Our Caregiver, Ruth, Niece Jane, who is filling in for Ruth while she is back home in Africa, is fitting in well, now that she's been here almost a week.  Jane is a lovely, patient young woman, and takes really good care of Mark.   So, that's a relief!

Marks next (2nd) Swallow Test is scheduled for Tuesday, June 4th.   If he does well, then we hope he can start eating more substantial normal foods.  He'll still have the feeding tube for balanced nutrition and liquids, as he continues to have limited difficulty swallowing regular thin liquids. Thats normal, considering the severe damage the last strokes did to his entire mouth regarding his tongue, esophagus, larnyx, etc being paralyzed, causing his inability to swallow or talk at all, initially.    His Speech therapist told us she is really pleased with his progress, as she initially thought he may never speak again, or be able to tolerate swallowing any foods or liquids.  I fought for her to petition Medicare to pay for additional Speech Therapies, considering Mark still has the feeding tube, and I can't manage that by myself.   She agreed to do so, thankfully.

The Palliative Nurse will be here next week to do the initial evaluation with Mark.  I hope that works out, as I can really use the support managing all this.   I'm not going to lie, as the past 10 months of this extreme stress have really been starting to wear on me.  I'm mentally and physically exhausted daily, even having help for Mark with the live-in Caregiver.   Stroke Life is extremely difficult for all involved. 

Mark had Botox Injections at the Physiatrist Doctor today. We go back in 2-3 weeks for her to do an exam,  and determine if the injections have started to relax the very tight muscles in Marks weak left arm, hand, and bicep from the Strokes?   At this point in time, its honestly not seeming like Mark will ever play Guitar again as he used to (she said that in not so many words).  But, it would really boost his spirits if he could at least get some limited use from that weak left arm and hand.