March 31, 2007

Lynne continues to do well with her recovery. Her uncle Paul is spending the weekend with us. Paul is a truck driver and in-between loads so we are enjoying his company. The weather is beautiful in Arizona so a good part of today is spent enjoying the backyard watching birds, listening to the water fountain, and visiting.

I hope you are enjoying your weekend as well and wish you all the best.

Darryl

March 28, 2007

Lynne is doing well with her recovery. She has helped prepare dinner for the last three nights. She is walking unassisted. She told me yesterday for the first time that she feels like she is on her way to recovery. We are thankful for God's care on her behalf and give Him the glory for what's been achieved to date.

We appreciate your continued comments, thoughts, prayers, and cards. They are truly uplifting and encouraging to Lynne and the rest of the family.

Darryl

March 24, 2007

Lynne's blood levels lowered to a level that allowed her to leave the hospital. She was sure happy. She is walking better than ever and even walked out of the hospital to the parking garage. She was tired when she arrived at the truck but relished the moment. She walked to our bedroom this afternoon. After a short while, I walked in to check on her and she was filing her finger nails and looked up and smiled. She enjoyed a little time alone for the first time in several weeks. We are grateful for her progress. On Monday she will resume her radiation treatments.

Darryl

March 23, 2007

Lynne's day started off rough. The Dilantin level only dropped three points in the last 24 hours after dropping 16 points the previous 24 hours. So she must remain in the hospital longer than she wished. After visits from her mom, dad, and children her spirits picked up considerably. We are hoping for a much larger reduction in the level with tomorrow's test.

Darryl

March 22, 2007

Lynne's Dilantin level is steadily decreasing. Within the next day or two we hope the level reaches the therapeutic level and she is able to return home. I took Lynne on several walks around the hospital today and she is walking better than anytime since the surgery. She walked without assistance from me or her quad-cane.

The nursing staff purchased Lynne a beautiful blanket for her 4 hours in the hall-way bed. They thanked her for being understanding and her positive attitude. She has gained many friends within the nursing staff because of her constant "thank yous" to all of them. As I watch her through this ordeal, with her pleasant attitude, I am constantly reminded of Philippians 3:3 "...but in humility consider others better than yourselves." The rewards for such an attitude are discovered in the present and in the future.

The best to you.

Darryl

March 21, 2007

Lynne's neurologist called last evening and urged us to the hospital due to an Dilantin level result that was critically high. Lynne was told that her body dealt well, since most people exhibit obvious symptoms at that level. After 12 hours in the ER, waiting, waiting, monitoring, blood work, etc. she finally moved to a patient area. The hospital is unusually busy, so her bed is actually in the hall of the wing. Hopefully, she will move to a room soon. The blood level is expected to lessen following a discontinuation of the medicine until the level returns to normal. Lynne takes two medications that interact causing some difficulty in establishing the proper levels.

We did have some excitement in the ER waiting room. We got to see a man tackled by six security guards not more two feet from our seats. A family brought an expectant mother in labor to the ER. She actually delievered the baby in the front seat of the SUV not 20 feet from the ER doors.

Hope you all have a good day!

Darryl

March 19, 2007

The radiation and chemotherapy are taking a toll on Lynne. Lynne tires easily and is resting often. She did attend worship yesterday for the first time since this ordeal began in January. She enjoyed seeing everyone and the service but was quite tired upon returning home. Her tiredness continued into today so we'll have to be careful to monitor the length of her activities. The doctors and nurses warned us that this might occur and that activities need to be paced.

Your continued prayers on Lynne's behalf are appreciated. Several have provided meals over the last several weeks and for that we are extremely grateful. I wish I could put into words our thankfulness to all of you that have extended your love and support to Lynne. Words usually come easy for me but in this case I struggle with finding words that adequately captures our emotions and feelings. Just know how very important your actions are regardless of how unimportant or insignificant they might appear to you.

As stated previously, the blog updates will lessen as the news becomes more routine but I will do my best to update you as significant news emerges.

Darryl

March 15, 2007

Lynne is nearly finished with the first of six weeks of radiation. The treatments did not take long to create fatigue. The last two days have brought many naps. Lynne began her chemotherapy last evening. She awoke at 2 am extremely nauseated which lasted only about 30 minutes after taking some nausea medication. I don't know if the body becomes accustomed to the chemo which lessens that symptom but knowing that the treatment lasts a year we are definitely hoping so.

Lynne continues to receive cards which provide a highlight in her day. Today she received a home-made card from a six year old that touch her deeply and made a few tears flow. Thanks to you again for your continued support in that area.

Darryl

March 12, 2007

Well, after a rough pre-radiation alignment on Friday, Lynne pulled together the courage to face her claustrophobia and breezed through the alignment today. Her radiation treatments begin tomorrow. The series includes treatments Monday through Friday for the next six weeks. I have always had the highest respect and admiration for my wife over the last 28 years but her determination and outlook have proven that I underestimated everything that makes Lynne so special. I was proud beyond verbalization as I watched her face her fear through a video monitor today.

