Friday, September 15th
Sunday, August 13th was Claire's official first day awake from her 14 day off and on coma. Her speech and vision was weak, she had no head control, or voluntary movement capabilities in her limbs. The neurology team repeatedly informed us of possible permanent neurological damage and physical disabilities and that the road to recovery does not occur in positive incremental progressions. For example, she might speak one day and not talk for 3 weeks again before her speech returns or she might improve to the level of holding a cup one day and then lose that strength and neurological ability the next. At this point, only 30 days later, we are not completely surprised, as Claire never responded well to the received statement of "No, You Can't!", but we are incredibly joyful and pleased to report.....the neurology team has stopped warning us as they are utterly speechless. Claire has advanced so quickly and improved almost daily at such a significant rate, her entourage of medical professionals now, just watch, smile and cheer her on without any hesitations. Her poor physical therapist provides us treatment plans and exercises to concentrate on for the next stage of Claire's recovery, anticipating success in these specific areas over the next few weeks to a month.....Claire surpasses her most advanced achievements within days. Each morning her scheduled lesson plans have to be quickly rewritten as they are already outdated and it is 100% all Claire. Here is a small sample of our recovery life with "Super Claire":

1. Sun. 09.10.06, Claire stands unaided and unsupported for the first time for a couple of seconds - "No Hands".
2. Mon. 09.11.06, Claire takes first 2 steps forward by herself into Auntie Danielle's arms.
3. Tues. 09.12.06, Claire walks during her morning PT session approximately 10 steps to sit at a table and visit with her sweet preschool classmate. The same afternoon, trying to chase Reese, walks another 15 - 20 steps, with light support around her waist.
4. Wed. 09.13.06, Claire wants a new movie to watch and states "Get My Shoes", she crawls off her bed and walks down the hall about 30 - 40 feet to the video cart.....AND back.
5. Thurs. 09.14.06, Claire finds out there might be chocolate donuts downstairs in the hospital cafeteria.....I immediately hear again, "Get My Shoes", and she is OFF. We visited the cafeteria three different times and once again to the video cart - HUGE DAY!

She pushes her own IV pole with some assistance as the pole is kind of heavy, but she is walking independently, with strength and conviction. She is an absolute medical mystery. We received good news that her fever from last Friday was just a fever, no infection, therefore we were able to start Claire's second round of chemotherapy Monday night and anticipate completion around next Tuesday - Yes, the same Monday 09.12.06 that Claire decided to display her Olympic athletic will and determination to walk.....while on hard chemotherapy drugs. So far so good regarding her energy level and lack of nausea, we learned from last time, it is the 7 - 10 days post chemotherapy that is so incredibly dangerous and frightening. But again if anyone can fight and survive...it's Claire.

As most of you know, Claire's Big 4 Year Old Birthday is next Thursday, September 21st. Unfortunately, it will probably be the day that her white blood cell count drops drastically and hard so we aren't planning on a large celebration at this time for her. For those of you that continue to ask for a birthday idea or list for Claire, we graciously thank you but came up with another thought. Hopefully, if Claire's treatment plan is ultimately successful and provides her the opportunity to live and thrive for many unknown years to come, Claire and our family will spend a considerable amount of time over the next 12 - 15 months on the 6 East pediatric floor at Sutter Memorial Hospital. The playrooms on the chemotherapy ward and Child Life Program are our saving grace for family time and Claire's mental, emotional and physical health, so we ask that you assists us in purchasing or donating toys on behalf of Claire Denise Miller. We are duplicating, yet wrapping for Claire to open and leave at the hospital, all her favorite toys that she has at home. Again, we have two homes now and are trying to make both places full of love, security and joy during this difficult time. We can not express our gratitute adequately for all the special inspirational gifts and presents received for Claire and her siblings to date, but we think we need them for us and all the other children during family time at the hospital playroom. So, please consider a monetary or toy donation to Sutter Memorial Hospital, Attention Child Life Program, 5151 F Street, Sacramento, California 95819, (916) 454-3333, on behalf of Claire, Ryan or Reese Miller. Please make sure to include your name and address with any donation and the only toy restrictions are they are not able to receive anything with material or toys unable to be cleaned and washed, as well as, a toy with very small pieces are often unsafe for the younger children and usually lost. I must share that Ryan decided to donate his very special Rescue Hero Tower and accessories to the playroom and proudly announces to every boy and girl that is playing with it that it came from him. It was a beautiful moment to see him feel so good about giving so unselfishly to others, I highly recommend it for all children. Thank you again for your continued prayers, support and love, it keeps us running after Claire - HA!.