"It's not what we have in our life, but who we have in our life that counts- J.M. Laurence" (from a card received by Monica on Mother's Day)
Not a lot to blog about today. Greg worked most of the day. Monica and Marley went to Steveston and took Oma shopping for new glasses. Monica feels good today (no after effects from the 5K walk) and has done well -eating healthy all day, resting and gone for a walk.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
May 29, 2011 - Spring Sprint
On the day Monica left the hospital, she had a very nice nurse named Maria who took the time to give us advice on the "next" steps and how to deal with the first meeting with the cancer agency. She also gave us a very informative book about brain tumours prepared by the Brain Tumour Foundation. This book has helped us a great deal and we have already become aware of other good programs and support available from the Brain Tumour Foundation.
In the course of our internet travels, we had learned that the Brain Tumour Foundation was having a fund raising run/walk called the "Spring Sprint" on May 29th at Burnaby Lake. Already appreciating the value of this organization, Marley thought that she would like to support the event and signed up as a volunteer. On Sunday morning Monica and Greg decided to participate.
The weather for the walk was great and the location on Burnaby Lake was very nice. There was a good crowd of all ages and the event was well run. Marley was assigned to help kids with face painting. One interesting side-note was that we noticed that Deloitte (with whom Monica's cousin, Norman, is a partner) was one of the primary sponsors.
At the event, a person came up to us and said "I know you" - it turns out that it was Maria the nurse. A large group of the nurses fron the neuro ward at the Royal Columbian had come out to support the event. We had a nice visit with her.
The highlight for the day was that Monica and Greg walked the whole 5K . Monica extended herself a bit (she hasn't been walking that far since her surgery) but otherwise did well . We have been noticing, when she gets tired, Monica doesn't lift her right foot properly and Monica and Greg noticed it again today.
The rest of the day was pretty relaxed. Monica rested, Greg worked in the garden, Marley was studying for her MCAT and Jesse spent the day at UBC studying for his remaining finals.
In the course of our internet travels, we had learned that the Brain Tumour Foundation was having a fund raising run/walk called the "Spring Sprint" on May 29th at Burnaby Lake. Already appreciating the value of this organization, Marley thought that she would like to support the event and signed up as a volunteer. On Sunday morning Monica and Greg decided to participate.
The weather for the walk was great and the location on Burnaby Lake was very nice. There was a good crowd of all ages and the event was well run. Marley was assigned to help kids with face painting. One interesting side-note was that we noticed that Deloitte (with whom Monica's cousin, Norman, is a partner) was one of the primary sponsors.
At the event, a person came up to us and said "I know you" - it turns out that it was Maria the nurse. A large group of the nurses fron the neuro ward at the Royal Columbian had come out to support the event. We had a nice visit with her.
The highlight for the day was that Monica and Greg walked the whole 5K . Monica extended herself a bit (she hasn't been walking that far since her surgery) but otherwise did well . We have been noticing, when she gets tired, Monica doesn't lift her right foot properly and Monica and Greg noticed it again today.
The rest of the day was pretty relaxed. Monica rested, Greg worked in the garden, Marley was studying for her MCAT and Jesse spent the day at UBC studying for his remaining finals.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
May 28, 2011
Nothing new on the medical front in the last two days. On Friday, Greg worked most of the day. Marley and Monica made a trip to UBC to return a Xmas gift to the UBC bookstore (Monica: 1 UBC Bookstore: 0).
Saturday was quiet. Monica and Greg went to the Farmer's market at Burnaby Village and went shopping for groceries for dinner. Jan and Lisa joined us for dinner.
We are doing a pretty good job of sticking to the nutritional plan and of adopting some of the other changes (i.e. meditation ).
Saturday was quiet. Monica and Greg went to the Farmer's market at Burnaby Village and went shopping for groceries for dinner. Jan and Lisa joined us for dinner.
We are doing a pretty good job of sticking to the nutritional plan and of adopting some of the other changes (i.e. meditation ).
Friday, May 27, 2011
May 26, 2011
"It is possible to move a mountain by carrying away small stones" (A Chinese proverb from a get well card sent by Richard and Barbara Botham)
A fairly quiet day. Jesse was up early and off to study for finals. Greg worked part of the day. Marley was not feeling well and slept in. Monica was feeling good today. She seems to be recovering from the effects of the operation daily. We were all home for dinner together and thinking about Daniel and his family.
