Hi,
Day 1 of this chemo round went very well so I hope that bodes well for the rest of the week. Tom Neises, Scott Sowinski, Sam Pocsiak, and Jake VandeHey brought Den pizza and had supper with him, so that was a real spirit lifter. He's walking unassisted, reading "Marley and Me", and talking about getting back to his classes. Life is good!
Tonight I give thanks that this is all I have to report. Thanks for all of those prayers!
Hugs,
Carla
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
December 29
Hi,
Although Denny remains in the hospital, he is making noticeable progress. He can walk the length of the hospital corridor and is being faithful to the physical therapy workouts prescribed for him. He knows this is the only road to recovery and now that he can experience the benefits, I believe he will be even more diligent getting all of the repetitions done. He's pretty exhausted when he finishes, but even that is getting a bit better each day. The edema is slowly subsiding and his blood pressure is staying fairly consistent, so the doctors are pleased.
Tonight he will begin the round of chemotherapy that was delayed because of all of the problems he's had the last few weeks. Dr. Meena wants to monitor that very closely, because we never know what is going to happen when a new component is added to the mix. So, he will be at St. E's until next weekend, at least.
Despite the circumstances, our family had a wonderful Christmas and hope that you did, too. Thank you for all of the cards and good wishes, and a very special thank you to the Xavier seniors and faculty who are shoveling me out every day so I can get to the hospital. I really can't imagine how we'd be getting through this without all of you!
Love,
Carla
Although Denny remains in the hospital, he is making noticeable progress. He can walk the length of the hospital corridor and is being faithful to the physical therapy workouts prescribed for him. He knows this is the only road to recovery and now that he can experience the benefits, I believe he will be even more diligent getting all of the repetitions done. He's pretty exhausted when he finishes, but even that is getting a bit better each day. The edema is slowly subsiding and his blood pressure is staying fairly consistent, so the doctors are pleased.
Tonight he will begin the round of chemotherapy that was delayed because of all of the problems he's had the last few weeks. Dr. Meena wants to monitor that very closely, because we never know what is going to happen when a new component is added to the mix. So, he will be at St. E's until next weekend, at least.
Despite the circumstances, our family had a wonderful Christmas and hope that you did, too. Thank you for all of the cards and good wishes, and a very special thank you to the Xavier seniors and faculty who are shoveling me out every day so I can get to the hospital. I really can't imagine how we'd be getting through this without all of you!
Love,
Carla
Monday, December 22, 2008
December 22
Hi,
All in all, Denny has had two good days in a row. He had two good physical therapy sessions today and went for the longest walk yet tonight. He said he doesn't remember the last day he felt this strong, so maybe he's made the turn for the best. I left him watching the Packer game, looking pretty comfortable despite the swelling that still have his legs at nearly double their size.
That's really all there is to report. We know this will be a slow process, but as long as he can feel progress and there are no more setbacks, maybe this "bump in the road" (as the doctor called it) will be just that.
Both of us wish all of you a very blessed Christmas. Hopefully you will spend it with family and friends, cherishing each moment you have together. Your gifts of love, friendship, and prayers makes this a very special Christmas for us. Thank you.
I'll keep you posted!
Love,
Carla
All in all, Denny has had two good days in a row. He had two good physical therapy sessions today and went for the longest walk yet tonight. He said he doesn't remember the last day he felt this strong, so maybe he's made the turn for the best. I left him watching the Packer game, looking pretty comfortable despite the swelling that still have his legs at nearly double their size.
That's really all there is to report. We know this will be a slow process, but as long as he can feel progress and there are no more setbacks, maybe this "bump in the road" (as the doctor called it) will be just that.
Both of us wish all of you a very blessed Christmas. Hopefully you will spend it with family and friends, cherishing each moment you have together. Your gifts of love, friendship, and prayers makes this a very special Christmas for us. Thank you.
I'll keep you posted!
Love,
Carla
Saturday, December 20, 2008
December 20
Hi,
Denny was moved to the sub acute unit this afternoon and will begin intensive occupational and physical therapy on Monday. I hope that the levels of all of his medicines are finally figured out and his body will stabilize, allowing him to regain his strength. His legs are still very swollen but we hope that will slowly reverse itself.
