Thursday, July 7th - Day 18 update

WOW!! Did I mention yesterday that today should be an interesting day?!?! I am creating this update early tonight since there is alot to elaborate on.

Today began when I told Tori "Good morning Tori it's your Dad" while she was in a complete sleep. Tori immediately opened her eyes very widely then proceeded to cry very hard with that absolutely anguished look on her face. She cried uncontrollably for 20-30 minutes as we tried to calm her and it was another one of those so hard to witness diplays of emotion. Tori had Maria, the nurse and I in tears right with her and I just don't know how many more times I can see her in a state like that... I very badly wish I knew exactly what she is feeling, but I don't.

The rest of the day was a treat compared to the morning!! First off, Tori breathed on her own for at least 8 hours today and was awake for almost the entire day as well. Secondly, Tori gave us some of the big smiles we have been waiting for!! And better yet, she did it in an unsolicited fashion meaning we didn't ask her to smile for us - she just did it on her own :-) When Shaid Depalma approached her and said "Hi Tori!" an immediate grin and smile appeared on Tori's face. We realize those smiles are very small things in the BIG picture but they sure do HELP ALL OF US to see them!!

All in all, Tori is soooo much more active and awake with the 50% Keppra reduction. She also has had NO Myoclonic seizures to this point and if she can go another day or two they will cut the Keppra even further. They might also begin to decrease the Depacone which Tori is taking as well.

Tori was also mentioned along with Whitney in the New York Times today!! Guy posted the link in another BLOG entry so everyone please read it. From what I understand it is the first article of a 3 article series so there should be more. I believe some the Dance Club team members are going to try to be in the crowd for the Today Show on NBC tomorrow morning. Keep a good look out for the PRAY4TORI Signs!!

Whitney and her dance mates did fantastic today as well!! I think I will just create a new BLOG entry later with some of the results. Whitney and Crystal took first place in the duo\trio competition with "Blackbird" and Whitney, Crystal and Forrest took second place in the same category for "Crown". First and Second in the same category!! Not too shabby girls!! From what I understand the rest of the dance team is also kicking some serious butt as well!! More to follow on this.

Alright, I'll post additonal information inside this BLOG entry later if I have more news. Thank you all so much again for your love and support!! I cannot say this enough because all of you mean so much to us!!

The Schmanski's