Hello everyone:
We got very good news today. Jack came home. I picked him around 9:30 AM. It was a glorious, beautiful late summer day that New Englander's like to refer to as a "New England" day. Since most New Englanders never leave the area, they don't really know that it a typical Southern CA day (all year).
Jack is in generally good spirits. On the way home, I told him that we were very happy before this happened and this new event will not steal that happiness. He is a little weak. I anticipate some nights in his own bed will have him much perkier. He occasionally weeps when he ponders the outpouring of love and care that we have received. He made a comment today about how magnificent and wonderful an event like this one can be. He said many people never have this opportunity to experience a glimpse of the divine, the Almighty God.
We are cherishing each moment. The Lord is graciously providing. A physical therapist evaluated our home today. He said the most dangerous place is the bathtub. He advised Jack not to attempt a shower until handrails were installed. I contacted our handy man, he was 40 miles away on a job. He said on his way home he would pick up the necessary rails and have them installed. The rails are installed. I might add that he is leaving for Bermuda tomorrow.
I met Patience this morning before Jack was dismissed. She is the lady whose prayer I sent out in yesterday's update. I told her that I sent out her prayer via email from sea to shining sea. Spontaneously, she said - "Hallelujah!". Oh, the tender mercies of our gracious God.
I asked Jack today if he was surprised about the diagnosis. He said no because he had thought about it as a possibility when he began to experience some symptoms. I am so thankful that only the motor function of his left side is affected at this point.
Our prayers have been answered for Courtenay. She seemed much better today. She came and spent time with him while I had an appointment at work.
Jack is anxious to see Enzo,the man that cuts his hair. He is going to tell him that the last hair cut just didn't get the job done, so he decided to fix it up. I told him that he will have to tell Enzo that he will never have to worry about Jack competing with his business. Laughter is such good medicine.
I don't recall if I mentioned it when this happened last week but we are in the process of replacing our 50 year old kitchen cabinets. Thankfully, we will have running water in the kitchen by Thursday morning. It is not unlike being a pioneer. I am so grateful to be alive with so many conveniences, most of the time.
Please continue to be prayful about our oncology appointment on Firday morning. Pray also that Jonathan and his dear wife, Megan, will have travel safety on Thursday.
These emails will continue to go through my command center in CA until the head of the center, Jonathan, arrives on Thursday and unravels his mother's email problems.
Blessings to all of you,
Carolyn
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Update
Good news! Jack is coming home tomorrow morning. I think he will be much more comfortable once he is home. If you notice that the emails are coming from CA via Jonathan, it is because I discovered through talking to various people that my email from yesterday was not received by anyone. I was annoyed. My technology skills are barely competent at times (even worse now because of my lack of wigit patience) so our whiz kid Jonathan said '"Mom, said the emails to me and I will manage them from here" - oh, what a relief it is. Jonathan's comment was - finally something useful to do with my skills (paraphrased).
Jack is slowing improving. The best way to describe him is that he appears as though he has had a stroke on his left side. He essentially has no function of this left hand and arm. He says that it is very exhausting to try anything with it. He seemed very tired to me today, more than yesterday. He hasn't lost his humor though.
Last evening I took him a yellow soft ball to use to exercise his hand as well as a little stick figure that can be twisted into any shape. The hands and feet of this figure are magnetic. The little figure comes in a tin can and can sit on the can easily due to the magnets. I could see Jack was using the magnets to test various things - his bed rails, the shelf by his bed; he put it on my head, etc. I said, you really don't have much metal in here. He corrected me by saying, I don't have metal with ferrous (iron) in it. I finally know why I majored in Chemistry. Of course, this brought a good laugh. I told him I was most encouraged that I did not have iron in my head. In short order, with his right hand, with a little help from his left hand, he twisted this figure into a shape so the ball could be balanced in the hands of the figure. The ball is tennis ball size and the figure is about 2 inches tall. Only Jack!!!
We met extensively with the Dr. this evening. Courtenay got to talk with him and look at the MRI images showing the tumor. Please pray for her. She is struggling the hardest with this difficulty. She said she felt so empty. She said that it is so hard. I told her that I agree. I told her that even though she feels empty, that she is not. That the Lord is supplying her with much grace and filling her void. Courtenay and Jack have had a very unique and special relationship with their Dad. He has been a constant to her over the years when so much in her life seemed so uncertain. I think as she ponders losing him possibly and seeing how different he is right now that she is facing the most difficult mountain to traverse. Pray that the Lord will sustain me so I can comfort her and that the Lord will comfort her in this hour for her.
