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Carmen "Lil Mick" Pluma's Blog♥
Wednesday, September 17, 2008

What's happenin' all you Crazy Carmenaddicts,

Today Bert, Jodi (Carmen's mom) and the rest of the family received some encouraging news about Carmen. As we all know, Carmen has that rare blood disease, called Takayasu. This disease attacks the arteries that supply the blood to the brain, and now that the bypass surgery has failed, the main issue at hand is making sure that Carmen's brain is getting enough blood.

Well, as it turns out, the two arteries in the back of Carmen's head are doing a better job at supplying blood to her brain than the docs had previously thought. I also learned that there are two other small arteries in Carmen's neck that are also supplying blood to her brain and seem to be doing okay. The doc said that with the proper medication and care, Carmen's brain will get the blood it needs from these arteries. The doc also said, "This is obviously good news but we're not out of the woods yet."

On top of attacking the arteries, the Takayasu disease causes Carmen's blood to clot as well. While the standard defense to clotting blood is blood thinners, Carmen cannot get the super strong blood thinner medication (Heparin) just yet, because her brain hasn't healed from the stroke. The Heparin would actually cause TOO much blood to go to her brain. Using this stuff may be an option in 4 to 6 weeks once Carmen's brain has healed but for now it's not. So, at the moment, we're waiting keeping a close eye Carmen as we give her the time she and her brain needs to heal. The short term goal is to get Carmens condition to improve to a level that will allow her to be moved from the ICU to the wing across the hall. This is where patients go when they still need a fair amount of care but not at the level of the ICU. (There's some acronym for this wing too but I forgot it.)

So that's the scoop for now friends. In an effort to get as many people praying for Carmen as possible, please forward this blog to anyone and everyone whom you think may be interested. I have to say, I was amazed at the incredible entourage of friends and family that showed up at the hospital last night for Carmen and Bert. And the comments you all are writing are great. These two kids are definitely loved. Speaking of comments, here is the latest from Bert to Carmen:

"Carmen... I just want you to know how much you mean to me. Your smile makes my day that much brighter and as I look into your eyes, I see the love that we have for each other. We have a special bond between us that no one can take away from us. You are the person that I have dreamed about being with my whole life. Carmen, you are my everything... the love of my life! I love you Carmen Pluma!!!! - Me"



♥ Lil MICK ♥

Carmen, 33 years ago you entered this world and I knew as soon as I saw your face you were an angel. I knew you belonged to Jesus but it was an honor and a privilege when he let me be your mom. I'm so proud of you. You have grown into a remarkable woman. You are an exotic beauty but your inner beauty is what captivates people. You are kind, generous, loving, and thoughtful. You have an energy that lights up a room when you walk in and anyone who meets you or is lucky enough to call you their friend walks away a better person. You are my angel, so positive and the bravest person I know. Your feistiness will get you through the toughest challenge you will ever face. I love you from the depth of my heart my sweet sweet angel. PS I just want all Albert’s and Carmen’s friends to know you guys are the best, and to Albert’s family you are amazing!! Thanks to everyone!! I love you all God bless - Jodi!
RHYTHM ♥