Monday, September 27, 2010

We've have a somewhat busy day today. Mom has done a lot of sleeping, but seizures are quite exhausting, so she was in need of some rest. Justin spent the night here at the hospital and Allison and I went home. When we got here this morning, Mom was out for her MRI. There were a multitude of doctors, nurses, and therapists in and out all day. I can't quite remember the order they were in or even the messages they delivered in many cases, but we were able to see Dr. Torres this evening. It's funny to say, but it was such a relief to finally see him. As people come in and out, everyone asks the same questions and wants to know her entire medical history and it's difficult to condense all the information and provide it in one conversation. It's comforting to see him and know that he's familiar with her entire history as he's been with us from the beginning. I suppose when you see a variety of strangers who are responsible for something as important as the life of your mother, it's a relief to see a familiar face whom you trust is as concerned as you are.

The MRI results did not show any significant changes from the MRI that was taken on September 17. I suppose this is good news because it means the tumor is growing fast enough to show significant changes in 10 days. It also means that there aren't structural damages to her brain following the seizure. Following her MRI this morning, they were able to access her port and get the IV out of her arm. She's been resting so much better without having the monitor alarm go off every time she moves.

As the various doctors were in to assess her strength and check vitals, I noticed that she's made improvements on the left side since yesterday. Her blood work from last night showed that there's been a slight increase in her WBC count, so that's good, as well. She's still having tremors on occasion, but has been sleeping much better today without being nearly as restless as she was yesterday. When the PT and OT was in this afternoon, they got her up out of bed and had her take a little walk down the hall. This evening they finally okayed her to eat, and she had some oranges, a little bit of mashed potatoes, turkey, and a bit of cranberry sauce. She's been up a couple times to go to the bathroom. In order to control the seizures, they have doubled her dose of anti-seizure medication.

We feel so blessed to have the thoughts, prayers, and concerns of all of you. It has been so helpful in getting us through this difficult time. We appreciate all your messages, emails, calls, and visits, but most importantly your prayers. There's an office on the 10th floor where Mom is that has a Bible verse on the door. I have read it several times on the way to and from the elevator, and felt that it is very fitting for our situation. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6