Hi,
This is just a short note to thank everyone who has called or sent an e-mail regarding the wonderful article about Denny in yesterday's Post Crescent. When I took the paper to him last night and he read Dan VanderPas' kind words, he got very choked up and said it was like reading about somebody else.
For those of you who don't live nearby or do not receive the PC, the article is available on-line. It really is a special tribute about a very special guy.
Hope everyone has a nice weekend,
Carla
Friday, May 29, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
May 26
Hi,
The tone at today's staffing for Denny was generally very positive. He is much stronger, although still quite fatigued by the end of each therapy session, and his attention span is noticeably improved. The chemo definitely took a toll on him last week and the reduction in the Keppra had a positive effect, so that drug is being reduced again and we are all hoping he will be off of it completely by the time he is discharged from the rehab program.
Dr. Gu emphasized to Denny once again the importance of forcing himself to stay awake for longer periods of time. The nurses are going to make an attempt to have him eat with other patients and participate in some of the activities offered in their sub acute unit. This is a huge step in the right direction -- Denny has been a patient far too long. I am already anxious for next week's assessment.
They did say that Den will need someone with him 24/7 for at least the first few weeks when he gets home, so the timing for all of this will work out as school will be over by then. What a year it's been!
Hoping to see many of you soon,
Carla
The tone at today's staffing for Denny was generally very positive. He is much stronger, although still quite fatigued by the end of each therapy session, and his attention span is noticeably improved. The chemo definitely took a toll on him last week and the reduction in the Keppra had a positive effect, so that drug is being reduced again and we are all hoping he will be off of it completely by the time he is discharged from the rehab program.
Dr. Gu emphasized to Denny once again the importance of forcing himself to stay awake for longer periods of time. The nurses are going to make an attempt to have him eat with other patients and participate in some of the activities offered in their sub acute unit. This is a huge step in the right direction -- Denny has been a patient far too long. I am already anxious for next week's assessment.
They did say that Den will need someone with him 24/7 for at least the first few weeks when he gets home, so the timing for all of this will work out as school will be over by then. What a year it's been!
Hoping to see many of you soon,
Carla
Sunday, May 24, 2009
May 24
Happy Memorial Day weekend,
Now that the immediate effects of the chemo are over, Denny is regaining his strength and will make progress this week, I'm sure. Also, the reduction in the Keppra has once again shown to help with his memory problems and processing issues. Dr. Gu will be reducing that again on Tuesday, and I am pretty confident that there will be even more cognitive improvement. It's one of those drugs that has to be tapered slowly--we can't wait until he's off of it completely. It's simply amazing how many things have happened to Den because of his adverse reaction to most medicines.
I just can't say enough good things about Mercy Medical Center and the staff in the rehab unit. Those doctors and nurses are extraordinary. Denny being there is just another of the many "coincidences" that have happened during this last year.
Right now we are looking forward to spending the summer with our kids, big and small,
and visiting with any of you who may want to stop over. Sitting out on the deck, talking and laughing with family and friends will be better for Denny than any medicine, that's for sure. Once he's home I hope we will see many of you.
God Bless and have a wonderful Memorial Day.
love,
Carla
Now that the immediate effects of the chemo are over, Denny is regaining his strength and will make progress this week, I'm sure. Also, the reduction in the Keppra has once again shown to help with his memory problems and processing issues. Dr. Gu will be reducing that again on Tuesday, and I am pretty confident that there will be even more cognitive improvement. It's one of those drugs that has to be tapered slowly--we can't wait until he's off of it completely. It's simply amazing how many things have happened to Den because of his adverse reaction to most medicines.
I just can't say enough good things about Mercy Medical Center and the staff in the rehab unit. Those doctors and nurses are extraordinary. Denny being there is just another of the many "coincidences" that have happened during this last year.
Right now we are looking forward to spending the summer with our kids, big and small,
and visiting with any of you who may want to stop over. Sitting out on the deck, talking and laughing with family and friends will be better for Denny than any medicine, that's for sure. Once he's home I hope we will see many of you.
