Karen choked out, “Thank you. You have no idea how hard that was to press. I have a cosmetic in the closet. It gets taken out to use about once a year. I have to get it out a couple days before to make sure it is working properly. I use it, I need it at times. But it is not the answer for daily wear.”

“And Diane, if that eye prosthesis is a problem, wear the patch. Do what is best for you.”

“I am. But like she said, thank you. I have a feeling your opinion on this is worth something. One thing I will say to you, always put your professional opinion out there. If you think the person would be better served with something, make sure you throw out that option. Often the patient isn’t aware of all options. You could short change them by not telling them. “

“Thanks. I will try to remember that. Coming from you, it means a lot.”

Karen inserted, “I also want to say thanks and second what she said. Give your best professional judgment.”

“I also want to tell you what I am planning for this fall. I talked to one of my professors about it. He thinks it not only is a great idea for me, it is for others. He wants to work with me, see how it works and then if it works out and shows benefit he wants to make it open for others to try. I will spend several weeks in a couple of let’s call it, situations. We have planned that I will have several casts over time, a long leg, full arm, one for my leg that will mimic a peg leg, for that I will have to wear a two inch heel on the other foot, a pair of locking leg braces that I will have to use a wheelchair, and an eye patch. I will be able to take the eye patch off to drive so we don’t create a risk. I know that isn’t realistic but we don’t see any better way. If any of you have any ideas let me know.”

Karen spoke up, “I wonder if there is a way to put a hook on the end of your hand so you can work it?”

“I don’t know but I will ask.”

Patti broke in. “We have to do a break here. More when we come back.”

When the camera went off Heather called on the PA. “The office staff is taking calls, all the lines are busy. I have never seen the positive feedback like this.”

“What does that mean?” Carl asked.

Patti smiled, “They like us, they like what we are doing.”

“Oh. I thought something was wrong.”

Karen laughed, “If this is wrong, let us make some more mistakes.”

Heather came on again. “Do we have phone numbers for AA, AlAnon? People are asking for them.”

Patti answered, “There are numbers on my desk on a piece of paper Carol gave us. I still have it pinned up in front of me. Look there. If you have someone free, ask them to call the two organizations and ask if we can put up the numbers. If they say so, do it during the rest of the program. Let’s do as much good as we can. It may cut your number of calls. Let’s try to help as many people as possible.”

Karen: Chapter One – The Attack

Karen Chapter 40 – Two Years Later Diane

Karen Chapter 42 – Two Years Later Julie and Janice