Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Transfer to skilled nursing facility
Today Nan was moved from Stanford to a skilled nursing facility in Monterey. The transfer went smoothly, and the new facility is close to home and work, and lovely. There is a bed in her room where Tom can rest, and a small patio attached to every room. It is anticipated that she will be there for a few weeks.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
At Stanford
Nan was transferred to Stanford yesterday. We went to see her yesterday evening, she had been up all day due to move, and was very fatigued. Due to the fatigue she was somewhat disoriented, though she definitely recognized us and held Fritz's hand and knew that her mother was there.
Today my sister and I went to visit with the Doodlebug in tow. When we arrived she was receiving some physical therapy. She was much more alert today, able to speak a bit more clearly, and delighted to see her grandbaby. Words largely fail her, but her face and eyes remain very expressive. Tom was able to go over to a good friend's house nearby for a proper lunch and a shower. Her doctors are collecting data and figuring out what to do next treatment-wise. She was able to articulate very clearly to her neuro-oncologist that she is ready to go home.
Today my sister and I went to visit with the Doodlebug in tow. When we arrived she was receiving some physical therapy. She was much more alert today, able to speak a bit more clearly, and delighted to see her grandbaby. Words largely fail her, but her face and eyes remain very expressive. Tom was able to go over to a good friend's house nearby for a proper lunch and a shower. Her doctors are collecting data and figuring out what to do next treatment-wise. She was able to articulate very clearly to her neuro-oncologist that she is ready to go home.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Still inpatient, still comfortable
Nan is still inpatient at her local hospital. She seems to be comfortable, still sleeping most of the time. She has not suffered any further seizures, however they are still keeping a close eye on her. We are looking into getting her transferred to Stanford, so that she will be close to her team of oncologists and the more sophisticated diagnostics that they can provide.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Update
Super quick catch up paragraph:
Nan completed her course of radiation and chemotherapy.
A follow up MRI at the end of January determined that the treatment has arrested growth, but did not shrink the existing tumors. This was considered a pretty good outcome.
She began IV infusions of the drug Avastin the first week of February. This is to help control cerebral edema, in lieu of steroids (which have very serious side effects themselves). She seemed to respond well to the Avastin; after the first infusion there was a marked improvement in her ability to speak and her energy levels.
Current Update:
Yesterday Nan began vomiting, and very early yesterday morning she had several seizures.
She is now inpatient at her local hospital; she was given a large dose of a benzodiazepine, which has stopped the seizure activity. She is now resting comfortably, she is very tired- of course she is, it is normal to feel deep fatigue after a seizure, and she was given a large quantity of drugs- when we popped in to see her she smiled at the baby and squeezed my hand. While this development is frightening, it is worth noting that vomiting and seizures are often symptom that leads to the diagnosis of Glioblastoma. The fact that Nan has not had experienced these symptoms previously is somewhat remarkable.
I will continue to update at least every other day for the time being, so please check back to hear the latest. If you have specific questions, please feel free to email or text me.
- Sue Ann
Nan completed her course of radiation and chemotherapy.
A follow up MRI at the end of January determined that the treatment has arrested growth, but did not shrink the existing tumors. This was considered a pretty good outcome.
She began IV infusions of the drug Avastin the first week of February. This is to help control cerebral edema, in lieu of steroids (which have very serious side effects themselves). She seemed to respond well to the Avastin; after the first infusion there was a marked improvement in her ability to speak and her energy levels.
Current Update:
Yesterday Nan began vomiting, and very early yesterday morning she had several seizures.
She is now inpatient at her local hospital; she was given a large dose of a benzodiazepine, which has stopped the seizure activity. She is now resting comfortably, she is very tired- of course she is, it is normal to feel deep fatigue after a seizure, and she was given a large quantity of drugs- when we popped in to see her she smiled at the baby and squeezed my hand. While this development is frightening, it is worth noting that vomiting and seizures are often symptom that leads to the diagnosis of Glioblastoma. The fact that Nan has not had experienced these symptoms previously is somewhat remarkable.
I will continue to update at least every other day for the time being, so please check back to hear the latest. If you have specific questions, please feel free to email or text me.
- Sue Ann
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