We are still working hard at the recommended lifestyle changes (particularly the dietary changes). Marley and Greg made another trip to Choices Market to buy organic products. Marley spent the evening making Kale chips, a blueberry smoothie and preparing to make healthy snowballs (organic almonds, unsweetened coconut and dried fruit). The Kale chips were actually good this time and the smoothie was great -will let you know about the snowballs.
The organic products are expensive. Greg was joking about having to re-finance the house to pay for the new eating habits. As synchronicity would have it, tonight we located an article on Dr.Weil's website about the inflammatory diet he believes in and in which he acknowledged that eating organic fruits and vegetables was indeed expensive. However, he pointed out that not only are they free of the chemicals which come from fertilizers and pesticides but they are also much richer in the phytonutrients which we need to fight chronic diseases (including cancer).
A fairly quiet day. Jesse was up early and off to study for finals. Greg worked part of the day. Marley was not feeling well and slept in. Monica was feeling good today. She seems to be recovering from the effects of the operation daily. We were all home for dinner together and thinking about Daniel and his family.
We are still working hard at the recommended lifestyle changes (particularly the dietary changes). Marley and Greg made another trip to Choices Market to buy organic products. Marley spent the evening making Kale chips, a blueberry smoothie and preparing to make healthy snowballs (organic almonds, unsweetened coconut and dried fruit). The Kale chips were actually good this time and the smoothie was great -will let you know about the snowballs.
The organic products are expensive. Greg was joking about having to re-finance the house to pay for the new eating habits. As synchronicity would have it, tonight we located an article on Dr.Weil's website about the inflammatory diet he believes in and in which he acknowledged that eating organic fruits and vegetables was indeed expensive. However, he pointed out that not only are they free of the chemicals which come from fertilizers and pesticides but they are also much richer in the phytonutrients which we need to fight chronic diseases (including cancer).
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
May 25, 2010 - 1st Visit to Cancer Agency
Monica attended at the Cancer Agency for the first time today. Apart from the usual waiting which seems to be built into the medical system, we had a pretty good experience. Everyone was very pleasant and helpful.
We first met with a radiation oncologist. He took quite a bit of time with us to discuss the type of tumour which Monica has and to patiently answer our questions. We already knew that the tumour was malignant and fast-growing. However, the doctor seemed to strike a good balance between accurately describing the situation yet leaving in place the hope for a better outcome which could come from positively pursuing treatment. Overall, we liked the oncologist and think that he will be good to deal with as we go forward.
Monica will go back to the Cancer Agency next week for a CTscan, an MRI and to have a mask fitted for the radiation. Radiation will start about 10 days after that and will go 5 days a week for 6 weeks. She will be simultaneously taking chemotherapy during this period. Thereafter she will be taking scheduled chemotherapy for a further 6 months. We will meet a medical oncologist on June 8th to discuss the chemotherapy.
We were also introduced to a social worker who provided us with materials for Monica as the patient and for Greg and Marley as caregivers. He also informed us of the services which are available should we require them. Monica and Greg will likely, at least, attend the Brain Tumour support group which he coordinates.
We were pleased to note that both the oncologist and the social worker were familiar with Inspire Health and supported the idea of us participating in its program.
In some ways we were dreading the meeting today. However, it now seems to be a relief to see the medical team taking shape and the treatment program being organized.
We first met with a radiation oncologist. He took quite a bit of time with us to discuss the type of tumour which Monica has and to patiently answer our questions. We already knew that the tumour was malignant and fast-growing. However, the doctor seemed to strike a good balance between accurately describing the situation yet leaving in place the hope for a better outcome which could come from positively pursuing treatment. Overall, we liked the oncologist and think that he will be good to deal with as we go forward.
Monica will go back to the Cancer Agency next week for a CTscan, an MRI and to have a mask fitted for the radiation. Radiation will start about 10 days after that and will go 5 days a week for 6 weeks. She will be simultaneously taking chemotherapy during this period. Thereafter she will be taking scheduled chemotherapy for a further 6 months. We will meet a medical oncologist on June 8th to discuss the chemotherapy.
We were also introduced to a social worker who provided us with materials for Monica as the patient and for Greg and Marley as caregivers. He also informed us of the services which are available should we require them. Monica and Greg will likely, at least, attend the Brain Tumour support group which he coordinates.
We were pleased to note that both the oncologist and the social worker were familiar with Inspire Health and supported the idea of us participating in its program.
