Dave's Journey

Monday, October 26, 2009

I could write a book on the happenings over the last month, but I'll spare you the boring parts. Did I actually use the word "boring" - never would or could I say that. After reading the last post, things have changed. First of all Dave did end up having the procedure on his back called a kyphoplasty. It was actually a "cementing" of the fracture of L3 (I believe). He did well and the back pain is gone. He also had the stent removed from his ureter, which was placed at the onset of his cancer diagnosis. That went well with just a few setbacks, but I won't get into that as they really don't pertain to his lymphoma, and it wouldn't make him too happy if I shared everything!

He has been undergoing radiation to the mass in his lung and, again, prayers would be appreciated that radiation takes care of it. He will have 20 sessions, and has already finished with eight. He's handling it well.

Oh, in case you didn't know, we have made another big change in our life. We sold our home of 20 years, in Whitefish, and moved onto Kalispell. After only 3 days on the market we got an offer on our house and bought another house within 11 days. Don't think we weren't scurrying! Dave had his back procedure during this time period too. I also hurt my back with too much lifting and twisting (not the way to do it), so we relied heavily on friends and family. We are so blessed to have them, and appreciate their hard work. We are now quite settled and are loving it. Dave is closer to his medical treatment and we are closer to grandchildren, kids, my mom and Al, and Dave's brothers Richard and Brian. We love the house and the great neighbors.

I guess that is it for now - I'll try to post more often! Take care everyone - hopefully you won't get the Swine flu!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Bit of Relief

Dave met with the neurosurgeon today regarding his back, and it was decided that the fracture was healing on its own and no surgery is required. He was fitted with a back brace for stability; now I just have to be sure he wears it. Boy, he can make me tired!!!! Anyway, that was good news. As far as his lung nodule, we are waiting to hear from Dr. Boehme. Radiation is out of the question at this time because of the proximity of the back (lumbar 3) fracture. I know this is confusing, but it's confusing to us too. We will go forward tho with the next step, whatever it will be. We do have some good news to share - we sold our house and have purchased a home in Kalispell. That spells R-E-L-I-E-F! Being in Kalispell and closer to medical care and family is a HUGE deal for both Dave and I. Now, for the fun part of moving;YIKES. We are hoping to get lots of help as Dave can't bend or lift, D.J. severely sprained his ankle, and I'm just not able to take it on!. God has gotten us this far and I have full faith he will see us through this ordeal. Thank you everyone for your prayers. Don't ever doubt that God does not hear our prayers - I know for certain he does.

Friday, September 4, 2009

"GIMME A BREAK"

That's exactly what Dave got a "break", but not the kind we asked for. After his CT scan yesterday, Dave received "numerous" calls from Dr. Boehme, one of which informing him that the lesion in his left lung has slightly increased, but the one in the right lung is significantly smaller. Okay, so the tentative plan is more Rituxin in addition to another chemo drug in hopes of reducing, again, this stubborn "thing" which keeps rearing it's ugly (and I do mean ugly) head. Radiation also is a possibility. We will know more following Dave's appointment on Sept. 8th.

Alright, now about the "break". The CT revealed that Dave has a "broken back"; L3 (lumbar vertebra 3). After suffering a fall 3 wks ago, while picking huckleberries, Dave has been in constant back pain, but he attributed it to a "pulled muscle". In case you are wondering, yes, I did suggest getting it checked out but, as you all know Dave - it just wasn't in the cards, and no, he didn't get any huckleberries. Today, at 3 p.m. Dave is having an MRI to determine what the next step is, as the fracture is "unstable". Possibly they will go in and insert a balloon into the fracture site and inflate it in order to separate the space wider and then insert some sort of hot glue (or something like that) into the fracture site to stabilize it. (That won't be today in case I have confused you)! I will do my best to keep you posted as soon as I know more.

My word of advice is: don't ever ask for a "break".