Tuesday Update

David's strength has weakened. Today we were unable to get him in a sitting position and therefore unable to get him up for a walk. I have requested PT.

The results from the echocardiogram, ordered by the neurologist yesterday, showed that David has a hole in his heart (not unusual) BUT because of his condition (combination of meds, disease, lack of mobility) a blood clot was able to "jump over" the hole and travel to his brain (my simple un-medical explanation). Because of the one stroke in October we knew he was susceptible to others. The hole in his heart further raises the risk. He had a ultrasound on his legs today to see if there are any blood clots. We haven't heard anything so perhaps that is good news. He will definitely need to be back on Coumadin after he starts eating again.

Finally after six days David's oncologist came in tonight. This has been very upsetting for me especially since it was on her advice that we brought David to this particular hospital. There was a communication breakdown somewhere and she was not informed until today. I asked the nurse to call her - and she did. The doctor is recommending to the surgeon that we move David to the neuro floor so that he will get care more related to his limitations with the brain cancer.

He seems to be healing from the surgery. His wound looks good. He started full liquids today with no problems.

Today was especially tiring for him. On the whole, I feel he is mentally alert with only minor occasional confusion. He has let the nurses and doctors know that I speak for him because sometimes he might not get it right.

I am so thankful tonight for the everlasting arms. I know they are holding David and me and our family very close.

"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms..." Deut. 33:27

Pam