I have to give a public shout-out to Dr. Jim and Laurie Richter. They came to visit Den today and Dr. R. wasn't in the room one minute before he noted the size of the bed in the room. It was even smaller than the normal hospital bed, something I didn't notice (too busy trying to make his new room look "homey" and festive.) Then I watched the wheels of the medical system at work. Dr. Richter took a stroll down to the nurses' station and within fifteen minutes a brand new, state of the art, bed that extends to seven feet was there for Den. When he was finally in bed for the night, Denny looked more comfortable than he's been in a long time. Laurie brought beautiful prayer shawls and suggested music relaxation for Den, so as soon as I finish this I'm going to get his I-Pod charged up. Thank you both so very much!!
There shouldn't be any news tomorrow, but I'll let you know how he does Monday after his first day of boot camp!
Good night,
Carla
Denny was moved to the sub acute unit this afternoon and will begin intensive occupational and physical therapy on Monday. I hope that the levels of all of his medicines are finally figured out and his body will stabilize, allowing him to regain his strength. His legs are still very swollen but we hope that will slowly reverse itself.
I have to give a public shout-out to Dr. Jim and Laurie Richter. They came to visit Den today and Dr. R. wasn't in the room one minute before he noted the size of the bed in the room. It was even smaller than the normal hospital bed, something I didn't notice (too busy trying to make his new room look "homey" and festive.) Then I watched the wheels of the medical system at work. Dr. Richter took a stroll down to the nurses' station and within fifteen minutes a brand new, state of the art, bed that extends to seven feet was there for Den. When he was finally in bed for the night, Denny looked more comfortable than he's been in a long time. Laurie brought beautiful prayer shawls and suggested music relaxation for Den, so as soon as I finish this I'm going to get his I-Pod charged up. Thank you both so very much!!
There shouldn't be any news tomorrow, but I'll let you know how he does Monday after his first day of boot camp!
Good night,
Carla
Friday, December 19, 2008
December 19
Hi,
Well, at last there is a plan. Dr. Meena spent about 30 minutes with us today, explaining all of the tests that she has had done for Den and giving us her opinion on how to proceed.
First, the vascular surgeon that read the report of the ultra sound from last night is the same doctor that read the report on November 30. Because there are so many clots in both legs ("shocking" was the word he used,) he compared the two reports and told Dr. Meena that his best guess is that there are probably no new significant clots and that the swelling is due to the pooling of all the IV fluids Den's been getting.
Second, Dr. Meena ran a test to check whether Denny's pituitary gland is capable of producing it's own cortisol and it is, which means that the weaning process of getting him off the dexamethosone will start again but at an even lower reduction rate than was done in the past.
Next, after conferring with another specialist, Dr. Meena is going to give Denny a new medicine that will help get the edema back into his veins and muscles. (I hope
that's right--I know it's to get the water redirected!)
Finally, all of his other blood tests and vitals are falling within normal ranges, he seems to be a little stronger each day (today he walked to and from the bathroom,)
and he is strong enough for physical therapy, so sometime this weekend he will transferred to the sub-acute unit where he will be until they decide he is able to come home. Dr. Meena estimates that will be a week or two. He won't be able to come home until there is no risk of him falling. He will get more intensive physical therapy, etc., on that unit but won't see the doctor everyday. This surely beats having to transfer him to a nursing home.
So, that's everything from today. Hopefully, future blog entries will be short and positive, and the ups and downs will plane out. That's what I'm praying for tonight!
Take care and have a fun weekend-before-Christmas!
Love,
Carla
Well, at last there is a plan. Dr. Meena spent about 30 minutes with us today, explaining all of the tests that she has had done for Den and giving us her opinion on how to proceed.
First, the vascular surgeon that read the report of the ultra sound from last night is the same doctor that read the report on November 30. Because there are so many clots in both legs ("shocking" was the word he used,) he compared the two reports and told Dr. Meena that his best guess is that there are probably no new significant clots and that the swelling is due to the pooling of all the IV fluids Den's been getting.
Second, Dr. Meena ran a test to check whether Denny's pituitary gland is capable of producing it's own cortisol and it is, which means that the weaning process of getting him off the dexamethosone will start again but at an even lower reduction rate than was done in the past.
