9/30

News from Costa Rica 

Hello Friends & Family,

I just learned something very interesting from John, the other patient who is also undergoing stem cell treatment for Parkinson’s here.   He said that when he asked what to expect in the way of a time frame to see any improvements in his condition, he was told that they don’t really know what to expect because he and I are the first patients that they have given this particular technique for reinserting the cells. In the past, they reintroduced the cells through an IV.  Without even realizing it I have become the very first person treated at this clinic that has had the cells injected directly into the vascular artery through the use of a stereoscope.  My new friend, John is the second.    

Picture of Nancy and John Walls:

Photo by Linda Walls.  Contact John and Linda at j.walls@wcc.net

I had felt the excitement in the operating room as the small group of doctors carefully attended me during the procedure.  I knew that it was new technology but I didn’t realize how new.  I think the gaps in my communication on this comes from two things: the doctors give a more simplified answer if they have to give it in English and the fact that the institute sets the procedures but they are carried out at CIMA hospital with a mixture of staff from both places.  They gave us a CD with the pictures from the stereoscope on it.  You can actually see the stem cells moving through the artery, entering the brain and spreading out to every capillary.  It is quite amazing to see.

John and I will keep detailed journals to try to identify the changes no matter how subtle.  I have two more weeks n Costa Rica to just rest, do some sight seeing and visit some friends.  Perhaps I’ll have some progress to report during this time.  I’ll write as things come up.  Hope all is well and one more time I thank you for helping make this opportunity a reality. 
 

Love,  Nancy