I'm back and had a great time reading, swimming, eating, napping, and walking the beach. Since I've been home I have noticed an intensifying of many of my original symptoms, and the return of some others, but still no more paralysis, thank God. I am hoping this is typical of "recovery"- two steps forward, one step back, and not a sign of relapse. I am still so much better than I was a few weeks ago- the headaches are quite tolerable now, and I am fully functioning in the "slow lane". Dr. appt. on Mon. to assess. At the risk of sounding greedy now, I still would love your prayers. Please pray that I would not lose sight of God's plan in my life, nor give in to discouragement or panic. I've decided that recovery is harder in some ways than the initial illness, and have much empathy for people with chronic diseases of any type. This is teaching me so much. My love to all of you, dear family and friends. I am so blessed to have you all in my life!!!

Dear everyone,
Well, the doctor confirmed that my recovery is going in the wrong direction and I am relapsing, so I started a second round of treatment yesterday. The good news is that I can do it as an out-patient at the hospital, so I can come home each night. I started my first of 5 bags of IV-IGG (blood antibodies that suppress my own immune system's "bad antibodies") yesterday. I am not as far into the illness as last time, so I don't anticipate getting much worse before this kicks in. Just a little set-back to teach me patience, I guess! Thank you for sticking with me through this long haul!! Love you all.

Mary's condition continues to get a little better every day but she is still very tired and has a lot of the same problems she has been having. These include problems she is having on one side of her face that prevents her from having a normal smile as well as not being able to shut her eye. She is walking better every day but still unsteady. We hope to have Mary back to our house by Thursday or Friday. We have really apprecated all the meals and e-mails you have sent. Also all the other many things that everyone has done. I am planning on taking Mary to Hawaii next week so she can sit in the sun and rest up. She looks forward to seeing all her friends as soon as she is strong enough. Talk to you soon!