compare against the first scan.

I am continually amazed at what the doctors are capable of doing.

Thursday 11:00 pm

Ok. It's close to eleven and we still have 5 hours before we can sleep. This is like Ally's dream. She can stay up as late as she wants. Ally is watching movies.

I however, need to invest in some toothpicks and learn to drink coffee.

Dana

Thursday 4:30 pm

Ally is all settled in. You can call her @ 513-636-4200. Asked for her and they will transfer you to our room. We are in A7 South. She doing well. Tonight they need to get a recording of a seizure. They will be withholding her meds so they can be sure to get one. It will be a tough day but worth it if they can get the info they need.

Ally is bored. They video telemetery means she can't leave the room. They don't have many tv channels for teens here. Mostly Disney, Nick and Noggin.

Will update more soon.'

Dana

Tests start Thursday

Allyson's test begin Thursday, July 19, 2007 at 9:00 am. She will be staying at Cincinnati Children's for 5 days. She is allowed visitors and phone calls.