Jack had a wonderful experience this morning with a nurse that helped him shower. Her name is Patience. So Jack asked her if her name was an indication of who she is. She answered him by saying " by the grace of God". This led to a wonderful conversation they had. They prayed and then she wrote out her prayer for him at his request. I share it with you.
Here it is:
Father, you are the Alpha and Omega, the I am and the I am, the Almighty God.
I thank you for the miracle of sleeping and waking up each day of my life.
Thank you for your provision, protection, and mercy.
Father, I kneel down under your throne of grace pleading for healing.
Father, you said by your stripes, we are healed. Father heal me.
Oh Lord, I pray that you send your angels from above to rub me with your Balm of Gilead.
Father, I thank you for answered prayer in Jesus name I pray, AMEN!!!
Blessings to all of you as your thoughts and prayers are breathed to our Lord for all of us.
love,
Carolyn
Jack is slowing improving. The best way to describe him is that he appears as though he has had a stroke on his left side. He essentially has no function of this left hand and arm. He says that it is very exhausting to try anything with it. He seemed very tired to me today, more than yesterday. He hasn't lost his humor though.
Last evening I took him a yellow soft ball to use to exercise his hand as well as a little stick figure that can be twisted into any shape. The hands and feet of this figure are magnetic. The little figure comes in a tin can and can sit on the can easily due to the magnets. I could see Jack was using the magnets to test various things - his bed rails, the shelf by his bed; he put it on my head, etc. I said, you really don't have much metal in here. He corrected me by saying, I don't have metal with ferrous (iron) in it. I finally know why I majored in Chemistry. Of course, this brought a good laugh. I told him I was most encouraged that I did not have iron in my head. In short order, with his right hand, with a little help from his left hand, he twisted this figure into a shape so the ball could be balanced in the hands of the figure. The ball is tennis ball size and the figure is about 2 inches tall. Only Jack!!!
We met extensively with the Dr. this evening. Courtenay got to talk with him and look at the MRI images showing the tumor. Please pray for her. She is struggling the hardest with this difficulty. She said she felt so empty. She said that it is so hard. I told her that I agree. I told her that even though she feels empty, that she is not. That the Lord is supplying her with much grace and filling her void. Courtenay and Jack have had a very unique and special relationship with their Dad. He has been a constant to her over the years when so much in her life seemed so uncertain. I think as she ponders losing him possibly and seeing how different he is right now that she is facing the most difficult mountain to traverse. Pray that the Lord will sustain me so I can comfort her and that the Lord will comfort her in this hour for her.
Jack had a wonderful experience this morning with a nurse that helped him shower. Her name is Patience. So Jack asked her if her name was an indication of who she is. She answered him by saying " by the grace of God". This led to a wonderful conversation they had. They prayed and then she wrote out her prayer for him at his request. I share it with you.
Here it is:
Father, you are the Alpha and Omega, the I am and the I am, the Almighty God.
I thank you for the miracle of sleeping and waking up each day of my life.
Thank you for your provision, protection, and mercy.
Father, I kneel down under your throne of grace pleading for healing.
Father, you said by your stripes, we are healed. Father heal me.
Oh Lord, I pray that you send your angels from above to rub me with your Balm of Gilead.
Father, I thank you for answered prayer in Jesus name I pray, AMEN!!!
Blessings to all of you as your thoughts and prayers are breathed to our Lord for all of us.
love,
Carolyn
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Update
Hello everyone:
I spent most of the afternoon with Jack. He looked a 100% better today, Much more facial function than yesterday; both sides of his face work when he smiles that dynamic smile of his. That was encouraging to me. His left hand is still not working very well. Physical therapy is working with him on that as well as his walking. Tomorrow I will be going in and learning some strategies for being at home with him. He does not have left side spatial orientation so he will be prone to bump into things. The physical therapist said that he will need someone to stand to his left everytime he is walking so he won't bump into things. It will take time for his brain to relearn this function. We are not sure when he will come home. I was told that someone will need to be with him at all times. For now, Courtenay and I will use our flexible work schedules to fill this role. We were told that it will take about 1-2 weeks for him to return to pre biopsy conditions. Physcial therapists will visit our home and help him and us adapt.
