April 19, 4:30pm - the first day of recovery!

Even with everything that is going on in Boston, Christine's attending dermatologist was able to visit Christine today. She told her that today is her first day of recovery because they found new skin! What an amazing piece of news. We are by no means free and clear yet - there are still a slew of things to worry about and the road to recovery will be long and painful. However, we are glad to hear that things are starting to head in the right direction.

Christine's bosses from Mass Eye and Ear were able to visit her today as well, so the boredom was broken up a bit. Christine asked me to tell you all that she loves the comments you are leaving on the blog, even though she isn't responding. Now that her vision is returning some she has been able to check out the blog posts, though she still has to have someone read things to her. She says to keep those comments coming!

Thank you for all of the support

Christine wanted me to write a post dedicated to the cards, gifts, flowers, and visitors she has been receiving. She has said over and over again how much all of the support means to her, and it is helping her stay strong and optimistic. I am going to do my best to list everything she has received and post pictures, but forgive me if I forget you! 

Also, Christine has allowed me to share a picture of her in her present state in the hospital. She says hello to you all.

And now for the thank you shout outs! Thank you to: 

• Caroline's soon to be in-laws Susan, Harvie, and Katie for the beautiful flowers! 

• Aunt Cindy, Uncle Don, Cousin Katie, and Cousin Megan for the beautiful flowers! We sadly do not have a photo of these. 
• Caroline's friends Diana, Victoria, Jamie, and Zoe for the super cute stuffed yellow lab and balloon! 

• The Allen Cousins for the beautiful flowers

• Friend Molly for the cute blooming flower! 

• Co-workers Joanne and Debbie for the awesome pink flowers! 

• The happy balloons from co-workers at Mass Eye and Ear.

• My co-worker Deidre for the cute pink orchid! 

• Our family friends Jackie and Andy for the purple orchid! 

 

• Books from old Beverly co-worker Lauren!

• Adorable prayer bear from Uncle Chip and Sabrina. 

• Many gifts and visits from my good friend and co-worker Rebecca. 
• Milk shakes, Neo picutre, a scarf, time, and support from my step-sister Kimmy! *UPDATED*
• For Tom taking care of Neo and sending videos to make me smile! *UPDATED*
• Lots of food and shakes from various visitors. 
• Vermont art from Grammy Jane.
• Cards from: step-sister Kimmy, old co-worker Laura, cousin Katie R., friend Heather, family Steven, Wendy, Josh, and Ryan, co-workers at Mass Eye and Ear, step-dad Tom, Uncle Chip and Aunt Sabrina, Grammy Jane, Caroline's friends Viki and Matt

And thank you to everyone else, and we are sorry if we forget to mention you specifically! All of these kind gifts are making Christine's hospital room very cheery and are a constant reminder of how much people love and care about her.

April 19th, 1:30pm

Just after typing that post I was able to video chat with Christine using Skype. Her eye doctor was in today and he came by and removed the PROKERA amniotic lens and replaced it with a large bandage style lens like she has in the other eye. The first thing she said to me on video was "do you notice anything different about me?" and I immediately replied "you don't have the lens in!" The PROKERA lens had a cloudy appearance and so was very obvious when in her eye. She is very excited to have some of her vision back. Her face is unfortunately peeling more and so she visually looks worse than yesterday... but we hope that is a sign of underlying healing.

April 19th, 1pm

Well, as you all likely know there are some dangerous happenings in Boston right now. As a result, Mom and Christine are on their own at the hospital. Currently, nobody is allowed to enter or exit MGH. It's hard not being there, as I'd like to be able to comfort Christine, help where I can, and keep her distracted. I have spoken with Mom several times on the phone though, and they are safe and still getting care. One of her wonderful day nurses made it in to work, as well as one the Derm resident. She has had all of her necessary medications, and had her gauze dressings changed. It sounds like the biggest interruptions so far have been the lack of visitors and a lower level of food service. Her amniotic membrane contact lens seems to be falling apart and is bugging her, so they are trying to get an eye doctor (likely not her normal one) to come by and take a look.