Next steps...

Mom slept well last night after 11:30pm.

Through the night, Dad and I took turns making sure she didn't try to take out her feeding tube. They had put these giant soft mittens on her to prevent that, but she got them off. She is determined. She did so well that she didn't make a huge fuss when they came in to check her bloodpressure through the night (four times) and to take blood either. She calmed easily and went back to sleep. I was so very happy for that.

I had to leave about 6:30 this morning and I told her "Momma, I've got to go. I have to go to work." and she picked up my hand and kissed it. They say she doesn't understand us and that to her, it might sound like we're speaking another language, but sometimes it's really hard for me to believe that. She definitely gives us kisses when we ask for them now and hugs too.

Mondo gave me a report on what's been going on today so far;

• She will get a PET scan today at about 1:30pm to check her whole body for any other masses.
• She should get a "fine needle biopsy" tomorrow. They'll poke her in her back under her shoulder blades for this test.
• She will take another "swallow test" today to see if she can be taken off of her feeding tube or if they will need to move it from her nose to her stomach. It sounds like the doctors think she should be able to pass this test soon.
• The doctor thinks the strength that she is exhibiting from her right side is encouraging.
• They will try to get her out of bed at least three times today.

She was also given an exam where they go in and ask her questions. They asked "Can you make a fist?" and she immediately did. They asked "Am I wearing a hat?" and she put her hand on her head. They asked her to hold up two fingers, and she made a fist again. Two out of three? It's not an exact science. Can't tell if she understands from this, but it's hopeful.