One thing they started today is an anti-inflamatory drug to reduce the brain swelling which they hope will help his left hand.
The more grim news is that the neurologist met with Jack and me this afternoon with the preliminary biopsy results - the complete results will not be in for 1-2 weeks. Here is what the Dr. said: it is definitely a tumor and not an infection; it has probably been growing for several months to a year; these kinds of tumors often become symptomatic with a fall or another head trauma; there is inflamation around the tumor; the tumor is located 2.5 cm (about 1-1.5 inches) below the skull deep within the brain cavity. We saw a picture of it and as I said, it is about the size of small egg and actually shaped a little like an egg. They cannot tell if it has tenicles or not; they think it is fairly aggressive; they are not sure it is operable; they will not determine the treatment protocol until all of the results are in but when they are in; they want to begin treatment immediately as soon as the pathology report is complete. It is inconclusive as to whether it is malignant or not; they are leaning toward malignancy.
I asked the Dr. what the success rate on these kinds of tumors is; he said they vary from person to person; they have some patients who don't respond to treatment and others who respond very well and live many years. One thing they know is what different drugs do - one is to cut the blood supply off of the tumor (tumors need a massive amt of blood); other treatments actually shrink the tumors relieving the symptoms. We will know more with the report as to how they will proceed.
We are so thankful for the care and support of all of our friends and family and our gracious Lord. We are so grateful for the care of the medical teams. I did find out today that his neurologist chief is world reknown and is highly respected; Jack really likes him; he is from India and his name is Dr. Venna.
Please continue to pray that no matter what is in store that we will be submitted to the will and hand of the Lord; pray that the Lord will use this experience to bring honor and glory to Himself; pray that His grace will be demonstrated in us, and that our Lord will continue to supply us with the peace that passes all understanding. There is great blessing in this trial for which I am thankful. We anticipate and look forward to seeing the Lord at work.
Blessings,
Carolyn
I spent most of the afternoon with Jack. He looked a 100% better today, Much more facial function than yesterday; both sides of his face work when he smiles that dynamic smile of his. That was encouraging to me. His left hand is still not working very well. Physical therapy is working with him on that as well as his walking. Tomorrow I will be going in and learning some strategies for being at home with him. He does not have left side spatial orientation so he will be prone to bump into things. The physical therapist said that he will need someone to stand to his left everytime he is walking so he won't bump into things. It will take time for his brain to relearn this function. We are not sure when he will come home. I was told that someone will need to be with him at all times. For now, Courtenay and I will use our flexible work schedules to fill this role. We were told that it will take about 1-2 weeks for him to return to pre biopsy conditions. Physcial therapists will visit our home and help him and us adapt.
One thing they started today is an anti-inflamatory drug to reduce the brain swelling which they hope will help his left hand.
The more grim news is that the neurologist met with Jack and me this afternoon with the preliminary biopsy results - the complete results will not be in for 1-2 weeks. Here is what the Dr. said: it is definitely a tumor and not an infection; it has probably been growing for several months to a year; these kinds of tumors often become symptomatic with a fall or another head trauma; there is inflamation around the tumor; the tumor is located 2.5 cm (about 1-1.5 inches) below the skull deep within the brain cavity. We saw a picture of it and as I said, it is about the size of small egg and actually shaped a little like an egg. They cannot tell if it has tenicles or not; they think it is fairly aggressive; they are not sure it is operable; they will not determine the treatment protocol until all of the results are in but when they are in; they want to begin treatment immediately as soon as the pathology report is complete. It is inconclusive as to whether it is malignant or not; they are leaning toward malignancy.
I asked the Dr. what the success rate on these kinds of tumors is; he said they vary from person to person; they have some patients who don't respond to treatment and others who respond very well and live many years. One thing they know is what different drugs do - one is to cut the blood supply off of the tumor (tumors need a massive amt of blood); other treatments actually shrink the tumors relieving the symptoms. We will know more with the report as to how they will proceed.
We are so thankful for the care and support of all of our friends and family and our gracious Lord. We are so grateful for the care of the medical teams. I did find out today that his neurologist chief is world reknown and is highly respected; Jack really likes him; he is from India and his name is Dr. Venna.