Next, after conferring with another specialist, Dr. Meena is going to give Denny a new medicine that will help get the edema back into his veins and muscles. (I hope
that's right--I know it's to get the water redirected!)
Finally, all of his other blood tests and vitals are falling within normal ranges, he seems to be a little stronger each day (today he walked to and from the bathroom,)
and he is strong enough for physical therapy, so sometime this weekend he will transferred to the sub-acute unit where he will be until they decide he is able to come home. Dr. Meena estimates that will be a week or two. He won't be able to come home until there is no risk of him falling. He will get more intensive physical therapy, etc., on that unit but won't see the doctor everyday. This surely beats having to transfer him to a nursing home.
So, that's everything from today. Hopefully, future blog entries will be short and positive, and the ups and downs will plane out. That's what I'm praying for tonight!
Take care and have a fun weekend-before-Christmas!
Love,
Carla
Thursday, December 18, 2008
December 18
Hi to everyone,
It should be no surprise anymore to read that we had another roller coaster day. When I arrived at the hospital this morning I found Denny reading the paper, in good spirits, and able to stand without getting dizzy or faint. I know it doesn't sound like much, but he walked seven steps--I was thrilled! I left at 11:30 for an appointment, and when I returned a couple of hours later I couldn't help but notice that his legs and feet were very swollen. I'm learning that you have to be your own advocate if you really want things done, so I insisted that the nurse call the doctor so that an ultra sound could be ordered. That did get done and the initial report is that there are new blood clots, which would explain the swelling. However, Denny has no pain, which is usually associated with clots. Go figure.
Dr. Meena, his oncologist, has delayed the round of chemo that he should currently be taking because she doesn't want to add another component into the mix. She's adjusting his steroids daily and is having his cortisol tested daily as well. When all is said and done, I have confidence that she will get him over these latest setbacks. She and Steve Howard and probably Phil Yazbak confer regularly about Den, so I know he's in good hands. To be honest, both of us are happy he's in the hospital and are hopeful that when he does return home his condition won't be as fragile as it was last time.
So that's it for today. I'm almost wishing we get snowed in for at least a while tomorrow so I can give some attention to wrapping gifts and making peanut butter balls for Dave. What I wouldn't give for just a normal day--except I'm having a hard time remembering what that was like.
I must be overtired because this is sounding depressing and I don't want that to be the case. We sincerely do continue to count our blessings every day and hope for brighter tomorrows. With all of you praying, how can it turn out any different?
Thanks for everything.
Love,
Carla
It should be no surprise anymore to read that we had another roller coaster day. When I arrived at the hospital this morning I found Denny reading the paper, in good spirits, and able to stand without getting dizzy or faint. I know it doesn't sound like much, but he walked seven steps--I was thrilled! I left at 11:30 for an appointment, and when I returned a couple of hours later I couldn't help but notice that his legs and feet were very swollen. I'm learning that you have to be your own advocate if you really want things done, so I insisted that the nurse call the doctor so that an ultra sound could be ordered. That did get done and the initial report is that there are new blood clots, which would explain the swelling. However, Denny has no pain, which is usually associated with clots. Go figure.
Dr. Meena, his oncologist, has delayed the round of chemo that he should currently be taking because she doesn't want to add another component into the mix. She's adjusting his steroids daily and is having his cortisol tested daily as well. When all is said and done, I have confidence that she will get him over these latest setbacks. She and Steve Howard and probably Phil Yazbak confer regularly about Den, so I know he's in good hands. To be honest, both of us are happy he's in the hospital and are hopeful that when he does return home his condition won't be as fragile as it was last time.
So that's it for today. I'm almost wishing we get snowed in for at least a while tomorrow so I can give some attention to wrapping gifts and making peanut butter balls for Dave. What I wouldn't give for just a normal day--except I'm having a hard time remembering what that was like.
I must be overtired because this is sounding depressing and I don't want that to be the case. We sincerely do continue to count our blessings every day and hope for brighter tomorrows. With all of you praying, how can it turn out any different?
Thanks for everything.
