October 2

Hi,

We just returned from an appointment with Dr. Howard and I thought you would like to know the latest assessment of things.

First, the steroids seem to be working. Den had 22mg of dexamethason on Tuesday, which is a mega dose and should have put him in HappyLand. It didn't exactly do that, but the improvement was evident already that day. Yesterday was also a little better and today we can also measure some improvement. Denny measures this by his penmanship. A few days ago he couldn't finish more than a word or two, and it was illegible at that. Today he wrote a few sentences and his writing looks nearly normal. My measurement of his progress deals more with his balance, walking, retention, and speech pattern. I see dramatic improvement in those areas and the doctor did as well. Thus, Den will continue on the current 16 mg per day of the steroid for at least another week. If all continues to go as hoped, the need for more brain surgery to insert a shunt will be averted. So, thanks for those prayers!

Next, they had to address the blood clot situation in his legs in relation to what's going on in his brain. It's been determined to suspend the use of the blood thinners until more of the brain swelling is gone. We have to be vigilant about being aware of any signs of an embolism, i.e. any fragments of the blot clot making their way to his lungs. That could be potentially fatal, so if we note any of those symptoms they would surgically insert a sieve in his main vein that would prohibit the clots from traveling up toward his heart. Guess what we are praying for now?!

Third, Den has been instructed to be a "couch potato" (another medical term used by Steve Howard) until things are at least stable. This means at least another ten days of staying at the current pace. It means continuing the naps and limiting physical exertion. He'll still be able to correct papers if he's up to it here at home, and we will continue to go to school to get his lesson plans ready, but that's about the extent of his activities.

Finally, the October 14th appointment in Madison won't be happening because Drs. Yazbak and Howard agree that the swelling will not be gone by then. When scans done here show that Denny's brain is back to normal and and they know that an MRI of the tumor (or what remains of it,) would be clear and definitive, the appointment in Madison with Dr. Mehta will be rescheduled.

So, that's it from the OTEAM for today. We appreciate the messages and hope that more of you will leave notes if you have time. Those are real morale boosters!!

When he is able, Denny will get back to writing these blogs. In the meantime, he sends his love and wishes for a wonderful day to all of you! God Bless.

Love,
Carla