Dave (Carla and Denny's son) is writing the blog entry today.
After battling pneumonia for the last week dad's cough finally started to lessen going into the weekend. Saturday night the cough returned and Sunday morning he had quite a bit of pain in his right leg. These symptoms prompted a visit to the emergency room on Sunday morning where we learned he has blood clots in both legs as well as in both lungs. Shortly after receiving this news, dad underwent a procedure to have a filter inserted to prevent more clots from reaching his lungs. He has been transferred to the ICU where he will be monitored for the next few days.
Normally the treatment for these clots would be some type of blood thinner, but the doctors are hesitant to start this treatment for fear of another brain bleed, as was the case in September when he had blood clots. For now the doctors are observing his condition carefully. We are all hoping and praying that with the filter in place, everything will begin to resolve itself. We will continue to communicate how things are going.
This is the most serious obstacle dad has faced. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
November 25
Hi,
Denny continues to battle the affects of his recent round of chemo, the cough produced by the pneumonia, and the basic weakness caused by the steroids. He hasn't been to work since last Wednesday, so needless to say, he's sick and tired of being sick and tired!
We saw the doctor again today and he prescribed a cough suppressant that actually turns off the cough center in the brain. Amazing! Thankfully, Den was able to come home and get about four hours of sound sleep and we are hoping that he can get through the night without much disturbance. (We will both be grateful for that!)
If all goes well, he will be able to return to school after the Thanksgiving break. Until then he's going to just try to get better and stronger. It will be great having Dave home for a long weekend and we will spend Thanksgiving at Chip and Jenn's. My goal is to get up some of the Christmas decorations.
Other than that, we are planning a relaxing few days and hope you can do the same.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Love,
Carla
Denny continues to battle the affects of his recent round of chemo, the cough produced by the pneumonia, and the basic weakness caused by the steroids. He hasn't been to work since last Wednesday, so needless to say, he's sick and tired of being sick and tired!
We saw the doctor again today and he prescribed a cough suppressant that actually turns off the cough center in the brain. Amazing! Thankfully, Den was able to come home and get about four hours of sound sleep and we are hoping that he can get through the night without much disturbance. (We will both be grateful for that!)
If all goes well, he will be able to return to school after the Thanksgiving break. Until then he's going to just try to get better and stronger. It will be great having Dave home for a long weekend and we will spend Thanksgiving at Chip and Jenn's. My goal is to get up some of the Christmas decorations.
Other than that, we are planning a relaxing few days and hope you can do the same.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Love,
Carla
Sunday, November 23, 2008
November 23
Hi,
This is just a quick update to let you know that Den got through this round of chemotherapy with relatively few side effects. He was a little more tired than usual, but that could be because this is such a high dosage of temador (460mg) or because he is battling pneumonia. My guess is that it's a combination of both. He was diagnosed last Wednesday, so he has been home since then, taking the additional antibiotics, coughing a lot, and resting when he can. Hopefully, he is on the mend.
If he had to get pneumonia, better to get it last week than the upcoming one because that will be when his immune system will be at it's lowest point. We are both wondering how that will go in each upcoming month. Like everything else, it's wait and see, living one day at a time.
As we enter this week of Thanksgiving, please know how special all of you are to us. We give thanks for your love and friendship every day and hope that you and your family are able to celebrate a wonderful holiday together.
We'll check in Tuesday after seeing the doctor!
Carla
This is just a quick update to let you know that Den got through this round of chemotherapy with relatively few side effects. He was a little more tired than usual, but that could be because this is such a high dosage of temador (460mg) or because he is battling pneumonia. My guess is that it's a combination of both. He was diagnosed last Wednesday, so he has been home since then, taking the additional antibiotics, coughing a lot, and resting when he can. Hopefully, he is on the mend.
If he had to get pneumonia, better to get it last week than the upcoming one because that will be when his immune system will be at it's lowest point. We are both wondering how that will go in each upcoming month. Like everything else, it's wait and see, living one day at a time.
As we enter this week of Thanksgiving, please know how special all of you are to us. We give thanks for your love and friendship every day and hope that you and your family are able to celebrate a wonderful holiday together.
We'll check in Tuesday after seeing the doctor!
Carla
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
November 18
Happy Tuesday!
Our weekly visit to see Dr. Howard resulted in another cautious reduction with the steroid meds, so now Denny will be taking 1mg in the morning and another 1mg in the afternoon. Steroid-wise, he's at the dosage he was taking when he was told to stop taking it. That was on September 9 -- needless to say, it's been a long couple of months.
The good news is that at the lower dosage he's been on the last week, Denny has been sleeping very well. That will surely continue and even be better with now going to 2mg/daily. Den feels pretty good, considering all he's been through, and Dr. Howard is very pleased with the recovery process. Going forward there will be even more caution because of the complete adrenal shutdown Den experienced in September.
