Ananda Update...

[Originally sent via email to our family and friends.]

Hello,

I apologize for the lack of communication over the past week - it has been a physically and emotionally exhausting time for us.

I really find it hard to think back on the past week, let alone write about it...

Ananda is well and is recovering at home - she was discharged on Tuesday afternoon, and has been in our care since.

Her appetite is back, and she is walking around - becoming more active.

She still has head/neck pains, which we treat with ice packs - they seem to bother her more in the evenings, with her waking/crying every 30 minutes.

She also has restless sleep, occasional bad dreams, wakes up confused - but each night gets better for her.

Our biggest challenge has been keeping her calm and peaceful - she tends to get really upset at the littlest things.

Other than that, things appear "normal" at home - like last week was just a bad dream...

Her doctors consider her very lucky to have survived without any noticeable neurological damage - we consider it a miracle.

Next week, we will be meeting with the neurologists regarding treatment options for the AVM - her records are being shared with doctors across the country, and we intend to give her the best care possible.

Each treatment has its risks - and we will be facing some major decisions in the coming weeks.

We continue to pray for a spontaneous regression - asking for one more miracle.

Just know that right now, she is recovering and healthy - she's still a bit week and a little skinny, but she's getting stronger each day.

Her biggest concerns are making up the school work she missed last week, and when she can go back to Karate...

To those of you with children, don't take the precious time you have with them for granted - cherish and nurture them fully.

Thank you for your prayers, hope, and kindness over the past week.

We ask that you continue to keep Ananda in your prayers and be positive and thankful: "I am thankful for Ananda's full recovery..."

Thank you.

Love,

Allen & Melanie