In some ways we were dreading the meeting today. However, it now seems to be a relief to see the medical team taking shape and the treatment program being organized.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
May 24, 2011 - New Family Physician
Monica had an appointment with her new family physician today. Monica liked her and we all liked both her manner and her approach. It is comforting to have this relationship in place as we go forward.
Our first appointment with the Cancer Agency is set for 2:00 tomorrow. None of us are particularly looking forward to the straight-talk that we are expecting. But it will be good to get this interview out of the way and to know what is coming treatment-wise.
Our first appointment with the Cancer Agency is set for 2:00 tomorrow. None of us are particularly looking forward to the straight-talk that we are expecting. But it will be good to get this interview out of the way and to know what is coming treatment-wise.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Monday - May 23, 2011
Yesterday was a quiet, relaxing one. Monica rested quite a bit but went for a walk with Marley and Greg and all 3 meditated together. Again yesterday, we tried hard (with pretty good success) to follow the recommended diet and got to bed at a reasonable time. The weather was good enough to turn over part of the garden so hopefully we can start planting some veggies.
Today, was similar to yesterday. Under Monica's supervision (only vaguely reminiscent of nagging) Greg cooked a turkey. We are going to take the turkey and a couple of vegetable dishes to Oma and Opa's for dinner. (The goal is to have a nice dinner with them without creating a lot of work for Oma.)
Late tommorrow afternoon we have an appointment with Monica's new family doctor. We plan on following up with the Cancer Agency tomorrow as well.
Today, was similar to yesterday. Under Monica's supervision (only vaguely reminiscent of nagging) Greg cooked a turkey. We are going to take the turkey and a couple of vegetable dishes to Oma and Opa's for dinner. (The goal is to have a nice dinner with them without creating a lot of work for Oma.)
Late tommorrow afternoon we have an appointment with Monica's new family doctor. We plan on following up with the Cancer Agency tomorrow as well.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
May 21, 2011 - Lifestyle Changes
The weather did not cooperate with the gardening plans so Saturday, May 21, 2010 was a quiet day at home.
Monica, Greg and Marley meditated (or "medicated" as Greg's dad once said in one of his famous mispronounciations" ) again today in an effort to adopt some of the recommended healthful lifestyles. Marley has either found a source for some meditation music online to help us or their are birds in our house!
We also made a serious attempt at trying to follow the recommended nutritional guidelines. We did a good job with breakfast and lunch but ran out of time with dinner and wound up buying some Indian food. It is becoming obvious that the nutritional changes will take a bit of work and planning to implement. The key will probably be to do more advance meal planning and the allocation of some time for meal preparation.
One of the points made by Inspire Health,which we will have to keep in mind, is not to try to make all the changes at once and to use moderation in making some of these lifestyle changes (i.e. be happy with following the guidelines 80% of the time). We are supposed to allow time to make some of the changes habitual before tackling more changes. Hopefully, with moderation and gradual changes, a person wont give up at the effort to make changes because it is simply too hard. Inpsire Health also points out that it is important not to deprive yourself from enjoying the social aspects of a meal with friends and family because you are too rigid about implementing new eating habits.
Monica, Greg and Marley meditated (or "medicated" as Greg's dad once said in one of his famous mispronounciations" ) again today in an effort to adopt some of the recommended healthful lifestyles. Marley has either found a source for some meditation music online to help us or their are birds in our house!
We also made a serious attempt at trying to follow the recommended nutritional guidelines. We did a good job with breakfast and lunch but ran out of time with dinner and wound up buying some Indian food. It is becoming obvious that the nutritional changes will take a bit of work and planning to implement. The key will probably be to do more advance meal planning and the allocation of some time for meal preparation.
One of the points made by Inspire Health,which we will have to keep in mind, is not to try to make all the changes at once and to use moderation in making some of these lifestyle changes (i.e. be happy with following the guidelines 80% of the time). We are supposed to allow time to make some of the changes habitual before tackling more changes. Hopefully, with moderation and gradual changes, a person wont give up at the effort to make changes because it is simply too hard. Inpsire Health also points out that it is important not to deprive yourself from enjoying the social aspects of a meal with friends and family because you are too rigid about implementing new eating habits.
Friday, May 20, 2011
May 20, 2011
A quiet day in the Greiner household. Monica and Marley slept in today. Greg worked in the morning.
