Slow & Steady ♡

 We've been laying low while Mandy recuperates from her surgery. Every day she gains strength and a little more mobility. We've been warned that there will be set backs and progress.. over the next year or two. Already she has enjoyed less pressure at the base of her neck, much more feeling and flexibility in her feet and legs as well as experiencing more stability while standing. I'm so grateful that Grant & Ash are here because we can take turns going out in pairs for groceries as well as essential trips to the laundrymat & pharmacy.. while the 4th person is able to stay at the hotel with Mandy. Today though she was able to join us in about a 10 block stroll along the quaint quarter in which our hotel is located. It's not a tourist area.. which makes for such a lovely and authentic Spanish experience. In the 10 days we've been here we haven't met one American! 

Gorgeous Barcelona sunrise

Our home away from home ♡

Grant & I set out to find a laundrymat!

Finally found it, thanks to Google maps! :-)

This Cafe had the best Cafe con Leche! 

Next stop, flowers for Mandy

We left the flower arranging to Ash

So pretty!

The next day Mandy & Ash joined us for a walk around the neighborhood! We scouted out a fun stationary store and pet store we hope to visit on Monday!

Surgery Day!

Ash & Grant escorted us up to the clinic again on surgery day. Her interpreter then pushed her across the street to the hospital where they set her up with a room and got her checked in. I stayed in the room until I was called down to speak with the Dr after surgery. It was a success. They severed her filum which had been pulling on her spinal cord, causing the chiari as well as her straightened spine, numbness in her extremities, neurological effects and loss of mobility. At this time we do not know to what extent her body will recover but having the tension released will at the least stop the progression of the filum disease. Already she is having a very small decrease in head pressure, is walking much more straight as well as having increased sensation in her legs and feet. She will need physical therapy to build her muscles back up. Recovery to whatever capacity her body will enjoy may take months, maybe longer to realize but already she is so grateful for what progress we've already seen! Thank you all for your continued prayers and support! 

Mandy & I with our sweet escorts

Mandy's interpreter Anoop is a funny guy! Has really made her feel comfortable

Mandy's room

From her hospital window we had a view of the park. These ladies were enjoying an exercise class

After about an hour and a half I was called down to this waiting room. I was able to speak with the Dr after a while but wasn't able to see her until about 2 hours later 

Her sweet friend Emily who has been to the Barcelona Chiari clinic and has the same surgery sent her flowers ❤️ 

Once she got back to the room and had a consult with the Dr we texted Grant & Ash that she would love visitors

They've been encouraging her to walk around as much as possible.. she's had some pain & pain med issues but were getting them worked out ❤️ 

Finally released to head back to the hotel! Thank you for your prayers! 

Pre-op testing & appointments

 It was a super long day but she's doing very well! We met with the Dr who will be performing the surgery.. who carried out neuro & muscle testing, took her family history, reviewed the numerous MRIs all while communicating through a very kind translator who transported her back and forth to and between the clinic & hospital where they did a blood draw, pcr and ekg test with the anesthesiologist, & filled out admission papers for her surgery and stay. Her team is hoping for a huge improvement! 🙏🏻 

 Grant & Ash escorted us in the early morning thankfully its only 2 blocks away

At the clinic ❤️ 

We report to the clinic at 11 am tomorrow morning. at which time our interpreter Anoop will wheel her over across to the hospital for surgery. Surgery will last about 45 minutes. She and I will stay 24 hours after which she can return to finish her recovery at the hotel. ❤️ We would appreciate your prayers! 

Exploring the neighborhood

 Unfortunately we weren't able to get a wheelchair until Monday.. but today Mandy felt up to walking (supported) a little, first to the coffee shop then to a grocery store around the corner.. on our way back around the block we located the clinic and hospital where she will be receiving her surgery ❤️ 

Beautiful sunny day ☀️ 

Holiday in Europe!

 We arrived in Barcelona late last night.. and today is Epiphany, the day of the three kings. Everything is closed so we are enjoying a quiet day at the hotel. ❤️ 

Starting up the Blog Again!

I'll be posting pics from our trip to Barcelona here instead of FB ♡ testing to see if I can remember how to do this blogging thing...