Your continued prayers for her successful treatments are appreciated.

Darryl

March 11, 2007

Lynne and I enjoyed an evening on the porch last evening. The weather in Arizona is just about perfect this time of year. Lynne continued to do well today. We had some church friends over to sing. We enjoyed the time together. Lynne returns for radiation treatments tomorrow. Please continue to pray for a successful treatment.

March 10, 2007

Lynne's trip to the ER yesterday really drained her. She had eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, something she doesn't normally have even when she is well. She awoke this morning somewhat down. After convincing her to eat breakfast and some time enjoying the new patio furniture watching birds and flowers her spirits were lifted. The medication is controlling the spasms. She is enjoying a quite afternoon resting and looking at a new cookbook. She received a couple of gifts from friends in Connecticut and Tennessee, which she enjoyed very much and put a big smile on her face. She is getting hungry for pizza...

Darryl

March 9, 2007

Lynne visited the radiation center to perform the alignment of the machine in preparation for her radiation treatments scheduled to begin next Monday. Lynne has experienced nausea for much of the week, which created some difficulty when she lay on the machine. Lynne is claustrophobic and the head is immobilized with a tight fitting fixture over her face to prevent movement during the treatment. The combination of the two prevent completion of the alignment and rescheduled for Monday.

Later in the day, Lynne began experiencing increased nausea and extreme spasms in her arms and legs. The radiation doctor recommended a trip to the emergency room. After a few scary hours, the spasms were controlled with a muscle relaxer. She was also given something to reduce brain swelling. We will follow-up with a neurologist as soon as possible.

Darryl

March 8, 2007

Lynne left the hospital around 4 pm yesterday. She was glad to be back home. She had a good night's rest but awoke with nausea and dizziness. After spending some time in the hospital without much movement that is not uncommon, so we are walking her every two hours to recondition her body. She slept on the couch for most of the morning, so I know she is much more relaxed at home.

I purchased a new patio set today as the weather is beginning to just right for sitting on the porch and listening to the water fountain. She sat outside for a while today while her dad and I assembled the furniture.

Lynne has an appointment at the radiation center to align her head restraint for radiation, which begins on Monday. She will receive radiation Monday through Friday for six weeks. The radiation is focused on the area of the tumor. She will also begin her chemotherapy next week.

Your continued prayers on her behalf and that of the family as we care for her are much appreciated.

Darryl

March 7, 2007

Yesterday, after a rough morning with some nausea and pain, Lynne's afternoon and evening improved. Chelsea, a pet therapy dog, paid a visit to Lynne and lifted her spirits. Lynne had an X-Ray, CT Scan, and Ultra-sound on the hip to determine the cause of the pain. She is expecting the results sometime this morning. If the results do not indicate anything serious she is expected to return home.

For those of you new to blogging, when you post a message from the blog page the message is sent anonymously. I do not receive your email address or name unless you post into the message. I would caution about entering your email, since that becomes public information. However, I am unable to respond to message individually since they are anonymous. If do you not post your name in the message, I understand and respect your privacy but be aware that we have not way to know who posted the message otherwise.

Thanks again to everyone for the prayers and thoughts.

Darryl

March 6, 2007

Lynne had another good night's rest. She was taken to the radiation facility to fit her with a fixture used during her upcoming radiation treatment. She went through a simulation to prepare her for the treatments over the next six weeks. She has had some pain in her right hip for several weeks but appears to be worsening today. She will speak with the doctor about that today. It is concerning her enough to postpone her leaving the hospital today. Hopefully, we can have an answer soon.

Lynne and I continue to be grateful for all of the notes, cards, email, blog posts, prayers, and thoughts. While they may seem little to you, each one brightens her day more than you will know.

Darryl

March 5, 2007

Lynne and I met with the oncologist and neurosurgeon this morning. The neurosurgeon clarified the results of the MRI. The 13mm is residual not new growth. Therefore, the standard treatment of radiation and chemotherapy will ensue within the next couple of days. The surgeon claims that the 13mm residual is actually better than expected. Lynne is greatly relieved with that news. Lynne was able to get a complete night's sleep, which she was desperately in need of.

Darryl

March 3, 2007

The results from Lynne's MRI were much less than we hoped for. Traits of the glioblastoma multiforme tumor include fast-growth and recurrence. The MRI shows the tumor has re-grown to 13mm. I don't know much more detail at this point. I am hoping a doctor familiar with her case is able to provide us some additional insight this week-end.

Lynne continues to remain in the hospital for the treatment of blot clots. Two medications that she takes operate on the same enzymes, so balancing dosage to reach the desired levels takes some time. Please keep Lynne and those who are caring for her in your prayers.

Darryl

March 1, 2007

Lynne continues to do well. She had an EEG and MRI yesterday. The EEG returned expected results with activity around the surgical area. The MRI results are not yet available. Lynne is expected to remain in the hospital for monitoring for a couple of more days. The medicine adjustments appear to be stabilizing some.