Those steroids are nasty little pills that tear apart the large muscles in the arms and legs, so Denny's strength is still compromised and that's what makes him so tired. Short naps do revive him considerably, so now he just has to be patient as those muscles redevelop. Walking and light weight lifting are the two best exercises for him, so that's what he'll be doing!
More good news is that for this term at school Denny will only have to teach two classes full time. Connor McKnight has agreed to stay on and will be teaching the creative writing class that is Denny's 4th block class. Just like when Connor took on Honors English during the first term (and did an excellent job,) this relieves Den of the worry that I know he would have if a stranger would have had to substitute for him. Plus, it allows him to stay semi-involved but he won't have the papers of those 29 students to correct, etc. The 59 he has in British Lit is quite enough.
When Connor first told his mom that he would be returning home when his last job ended, Ann said she felt in her heart (and even told her husband) that Connor was coming back for Denny. That was weeks before Den's set-back. It's just another affirmation, to me at least, that God has a plan for all of us.
Tonight Den will begin another round of chemotherapy. Through Saturday he will be taking 460mg of temodar every night. This is the dose he will be at each month for at least the next year. Please pray that every bit of it gets to what is remaining of that tumor!
Again, on behalf of our entire family, I thank you for your care and concern. Many people have told us that they read this blog and that they've told others about the site. Knowing that Denny is loved by so many former students and their families helps us all be optimistic that he will be able to continue his passion of teaching for years to come. God bless each and every one of you.
Love,
Carla
P.S. For those who have asked, our home email is doudenhoven@new.rr.com
Our weekly visit to see Dr. Howard resulted in another cautious reduction with the steroid meds, so now Denny will be taking 1mg in the morning and another 1mg in the afternoon. Steroid-wise, he's at the dosage he was taking when he was told to stop taking it. That was on September 9 -- needless to say, it's been a long couple of months.
The good news is that at the lower dosage he's been on the last week, Denny has been sleeping very well. That will surely continue and even be better with now going to 2mg/daily. Den feels pretty good, considering all he's been through, and Dr. Howard is very pleased with the recovery process. Going forward there will be even more caution because of the complete adrenal shutdown Den experienced in September.
Those steroids are nasty little pills that tear apart the large muscles in the arms and legs, so Denny's strength is still compromised and that's what makes him so tired. Short naps do revive him considerably, so now he just has to be patient as those muscles redevelop. Walking and light weight lifting are the two best exercises for him, so that's what he'll be doing!
More good news is that for this term at school Denny will only have to teach two classes full time. Connor McKnight has agreed to stay on and will be teaching the creative writing class that is Denny's 4th block class. Just like when Connor took on Honors English during the first term (and did an excellent job,) this relieves Den of the worry that I know he would have if a stranger would have had to substitute for him. Plus, it allows him to stay semi-involved but he won't have the papers of those 29 students to correct, etc. The 59 he has in British Lit is quite enough.
When Connor first told his mom that he would be returning home when his last job ended, Ann said she felt in her heart (and even told her husband) that Connor was coming back for Denny. That was weeks before Den's set-back. It's just another affirmation, to me at least, that God has a plan for all of us.
Tonight Den will begin another round of chemotherapy. Through Saturday he will be taking 460mg of temodar every night. This is the dose he will be at each month for at least the next year. Please pray that every bit of it gets to what is remaining of that tumor!
Again, on behalf of our entire family, I thank you for your care and concern. Many people have told us that they read this blog and that they've told others about the site. Knowing that Denny is loved by so many former students and their families helps us all be optimistic that he will be able to continue his passion of teaching for years to come. God bless each and every one of you.
Love,
Carla
P.S. For those who have asked, our home email is doudenhoven@new.rr.com
Thursday, November 13, 2008
November 13
Happy rainy Thursday,
Today we went to the oncologist, which is a monthly appointment the week before the five days of chemotherapy. Denny always has blood work done there, and the results are immediate. Dr. Mortara was pleased with all of the numbers, so Den will take his chemo Tuesday through Saturday next week. He will be at 460 mg. of temador, which will remain at that level for at least a year. The only time he would not take it would be the month before he has the stereotactic boost, aka, gamma knife. We won't know when that will be until either a PET scan or MRI shows that the tumor is at the right size for that procedure.
Dr. Mortara agrees that Den should continue teaching, but was happy to hear that he has cut back on his schedule until he gets off the steroids and regains his physical strength. That will be a gradual, subtle, transition and nobody can predict how long that may take. As long as Denny can feel some improvement, he will be happy. He does feel a little better each day.
