31 Oct 2010

Except for brief moments of consciousness, Lynne has been sleeping since Friday evening. She is not eating or drinking. All medications are suspended except for one to control seizures, one to prevent nausea, and one to manage pain. She is also not receiving anything intravenously. I am thankful that Lynne and I discussed this a couple of years ago. Based on our conversations, I am comforted knowing that decisions I make are those she would make.

If you do not having a living will, do your family a favor and get one created. Lynne and I created them a while back and now I understand the importance of that simple document. Don't think that it can't or won't happen to you because none of us are smart enough or in enough control to know that for sure.

Lynne is resting peacefully. The hospice nurses are very attentive to her needs and providing very good care.

Regards,
Darryl


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30 Oct 2010

Lynne returned to the ER yesterday afternoon following a precipitous decline in her condition. I arrived home from Chicago on an early flight, not yet knowing the news. I received a hearty hug from her and that loving gaze I am very familiar seeing. Not long after, she entered a deep sleep that continues as of this posting. I decided to move her to Banner Gardens Hospice House, where she moved last evening. I believe we are in the last days of Lynne's wonderful life. She has touched the lives of many people and for that I am very grateful.


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22 Oct 2010 Update

The day we always hoped would be tomorrow came today. Lynne's MRI shows extensive tumor enhancement. No conventional treatments remain, so we move toward keeping Lynne comfortable and ensuring that each day is filled with as much peace and joy as possible. Lynne and I have shared many discussions throughout this journey to prepare ourselves for this day. The discussions help to ease this transition but only slightly. Please pray for an inner peace for Lynne and comfort and strength for her family and others that love and care for her.

Regards,
Darryl


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22 Oct 2010

Lynne and I met with the oncologist on Monday and received the recommendation to await another round of lab results before making any decisions about a course of action to address the low platelets. He reassured us that the chemo affects nearly everyone in a similar fashion. Lynne's latest blood results from yesterday indicate stability and slight improvement.

On Wednesday evening, Lynne experienced seizures with enough significance to earn a call to 911. Lynne was taken to a local hospital by ambulance. The initial CT scan showed no abnormalities and blood test results were stable. Lynne was admitted for further testing. Lynne had an MRI and we are awaiting results. There is some question about the quality of the MRI due to Lynne's anxiety with the MRI machine and the lack of appropriate medication to calm her nerves. If the quality is not good enough for a reading, another MRI may be conducted.

The doctors increased her steroid, which seems to have eliminated further seizures and is improving her speech. My hope is that edema is to blame rather than tumor enhancement as we are running out of options to address tumor growth. During the process of admitting Lynne to the hospital, Lynne experience a seizure in her left arm. That is a brand new symptom. This could indicate that the tumor is spreading to the right hemisphere or simply a factor of edema. Only the results of the MRI will shed enough light to understand the cause. My prayer is for edema as that can be controlled easily compared to tumor enhancement. Please join me in that prayer.

May God bless each of you.

Darryl


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16 Oct 2010

Over the last three weeks, two of Lynne's blood levels are trending to critical levels. Her white count is low, so we are taking precautions by avoiding crowds. Even more critical is her platelet level. Three years ago the platelet level reached levels where doctors were concerned about hemorrhaging, necessitating blood and platelet transfusions. We will meet with the oncologist on Monday to discuss further. Her next chemotherapy treatment was set for Monday as well but I suspect she will not have that treatment to prevent further degradation of the platelet level. She is more lethargic than normal, which affects her speech and ability to ambulate. Lynne is concerned and would appreciate your prayers.

Regard,
Darryl


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7 Oct 2010

David M. Bailey recently lost his battle against brain cancer but left a legacy in his music. The following link opens an American Brain Tumor Association page that highlights his story and one of his songs “Share Hope.” I hope you enjoy reading and listening as much as I did.

http://www.abta.org/items_of_interest/In_Loving_Memory:_David_M._Bailey_1966-2010/421-2

Regards,
Darryl