31 Jul 2010

Lynne is finally back home. I arrived at the hospital this morning at 8 in time to spend the last few minutes of her breakfast with her. After breakfast, we met with the therapist to practice a bit with navigating the entry way to our home and with transferring her to Jessica's car and out again. I got my training and practice to give Lynne her blood thinner injection. I learned that Jessica wants to give the injection, so my whining and plea for a reprieve from that duty paid off.

At Costco yesterday, they had a display setup for dipped apples with a variety of different coatings. I had to chuckle because about 7 or 8 ladies stood before the large glass counter with the "look". You know the one that appears when chocolate is in sight. Just two isles over another sample table for sugar-free chocolate was present but accompanied by the loneliest looking vendor I have ever seen at a Costco sampling table. I opted for the apples. Lynne called me later in the afternoon and requested delivery of the cherry dipped, so we had a little celebration this morning.








We were on hospital time waiting for discharge papers all morning and into the early afternoon hours. When lunchtime arrived, a nurse stuck her head into the room asking Lynne if she wanted lunch. She replied quickly, "No, Darryl is taking me out." I convinced her to eat something just to hold her over until we did get home.

Regards,
Darryl

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30 Jul 2010

Lynne is starting to show some excitement to go home tomorrow. Jessica and I worked with the therapists today to refresh our memories and show us new techniques for assisting Lynne at home. They even observed as I gave Lynne a shower. That part I passed with honors.

I may be shopping for a new vehicle as Lynne was unable to get into the Denali due to the height so we will use Jessica's car tomorrow. I had a surprise phone call from the nurse this afternoon stating that tomorrow they will teach me to inject her blood thinner. I propose to have Jessica stand behind me so she can catch me when I pass out.

During the speech therapy session, the speech therapist showed Lynne a variety of pictures to test and remind her recall about the object names. One picture was of a girl in an dress that resembled something from the "Sound of Music." The expected answer was "girl" but Lynne replied "Betty Crocker." The girl's dress certainly looked like an apron was adorned. We all chuckled, Lynne included, and I assured the therapist that given Lynne's love of cooking the answer was quite appropriate.

At lunch, I noticed some of the residents were not present and noticed several new faces. I attended nearly every lunch and dinner so my noticing the changing faces is not surprise but I assure you that even the unfamiliar could pick out the new residents because each of them ordered the vegetable lasagna. The experienced residents only make that mistake once.

Gigi, our cat, is definitely more attached to Lynne than the rest of the family and Gigi's behavior over the last two plus weeks provides solid evidence of that fact. This morning Gigi was warming up to me and I took a picture and immediately knew what she was really thinking.




Regards,
Darryl

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29 Jul 2010

I noticed a step improvement during Lynne's speech therapy session today. She easily identified pictures of objects from groups upon hearing the word. She also easily repeated words when spoken by the therapist. She is struggling a bit following commands.

The afternoon storm synonymous with the Arizona Monsoon rolled in a little earlier than those earlier in the week. The sky darkened at 3 pm accompanied by stiff winds. No rain fell at my location but appears to have managed some at our home in Queen Creek. So little rain falls in Arizona that we tend to get a little giddy with excitement at the possibility.

Jessica and I spotted a photo opportunity earlier in the week. The photograph is impressive so you can imagine what the scene looked like in person.





Regards,
Darryl

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28 Jul 2010

Lynne had an extra hour of physical therapy added today for a total of six hours. I don't every remember her wanting to get to bed so desperately to get some rest. I hope she isn't get the surprise bug that started with Joshua on Sunday, me on Monday, and Jessica on Tuesday. We were all together over the weekend. That is the last thing she needs right now.

I did get to meet with a speech therapist for the first time today at this facility. She is encouraged by Lynne's progress. The therapist believes Lynne understands most of what she hears and recognizes objects that she sees but the connections between the brain and nerves are struggling to control the mouth. (I actually have observed this in many people but they do not have the excuse that Lynne has.) I am encouraged with the progress and understand that the recovery may be somewhat lengthy. The therapist mentioned that her mother was also diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). Her mother passed away from a combination of issues but did do very well for a time.

The therapists scheduled a two hour rehab refresher course for amateurs that Jessica and me attend on Friday. We do pretty well from our on-the-job training over the last three years but I am always interested to see and hear the tips that the experts have up their sleeves. The whole process is actually quite fascinating. I am impressed by the human body's ability to adjust to challenges such as what Lynne is experiencing.

Lynne is still on track for a Saturday release. She hasn't said yet, but I can only imagine how she looks forward to the comforts of home and familiar surroundings. I know that our pets, Hendrick, Simba, and Gigi, will be glad to have Lynne home. They have not been the slightest bit pleased with Lynne's absence as you can imagine from this photograph of Hendrick.




Regards,
Darryl

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27 Jul 2010

I am glad to be feeling much better today so I can visit Lynne again. Today, I brought Lynne one of her favorite treats, a McDonald's Carmel Frappe. Luckily, the center has a refrigerator as she still had about two hours of therapy remaining after I arrived. After a couple of slurps from the straw, I asked her if it was good. She said, "fantastilicious." I don't think that is a word but I was pretty happy to hear five syllables uttered to perfection. I think that is just fantastilicious.

Lynne walked 250 feet today with light contact for safety purposes then she used her feet to move her wheelchair 150 feet. I spoke with the rehabilitation doctor and he is targeting a Saturday release date. After release, she will have home therapy and when she improves a bit more probably some out-patient therapy.

She did have a total of five hours of therapy today. She took a very short nap this afternoon, so she should sleep pretty good tonight.

I bring her the cards you send each day. Each usually elicits an "ahh...." from her. We do appreciate the cards and comments you leave on the blog and Facebook.

Regards,
Darryl


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26 Jul 2010

I visited Lynne yesterday. The fall she took Saturday evening did not leave any bruising but she is still pretty sore. Billy and Heather shared lunch with us yesterday afternoon. The ribs were yummy and the macaroni and cheese filled a week-long craving for me. The lemon bars - well it goes without saying. I will not be visiting the hospital today because I woke up at 2am with a bug of some sort that is making me feel sub par and I don't want to risk spreading it around. After 8 hours or so, I am beginning to feel a little better so I hope tomorrow is much better. Joshua and Jessica are picking up the slack for me. I appreciate both of my children and the maturity they show when caring for an ill parent.

We continue to appreciate the cards, thoughts, and prayers. I am limiting Lynne's visits at this time because a lot of activity is overwhelming to her. This surgery has limited Lynne to focusing on one task or thought at a time. Her brain has to work much harder on tasks that the rest of us do without even giving a second thought.

Lynne has not lost her sense of humor nor her beautiful smile. Humor is a big part of daily routine. I am thankful because the humor diverts our thoughts even if only for a moment.

Regards,
Darryl

24 Jul 2010

Lynne tried to stand up unattended and took a fall this evening. She hit her left cheek and ear. Following a preliminary examination, she appears to be OK but a CT scan was completed to determine if any internal injury occurred. The CT scan showed only changes associated with the brain surgery. Her cheek is swollen, so I expect a noticeable reminder tomorrow to always ask for assistance.

Regards,
Darryl


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