Thank you to everyone that have been part of our family, from there recoveries to their future, we love you
We would like a special thanks to grandma Jeannine and great grandpa Headrick for all that they have done and for both Reyna and Kenneth's opportunity to get ASCT

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

A start and beginning to our blog


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7 comments:

  1. dlbelbinJanuary 27, 2010 at 6:58 PM

    Well, I guess 5 years is better late than never. This is our first attempt at this blogging. So this first one is a long one to give some history. I know its too long because we have exceeded the character limit. I will break this up into several posts.
    First I want to thank all of the blogs I have read. Kind a made me feel guilty for not having one myself. From TBI survivor blogs and posts to CP blogs and posts to, to, to. Well, here is a start.
    Five years ago, my wife Reyna suffered a fall resulting in a traumatic brain injury. Unfortunately, she was pregnant with twins at the time. The details of injury are in the about us. But, since then, it’s just been a survivor and overcome mode in many ways. It has been a rewarding and blessed journey.
    Last year, my mother talked about adult stem cell therapy. It’s been almost a year now, that we have pretty much 24/7 researched and practically became MD's ourselves in this new, but old treatment. After looking up many clinics, looking into backgrounds, feedback from others, and, and, and, we decided to go to Dusseldorf Germany with xcell. I am going to take a shortcut, and post a posting that I did at my friends at Stemcell Pioneers. This was in response to someone’s post but it sure does work faster to copy and paste it here...

    "I have had concerns, questions with a lot of clinics. I found a few dishonest clinics too. Who does truly show results, which has the greatest success rates, etc? I have read many lefts, rights, and somewhere in the middle stories. Who and which clinic is the best? No one will say. Some show graphs, some testimonials and some stories. I am sure that for the most part, as for the honest clinics, some patients show a lot of benefits, some show a few benefits and some no benefits from an array of clinics. I think that the best clinic is the one you feel comfortable with and hope for the best. I know that there are quit a few good clinics out there.

    "Well, I have decided to go to XCELL in Dusseldorf, Germany. I will be taking my wife(TBI) and son(CP). Airfare and hotel for 3 adults and one 5 year old came out to $5,650. This would have been cheaper if we got the airfare a day earlier... Went up $150 each overnight for no reason. My wife’s total cost for treatment for ASCT is 7,525 Eros($10,800us) and my sons will be 9,000 Eros($12,900). Both will have LP for return of cells. My son will be put to sleep thus the extra charge for his anesthesia. Once for the bone marrow and the second for the return. They will put him asleep for his procedure as with my wife will not. Total cost give or take on exchange rate $ 30,000 for the both of them including air and hotel. The whole process was smooth and easy with detailed outlines for the procedures, appointments, and transportation. The money for the procedure will be paid at the clinic when we arrive for the procedure.

    My wife decided against the direct implantation method. Cold feet, but I understand. The cost of the procedures increase as to what you choose to do. I.e. direct implantation, LP or other. Procedures run from 7,500 Eros to 25,000 Eros.

    Continued on next post:

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  2. dlbelbinJanuary 27, 2010 at 6:59 PM

    We have done all necessary MRI’s and evaluations for a “Pre” ASCT base line. From that, we will be able to determine if there was a “scientific/medical” benefit in 3-6-9-12 month period.

    During the time that we were doing the make up, we consulted with doctors, therapist, and whomever. We volunteered our son with a group of doctors who have been tracking children that have had ASCT for pre and post evaluations. It is amazing how fast you can get an MRI, a surgery and other evaluation appointments very quickly when it benefits doctors/hospital…. Our tab of course, the hospital does not have a budget for what these doctors are doing. One note to others looking into ASCT is to do pre work ups. Doctors have told me that an opportunity with many children/adults is that they run off somewhere to do ASCT and then return 6 months later to ask them, “so what do you think, did it work, did the procedure benefit”? With no base line, a determination cannot be made. Scientifically that is… A few of these doctors where pioneers with stem cell research back in the day. They are on our side!.. We feel fortunate to have these doctors on our side and the information that they get from our son will benefit them, others, and us as well.

    During this prep time, we did decide to go with XCELL. We knew Dominic and Harrison kids from Denver that were followed by the local news. The 2 boys are in the same baseball league as our son. We have meet and know others that have been or are planning to go to XCELL. Other factors were involved in our decision as well. We feel that we have made an educated and sound decision. Also, WE ARE VERY EXCITED.

    Our dates for the procedure are the week of February 22nd. After almost a very long year, our day is coming and we are more than ready, I think.. All that is left is what we will eat.

    I am open and willing to discuss anything else, feedback, or suggestions from anyone. I hope I have not forgotten anything.

    If you will allow, I will post our experience and post updates.

    Thanks for everything that you do Barbara!

    David"


    My hopes of this post are this: To thank all those who work closely with my family. To thank those who do not even know me, but I have become a fan of by reading all their blogs, posts and everywhere else. Lastly, although Adult Stem Cell Therapy (ASCT) is an old science but new to get approved and with no guarantee, I wanted to share both my wife's(TBI) and son's(CP) experience and results with ASCT. As those posts that I have read that benefited my education, I would like to do them same.

    I will be posting our adventures and results as we venture forth into the unknown.
    See you all soon, and thank you for visiting. Don’t be Shy! I’m new at this too!

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  3. P. Jeannine HeadrickJanuary 27, 2010 at 8:01 PM

    Thanks for allowing me to share your lives and adventures.. Grandma Jeannine

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  4. ReishJanuary 28, 2010 at 6:34 PM

    For whatever reason you have been given an opportunity to be part of a journey like no other. I believe special people are given to special people and the three of you are just that...special. As you embark on this next step towards further healing and growth, my heart and thoughts are with you. My hope is that this therapy is successful, enabling you and Reyna to have the family you two have dreamed of. Whatever the outcome, you and Reyna are amazing and have come so far. And Kenneth is truely a gift.

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  5. UnknownFebruary 5, 2010 at 9:47 AM

    Thanks for sharing your remarkable spirit and our prayers are with you.
    Jackie Shular

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  6. dlbelbinFebruary 5, 2010 at 7:13 PM

    Thank you Jackie!
    David

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  7. UnknownFebruary 6, 2010 at 6:22 AM

    I am so thankful I can be a part of this opportunity for stem cell therapy. The Lord has blessed me all of my 97 years which makes it possible to help. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers for God's best and a safe journey. I will be following your travels and progress. You are all loved so very much. Grandpa Headrick

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