Please continue to pray that no matter what is in store that we will be submitted to the will and hand of the Lord; pray that the Lord will use this experience to bring honor and glory to Himself; pray that His grace will be demonstrated in us, and that our Lord will continue to supply us with the peace that passes all understanding. There is great blessing in this trial for which I am thankful. We anticipate and look forward to seeing the Lord at work.
Blessings,
Carolyn
Today
Hello everyone:
I will begin by telling you a funny story that is such a "Jackism" (new word). Yesterday, I spent a few hours with him yesterday as you know from the email. Last evening, I commented to him that he was urinating frequently. I said it must be all of the fluid they are pumping into him. He immediately said, oh it is a mass balance issue. I said what? He said the sum of the flows is zero. I said Jack what are you talking about. At this point, he started speaking English, and said what goes in must come out. So remember, the next time you go to the bathroom, it is a mass balance issue and the sum of the flows is zero. I am not kidding, going to the bathroom will never be the same again. You now have a little glimpse of how I have lived my life with my dear husband - thankfully, some of it is not foreign since my background in college was Chemistry and Math.
On the progress of the day - I was most encouraged today when I arrived around 10:30 AM to find him sitting up. It was the first time that I had seen him sitting since Wednesday. He has excellent color; is more energetic; and generally in good spirits. His room mate is a loving retarded man, Walter, that must be a frequent to the floor Jack is on because everyone that works that area keeps coming in and greeting him. He is very funny; he is constantly telling everyone they he loves them. He frequently asks for kisses from the nurses. One told him today she was allergic to kissess. He said OK but I still love you. The interaction through the curtain around Walter makes Jack laugh a lot; us as well.
Jack's face has more symmetry so speaking is still labored but easier. His biggest difficulty is his left hand. He has almost no function of it. The Dr. told us it would take 2-3 weeks for him to relearn how to use it. Some of this problem is due to the brain swelling. They started him steroids last evening to reduce the swelling. I was with him when the physical therapist came in to work with him. She had him walk down several hallways as well as practice stairs. It is remarkable to watch. Since he has no spatial sense about his left side, he has to be cued as to how to do certain things. When he was going up the stairs, he was only placing his foot partially on the step. I suggested he make sure his toes hit the next step so that he would know that his foot was completely on the stair. He used his right hand to move his left hand on the rail. He seemed to glad to be walking. When we returned to the room, the PT told him that he did an excellent job and that it was much better than yesterday. Jack quickly retorted that it was because he had 2 pretty girls to walk with. He is getting better!!!
He has been told repeatedly that he is not to try and walk by himself yet. He told me that he went to the bathroom by himself but that he did not tell the nurse. I have my hands full with this one!!!! Carolee, I may need some lessons in being "Nurse Nasty" - are you home yet?
Today, I took the Sunday paper in and was reading to him. There was a picture of a farm house with a pond on front page of the real estate section of the paper. He said that pond has still water. I said yes but did not catch the significance; I said do you mean stagnant water; he said no - still water - "beside the still waters" from Psalm 23. Thank you Lord for the comfort of your word in our minds and hearts, especially at times like these.
When I prepared to leave today, he requested that I leave the paper. Tonight, he told me that he had read it today, Another good first.
This morning a team of his Drs. came in to talk to him. Dr. Rosenthal wanted to know how we were coping with the heavy news he delivered yesterday. I reiterated to him what I had told him yesterday that we are confident in the Lord who has placed us here and we trust that he will lead us through it regardless of the outcome. He said that he had been thinking about what I had said yesterday and was comforted that we have that confidence. I told also that at times I feel weak in the knees but that it does not last long.
Courtenay is taking this very hard but is a real trooper. She gave her Dad a big hug tonight and started to cry as did he. He told her that one of the good things was that we would be able to spend more time together. When we left, she apologized for not holding up. I told her that crying is normal and healthy and that she did fabulous.
Jonathan and Megan arrive on Thursday. We are looking forward to their visit.
I want to thank everyone who is caring, praying, and comforting us. Your offers for help, your words and your love is so felt. We love all of you dearly and are so grateful to have each of you in our lives. I will close with something I was sent by my Dad.
May today be all that you need it to be. May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight and conquer all of your fears. May God manifest himself today in ways that you have never experienced. May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer and your prayers answered. I pray that faith enters a new height for you. I am praying for peace, healing, health, happiness, prosperity, joy and true undying love for God.
