Monday, November 5, 2007

WE MADE IT! AFTER 23HRS!!

Hey All,
Hope all is well!
After a long flight (15hrs) and then a 6hr lay over in Beijing, we finally got on our plane to Shenyang! The hospital is called the 463 Military Hospital. It is very nice with the same decor as Nanshan(the hospital in Shenzhen, China in June).

The people are great here, especially Tony. He is the coordinator-speaks fluent english. He is a godsend because as you all know, trying to articulate is difficult for me. He bridges that gap. I had my eval to see where I'm at physically. It was a shot in the arm. While physically I am strong my coordination is not. Therefore, I fall sometimes-but I ALWAYS get up. Down but not out-by a long shot.

Had my MRI-brain and neck-it was perfect. Also, had PT this morning. The therapist is awesome-she had me doing these groin exercises-it was funny-everyone laughed and it hurt like hell. I have my first injection for stem cells tomorrow the 7Th at 4pm(your time 3am Wednesday morning). My bone marrow transplant is next week-OUCH!!!!!

Went to wal mart-very different and the same. They have everything a wal mart back home would have but they have live fish you can choose from and they will gut it right there for you(pretty cool)

There is a mother and son from wilton-Shannon and Brandon. He is a SCI(spinal cord injury). 24 years old-he got injured pole vaulting. Great guy! Our moms are at Wal Mart as I am writing this.
Tons of photos and a video to follow!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Take care,
Love,
Drew

Someone sent this to me-so true


"Love yourself. Make peace with who you are and where you are at this moment in time. Listen to your heart. If you can't hear what it's saying in this noisy world, make time for yourself. Enjoy your own company. Let your mind wander among the stars. Try. take chances. Make mistakes. Life can be messy and confusing at times, but its also full of surprises. The next rock in your path might be a stepping stone. Be happy. When you don't have what you want, want what you have. Make do. That's a well kept secret of contentment. There aren't any shortcuts to tomorrow. You have to make your own way. To know where you're going is only part of it. You need to know where you've been, too. And if you ever get lost, don't worry. The people who love you will find you. Count on it. Life isn't days and years. It's what you do with time and with all the goodness and grace that's inside you. Make a beautiful life... The kind of life you deserve"

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lookin good brotha, sorry I missed you when I was back home. good luck in China, stay away from the lead toys : ).
Stay Strong and keep up the good work.
PS

Unknown said...

Drew, great to hear you made it to China safely. We're all praying for you back home and look forward to reading about your progress.

Best,
Chris Kennedy

Anonymous said...

Andrew,

I'm glad you're where you've been wanting to be. I wish you all God's graces and blessings. I haven't forgotten my mission for you. I've gotten in touch with a HS classmate who's now a priest and I am asking him to make an appointment for you with the famous healing priest I am telling you about. We're hoping we could get an appointment by the third week of December. Email me...I am tracking how you are doing thru this website, but I need to know until when you are gonna be there so I could arrange for your trip to the Philippines if ever, and back to wherever - China or here in CT.
Keep on working on your coordination, and stretch/strengthen those muscles that just wouldn't folow your brain's command.
Need I need to say keep the faith???? Miracles happen everyday...especially to those who believe.
Regards to your mom.

Hugs.