February 27, 2007

Lynne's treatment for the blood clots is going well. The blood clots were more extensive in the right leg than I reported yesterday. She is expected to remain in the hospital for 3 to 5 more days while the medications stabilize. Lynne was up walking today for quite a distance. Tomorrow she is scheduled for an MRI to evaluate the impact of the treatment on her brain. The treatment risk is higher than normal because of the recent brain surgery, so the doctors want to keep a close eye on her brain. Several CT scans have been performed and all look good so far but the MRI provides a closer look.

Returning to the hospital dampened Lynne's spirits. Today Lynne returned to her jovial self and flashed her beautiful smile many times. She is an inspiration to those around her despite this difficulty in her life.

Darryl

February 26, 2007

Lynne re-entered the hospital this morning with a blot clot in her right lung. She was in severe pain. The blog clot was identified with a chest x-ray and CT scan. Subsequently, two additional clots were located, one in each ankle using ultra-sound. The primary course of treatment is to thin the blood but with her recent brain surgery that treatment increases risk. We chose to proceed with that treatment since the surgery occurred nearly a month ago and the results of brain CT this morning. Thinning the blood increases the risk of bleeding in the surgical area. Please pray that the clots dissolve, no other clots form, and that complications do not arise.

Darryl

February 22, 2007

Lynne appreciates all of the cards, email, and blog posts. You'll notice from the photo that she has received many cards. Some of the cards are from people we have never met. The mail is a highlight of the day.

Lynne continues to do well with the physical and occupational therapies. Both therapists are increasing the intensity and complexity of exercises. Lynne had a blood test yesterday with a good report today.

February 20, 2007

You will notice from the photo that Lynne has never lost her beautiful smile throughout this ordeal. Her positive attitude is encouraging to everyone that has visited her over the last few weeks.

Yesterday, the occupational therapist added strengthening excercises to Lynne's rehabilitation efforts. She is doing very well with them. Lynne's walking stability is also increasing each day. I suspect she will be walking without assistance in the upcoming days. Lynne meets with the physical therapist today. She also meets with her neurologist late this afternoon. The neurologist monitors her Dilantin levels. Dilantin is used to prevent seizures following the brain surgery.

The next major appointment is March 5th with the oncologist. Reports on this blog may lessen over the next couple of weeks. I will report any major changes.

February 18, 2007

Thanks again to all of you for your comments, prayers, and support. We are very encouraged by the continued outpouring of concern and love.

Lynne continues to make daily improvements with her mobility. Her coordination with her right hand is also beginning to improve. Today, she fed herself with her right hand. She's been doing fine with the left hand but is working hard to rehabilitate her right hand.

I attended an eight hour seminar hosted by the Brain Tumor Society and Barrows Neurosurgical Institute in downtown Phoenix. I believe that God provided the seminar just in time. A good portion of the seminar focused on the specific cancer that Lynne was diagnosed with (Glioblastoma Multiforme). The seminar included the topics (a) diagnosis (MRI and Pathology), (b) Neurosurgery, (c) chemotherapy, (d) Radiation, (e) Research Updates, (f) Quality of Life issues, including caregiver information, and (g) a Mock Tumor Board Meeting. As you might imagine, there was more information than one can digest in a short time but I am glad to have the information for reference.

Just a quick note for you researchers. If you research the cancer, you will notice many very bleek statistics. Much of the information on the Internet is based on data that does not reflect the latest information. I met a gentleman at the seminar that had the same tumor in a different lobe than Lynne but has lived 13 years. The statistics are helpful to scientists in determining the effectiveness of clinical trials. One must be cautioned to avoid applying statistics to individual cases.

Darryl

February 15, 2007

Thanks to those who have left comments. We appreciate the support, thoughts, and prayers.

Lynne is able to curl the toes on her right foot today. Seems a simple thing for the rest of us but monumental to her after not have any movement on the right side just a week ago. Lynne is also able to lift her right arm a little higher each day and able to rotate her right wrist nearly 180%.

Lynne is uplifted by your cards and comments. We are both encouraged to know that prayers are lifted on her behalf across the country.

I am scheduled to attend an all-day seminar on Saturday for patients and caregivers. The focus of the seminar is on brain tumors with a break-out session specifically on Lynne's diagnosed tumor. I hope to learn more to ensure that I can help her with the decision-making process and provide the support that she needs.

February 14, 2007

Lynne was dismissed from the hospital around noon today. The 22 mile drive home felt like a lifetime to her but she was certainly glad to walk through the door. She requires assistance for safety but can do much on her own. She will be receiving physical therapy at home three times per week beginning tomorrow. She has some blood work scheduled on Friday. For the most part, tomorrow she gets some rest and relaxation.

February 13, 2007

Lynne's mobility has improved enough for release but she developed an minor infection that might postpone her release. We will know more tomorrow. She started antibiotics today. The infection is not uncommon given the situation.

February 12, 2007

Lynne continues to regain mobility. The rehabilitation team is pleased with her progress and set a tentative discharge date of Thursday (2/15). The family spent the day training to provide assistance to Lynne upon her return home. We continue the training tomorrow. On Wednesday we are scheduled to meet with the rehabilitation team and on that day the discision to dismiss is made. We continue to thank God for the progress so far and pray for her continued recovery.

Yesterday, Scott and Elise brought in a homemade spaghetti dinner for Lynne and the family. That was quite a treat for Lynne as she was growing weary of the hospital food. Scott and Elise are the future in-laws of our nephew Danny.

February 11, 2007

Lynne had another good nights sleep. Today, she was able to move the toes on her right foot for the first time for a couple of weeks. Lynne is in good spirits and enjoying the visits of family, friends, and church members. Thanks again for your prayers, she and I are encouraged and strengthened knowing that so many care and petitioning God on her behalf.

Our nephew's future in-laws are delivering a home-make spaghetti dinner for lunch. I understand her spaghetti is the best ever, so Lynne is looking forward to the meal. God bless you all with good health.

February 10, 2007

Lynne is improving everyday with her therapy. After a full nights sleep, she was able to open and close her right hand. This was a momentous event for her and I was thankful to witness. The therapists said that if she continues to improve at this pace she could be released as early as next Friday (2/16). She is working hard and in good spirits despite the serious cancer and impending treatments. We will know more about the treatment plan in just a few weeks. Thanks to all of you for your thoughts, prayers, and support in a lift altering situation. The support provides the courage she needs to face the upcoming days and weeks.