May God be honored and glorified in all we say and do in the coming days.
Love to all of you,
Carolyn
I will begin by telling you a funny story that is such a "Jackism" (new word). Yesterday, I spent a few hours with him yesterday as you know from the email. Last evening, I commented to him that he was urinating frequently. I said it must be all of the fluid they are pumping into him. He immediately said, oh it is a mass balance issue. I said what? He said the sum of the flows is zero. I said Jack what are you talking about. At this point, he started speaking English, and said what goes in must come out. So remember, the next time you go to the bathroom, it is a mass balance issue and the sum of the flows is zero. I am not kidding, going to the bathroom will never be the same again. You now have a little glimpse of how I have lived my life with my dear husband - thankfully, some of it is not foreign since my background in college was Chemistry and Math.
On the progress of the day - I was most encouraged today when I arrived around 10:30 AM to find him sitting up. It was the first time that I had seen him sitting since Wednesday. He has excellent color; is more energetic; and generally in good spirits. His room mate is a loving retarded man, Walter, that must be a frequent to the floor Jack is on because everyone that works that area keeps coming in and greeting him. He is very funny; he is constantly telling everyone they he loves them. He frequently asks for kisses from the nurses. One told him today she was allergic to kissess. He said OK but I still love you. The interaction through the curtain around Walter makes Jack laugh a lot; us as well.
Jack's face has more symmetry so speaking is still labored but easier. His biggest difficulty is his left hand. He has almost no function of it. The Dr. told us it would take 2-3 weeks for him to relearn how to use it. Some of this problem is due to the brain swelling. They started him steroids last evening to reduce the swelling. I was with him when the physical therapist came in to work with him. She had him walk down several hallways as well as practice stairs. It is remarkable to watch. Since he has no spatial sense about his left side, he has to be cued as to how to do certain things. When he was going up the stairs, he was only placing his foot partially on the step. I suggested he make sure his toes hit the next step so that he would know that his foot was completely on the stair. He used his right hand to move his left hand on the rail. He seemed to glad to be walking. When we returned to the room, the PT told him that he did an excellent job and that it was much better than yesterday. Jack quickly retorted that it was because he had 2 pretty girls to walk with. He is getting better!!!
He has been told repeatedly that he is not to try and walk by himself yet. He told me that he went to the bathroom by himself but that he did not tell the nurse. I have my hands full with this one!!!! Carolee, I may need some lessons in being "Nurse Nasty" - are you home yet?
Today, I took the Sunday paper in and was reading to him. There was a picture of a farm house with a pond on front page of the real estate section of the paper. He said that pond has still water. I said yes but did not catch the significance; I said do you mean stagnant water; he said no - still water - "beside the still waters" from Psalm 23. Thank you Lord for the comfort of your word in our minds and hearts, especially at times like these.
When I prepared to leave today, he requested that I leave the paper. Tonight, he told me that he had read it today, Another good first.
This morning a team of his Drs. came in to talk to him. Dr. Rosenthal wanted to know how we were coping with the heavy news he delivered yesterday. I reiterated to him what I had told him yesterday that we are confident in the Lord who has placed us here and we trust that he will lead us through it regardless of the outcome. He said that he had been thinking about what I had said yesterday and was comforted that we have that confidence. I told also that at times I feel weak in the knees but that it does not last long.
Courtenay is taking this very hard but is a real trooper. She gave her Dad a big hug tonight and started to cry as did he. He told her that one of the good things was that we would be able to spend more time together. When we left, she apologized for not holding up. I told her that crying is normal and healthy and that she did fabulous.
Jonathan and Megan arrive on Thursday. We are looking forward to their visit.
I want to thank everyone who is caring, praying, and comforting us. Your offers for help, your words and your love is so felt. We love all of you dearly and are so grateful to have each of you in our lives. I will close with something I was sent by my Dad.
May today be all that you need it to be. May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight and conquer all of your fears. May God manifest himself today in ways that you have never experienced. May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer and your prayers answered. I pray that faith enters a new height for you. I am praying for peace, healing, health, happiness, prosperity, joy and true undying love for God.
May God be honored and glorified in all we say and do in the coming days.
