Blog Organization

I have been struggling with how to keep up with all the blogs I enjoy reading. Recently I stumbled upon a very simple solution... RSS!

Using any popular RSS Reader - I use Google Reader - you can load the blog URL and away you go!

For example, if you want to read my latest blog entries, simply enter this URL into your reader:

http://scmarks.blogspot.com

Your reader should format the address for RSS and you will receive the updates to your reader instead of having to go to my blog site periodically to check for new posts.

I hope this helps you as much as it has helped me in organizing your favorite blogs!

How fortunate are we?

If you are reading this from the comfort of your home, please reflect on how fortunate we truly are. There are many still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Ike. Please click on the link below to view some very compelling pictures...

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/09/the_short_but_eventful_life_of.html

Neurology Update

I took Carol to the Neurology Doc this morning for a scheduled visit. We spent about an hour discussing her condition. While the doc was optimistic about the success of long term seizure management, he conceded that we will likely never really know the cause of the initial onset of seizures. And consequently, there may not be a cure that would eliminate further seizures. At this point, however, the good news is that the seizure medicine is working as it is supposed and Carol's condition has been stabilized.

The doc performed some additional tests designed to rule out an escalation of her seizure condition, more for our peace of mind than anything else. We should get those results in a week or two. Further tests may be necessary in 6 months if there is any recurrence of seizure activity. Additionally, if there are no further episodes, he would consider reducing her medicine. At this point, we are in a wait-and-see mode, maintaining her present course of medicine.

There are several factors that could contribute to additional seizures. Sleep deprivation and stress are the two most critical factors in lowering the seizure threshold. Additionally, any attack on the immune system (flu, virus, common cold, etc.) could have a negative impact on her condition. So we are trying to be careful as a family to keep Carol healthy and rested! She is permitted to drive locally but not for long distances or on highways. She is happy to be able to get out on her own.

It has been just over 8 months since her first series of seizures. I truly believe that all the prayers we have received have significantly contributed to her recovery. Our family is blessed to have so many folks caring for us. I will keep everyone posted on our progress!

New Beginnings

This week marks the longest stretch that Carol has gone without seizures since all this began back in January. We are now at 12 weeks and still counting. While we are still quite uncertain as to the long term prognosis, we are grateful that we presently have the seizures under control. We still do not know for sure the cause or if/when seizures may occur again, but at least we are returning to some sense of normalcy. We have another visit with the Doc at Baptist next week so hopefully we have an update thereafter.

In other news, we are on week two of the new school year. Andrew is in 7th grade, Katie is in 6th grade and Michael is in 2nd grade. So far, the kids are adjusting well to their classes and schedules. I too am back in school and slated to finish my MS in Emergency Management in December. Andrew is also taking guitar lessons and Katie is progressing well with her piano lessons. Michael starts soccer this week and has his first game this Saturday. Shuffling the kids around is so much fun!

As promised, look for updates on a much more regular basis. I'll have new information about potential tropical systems to impact our area in the days to come as well as an update from the doctors visit in subsequent blog posts. Until then... stay safe!