This is a busy week as I prepare for the opening of "Beauty and the Beast." It will be a great production, as are all of Jim Romenesko's shows. I haven't been able to be quite as involved this year as in the past, but I still do the hair, wigs, and makeup, so it means being there now for two hours preceding and throughout each of the ten shows. We have some incredibly talented students, so the challenge of a show this big has proved to be very rewarding for the kids in the cast, crew, and orchestra pit as well as for us adults. I hope those of you who are able to attend will enjoy what you see.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Love,
Carla
Today we went to the oncologist, which is a monthly appointment the week before the five days of chemotherapy. Denny always has blood work done there, and the results are immediate. Dr. Mortara was pleased with all of the numbers, so Den will take his chemo Tuesday through Saturday next week. He will be at 460 mg. of temador, which will remain at that level for at least a year. The only time he would not take it would be the month before he has the stereotactic boost, aka, gamma knife. We won't know when that will be until either a PET scan or MRI shows that the tumor is at the right size for that procedure.
Dr. Mortara agrees that Den should continue teaching, but was happy to hear that he has cut back on his schedule until he gets off the steroids and regains his physical strength. That will be a gradual, subtle, transition and nobody can predict how long that may take. As long as Denny can feel some improvement, he will be happy. He does feel a little better each day.
This is a busy week as I prepare for the opening of "Beauty and the Beast." It will be a great production, as are all of Jim Romenesko's shows. I haven't been able to be quite as involved this year as in the past, but I still do the hair, wigs, and makeup, so it means being there now for two hours preceding and throughout each of the ten shows. We have some incredibly talented students, so the challenge of a show this big has proved to be very rewarding for the kids in the cast, crew, and orchestra pit as well as for us adults. I hope those of you who are able to attend will enjoy what you see.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Love,
Carla
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
November 11
Hi,
Today Denny received another good report from Dr. Howard, who is able to assess Den just by looking at him. The steroid dosage has been reduced to 3 mg. per day, which should make him feel better, just as the past reductions have done. But those "evil but necessary" little pills do a lot of damage to a person's large muscles, specifically in the upper arms and thighs. That is what is causing Den to feel so weak.
So, we'll be trying to take several walks each day and maybe Den will try to do some exercises to strengthen his arms. Thankfully, his appetite has remained good and his weight is pretty stable, so we are hopeful that his strength will return soon.
Taking all of this into consideration, Denny has decided to teach only his two British Literature courses for the remainder of this term. His schedule will then allow him to sleep a little later each morning, go to school for those two classes (with lunch in between,) and then return home by 1:30, so he can rest for a while before correcting papers and doing his lesson plans. It will also allow him to get to bed at a reasonable time, insuring adequate rest.
On Thursday we will go to the oncologist, where they will do all of the usual blood work before another round of chemotherapy starts. That is scheduled for five days next week (Tuesday through Saturday.) This will be a higher dosage and the one Denny will stay on indefinitely. We are hoping that he will not experience any bad side effects from this higher dose.
So, we continue taking each day as it comes and we take great comfort in knowing that God is hearing the prayers of all of our family and friends. Thanks for being there.
Love,
Carla
Today Denny received another good report from Dr. Howard, who is able to assess Den just by looking at him. The steroid dosage has been reduced to 3 mg. per day, which should make him feel better, just as the past reductions have done. But those "evil but necessary" little pills do a lot of damage to a person's large muscles, specifically in the upper arms and thighs. That is what is causing Den to feel so weak.
So, we'll be trying to take several walks each day and maybe Den will try to do some exercises to strengthen his arms. Thankfully, his appetite has remained good and his weight is pretty stable, so we are hopeful that his strength will return soon.
Taking all of this into consideration, Denny has decided to teach only his two British Literature courses for the remainder of this term. His schedule will then allow him to sleep a little later each morning, go to school for those two classes (with lunch in between,) and then return home by 1:30, so he can rest for a while before correcting papers and doing his lesson plans. It will also allow him to get to bed at a reasonable time, insuring adequate rest.
On Thursday we will go to the oncologist, where they will do all of the usual blood work before another round of chemotherapy starts. That is scheduled for five days next week (Tuesday through Saturday.) This will be a higher dosage and the one Denny will stay on indefinitely. We are hoping that he will not experience any bad side effects from this higher dose.
So, we continue taking each day as it comes and we take great comfort in knowing that God is hearing the prayers of all of our family and friends. Thanks for being there.
Love,
Carla
Friday, November 7, 2008
November 7
Happy Friday!