Love to all of you,
Carolyn
Friday, August 24, 2007
Update
Good morning:
I slept at home last evening which I had not been able to do the first night. Woke up and saw that it was light. I was grateful for such a restful evening. Courtenay thought we would sleep better if we "slept in our own beds". I stayed with her the first evening.
Jack came through the biopsy with flying colors. It took 2.5 hours and he was in recovery for 4 hours. He was awake when they returned him to his room. Courtenay and I were there waiting for him. Needless to say, Courtenay broke down when she saw Jack but he was very reassuring and comforting to her by holding her hand and arm and telling her he was OK. Only Jack! He looks a little like Yul Brenner on one side; so much for his good haircuts. The biopsy incision is about 2 inches long on the top right side of his head. The mass is in the right frontal lobe at the top of the brain I spoke with the neurologist and they said they really do not know what it is; it could be an infection; a cyst; a benign or malignant tumor; they just do not know. He said that we will have a preliminary reading within 24-48 hours and an extensive pathology report within 7-10 days.
The nurse came in and asked him where he was; what day it was; who was the Pres of the US and a few more questions; he answered all of them. They asked him to resist them pushing on his arms and legs while they were extended and he was successful at that as well. The left side of his face was more droopy than it has been but that is one of the symptoms of this mass.
Today, he will have CT scan on the rest of his body to determine if he has other masses that may have led to this brain mass. I thought they had done that yesterday but they had the biopsy preempt that test.
We hope that he may come home sometime this evening or weekend while we wait for the test results. He would certainly rest better here.
Thank you for all of your prayers, calls, and emails. The Lord continues to provide in all ways.
love,
carolyn
I slept at home last evening which I had not been able to do the first night. Woke up and saw that it was light. I was grateful for such a restful evening. Courtenay thought we would sleep better if we "slept in our own beds". I stayed with her the first evening.
Jack came through the biopsy with flying colors. It took 2.5 hours and he was in recovery for 4 hours. He was awake when they returned him to his room. Courtenay and I were there waiting for him. Needless to say, Courtenay broke down when she saw Jack but he was very reassuring and comforting to her by holding her hand and arm and telling her he was OK. Only Jack! He looks a little like Yul Brenner on one side; so much for his good haircuts. The biopsy incision is about 2 inches long on the top right side of his head. The mass is in the right frontal lobe at the top of the brain I spoke with the neurologist and they said they really do not know what it is; it could be an infection; a cyst; a benign or malignant tumor; they just do not know. He said that we will have a preliminary reading within 24-48 hours and an extensive pathology report within 7-10 days.
The nurse came in and asked him where he was; what day it was; who was the Pres of the US and a few more questions; he answered all of them. They asked him to resist them pushing on his arms and legs while they were extended and he was successful at that as well. The left side of his face was more droopy than it has been but that is one of the symptoms of this mass.
Today, he will have CT scan on the rest of his body to determine if he has other masses that may have led to this brain mass. I thought they had done that yesterday but they had the biopsy preempt that test.
We hope that he may come home sometime this evening or weekend while we wait for the test results. He would certainly rest better here.
Thank you for all of your prayers, calls, and emails. The Lord continues to provide in all ways.
love,
carolyn
Jack Update
Hello everyone,
I spent time with Jack this afternoon for about an hour and again this evening with Courtenay. His symptoms are very exacerbated right now due the biopsy of the tumor. The Drs. are now ruling out infection and are really calling the mass a tumor as of this evening. Jack told me that an oncologist came by and left her card and told him we will likely need an appointment with her after the results are in regardless of the condition being benign or malignant. Apparently, that group determines the protocol for treatment (tx). The Drs. also believe the tumor is a primary site not secondary (coming from somewhere else). They did a body CT today but I have not heard the definitive results.
Jack was generally in good spirits. He has extreme difficulty speaking, eating, and drinking. The left side of his face appears very droopy. The Dr. said this was normal. His left hand was swelling this evening. He could not even move his fingers. I told him that it was probably the fluid backing up into his hand from the IV. The nurse came in and said it would be unusual to have it back up in his hand. She called for the Dr. After I got home this evening, I had a call from the neurologist who said that the swollen hand was due to the fluid back up and that was NOT unusual. Jack thinks I could get a job at MGH. I am not sure I am interested - many of you do not know but I was a premed student; met Jack and decided on a different career path - boy am I glad I did; between children and a spouse, I have had and am having all the medicine I need!