Love,
Carla
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
December 17
Hi,
After thinking Denny was getting stronger and making progress, things went bad yesterday. Last night around 9:30 I had to call for an ambulance because he simply collapsed from weakness. It had happened twice earlier in the late afternoon and again after supper, but those times we managed to get him back to his chair. They admitted him through the ER last night, so by the time they excluded anything related to his heart and lungs plus did all of the blood work, it was after 1:00 a.m. before he got to his room (410 at St. E's.) Chip and Shannon were there with us as was our friend Jim Romenesko who was visiting when all of this happened.
Right now they are once again giving Den fluids plus even more steroids. He is comfortable, in no pain, and totally coherent, so I doubt there is any brain swelling. They haven't even checked for that. All of the blood tests came back within a normal range, so I'm not sure what the plan is, but I'll let you know when there is one.
Thanks, in advance, for the extra prayers you might send up for Den. He really needs your continued love and support more than ever. To say he's "bummed" is putting it mildly.
With love,
Carla
After thinking Denny was getting stronger and making progress, things went bad yesterday. Last night around 9:30 I had to call for an ambulance because he simply collapsed from weakness. It had happened twice earlier in the late afternoon and again after supper, but those times we managed to get him back to his chair. They admitted him through the ER last night, so by the time they excluded anything related to his heart and lungs plus did all of the blood work, it was after 1:00 a.m. before he got to his room (410 at St. E's.) Chip and Shannon were there with us as was our friend Jim Romenesko who was visiting when all of this happened.
Right now they are once again giving Den fluids plus even more steroids. He is comfortable, in no pain, and totally coherent, so I doubt there is any brain swelling. They haven't even checked for that. All of the blood tests came back within a normal range, so I'm not sure what the plan is, but I'll let you know when there is one.
Thanks, in advance, for the extra prayers you might send up for Den. He really needs your continued love and support more than ever. To say he's "bummed" is putting it mildly.
With love,
Carla
Monday, December 15, 2008
December 15
Hi everyone,
Today we spoke with both doctors, and they with each other, and the plan is to decrease the steroids a tiny bit, progress as planned with the chemotherapy tomorrow through Saturday, and go back for more blood tests on Friday. They gave Den another liter of liquids today and did all the blood work. The only thing out of whack is the low blood pressure issue, which is being attributed to the incredible weakness in his legs. So, the good news is that there isn't any more bad news. He just has to build up his own strength when he can in any way he can.
Tonight we will celebrate the fifth birthday of our oldest grandson, Connor. He is the little guy who developed an extremely rare autoimmune disorder 2 1/2 years ago. Since that time he has had multiple stays at various hospitals, dozens of tests and IV's, and nearly 500 injections given to him at home by Chip. The protocol for his treatment was developed by the only specialist for OMS in the world and carried out by a pediatric neurologist in Green Bay. His treatment ended about two months ago when he was declared "cured" by his doctor in GB. Connor is a very happy, healthy,
pre-schooler who makes us remember every day that miracles do happen. Now we just continue to pray for one for his Papa.
I'll update the blog on Friday after we see the doctors.
Stay warm!!
Carla
Today we spoke with both doctors, and they with each other, and the plan is to decrease the steroids a tiny bit, progress as planned with the chemotherapy tomorrow through Saturday, and go back for more blood tests on Friday. They gave Den another liter of liquids today and did all the blood work. The only thing out of whack is the low blood pressure issue, which is being attributed to the incredible weakness in his legs. So, the good news is that there isn't any more bad news. He just has to build up his own strength when he can in any way he can.
Tonight we will celebrate the fifth birthday of our oldest grandson, Connor. He is the little guy who developed an extremely rare autoimmune disorder 2 1/2 years ago. Since that time he has had multiple stays at various hospitals, dozens of tests and IV's, and nearly 500 injections given to him at home by Chip. The protocol for his treatment was developed by the only specialist for OMS in the world and carried out by a pediatric neurologist in Green Bay. His treatment ended about two months ago when he was declared "cured" by his doctor in GB. Connor is a very happy, healthy,
pre-schooler who makes us remember every day that miracles do happen. Now we just continue to pray for one for his Papa.
I'll update the blog on Friday after we see the doctors.
Stay warm!!
Carla
Saturday, December 13, 2008
December 13
Hi,
This morning we spent several hours at St. E's where Denny received two liters of fluids -- so that's a total of four liters in three days. We were hoping this would put an end to the dizziness when he stands and/or walks, but his blood pressure still varies over 20 points from sitting to standing, so dehydration is not the entire answer. We will be seeing both doctors again on Monday, so maybe they'll have some answers. I still think it all has to do with either the steroids or the filter they inserted to block the blood clots.