We made a good effort today at adopting some of our diet changes, we all meditated together and had a short walk at Fraser foreshore. Greg got back to doing some tai chi.
We are looking forward to a relaxing weekend. Hopefully we will do some shopping and cooking and, if the weather holds out, maybe we will get the garden started.
Monica meets her new family physician on Tuesday afternoon. Our plan is to follow up with the Cancer Agency on Tuesday as well if we don't hear from them.
We made a good effort today at adopting some of our diet changes, we all meditated together and had a short walk at Fraser foreshore. Greg got back to doing some tai chi.
We are looking forward to a relaxing weekend. Hopefully we will do some shopping and cooking and, if the weather holds out, maybe we will get the garden started.
Monica meets her new family physician on Tuesday afternoon. Our plan is to follow up with the Cancer Agency on Tuesday as well if we don't hear from them.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Let food by your medicine and medicine be your food - Hippocrates
"If we expect medical treatment alone to solve the problem, we are ingnoring or neglecting the patient's tremendous resources to heal" - Dr. Roger Rogers, Co-Founder of Inspire Health
The heading for this blog and the above-noted quote give you an indication of the content of the course which Monica, Greg and Marley completed today and of the overall philosophy of Inspire Health. Each of us took different things from the course but all three of us found the course to be useful, uplifting and hopeful. The staff were all gentle, friendly and kind people who seemed to really like and believe in what they are doing. The facilities were great and the food was delicious. There was also a special bonding with the other patients and support-persons who were each undergoing their own ordeal.
Today we began with a great session on meditation. The instructor did a good job of explaining how research shows that there are many benefits of meditation and then taught us to do a simple breathing meditation .
The second speaker was one of the IH physicians who spoke further on the Tools for Taking Charge of your Health. She spoke about the value of exercise, meditation, nutrition,supplements, yoga, laughter etc. She really emphasized the value of sleep, rest and relaxation to all of us but particularly to those who want their body to be in a healing mode. [One of the patients was a PHD immunologist who told the class that important parts of the immune system do not work when you are active but only work when you are resting (or meditating).
The third session today was a long talk on nutrition by a IH physician and by a holisitic nutritionist. Once again their presentation was compelling and inspiring. (Mung beans here I come!). A recurring theme is that our body (and its systems) is designed to heal itself and that nutrition, rest, exercise etc can shift the balance in your body in favour of healing.We were also given quite a bit of information on supplements which have been shown to aid in healing following a cancer diagnosis.
Lunch which was delicious, organic and vegetarian was followed by some more interesting sessions on Healthy Communication, Emotional Freedom Technique, the potential value of acupuncture, and access to current research through Inspire Health.
At the end of the day, the coordinator spent quite a bit of time making sure that we all knew what the next steps would be with Inspire Health. Monica and her support-persons/family will have a 90 minute session with a IH physician The purpose of that session is to develop a plan for treatment/initiatives to complement the conventional treatment which will be arranged by the Cancer Agency.
In addition to a number of fee for service therapies available through IH, there are also a series of classes which we are each entitled to attend as members of IH (our course fees include a one year membership for each of us). The free classes include: yoga classes, nutritional support sessions, a mens' support group, cooking for health, prayer sessions, support groups for patients, relaxation, meditation and emotional freedom technique.
The coordinator asked each of us what parts of the course we intend to implement. Monica and Greg committed to meditation and dietary changes ( but are planning on looking at improving our sleep habits, more exercise [probably tai chi]). We will also probably look at participating in some of the classes once we have established our relationship with Monica's new family physician, met with the Cancer Agency and got Monica's treatments scheduled.
In summary, we are glad that we have connected with Inspire Health. Moncia seems to be responsive to their suggestions and seems to be enjoying the interaction with the staff and other patients. Marley and Greg can see that the connection with IH will benefit the family as support persons. We can also see that many of the suggestions for lifestyle changes would be beneficial and simply make sense. All 3 of us feel better simply because we are doing something to at least influence Monica's healing.
The heading for this blog and the above-noted quote give you an indication of the content of the course which Monica, Greg and Marley completed today and of the overall philosophy of Inspire Health. Each of us took different things from the course but all three of us found the course to be useful, uplifting and hopeful. The staff were all gentle, friendly and kind people who seemed to really like and believe in what they are doing. The facilities were great and the food was delicious. There was also a special bonding with the other patients and support-persons who were each undergoing their own ordeal.
