China Trip: Week Three

December 31:
At 1:30, Marcus got his 4th stem cell treatment (retrobulbar). He has a yellow area under his eye, like a faded bruise. Thanks to the valium, his BP is the lowest its been since we got here (133/80). He said the injection didn't hurt and he didn't feel any pressure.
Went to Lottemart to get chicken for dinner and ended up having to use the public toilet. it was... interesting.
Had chicken and peas for dinner. Didn't stay up til midnight, but there was a big fireworks display (more than usual).

January 1:
Didn't do much today. Marcus got his regular therepies. Went to eat at a new restaurant called "Wehome Beefsteak". It was the worst place to eat that we've been to thus far. But the coffee was excellent. :)

January 2:
Went downtown with the Dunns. Bought 7 more strands of pearls at Jimo, plus 2 "Coach" purses (700rmb=$118US). Also got a lighter that looks like a pack of gum (120rmb=$20US) and a little purse and compact for Em (40rmb=$6.50US). Ate at the Diner, went to Zhan Shan Temple. Got an incense burner for Yale (280rmb=$47US) and lastly, went to Marys Market.

January 3:
Lazy day; got up about 8:45. Marcus had regular treatments. Hung out with the Dunns and showed Ashlynn how to shuffle cards. She was very amused by the sound and held her hands over mine so she could feel me doing it. Talked to Marcus's parents and decided to get an extra treatment (after much debate).
Went with Sherry, Ashlynn and Susan to Holiday Inn for supper; Charles chose not to go. Ever since yesterday, Ashlynn has decided I'm her new best friend and clings to me and wants to hold my hand and sit by me. Very cute :)

January 4:
Went to Lottemart for soda, juice, ham, sugar, chicken and fruit. Made meatless spaghetti and brownie cupcakes. Hung out with the Dunns for a little while. Watched "In the Electric mist" and "The Illusionist"

January 5:
Today is Marcus's 2nd lumbar injection. While they were cleaning our room this morning we went to visit Sherry and Ashlynn. Ashlynn started fussing and crying (for no good reason, really), then the nurse cane in to give her an IV and she really starting crying and screaming. We left. Then Marcus got his IV and waited for his lunch to arrive (KFC). I ate leftover spaghetti, then we went back to visit Ashlynn - she was calm again. The schedule said 3:00, but they took him up around 2:00 and it was about 2:30 when he came back (BP: 149/89)
Knitted and watch Avatar while he slept.
At 8:30 both Marcus and Ashlynn were awake and doing fine and eating. Marcus says his back is slightly sore, but nothing like last time. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

January 6:
Late last night, Marcus's back started hurting him pretty bad, but a heat pack, ibuprofen and sleep seems to have fixed most of it. It's doing better this morning and there's no sign of a headache. Supposed to be getting an American family in today (with a little boy), but their flight was delayed until 10:30 pm.
About 10:30am: Marcus started getting a headache.
About 1:00: Doc came in and gave him some ibuprofen and is started getting better in about an hour or so.
Made mac-n-cheese for dinner.