Being housebound or at the hospital, I have learned that online shopping is okay and the hospital gift shop has interesting gifts. I hope you have have had more fun getting ready for Christmas!!
I'll update this again on Monday. Hopefully, there will be something more positive to report. Den sends his best to everyone and is grateful for all of the cards and letters he continues to receive.
Hugs to all of you,
Carla
This morning we spent several hours at St. E's where Denny received two liters of fluids -- so that's a total of four liters in three days. We were hoping this would put an end to the dizziness when he stands and/or walks, but his blood pressure still varies over 20 points from sitting to standing, so dehydration is not the entire answer. We will be seeing both doctors again on Monday, so maybe they'll have some answers. I still think it all has to do with either the steroids or the filter they inserted to block the blood clots.
Being housebound or at the hospital, I have learned that online shopping is okay and the hospital gift shop has interesting gifts. I hope you have have had more fun getting ready for Christmas!!
I'll update this again on Monday. Hopefully, there will be something more positive to report. Den sends his best to everyone and is grateful for all of the cards and letters he continues to receive.
Hugs to all of you,
Carla
Friday, December 12, 2008
December 12
Hi,
After putting in a rather restless night (which is probably a good sign for Den because taking all of those steroids should interfere with sleep and recently he could sleep around the clock,) we headed off to the hospital where he received another liter of fluids. Blood tests from yesterday showed that he is not deficient in potassium or magnesium, so it's just the fluids that he needs. We are going back tomorrow morning for a third liter. We may have to go on Sunday as well. Then on Monday all of the blood tests will be repeated.
That's it for today--he's napping now and I'm hoping when he gets up he'll feel a little bit better. Thanks for caring!
Love,
Carla
After putting in a rather restless night (which is probably a good sign for Den because taking all of those steroids should interfere with sleep and recently he could sleep around the clock,) we headed off to the hospital where he received another liter of fluids. Blood tests from yesterday showed that he is not deficient in potassium or magnesium, so it's just the fluids that he needs. We are going back tomorrow morning for a third liter. We may have to go on Sunday as well. Then on Monday all of the blood tests will be repeated.
That's it for today--he's napping now and I'm hoping when he gets up he'll feel a little bit better. Thanks for caring!
Love,
Carla
Thursday, December 11, 2008
December 11
Hi,
It's been a long few days here, so today we were anxious to see both doctors. Denny's weakness and fatigue didn't seem to be getting any better and the dizziness upon standing made me think all of this had something to do with his blood pressure. When we got to the hospital his BP was 90/70 after he was sitting for a while and then it dropped to 72/48 when he stood. Both doctors agreed that dehydration is the reason for all of those symptoms, so one liter of fluid was given to him intervenously. We will return to the hospital tomorrow morning so he can get another liter, which should make him feel much better. We expected (or at least hoped) for some improvement already tonight but that has not been the case.
Next Monday they will repeat all of Denny's blood work so the oncologist can decide how much chemotherapy to give him next Tuesday through Saturday. Despite everything, the doctors consider this just "a bump in the road" and are optimistic that he will feel better in a few weeks. Please pray that they are right.
I'll let you know what happens tomorrow!
Carla
It's been a long few days here, so today we were anxious to see both doctors. Denny's weakness and fatigue didn't seem to be getting any better and the dizziness upon standing made me think all of this had something to do with his blood pressure. When we got to the hospital his BP was 90/70 after he was sitting for a while and then it dropped to 72/48 when he stood. Both doctors agreed that dehydration is the reason for all of those symptoms, so one liter of fluid was given to him intervenously. We will return to the hospital tomorrow morning so he can get another liter, which should make him feel much better. We expected (or at least hoped) for some improvement already tonight but that has not been the case.
Next Monday they will repeat all of Denny's blood work so the oncologist can decide how much chemotherapy to give him next Tuesday through Saturday. Despite everything, the doctors consider this just "a bump in the road" and are optimistic that he will feel better in a few weeks. Please pray that they are right.
I'll let you know what happens tomorrow!