The Drs. think Jack is doing very well. Occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy are part of his routine now. I was there this afternoon when the OT person came in. She said the muscles can get lazy when you stop trying to use them after it becomes so difficult. She asked him a lot of questions. I found out that he had been having so much difficulty with the computer key board, he had stopped using his left hand. I also found it that he had found himself drifting left when driving on the highway to work. I have always said that Jack could die and I would never know why because he does not disclose these things to me. He claimed he didn't want to worry me!!!! These therapies will force him to adapt and retrain these muscles. He could not use his left hand to take off the toothpaste cap this morning. He told me that he found it exhausting to work so hard at such simple tasks.
The OT person said it usually takes 1.5 weeks to return to pre surgery symptoms.
He informed me this afternoon that he had lost his wedding ring in the OR. I said I would go ask the nurse. She said she would look for it that personal items are kept with the patient's notebook. I told Jack that he may have lost his ring but that he wasn't losing me. When the nurse did not arrive, I returned to the nurse's station and they had found it. I went back and told him. His comment was you know how to get jobs done, don't you!
I asked him if he had lost any ability to process info, do his analytical skills; or think about all he ponders. He said no; he just has difficulty with delivery from brain to verbal production. Jack has always been a man of few words which why people listen to him and why he has me (not one of a few words). I told him he has gone to great extremes to not talk this time. Jack just smiles!
Courtenay ask him tonight if he was scared. He said no, no I am not. Thankfully, God's grace is granting him peace. All of this would be so much harder without the confidence we have been given of leaning on our sovereign and gracious Lord.
I want to thank all of you for your calls, emails, prayers, and encouragements. I am not sure when he will come home. The OT person said that they will arrange for OT, PT, and Visiting nurses to be scheduled when he does come home. We are certainly charting new waters. We are thankful we are in such a good place and for all of the people involved with us throughout this journey. May the Lord enable us all to be expectant of His presence.
Jack does request no visitors. His difficulty talking is exhausting to him as well as frustrating. Thank you for your interest in a visit. I will let you know when he is ready to see anyone that may want to see him.
Until,
Carolyn
I spent time with Jack this afternoon for about an hour and again this evening with Courtenay. His symptoms are very exacerbated right now due the biopsy of the tumor. The Drs. are now ruling out infection and are really calling the mass a tumor as of this evening. Jack told me that an oncologist came by and left her card and told him we will likely need an appointment with her after the results are in regardless of the condition being benign or malignant. Apparently, that group determines the protocol for treatment (tx). The Drs. also believe the tumor is a primary site not secondary (coming from somewhere else). They did a body CT today but I have not heard the definitive results.
Jack was generally in good spirits. He has extreme difficulty speaking, eating, and drinking. The left side of his face appears very droopy. The Dr. said this was normal. His left hand was swelling this evening. He could not even move his fingers. I told him that it was probably the fluid backing up into his hand from the IV. The nurse came in and said it would be unusual to have it back up in his hand. She called for the Dr. After I got home this evening, I had a call from the neurologist who said that the swollen hand was due to the fluid back up and that was NOT unusual. Jack thinks I could get a job at MGH. I am not sure I am interested - many of you do not know but I was a premed student; met Jack and decided on a different career path - boy am I glad I did; between children and a spouse, I have had and am having all the medicine I need!
The Drs. think Jack is doing very well. Occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy are part of his routine now. I was there this afternoon when the OT person came in. She said the muscles can get lazy when you stop trying to use them after it becomes so difficult. She asked him a lot of questions. I found out that he had been having so much difficulty with the computer key board, he had stopped using his left hand. I also found it that he had found himself drifting left when driving on the highway to work. I have always said that Jack could die and I would never know why because he does not disclose these things to me. He claimed he didn't want to worry me!!!! These therapies will force him to adapt and retrain these muscles. He could not use his left hand to take off the toothpaste cap this morning. He told me that he found it exhausting to work so hard at such simple tasks.
The OT person said it usually takes 1.5 weeks to return to pre surgery symptoms.
He informed me this afternoon that he had lost his wedding ring in the OR. I said I would go ask the nurse. She said she would look for it that personal items are kept with the patient's notebook. I told Jack that he may have lost his ring but that he wasn't losing me. When the nurse did not arrive, I returned to the nurse's station and they had found it. I went back and told him. His comment was you know how to get jobs done, don't you!
