Wednesday, July 25, 2012

(posted by Greg)

Monica had her first appointment at G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Center last Friday. We had been waiting for this appointment for nearly 4 months. We tried to re-schedule it because Monica had to have her bad tooth extracted on Thursday. We were told by G.F. Strong that, if we re-scheduled, her appointment would be in November. So, Monica elected to try to keep the appointment regardless of how she might be feeling.

Fortunately, Monica felt well enough to keep the appointment on Friday. We were impressed by the staff and doctors but not so impressed by the appointment schedules. Initially, we were interviewed for about 30 minutes by a doctor who was in the 3rd year of her 5 year residency there. Her interview was very thorough, she tested Monica and watched her walk. We were then joined by the specialist, an occupational therapist and a physiotherapist.  The resident described Monica for them and gave them the results of her interview and tests (just like the residents do on T.V.). All of them then examined and tested Monica further and questioned us all. They spent quite a bit of time with us. I was quite impressed with their thoroughness, empathy and professionalism. The results of this assessment were:
   - Monica was put on an outpatient list for physical therapy at Holy Cross hospital (Apparently, there is a another waiting list there  to which we have now been added).
   - Monica was given a brace to try on her leg (It was noticeable even to me that it was helping her. So, far it looks like it will help and we will likely go back in a couple of weeks for a permanent fitting.)
  - We were given the names of some physiotherapists who specialize in dealing with nerve problems. We plan on starting this and doing it at least until we have sampled the Holy Cross program.
  -they are going to try Botox on Monica's arm to relieve the spasticity there ( Unfortunately, this appointment isn't until late October.


All in all, we were glad that we went to G.F. Strong but I was sorry that I hadn't pressed for some of these things earlier (ie. the brace and the private physio).


On Tuesday, Monica went for another MRI and visit to the oncologist. Continuing good news- there is no change in the tumour and the area where the original tumour was removed continues to look good! We were all pretty happy. So, the Bev treatments will now continue for another cycle. ( In fact, Monica had another Bev treatment today- all went well).


Finally, Monica is recovering well from the tooth extraction and it no longer looks like I married a chipmunk!