Carla
Sunday, December 7, 2008
December 7
Hi,
Today we can report that Denny's right leg (the one with the biggest clots that was causing such terrible pain) has shown signs of improvement. I'm sure it's due to the walking around the house he did yesterday. The flip side, is that maybe all that walking caused additional weakness today, because he's been lightheaded every time he stands, so the walking today has been minimal.
After the Packer game he watched a movie with Ryan. Shannon and the kids came over to visit and I took advantage of the time to do some grocery shopping. In a little while Connor McKnight will come over to pick up all of the student papers that Den still has here. Our apologies to all of the seniors and the students in Creative Writing for the delay on these grades but we know you understand. In his short term as a sub for Mr. O., Connor has done an exceptional job in the classroom and has been an invaluable friend to his former teacher and coach. We both appreciate how much he has done to make this situation easier for Den.
Thanks to the seniors who came to shovel -- what a great surprise! And thanks to Pat and Dave Rudolf who brought Denny communion today. Thank you to all who have brought food and have offered help in any capacity. We are overwhelmed by your generosity and appreciate everything so very much.
Love to all,
Carla
Today we can report that Denny's right leg (the one with the biggest clots that was causing such terrible pain) has shown signs of improvement. I'm sure it's due to the walking around the house he did yesterday. The flip side, is that maybe all that walking caused additional weakness today, because he's been lightheaded every time he stands, so the walking today has been minimal.
After the Packer game he watched a movie with Ryan. Shannon and the kids came over to visit and I took advantage of the time to do some grocery shopping. In a little while Connor McKnight will come over to pick up all of the student papers that Den still has here. Our apologies to all of the seniors and the students in Creative Writing for the delay on these grades but we know you understand. In his short term as a sub for Mr. O., Connor has done an exceptional job in the classroom and has been an invaluable friend to his former teacher and coach. We both appreciate how much he has done to make this situation easier for Den.
Thanks to the seniors who came to shovel -- what a great surprise! And thanks to Pat and Dave Rudolf who brought Denny communion today. Thank you to all who have brought food and have offered help in any capacity. We are overwhelmed by your generosity and appreciate everything so very much.
Love to all,
Carla
Friday, December 5, 2008
December 5
Hi,
I am happy to report that Denny is home and is doing as well or better than the doctors expected for all he's been through. Chip, Pat, and Patti, were all here to be sure he got into the house and settled into his recliner. Everything went just fine. He had supper and has been up and about several times. The pain is still pretty intense, but we know that it's part of the healing process for that one huge clot. None of the other, smaller clots seem to cause any discomfort at all.
So the medical plan is for him to sleep when he needs to, walk around the house at least once an hour during waking hours, and do his foot and leg exercises while he is in his recliner. He's back on all the meds, including a higher dose of steroids again. We'll be seeing Dr. Howard on Tuesday and Dr. Meena on Thursday. They have promised us that they will keep in close communication regarding his treatment program. Dr. Yazbak has also been wonderful. He saw Denny every day at St. E's and was always available to the others for consultations. The goal is to get Den through this latest setback, hope that the tumor sheds the dead tissue within, and then still look to go to Madison for the stereotactic radio surgery. We're a few months behind, but we know we can get through this with a lot of hope, patience, and prayers.
Thank you for all of your calls and e-mails during this past week. I really don't know how we could cope without your continued support. Everyday in our prayers we thank God for your friendship.
With love,
Carla (and echoes from Den from his recliner!)
I am happy to report that Denny is home and is doing as well or better than the doctors expected for all he's been through. Chip, Pat, and Patti, were all here to be sure he got into the house and settled into his recliner. Everything went just fine. He had supper and has been up and about several times. The pain is still pretty intense, but we know that it's part of the healing process for that one huge clot. None of the other, smaller clots seem to cause any discomfort at all.
So the medical plan is for him to sleep when he needs to, walk around the house at least once an hour during waking hours, and do his foot and leg exercises while he is in his recliner. He's back on all the meds, including a higher dose of steroids again. We'll be seeing Dr. Howard on Tuesday and Dr. Meena on Thursday. They have promised us that they will keep in close communication regarding his treatment program. Dr. Yazbak has also been wonderful. He saw Denny every day at St. E's and was always available to the others for consultations. The goal is to get Den through this latest setback, hope that the tumor sheds the dead tissue within, and then still look to go to Madison for the stereotactic radio surgery. We're a few months behind, but we know we can get through this with a lot of hope, patience, and prayers.