Today we began with a great session on meditation. The instructor did a good job of explaining how research shows that there are many benefits of meditation and then taught us to do a simple breathing meditation .
The second speaker was one of the IH physicians who spoke further on the Tools for Taking Charge of your Health. She spoke about the value of exercise, meditation, nutrition,supplements, yoga, laughter etc. She really emphasized the value of sleep, rest and relaxation to all of us but particularly to those who want their body to be in a healing mode. [One of the patients was a PHD immunologist who told the class that important parts of the immune system do not work when you are active but only work when you are resting (or meditating).
The third session today was a long talk on nutrition by a IH physician and by a holisitic nutritionist. Once again their presentation was compelling and inspiring. (Mung beans here I come!). A recurring theme is that our body (and its systems) is designed to heal itself and that nutrition, rest, exercise etc can shift the balance in your body in favour of healing.We were also given quite a bit of information on supplements which have been shown to aid in healing following a cancer diagnosis.
Lunch which was delicious, organic and vegetarian was followed by some more interesting sessions on Healthy Communication, Emotional Freedom Technique, the potential value of acupuncture, and access to current research through Inspire Health.
At the end of the day, the coordinator spent quite a bit of time making sure that we all knew what the next steps would be with Inspire Health. Monica and her support-persons/family will have a 90 minute session with a IH physician The purpose of that session is to develop a plan for treatment/initiatives to complement the conventional treatment which will be arranged by the Cancer Agency.
In addition to a number of fee for service therapies available through IH, there are also a series of classes which we are each entitled to attend as members of IH (our course fees include a one year membership for each of us). The free classes include: yoga classes, nutritional support sessions, a mens' support group, cooking for health, prayer sessions, support groups for patients, relaxation, meditation and emotional freedom technique.
The coordinator asked each of us what parts of the course we intend to implement. Monica and Greg committed to meditation and dietary changes ( but are planning on looking at improving our sleep habits, more exercise [probably tai chi]). We will also probably look at participating in some of the classes once we have established our relationship with Monica's new family physician, met with the Cancer Agency and got Monica's treatments scheduled.
In summary, we are glad that we have connected with Inspire Health. Moncia seems to be responsive to their suggestions and seems to be enjoying the interaction with the staff and other patients. Marley and Greg can see that the connection with IH will benefit the family as support persons. We can also see that many of the suggestions for lifestyle changes would be beneficial and simply make sense. All 3 of us feel better simply because we are doing something to at least influence Monica's healing.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Inspiring Health
"We are continually faced with great opportunities which are brilliantly disguised as unsolvable problems"
- Margaret Mead
Monica, Greg and Marley attended the first day of the two day introductory course at Inspire Health Integrated Cancer Care. Registration was at 8:30 and the course went from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. with a couple of short breaks for healthy snacks and Roosbios tea and with a delicious healthy lunch.
After an informative and inspiring introduction, we heard from several key speakers. The ongoing focus was on the body's ability to heal itself and how through healthy diet, rest and relaxation etc we can use the mind\body connection to enhance the body's ability to heal. Overall, the presentations made a pretty convincing argument.
The course was well attended by people with a variety of cancer-related problems and their caregivers. It was interesting (and, I think, beneficial) to share experiences with these people in the group sessions.
One beneficial aspect was the ongoing emphasis on the role and needs of the caregivers. The caregiver breakouts and the materials should really help Marley and Greg understand their roles, the limitations on what they can do and the need to look after their own health.
Monica seemed to enjoy the course too and seemed to benefit from the interaction taking place.
We are looking forward to the second day. We expect that the focus tomorrow will be on nutrition and diet, meditation and supplements.
Monica will be able to participate in some ongoing classes following this course if she wants. As well, there will be a 1 and 1/2 hour consultation with one of their physicians to discuss Monica's diagnosis and proposed treatment. At this point, we think that we will have this meeting after the first meeting with the Cancer Agency.
- Margaret Mead
Monica, Greg and Marley attended the first day of the two day introductory course at Inspire Health Integrated Cancer Care. Registration was at 8:30 and the course went from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. with a couple of short breaks for healthy snacks and Roosbios tea and with a delicious healthy lunch.
After an informative and inspiring introduction, we heard from several key speakers. The ongoing focus was on the body's ability to heal itself and how through healthy diet, rest and relaxation etc we can use the mind\body connection to enhance the body's ability to heal. Overall, the presentations made a pretty convincing argument.