God Bless and have a wonderful Memorial Day.
love,
Carla
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
May 19
Hi,
Today there is good news and not-so-good news. I met with the staff at Mercy today for our weekly meeting and the general concensus is that Denny has taken a big step backward in his therapies. The good news is that everybody thinks the incredible fatigue that is limiting him this week is due to the chemotherapy, which ends tonight. I guess I never realized just how tired that drug made him because he was sleeping so much of the time anyhow. Chemo or not, he has to participate in all of his therapy sessions down there, so he is truly exhausted and unable to achieve what he had mastered last week. Everyone is hoping to see things turn around by Thursday.
Dr. Gu has also agreed to reduce the dosage of the anti seizure medicine, starting today. As I have said, I believe that Den's reaction to that drug is responsible for his impaired thinking and processing. It's just too much of a coincidence that the disjointed thoughts and speaking difficulties started within an hour of the first time he was given the medicine. Dr. Gu said that if Den tolerates this reduction, he will reduce it again next week. If there isn't a big change in his capabilities, then I guess we are in for one long haul of rehab -- so please pray that my hunch is right!
Other good news is that the pain in his face seems to be diminishing at times. Yesterday he didn't need any pain medicine at all, but today he did complain about it. From what I've read, that's the nature of post herpetic neuralgia. It could go on for a long time, I guess, and there's not much that can be done. We are just so thankful that the procedure Phil Yazbak did for the trigeminal pain seems to have worked.
If the doctors at Mercy are granted their request, Denny should be there for another 10 days or so. Hopefully our insurance will grant that extension. It's hard to believe that we've been on this roller coaster for nearly one year. I think that's long enough for all of us.
It's a beautiful day to mow the lawn, so that's the next thing on my to-do list.
As always, thanks for checking in and keeping Denny in your thoughts and prayers. I take all of the cards, e-mails, and responses left on the blog to him. He appreciates them all so much.
I'll let you know if my theory is worth anything toward the end of the week.
Love,
Carla
Today there is good news and not-so-good news. I met with the staff at Mercy today for our weekly meeting and the general concensus is that Denny has taken a big step backward in his therapies. The good news is that everybody thinks the incredible fatigue that is limiting him this week is due to the chemotherapy, which ends tonight. I guess I never realized just how tired that drug made him because he was sleeping so much of the time anyhow. Chemo or not, he has to participate in all of his therapy sessions down there, so he is truly exhausted and unable to achieve what he had mastered last week. Everyone is hoping to see things turn around by Thursday.
Dr. Gu has also agreed to reduce the dosage of the anti seizure medicine, starting today. As I have said, I believe that Den's reaction to that drug is responsible for his impaired thinking and processing. It's just too much of a coincidence that the disjointed thoughts and speaking difficulties started within an hour of the first time he was given the medicine. Dr. Gu said that if Den tolerates this reduction, he will reduce it again next week. If there isn't a big change in his capabilities, then I guess we are in for one long haul of rehab -- so please pray that my hunch is right!
Other good news is that the pain in his face seems to be diminishing at times. Yesterday he didn't need any pain medicine at all, but today he did complain about it. From what I've read, that's the nature of post herpetic neuralgia. It could go on for a long time, I guess, and there's not much that can be done. We are just so thankful that the procedure Phil Yazbak did for the trigeminal pain seems to have worked.
If the doctors at Mercy are granted their request, Denny should be there for another 10 days or so. Hopefully our insurance will grant that extension. It's hard to believe that we've been on this roller coaster for nearly one year. I think that's long enough for all of us.
It's a beautiful day to mow the lawn, so that's the next thing on my to-do list.
As always, thanks for checking in and keeping Denny in your thoughts and prayers. I take all of the cards, e-mails, and responses left on the blog to him. He appreciates them all so much.
I'll let you know if my theory is worth anything toward the end of the week.
