A Fuller Update

When I checked in with Chester this afternoon about how he is feeling, he reported a mix of "tiredness and exhiliration". This made sense to us after the weekend class. He spent the entire two days as Teacher, maintaining a steady focus, speaking over long periods, giving clear instructions to a group of 25 breathers, and climbing up and down the tower of stairs leading to the classroom studio.

This morning Chester had a great physical therapy session, taking a long walk down the city street (practicing endurance and balance on the uneven surfaces) and climbing small flights of stairs with no railings. At one point, at the end of the session, he had a near-fall on one of the stairs. Doreen and I supported him, he rested in his chair for a few minutes, and then tried again with success. While resting, his frustration was penetrated by the warm sunlight that was flooding the morning. He noticed this, and said to us "Forget frustration, enjoy the sunshine!". We share many moments like this- confronting frustration and fear with "in the now" enjoyment, remembering to savor all of the pleasures of being alive.

Last week was overall a good, restful and stable week for Chester. He enjoyed the company of his out of town friend, tried some new foods that she brought from her organic farm, and had several great rehab sessions. He conquered the goal of crossing a city street in the time of a crosswalk light, and continued to work on regaining movement in his arm. So all in all, a good week with not much to report.

However, last Thursday evening he had a seizure. His friend was preparing dinner, and Marilyn was hanging out as Chester was waking up from a nap. He sat up in bed, and when he turned his head to look at the clock, he went into seizure. It lasted about two minutes, and was a full-body seizure. He remained conscious throughout, and was cared for by Marilyn and B during and after the experience. There is not much to do during these seizures other than pay attention, so we can communicate to the doctors later, and make sure Chester isn't endangered. He was on his bed and "rode it out" ok. We have been in touch with his doctors, he temporarily doubled his dose of anti-seizure medication, and we have an appointment tomorrow to see one of his doctors. We'll keep you updated if we learn anything more.

Chester reports that in the wake of this last seizure he has a lot of fear about recurrence. He is also knows that there is little he can do to prevent or predict a seizure, so he is being with his fear but also moving through it. We are paying close attention to his daily health, taking lots of vital signs, and tracking any changes. There is so much unknown in this whole process, and the best we can do is take it as it comes.

Please continue sending Chester your love and thoughts via email or post. He loves hearing from all of you and even if your email isn't returned, please know that he reads them and appreciates the support and communication.

I'll write more in the coming days, including anything we learn from the doctors, or any (mis)adventures in the rehabilitation work.

Be Well, All!