The course was well attended by people with a variety of cancer-related problems and their caregivers. It was interesting (and, I think, beneficial) to share experiences with these people in the group sessions.
One beneficial aspect was the ongoing emphasis on the role and needs of the caregivers. The caregiver breakouts and the materials should really help Marley and Greg understand their roles, the limitations on what they can do and the need to look after their own health.
Monica seemed to enjoy the course too and seemed to benefit from the interaction taking place.
We are looking forward to the second day. We expect that the focus tomorrow will be on nutrition and diet, meditation and supplements.
Monica will be able to participate in some ongoing classes following this course if she wants. As well, there will be a 1 and 1/2 hour consultation with one of their physicians to discuss Monica's diagnosis and proposed treatment. At this point, we think that we will have this meeting after the first meeting with the Cancer Agency.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
May 17, 2011
Monica and Greg met Marley and Ingo at YVR last night when they returned from Marley's graduation ceremonies in Cleveland. By all accounts Marley and Ingo had a good (but busy) time.
Tomorrow Monica, Greg and Marley will attend the first day of a two day course on cancer and approaches to cancer related healing. The course is the first part of a program operated by Inspire Health ( inspirehealth.ca) which operates an integrative cancer care program intended to complement conventional cancer treatments. Monica and Greg are interested in participating in this program.
Today, Monica set up an appointment for next Tuesday with a female family physician who we hope will agree to accept Monica as her patient. As well, to make sure that things were progressing, we confirmed with the surgeon's office that Monica had in fact been referred to the Cancer Agency last week.
Tomorrow Monica, Greg and Marley will attend the first day of a two day course on cancer and approaches to cancer related healing. The course is the first part of a program operated by Inspire Health ( inspirehealth.ca) which operates an integrative cancer care program intended to complement conventional cancer treatments. Monica and Greg are interested in participating in this program.
Today, Monica set up an appointment for next Tuesday with a female family physician who we hope will agree to accept Monica as her patient. As well, to make sure that things were progressing, we confirmed with the surgeon's office that Monica had in fact been referred to the Cancer Agency last week.
Monday, May 16, 2011
May 16, 2011
From Greg:
We received the pathology report today. It looks like the tumour type and grade is not good and that we are in for a tough fight. We will know more about the tumour type and about the proposed treatments as we study the report and have our first meeting with the Cancer Agency.
As I type this, I realize that at this point I want to be careful about what I post and how I describe things. My initial inclination is to post more details rather than less but I want to think about that a bit. I also want to make sure that, before I post details on this blog, Monica and I and the kids have had a good opportunity to talk things through and that both Monica and the kids are comfortable with the nature and extent of the details which we do post.
Thanks for the many thoughts and prayers we are receiving.
We received the pathology report today. It looks like the tumour type and grade is not good and that we are in for a tough fight. We will know more about the tumour type and about the proposed treatments as we study the report and have our first meeting with the Cancer Agency.
As I type this, I realize that at this point I want to be careful about what I post and how I describe things. My initial inclination is to post more details rather than less but I want to think about that a bit. I also want to make sure that, before I post details on this blog, Monica and I and the kids have had a good opportunity to talk things through and that both Monica and the kids are comfortable with the nature and extent of the details which we do post.
Thanks for the many thoughts and prayers we are receiving.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
May 14, 2011
Greg and Monica were alone (except for a short visit with Bev T.) most of the day today at home (Jesse was climbing and Marley was in Cleveland) and enjoyed a restful day.
Friday, May 13, 2011
May 13 2011
Sorry that there was no blog yesterday. We were unable to log into blogspot to make an update.
Yesterday, Monica had the stitches removed. It was a bit painful. The doctor removing the stitches said she was healing well. Monica is feeling pretty good and moving around well but still tires easily. Her speech, thinking, memory etc are for the most part surprisingly unaffected given that she had an operation on her brain last week. We are fortunate that she is very much herself already. We are still waiting for the pathology report on her tumour but decided not to get too pushy about getting it until after this weekend.
Marley and Ingo have now gone to Cleveland to attend Marley's graduation. Both were pretty excited (Ingo maybe even more than Marley). Monica got up early and accompanied Greg when he drove Ingo and Marley to the airport. Everyone was very pleased that Marley was to return to Cleveland for the graduation. Marley and Ingo return on Monday evening.
Sorry that there was no blog yesterday. We were unable to log into blogspot to make an update.
