Update 1/4/2013

They did some frenic nerve testing on my mom's diaphragm. I was hoping they would do frenic nerve testing on more of her body, but they have not. One of the reasons we went to Craig was because of this testing. I was told that where ever she still has connections in her body, no matter how small, they can build on it and retrain muscles as they "come back". They cannot create a connection that is no longer there. This connection is between her muscles and brain. We are normally a four on the scale they use in a normal functioning diaphragm and she is at a one right now. There are several ways to look at this (since I have no medical background, I will let you analyze. Ultimately this means there is still a connection between her brain and the main muscle used to breathe. I constantly have to remind myself that where there is still some connection, she can grow stronger and regain function. She is still taking baby steps. I am trying to lend her my strength through this, but even in her fragile state and greatest hour of need, she selflesly gives me strength. She is such an example. She mouthed to the doctor yesterday that she cannot feel her arms or legs and then got very upset. Why my mother is being put through this est and trial is not for me to determine. I take comfort in knowing that her strength and testimony will help her to endure.