Love,
Carla
Friday, May 15, 2009
May 15
Good morning,
Things finally caught up with me and I came home from work yesterday with a touch of the flu. I slept most of the afternoon and night, so I hope that was the extent of it.
Denny's chemotherapy pills will be delivered here sometime today and I will have to get them down to Oshkosh so he can start this five day process tonight. This will be the first time he's ever taken his chemo in the hospital, but with all of the new medicines he is on, I'm glad he's there for this.
In general, we all think he is making some progress. His speech is much better and his processing skills are improving. He's still very weak and is using a walker for his physical therapy. I know he hates that, but he also knows he needs to use it until he's more stable. His short term memory is what bothers him the most -- most days he has no recollection of anything that happens from the time he gets up until after his morning nap. It's all very weird, and once again I am thinking it has something to do with the anti-seizure medicine that he takes at night and again in the morning. It's on my list for the next staffing on Tuesday.
I hope you will have a wonderful weekend! So many flowers to plant, and so little time...
Love,
Carla
Things finally caught up with me and I came home from work yesterday with a touch of the flu. I slept most of the afternoon and night, so I hope that was the extent of it.
Denny's chemotherapy pills will be delivered here sometime today and I will have to get them down to Oshkosh so he can start this five day process tonight. This will be the first time he's ever taken his chemo in the hospital, but with all of the new medicines he is on, I'm glad he's there for this.
In general, we all think he is making some progress. His speech is much better and his processing skills are improving. He's still very weak and is using a walker for his physical therapy. I know he hates that, but he also knows he needs to use it until he's more stable. His short term memory is what bothers him the most -- most days he has no recollection of anything that happens from the time he gets up until after his morning nap. It's all very weird, and once again I am thinking it has something to do with the anti-seizure medicine that he takes at night and again in the morning. It's on my list for the next staffing on Tuesday.
I hope you will have a wonderful weekend! So many flowers to plant, and so little time...
Love,
Carla
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
May 12
Hi,
Today I attended a staffing at Mercy Medical Center/rehab unit. Present were Dr. Gu, who heads the unit, another neurologist, Den's nurse for today, and his physical, occupational, and speech therapists. A social worker with whom I had spoken to prior to the staffing was also there. Denny and I listened to their observations, assessments, concerns, and plans going forward. After they spoke, we could ask any questions we had and they listened. Everyone there agreed that there are obvious inconsistencies in Denny's abilities and general demeanor. They allowed me to explain the chronological sequence of how things have come to be. It appeared that they found Denny's history with adverse reactions to medicines believable and already one step toward reducing what I believe to be the culprit in all of this has been ordered. Dr. Gu has reduced the amount of anti-seizure medicine, starting tonight, and it won't be a surprise to me if Den is less confused, etc., by tomorrow night or Thursday.
Tomorrow I have to pick him up and bring him to Appleton to see Dr. Meena because it's time for his chemo again. Hopefully, this will be the only time I have to do this, because everyone is hopeful that Denny will be home in a couple of weeks. Again, please keep praying for him. He is so frustrated by his impaired communication skills and the short term memory black-outs -- my heart literally aches for him. I know that a person shouldn't ask "why?" but I can't deny that I do.
His rehab program is like a boot camp, so I'm hoping to see improvement daily. I'll keep you posted!
Good night,
Carla
Today I attended a staffing at Mercy Medical Center/rehab unit. Present were Dr. Gu, who heads the unit, another neurologist, Den's nurse for today, and his physical, occupational, and speech therapists. A social worker with whom I had spoken to prior to the staffing was also there. Denny and I listened to their observations, assessments, concerns, and plans going forward. After they spoke, we could ask any questions we had and they listened. Everyone there agreed that there are obvious inconsistencies in Denny's abilities and general demeanor. They allowed me to explain the chronological sequence of how things have come to be. It appeared that they found Denny's history with adverse reactions to medicines believable and already one step toward reducing what I believe to be the culprit in all of this has been ordered. Dr. Gu has reduced the amount of anti-seizure medicine, starting tonight, and it won't be a surprise to me if Den is less confused, etc., by tomorrow night or Thursday.