I asked him if he had lost any ability to process info, do his analytical skills; or think about all he ponders. He said no; he just has difficulty with delivery from brain to verbal production. Jack has always been a man of few words which why people listen to him and why he has me (not one of a few words). I told him he has gone to great extremes to not talk this time. Jack just smiles!
Courtenay ask him tonight if he was scared. He said no, no I am not. Thankfully, God's grace is granting him peace. All of this would be so much harder without the confidence we have been given of leaning on our sovereign and gracious Lord.
I want to thank all of you for your calls, emails, prayers, and encouragements. I am not sure when he will come home. The OT person said that they will arrange for OT, PT, and Visiting nurses to be scheduled when he does come home. We are certainly charting new waters. We are thankful we are in such a good place and for all of the people involved with us throughout this journey. May the Lord enable us all to be expectant of His presence.
Jack does request no visitors. His difficulty talking is exhausting to him as well as frustrating. Thank you for your interest in a visit. I will let you know when he is ready to see anyone that may want to see him.
Until,
Carolyn
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Challenges Ahead
Hello across the miles,
We received some shocking news about Jack yesterday. You may already know through our technology systems. He has a tumor on the right side of his brain the size of a racket ball (small egg). Jack has had 3 falls recently, two of which were very serious. He really banged up his chin and head and wrist. He had a limp and he had noticed that it was becoming increasingly difficult to speak. It turns out that the left side of his face is drooping. He decided to go to the Dr yesterday who promptly shipped him to MGH. The Dr. said that when the face is asymetrical that we have more difficulty speaking. Needless to say, they are running all kinds of tests. MRI's, CT scans. As of last evening, they were going to CT other parts of his body to determine if the brain tumor is a primary or secondary tumor. There is a team of MDs looking at all of this data. Jack is his usual good spirited self. I asked him how he felt about the news (I feel like a steam roller went over me) and he said that he wanted to hear more data before making any judgments. The neurosurgeon told us there is a 50/50 chance it is malignant. He also asked him if he would consider surgery if it was possible. Jack said yes if it would help.
My prayer request is as follows in this order:'
1. May the Lord's will be done and may He be glorified throughout this trial.
2. May the Lord provide wisdom to the teams who will be working with Jack.
3. May Jack, Jonathan, Megan, Courtenay and I be granted the peace that passes all understanding so that we may be of a witness of our Lord and His care for His children.
4. And that the prayers for us from many places will be a sweet savor to our Lord.
Harry made a wonderful, surprise visit to us late yesterday for which we were both so grateful.
How the Lord provides. Good job Carolee - Harry was surprised that you answered your cell phone - amazing grace!!
love,
Carolyn
We received some shocking news about Jack yesterday. You may already know through our technology systems. He has a tumor on the right side of his brain the size of a racket ball (small egg). Jack has had 3 falls recently, two of which were very serious. He really banged up his chin and head and wrist. He had a limp and he had noticed that it was becoming increasingly difficult to speak. It turns out that the left side of his face is drooping. He decided to go to the Dr yesterday who promptly shipped him to MGH. The Dr. said that when the face is asymetrical that we have more difficulty speaking. Needless to say, they are running all kinds of tests. MRI's, CT scans. As of last evening, they were going to CT other parts of his body to determine if the brain tumor is a primary or secondary tumor. There is a team of MDs looking at all of this data. Jack is his usual good spirited self. I asked him how he felt about the news (I feel like a steam roller went over me) and he said that he wanted to hear more data before making any judgments. The neurosurgeon told us there is a 50/50 chance it is malignant. He also asked him if he would consider surgery if it was possible. Jack said yes if it would help.
My prayer request is as follows in this order:'
1. May the Lord's will be done and may He be glorified throughout this trial.
2. May the Lord provide wisdom to the teams who will be working with Jack.
3. May Jack, Jonathan, Megan, Courtenay and I be granted the peace that passes all understanding so that we may be of a witness of our Lord and His care for His children.
4. And that the prayers for us from many places will be a sweet savor to our Lord.
Harry made a wonderful, surprise visit to us late yesterday for which we were both so grateful.
How the Lord provides. Good job Carolee - Harry was surprised that you answered your cell phone - amazing grace!!
love,
Carolyn
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