Thank you for all of your calls and e-mails during this past week. I really don't know how we could cope without your continued support. Everyday in our prayers we thank God for your friendship.
With love,
Carla (and echoes from Den from his recliner!)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
December 4
Hi, Everyone,
I just got home from the hospital, where Denny is sound asleep. He's exhausted from the walking that he has to do to prevent more clots from forming. The pain must be terrible because I've never heard him complain and/or groan like he does when he is walking. The doctors and nurses have told us it will slowly get better as the large clot that is causing the pain dissolves. The pain goes away within minutes after he returns to bed or to a recliner, so he doesn't take any pain medicine at all. They tried giving him some prior to one of his walks, but it only made him lightheaded and it didn't do a thing for the pain. I have a feeling we're in for a long couple of weeks as he recuperates.
He'll be coming home either tomorrow or Saturday. I'll keep you posted until he is ready to start writing again.
Good night!
Carla
I just got home from the hospital, where Denny is sound asleep. He's exhausted from the walking that he has to do to prevent more clots from forming. The pain must be terrible because I've never heard him complain and/or groan like he does when he is walking. The doctors and nurses have told us it will slowly get better as the large clot that is causing the pain dissolves. The pain goes away within minutes after he returns to bed or to a recliner, so he doesn't take any pain medicine at all. They tried giving him some prior to one of his walks, but it only made him lightheaded and it didn't do a thing for the pain. I have a feeling we're in for a long couple of weeks as he recuperates.
He'll be coming home either tomorrow or Saturday. I'll keep you posted until he is ready to start writing again.
Good night!
Carla
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
December 3
Hi-
It looks like Denny will be in the hospital until Friday. The HMO's don't let patients stay any longer than what they deem necessary. I was there this morning and found him to be much less confused but still pretty weak. He walked a short hallway for the first time--no shortness of breath but lots of pain in his righ
leg (to be expected.)
He was very happy to get back to bed. Since he already had his lunch and we had visited with the doctor, I decided to just leave him be for a few hours so he could get some sound sleep. Just as I was leaving, the nurse said that I'd find him in room 411 when I return. They will transfer him sometime this afternoon.
It's been quite an emotional roller coaster for our family since Sunday - thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.
Carla
It looks like Denny will be in the hospital until Friday. The HMO's don't let patients stay any longer than what they deem necessary. I was there this morning and found him to be much less confused but still pretty weak. He walked a short hallway for the first time--no shortness of breath but lots of pain in his righ
leg (to be expected.)
He was very happy to get back to bed. Since he already had his lunch and we had visited with the doctor, I decided to just leave him be for a few hours so he could get some sound sleep. Just as I was leaving, the nurse said that I'd find him in room 411 when I return. They will transfer him sometime this afternoon.
It's been quite an emotional roller coaster for our family since Sunday - thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.
Carla
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
December 2
Hi-
Just a quick update to let you know that Denny has been transferred out of ICU to room 246. I'm not sure how long he will remain in the hospital. He is still incredibly weak and is still somewhat disoriented. The MRI today showed swelling in his brain, so the steroids have been increased. He is not in any pain and is comfortable most of the time. Not being able to give him any anti-coagulants pose a treatment dilemma for the doctors, but Drs. Howard, Meena, and Yazbak are consulting daily.
Thanks for all of the extra prayers - I know they must be working. I will try to update this each day when I get home from the hospital so you'll know the latest!
Love,
Carla
Just a quick update to let you know that Denny has been transferred out of ICU to room 246. I'm not sure how long he will remain in the hospital. He is still incredibly weak and is still somewhat disoriented. The MRI today showed swelling in his brain, so the steroids have been increased. He is not in any pain and is comfortable most of the time. Not being able to give him any anti-coagulants pose a treatment dilemma for the doctors, but Drs. Howard, Meena, and Yazbak are consulting daily.
Thanks for all of the extra prayers - I know they must be working. I will try to update this each day when I get home from the hospital so you'll know the latest!
Love,
Carla
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
