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
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2 comments:
Hey Mr. & Mrs. O, I just want you to know I'm thinking about you and keeping you and your family in my daily prayers. I'm rooting for you just like you always did for our bball team! Much Love,
Amanda aka "Connie"
Good morning Den.....Had I known you were at Mercy I would have stopped last week, as we had an apt there...and I waited and wandered around the hospital all morning. Visited the gift shop etc etc. Hope things are better today and we hope it won't be long until you can get out and enjoy the weather and Carla's flowers. I'm sure those adoring grandkids are ready for you to come home also!!!!
God bless and prayers for your recovery!
Jane J
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