With four days at the lower steroid dose, Denny is feeling a tiny bit better. He probably worked too much this week, as he did go to school every day. Connor McKnight is still "team-teaching" with him most of the time, so Denny is able to get up to the Guidance Suite for an occasional nap. Next Tuesday I am hoping we will have a little heart-to-heart with Steve Howard, who has not released Denny to return to full time teaching. Much will be determined by how he tolerates the next round of chemo and when he will be sent to Madison. We'll see how things go. This gentle, soft-spoken, even tempered husband of mine can be a little stubborn when it comes to taking it easy!
Have a great weekend, even if the weather is crappy!! We'll check in after our next appointment. Thanks for keeping in touch.
Love,
Carla
With four days at the lower steroid dose, Denny is feeling a tiny bit better. He probably worked too much this week, as he did go to school every day. Connor McKnight is still "team-teaching" with him most of the time, so Denny is able to get up to the Guidance Suite for an occasional nap. Next Tuesday I am hoping we will have a little heart-to-heart with Steve Howard, who has not released Denny to return to full time teaching. Much will be determined by how he tolerates the next round of chemo and when he will be sent to Madison. We'll see how things go. This gentle, soft-spoken, even tempered husband of mine can be a little stubborn when it comes to taking it easy!
Have a great weekend, even if the weather is crappy!! We'll check in after our next appointment. Thanks for keeping in touch.
Love,
Carla
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
November 4
Happy Election Day!
Good news continues! We saw Steve Howard this morning and he has decreased the steroid dosage again. He can tell by seeing and talking to Den how things are going
and he is pleased with Denny's progress. In all probability, the dosage will be reduced next week to 3mg per day. In the meantime, Den can do as much as he can tolerate but must include several rest times during the day. Dr. Howard is encouraging a little extra walking to help rebuild the leg muscles that have been destroyed by the steroids.
We are convinced prayers have been heard and are being answered. The journey ahead is still unknown, but with all of you with us, it isn't quite as scary. Thanks for all of your kind thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Carla
P.S. Please keep our friends, Mike and Eileen Gerrity, in your prayers. Their son,
Trevor, died unexpectedly and Mike's only brother, Tim, died last Saturday. Our hearts ache for them.
Good news continues! We saw Steve Howard this morning and he has decreased the steroid dosage again. He can tell by seeing and talking to Den how things are going
and he is pleased with Denny's progress. In all probability, the dosage will be reduced next week to 3mg per day. In the meantime, Den can do as much as he can tolerate but must include several rest times during the day. Dr. Howard is encouraging a little extra walking to help rebuild the leg muscles that have been destroyed by the steroids.
We are convinced prayers have been heard and are being answered. The journey ahead is still unknown, but with all of you with us, it isn't quite as scary. Thanks for all of your kind thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Carla
P.S. Please keep our friends, Mike and Eileen Gerrity, in your prayers. Their son,
Trevor, died unexpectedly and Mike's only brother, Tim, died last Saturday. Our hearts ache for them.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
November 2
Hi,
This is just a note to let you know that all is fine today at the Oudenhovens. Denny had his best day in a long time yesterday and I am doing great.
I learned a few things from this last week. 1. Let your friends take care of you when you are too much of a wreck to make a good decision. 2. Always get a second opinion, unless, of course, you are lucky enough to have the #1 -- because then they will have checked out all of your options and you won't even have to make many phone calls!! (Really, this is a huge shout out to Beth and Phil Vogt, Patti Voss, and ultimately Jeff Klingbeil.) 3. Be sure to get a colonoscopy when your doctor tells you to, even if you don't want to. There is no history of any of this in my family, so it would have been easy to just not have the exam. But by the time there are symptoms, it is often too late. I hate to sound preachy, but what I just went through is nothing compared to what things might have been had I ignored this.
So, until Tuesday, when we see Steve Howard, who will (we hope) be reducing Denny's steroid intake, take care. Thanks for thinking of us.
Love,
Denny and Carla
This is just a note to let you know that all is fine today at the Oudenhovens. Denny had his best day in a long time yesterday and I am doing great.
I learned a few things from this last week. 1. Let your friends take care of you when you are too much of a wreck to make a good decision. 2. Always get a second opinion, unless, of course, you are lucky enough to have the #1 -- because then they will have checked out all of your options and you won't even have to make many phone calls!! (Really, this is a huge shout out to Beth and Phil Vogt, Patti Voss, and ultimately Jeff Klingbeil.) 3. Be sure to get a colonoscopy when your doctor tells you to, even if you don't want to. There is no history of any of this in my family, so it would have been easy to just not have the exam. But by the time there are symptoms, it is often too late. I hate to sound preachy, but what I just went through is nothing compared to what things might have been had I ignored this.
So, until Tuesday, when we see Steve Howard, who will (we hope) be reducing Denny's steroid intake, take care. Thanks for thinking of us.
Love,
Denny and Carla
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