Tomorrow I have to pick him up and bring him to Appleton to see Dr. Meena because it's time for his chemo again. Hopefully, this will be the only time I have to do this, because everyone is hopeful that Denny will be home in a couple of weeks. Again, please keep praying for him. He is so frustrated by his impaired communication skills and the short term memory black-outs -- my heart literally aches for him. I know that a person shouldn't ask "why?" but I can't deny that I do.
His rehab program is like a boot camp, so I'm hoping to see improvement daily. I'll keep you posted!
Good night,
Carla
Saturday, May 9, 2009
May 8
Happy Saturday morning!
The O Team finished the Sole Burner in somewhat damp weather but in great spirits.
Thank you to everyone who participated. Regardless of your team, the cause is a great one. To be honest, neither Denny nor I have had a member of our immediate families ever had to battle cancer. Friends, yes, and we have prayed and cried with them, but within our families cancer has not been an issue. I'm sure that's why Denny's diagnosis threw us into a state of panic. (It's hard to believe that it's nearly a year ago since that diagnosis.) The American Cancer Society needs all of the financial support people can give. It was so inspiring to see the thousands of people out walking for this wonderful cause.
Yesterday Denny was transferred to Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh. I was only there from 3:30 until he went to bed, but my first impressions are stellar. He is on the rehab unit (room 528), which has its own director. He met us and evaluated Denny; he and his associate, a neurologist, will see Den every day. There will be physical, occupational, and speech therapies each day -- the amount of time spent on each will be about double what he received last time at St. E's. Every Tuesday there will be a staffing with all of the doctors, therapists, and nurses, plus Denny, myself, and any other family members that want to attend. I certainly got the feeling that it's a real team oriented program. The doctors will stay in communication with Jim Richter, and it's possible there will be new efforts at pain control. Once they can get a real grasp on that, I believe the physical rehab will
come along faster. Mentally, Den just has to get back to that athlete/competitor
place where he spent his first 58 years!
That's really all I know for now. I am going down there this afternoon and tomorrow, but Den's real work won't begin until Monday. I'll write again then!
Happy Mother's Day!
Love,
Carla
The O Team finished the Sole Burner in somewhat damp weather but in great spirits.
Thank you to everyone who participated. Regardless of your team, the cause is a great one. To be honest, neither Denny nor I have had a member of our immediate families ever had to battle cancer. Friends, yes, and we have prayed and cried with them, but within our families cancer has not been an issue. I'm sure that's why Denny's diagnosis threw us into a state of panic. (It's hard to believe that it's nearly a year ago since that diagnosis.) The American Cancer Society needs all of the financial support people can give. It was so inspiring to see the thousands of people out walking for this wonderful cause.
Yesterday Denny was transferred to Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh. I was only there from 3:30 until he went to bed, but my first impressions are stellar. He is on the rehab unit (room 528), which has its own director. He met us and evaluated Denny; he and his associate, a neurologist, will see Den every day. There will be physical, occupational, and speech therapies each day -- the amount of time spent on each will be about double what he received last time at St. E's. Every Tuesday there will be a staffing with all of the doctors, therapists, and nurses, plus Denny, myself, and any other family members that want to attend. I certainly got the feeling that it's a real team oriented program. The doctors will stay in communication with Jim Richter, and it's possible there will be new efforts at pain control. Once they can get a real grasp on that, I believe the physical rehab will
come along faster. Mentally, Den just has to get back to that athlete/competitor
place where he spent his first 58 years!
That's really all I know for now. I am going down there this afternoon and tomorrow, but Den's real work won't begin until Monday. I'll write again then!
Happy Mother's Day!
Love,
Carla
Thursday, May 7, 2009
May 7
Good morning!
