September 19, 2026
Day 9:
Todays start seems to be just hitting the rewind and play button. Gerald was especially ugly today. Pain was extra intense and lingered for quite a bit after the rescue meds. We were trying to get downstairs for a performance and meet and greet with a pop singer, but didn’t make it.
It seems even IN the hospital we can’t make and keep plans. I’m missing another wedding tonight. Congratulations Dakota and Rachel. Sending you love!
The MRI and LP didn’t happen today for multiple reasons. The first hiccup was that interventional radiology has to do the spinal tap with imaging due to Tates intrathecal (spinal) pump. Then we were going to split the procedures as anesthesia thought 3 hours intubated under anesthesia was going to be long with Tate’s symptoms. So we were tabling the LP until Monday. Then it was decided that there weren’t enough resources on a Sat with anesthesia should Tate wake up with a reaction again to do the brain and spine MRI today. So…we are now pushed to Monday and Tuesday in the afternoon. If Gerald continues to pop in during the mornings, this timing should help to keep things smoother. We are anxious for these tests but above all, want Tate to be safe. So we appreciate all the thought that went into the shift in plans today.
Today was relatively quiet once we kicked out angry Gerald. Tate had a fever and decent headache most of the afternoon again on top of some lousy chronic pain and is just feeling “off.”
Tomorrow we will try a preventative medication to see if we can keep Gerald completely away. Tate is so terrified of these episodes, she doesn’t like me to leave her alone in the room. Please pray tomorrow is Gerald free.