About this blog

After sharing e-mail after e-mail with my mother's friends and family I decided that it would be more efficient to put this information on a blog so that it would be centrally located. Here you will find information mostly on Fredi Balzano's health struggles. Feel free to contact me with specific questions.

See my other blog at daisybrainlives.blogspot.com for thoughts on knitting and cooking and other family highlights.

Thanks everyone.

Tracy B.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

July 18 2008



Well it has finally happened. Fredi has been given the green light to come home. Right now that is scheduled for September 1.

Most recently she walked up 24 stairs, almost 1/2 of the 49 required to get to the apartment. She becomes more independent every day. Earlier this month she had her PEG feeding tube removed. That makes her tube free.

Now there is a whole new set of challenges. I need to get a full size box spring, commode, walker, bed rail, life alert, wheel chair, bedding, pillows and a light folding chair with arm rests. That is all I can think of right now. If anyone has had the unpleasant experience of caring for someone with a disability and has any of that stuff please let me know. We will be sorting out what and how much will be covered by insurance.

Back in June Fredi attended her 50th high school reunion accompanied by her sister. While things went well she began discovering some of the challenges of being in a wheel chair.

She was below much of the conversation which made it difficult to participate. Now when we go out she sees first hand the fact that when you are in a wheel chair people think you are stupid.

Anyway, she is looking forward to a lot. Spending time with August, getting back to work, seeing her apartment. She hasn't been home in 18 months. March 1, 2007.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

So glad to hear Fredi is getting ready to come home. I know it has been hard for her and for you. All of you have been in my prayers. I look forward to seeing Fredi when she is ready to have lunch with friends and colleagues after she is settled into being home. Michelle Porchia

Unknown said...

OMG! Tracy and Fredi...I just discovered your blog after a search. Anita told me she met you and that Fred had been ill but not much else. I can't believe what you have been through and I'm speechless at the courage it must have taken for recovery, Fred, and for Tracy as well during this time. Your bravery came through every word on the blog...both of you. You are both in my thoughts and from now on I know it will be nothing but up!!

I recently saw a blue sprite and it brought back amazing memories of our early lives, especially the drive to the Brooklyn doctor when you found out that you were pregnant with Trace; the Gypsies in the dr's office and the Mel Brooks routine about being pregnant you did on the way home with the top down.

Love to you both, Phyllis