The update today is that this is Denny's last day on morphine. Already everyone has noticed a marked difference in his mental clarity and communication skills. His dose of Keppra, the anti seizure medicine, has also been reduced, so I believe that is also a factor. Physically, he is still very weak, and he still prefers sleeping to anything else. Right now there are tentative plans for him to be transported to Mercy Medical in Oshkosh tomorrow, where he will begin an aggressive therapy program. It's a reasonable guess that he will be there about two weeks. Everything, however, is contingent on Dr. Richter giving the thumbs up that Denny is medically stable and ready for this type of work.
On another note, Amanda Lauer, who has organized the O-Team for the American Cancer Sole Burner, has asked me to inform everyone participating that the team picture will be taken at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday on the tennis courts at City Park. All of this will be a very big surprise to Den. He will be humbled to know there are so many people supporting him with his cancer battle. I, too, am humbled and moved by all of the ongoing support given by so many to us each day. God Bless you, one and all.
Love,
Carla
The update today is that this is Denny's last day on morphine. Already everyone has noticed a marked difference in his mental clarity and communication skills. His dose of Keppra, the anti seizure medicine, has also been reduced, so I believe that is also a factor. Physically, he is still very weak, and he still prefers sleeping to anything else. Right now there are tentative plans for him to be transported to Mercy Medical in Oshkosh tomorrow, where he will begin an aggressive therapy program. It's a reasonable guess that he will be there about two weeks. Everything, however, is contingent on Dr. Richter giving the thumbs up that Denny is medically stable and ready for this type of work.
On another note, Amanda Lauer, who has organized the O-Team for the American Cancer Sole Burner, has asked me to inform everyone participating that the team picture will be taken at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday on the tennis courts at City Park. All of this will be a very big surprise to Den. He will be humbled to know there are so many people supporting him with his cancer battle. I, too, am humbled and moved by all of the ongoing support given by so many to us each day. God Bless you, one and all.
Love,
Carla
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
May 5
Hi,
My theory that Denny's confusion and speech problems are related to his morphine and anti-seizure medicines was reinforced today. Those meds were withheld yesterday for a few hours before and after his nerve-block procedure. His demeanor last night was, I believe, because those drugs had not been administered. Today, back on the drugs, he was having the same confusion and speech problems as before. I spoke to Drs. Lindo-Drusch and Yazbak about this and am hoping to connect with the neurologist tomorrow. The weaning off of the morphine has begun and I am hoping Dr. Bannusch will agree to decrease the anti-seizure drug.
Plans are for Denny to be transferred to Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh for his rehab. That will happen after Jim Richter gets back on Thursday and gives the okay, so Denny could be starting that program as early as Friday. Like most of the last eleven months, we are just taking each day as it comes.
I'll let you know when things change. Have a great rest of the week!
Love,
Carla
My theory that Denny's confusion and speech problems are related to his morphine and anti-seizure medicines was reinforced today. Those meds were withheld yesterday for a few hours before and after his nerve-block procedure. His demeanor last night was, I believe, because those drugs had not been administered. Today, back on the drugs, he was having the same confusion and speech problems as before. I spoke to Drs. Lindo-Drusch and Yazbak about this and am hoping to connect with the neurologist tomorrow. The weaning off of the morphine has begun and I am hoping Dr. Bannusch will agree to decrease the anti-seizure drug.
Plans are for Denny to be transferred to Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh for his rehab. That will happen after Jim Richter gets back on Thursday and gives the okay, so Denny could be starting that program as early as Friday. Like most of the last eleven months, we are just taking each day as it comes.
I'll let you know when things change. Have a great rest of the week!
Love,
Carla
Monday, May 4, 2009
May 4
Hi,
Everything went as scheduled today. Denny was sleeping comfortably when I left at 9:30. I think I will also get some good sleep, because I believe I've already seen signs of improvement. Even the nurses and the techs commented on his clearer diction and speech tonight. There will be some discomfort from the procedure itself, but the pain should be substantially less. May I just say that Phil Yazbak is a wonderful doctor and friend!
We are all hoping that Den will be able to stay right where he is until his meds are straightened out and he has regained a little more strength. We just go from day to day with that whole issue.