Yesterday, Monica had the stitches removed. It was a bit painful. The doctor removing the stitches said she was healing well. Monica is feeling pretty good and moving around well but still tires easily. Her speech, thinking, memory etc are for the most part surprisingly unaffected given that she had an operation on her brain last week. We are fortunate that she is very much herself already. We are still waiting for the pathology report on her tumour but decided not to get too pushy about getting it until after this weekend.
Marley and Ingo have now gone to Cleveland to attend Marley's graduation. Both were pretty excited (Ingo maybe even more than Marley). Monica got up early and accompanied Greg when he drove Ingo and Marley to the airport. Everyone was very pleased that Marley was to return to Cleveland for the graduation. Marley and Ingo return on Monday evening.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
May 11
A relaxing, quiet day at home- Monica is feeling well and seems to be getting stronger. Flight arrangements were made today so that Uncle Ingo and Marley will fly to Cleveland for Marley's graduation this weekend.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
May 10
Monica's first full day at home went well. We will need to establish a routine to ensure that she gets the rest she needs to recover from the surgery.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
May 8th - 8:00
The family (in shifts) spent the day with Monica. She continues to improve and went for a walk to the chapel and garden in the afternoon. The neurologist was pleased with how she is doing and we are 99% sure that she will be sent home tomorrow. The hospital (specifically the speech therapist and physical therapist) will evaluate her tomorrow to see if she needs any follow up referrals in those areas.
Her sense of humour is good - She has been asked a hundred times what the date is and if she knows where she. Sometimes the answers weren't so good but she has been doing well the last two days. - Greg joked last night that we ask the nurse "What time the next spaceship leaves?" Monica didn't miss a beat and asked the nurse exactly that when she was next tested. We all had a good laugh at the nurse's reaction.
We hope to get the pathology results on the tumour by Wednesday. We understand that, once those results are known, an appointment will be set up with Cancer Agency and we will learn more about the treatment recommended for her type of tumour and long-term prognosis prospects.
Her sense of humour is good - She has been asked a hundred times what the date is and if she knows where she. Sometimes the answers weren't so good but she has been doing well the last two days. - Greg joked last night that we ask the nurse "What time the next spaceship leaves?" Monica didn't miss a beat and asked the nurse exactly that when she was next tested. We all had a good laugh at the nurse's reaction.
We hope to get the pathology results on the tumour by Wednesday. We understand that, once those results are known, an appointment will be set up with Cancer Agency and we will learn more about the treatment recommended for her type of tumour and long-term prognosis prospects.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
more improvements
Today was another good day and we think we are noticing even more improvements in her speech. She is up moving around her room on her own and they have removed her IV and catheder.
Friday, May 6, 2011
looking up...
Physio went well this morning and the doctor stopped by and is happy with her progress. Looks like we might be heading home Monday.
morning update
So far it looks like a great day! There is marked improvements in her speech and disposition. Physio will be stopping by in a little bit to get her up and moving.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
24 hours after
Everything seemed great this morning after our first visit with her. The nurses got a little concerned as her responsiveness changed throughout the day so they did a follow up ct scan. The scan didn't show any bleeding or a stroke so they started her on the steroid again hoping to reduce any swelling that has resulted from the operation. She is still very tired and has slept most of the day. We will know more with time and rest.
One day after...
So far everything is going well. Monica is in a private room right beside the nurses station in the neurological ward. She is responsive, speaking well and has recognized everyone. Because of the opeartion and because the nurses have been checking her vital signs every hour during the night she is quite tired and is mostly sleeping this morning.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
moving to the floor
she has been moved to her floor and is doing great so far. it was a bit of a shock for her waking up after surgery. we are heading home because in her true fashion she kicked us out so that she can sleep and feel better.
post surgery
Surgery is now complete. Everything went well. He was able to remove as much of the tumor as possible. He described it as very large and said that it had been putting a lot of pressure on the brain. She will now take some time to rest. He is hoping that she will regain most normal function. We will get the biopsy in about a week and then will likely be getting connecting with the cancer agency for treatment options. More to come later.
surgery
They came and got her a little bit earlier than we expected. Surgery will start any minute. She went back in good spirits.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
A good day
The family spent all day with Monica at the hospital today. The steroids were helping her and she was in fairly good spirits. Although it is not certain that it will happen tomorrow, she is being prepped as though the surgery will be tomorrow.
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