Dear Family and Friends,

We just got back from the Dr. and got the results from the MRI. They were VERY encouraging. Phil has gone from 60% to 40% to 20 % dead tissue in his cerebellum. There is no indication of more strokes. His brain stem has some nerve damage,from (his brother) the cerebellum pushing him around that first week of the stroke. That is probably the reason he is having the chronic cold nose and mouth, that may never change. Also the speech and swallowing and food thing we just have to wait and see, that has to do with the brain stem as well. Dr. Ordonez said that it looks like there is a good possibility that there will be more healing in the cerebellum. Because he showed us some dark lines, that looks as if blood flow is taking place in the 20% that is still (dead). He is a happy Dr. we are encourages so much by the outcome of this MRI. Dr O. said he probably won't see another cast like Phil's for another 10 years he said (this is very rare).I snagged Zoe the speech Therapist and got her to check Phil out between appointments. She definitely sees the change in his speech from his last appointment. She did a few little quick tests on him and hasn't had the time to figure it out. He is supposed to have his last appointment Monday so we will see how that goes and if she had a plan to get his speech back on track. Fred thinks it may be do to his talking so much more this past week with having company, we were throwing that idea around as well (great minds think alike) . Thanks Fred for your input, it seems like that could be a possibility. Phil is enjoying smiling at his dad's stories and talking with him. It is good that he has fun things to keep him occupied. We'll talk about that idea with Zoe Monday afternoon when we go see her.Well, I thought I better get this off before tonight when I take Phil downtown to have his sleep study. We hope and pray that they are able to get him at least partially functioning with a machine. thank you for your continued prayer for us and this roller coaster ride we seem to be on. :0

Love Donna, Phil, and Family