Thanks for your prayers--I truly believe God heard you!
Love,
Carla
Everything went as scheduled today. Denny was sleeping comfortably when I left at 9:30. I think I will also get some good sleep, because I believe I've already seen signs of improvement. Even the nurses and the techs commented on his clearer diction and speech tonight. There will be some discomfort from the procedure itself, but the pain should be substantially less. May I just say that Phil Yazbak is a wonderful doctor and friend!
We are all hoping that Den will be able to stay right where he is until his meds are straightened out and he has regained a little more strength. We just go from day to day with that whole issue.
Thanks for your prayers--I truly believe God heard you!
Love,
Carla
Sunday, May 3, 2009
May 3
Hi,
It is with hope that I await tomorrow. In the morning Denny is scheduled for another EEG to assess the seizure activity, or lack of. Then tomorrow afternoon Dr. Yazbak will do a procedure that should eliminate most of the pain in Denny's face. That should lead to getting him off the morphine and into a rehabilitation program. Because St. Elizabeth's is no longer accepting patients into the sub-acute unit (which is where patients get physical and occupational therapy,) Denny will most likely be transferred to Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh. It is my understanding that their rehab program is very aggressive.
It is with prayer that everything above will happen and one day these past few weeks will all seem like a terrible dream. I'll keep you posted. Keep your fingers crossed that all goes well.
With love,
Carla
It is with hope that I await tomorrow. In the morning Denny is scheduled for another EEG to assess the seizure activity, or lack of. Then tomorrow afternoon Dr. Yazbak will do a procedure that should eliminate most of the pain in Denny's face. That should lead to getting him off the morphine and into a rehabilitation program. Because St. Elizabeth's is no longer accepting patients into the sub-acute unit (which is where patients get physical and occupational therapy,) Denny will most likely be transferred to Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh. It is my understanding that their rehab program is very aggressive.
It is with prayer that everything above will happen and one day these past few weeks will all seem like a terrible dream. I'll keep you posted. Keep your fingers crossed that all goes well.
With love,
Carla
Friday, May 1, 2009
May 1
Hi,
Not much has changed since the last entry. Denny continues to have the pain in the left side of his face and temple and is being treated primarily with morphine. The procedure done last Monday has obviously not accomplished anything, so we are on to plan B.
Yesterday I asked Drs. Richter and Yazbak to take on the responsibility for pain management and any future procedure(s) needed to eliminate that pain. We dearly love Dr. Meena, who will continue as Denny's oncologist, so I feel as though we have a great team for Den. Steve Howard still communicates with Phil, so I am confident that there will be an answer to this situation. What Den is experiencing is unusual and it seems that his reactions are, too. He is receiving occupational, physical, and speech therapy, none of which is easy when there's so much pain medication involved.
We are grateful for all of the prayers and the concern shown by so many. We are hanging in there as a family, all eleven of us. Connor, Ryan, Grant, and Keira make Papa smile everyday, so that's the best medicine he gets!
Have a wonderful weekend -- go to Food Fair if you can!
Love,
Carla
Not much has changed since the last entry. Denny continues to have the pain in the left side of his face and temple and is being treated primarily with morphine. The procedure done last Monday has obviously not accomplished anything, so we are on to plan B.
Yesterday I asked Drs. Richter and Yazbak to take on the responsibility for pain management and any future procedure(s) needed to eliminate that pain. We dearly love Dr. Meena, who will continue as Denny's oncologist, so I feel as though we have a great team for Den. Steve Howard still communicates with Phil, so I am confident that there will be an answer to this situation. What Den is experiencing is unusual and it seems that his reactions are, too. He is receiving occupational, physical, and speech therapy, none of which is easy when there's so much pain medication involved.
We are grateful for all of the prayers and the concern shown by so many. We are hanging in there as a family, all eleven of us. Connor, Ryan, Grant, and Keira make Papa smile everyday, so that's the best medicine he gets!
Have a wonderful weekend -- go to Food Fair if you can!
Love,
Carla
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