Friday through Thursday, October 5th through 18th

Good evening,

Maria, Whitney, Brendan and I returned from our five day stay in Boston, Massachusetts on Monday morning. We had a wonderful time and were able to reconnect somewhat even though we comprised only 80% of our family. We did alot of visiting with Guy and Sophie, site seeing, shopping, eating, sleeping and eating some more... ;-) I'm also happy to report that Tori did absolutely great during our absence and gave Grandpa and Grandma Schmanski ad Moira her nurse very, very little trouble. We had emergency plans prepared just in case and thankfully we didn't need to use them.

Tori only needed medication to ease her anxiety and agitation at times and that is nothing outside of her normal routine. Grandma and Grandpa were able to provide this for her as well as her daily care and feeding pump preparation while Moira came to the house twice per day to administer her daily doses of medication. We also had the video camera configured so we could watch Tori from my computer in Boston. We were able to determine what medication to give her at certain times to calm her agitation. Meredyth also came for Tori's ST sessions and Cari for her PT sessions while we were gone. All in all we don't think things could have gone any better!!! :-) We were able to relax a little more after the nervousness passed during our first couple of days and nights away. We did check in often though.

The Friday before we left Tori received her botox and phenol injections throughout her upper body and arms. By the the time we left Tuesday afternoon the botox had taken effect and Tori was a much more relaxed and not agitated person. We really couldn't have left her without her getting the injections. Now she can sit in her bed or wheelchair comfortably with her arms relaxed and laid across her lap. It's a marvelous thing even though it is such a simple task!!! If Tori ever gains immunity from botox we will be in big trouble...

Since we have been back Tori's demeanor has remained relatively calm and relaxed. Grandpa and Grandma headed south to the warmth of Mesquite, Nevada to take a well deserved break. Thank you both so much again for providing our family this opportunity!! We are now back into our 'normal' routine of caring for Tori and her siblings and doing our best to keep the household running. I'll also be meeting with Tori's school counselors next week to determine a learning plan for her. We'll see what we can come up with.

Thank you all as always!!

The Schmanski's