need your prayers/thoughts for my Mom
01-03-2008, 10:30 AM
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My mom just called me. They doctor just called her to tell her things are not progressing like they should. They ordered another Angiogram (injection of dye to outline the vessels on the x-ray of the brain) for Monday. The doctor says he does not think the swelling is from the previous radiation anymore. It could be another AVM (A tangle of blood vessels in the brain that can invade healthy tissue, restrict blood flow to the brain and cause a brain hemorrhage). This is VERY life threatening. Keep praying.
01-03-2008, 10:21 PM
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Wow, Andrew, I can't even imagine how tough it is right now with everything going on in the family. I'm definitely thinking about you guys a lot and I really hope everything works out for you and yours.
01-04-2008, 09:22 AM
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Here is the update in her words:
I received a phone call this morning that I was not expecting.
It was from Dr. Asfora'* ( neurosurgeon in SF ) office. I was told that Dr. Asfora had taken my brain case in front of a board or group of other doctors. I had told his assistant yesterday I was at the end of my rope and wanted an appt. She assured me it was a tough road I was on but I needed just continue on the steroids and see them on the 22nd. But the steroid pills are destroying me bit by bit.
However, they think now that the radiation has been the problem but maybe something else. They did see a slight bleed on that last MRI. It is not where the AVM or meningioma ( Non cancerous tumor) are located. I talked one on one with Dr. Asfora and said they are both fixed and doing fine. But there is another area on the line of the along either the Cerebellum or Cerebrum ( I am not 100% where at this point ). It shows a slight bleeding on the brain. I have always felt there was more things wrong as I get this head pains on and off for years. I might finally find out there is more problems. Dr. Asfora says it is possible I still have another AVM. He is unsure at this point but will be checking for that this Monday. He does not believe the radiation swelling is the problem after all but uncertain at right now.
On Monday I will be having an angiogram. I had this test 3 years ago to discover the first AVM. It was not a good experience the first time and scares me again. They got put a tube into the groin and go up into my brain to take a look with dye. I was awake for part of it and saw my dye in head on 6 big screen TV'* which is kind of neat but I had awful burning pain in my head during it. It was very unpleasant. I think it last about an hour. They tell you over and over before you go in that they can cause a stroke or death which doesn't give you much comfort. So please pray that all goes smoothly. I am to register at 7 am and the angiogram is scheduled for 9:15. After the procedure you have to lay flat and still so that the incision they went in does start to bleed for hours....I think it was 6 hrs. Not a fun time either. Last time I was dismissed later in the day but had to stay across the street at a motel in case I need fast medical help if it started to bleed. This time they said they might do that again or be required to stay overnight in the hospital.
All this is good news / bad news. I am glad that we are finally able to move in a new direction and get this behind me I hope. Then again what is going on in my head and how will it be fixed.
I received a phone call this morning that I was not expecting.
It was from Dr. Asfora'* ( neurosurgeon in SF ) office. I was told that Dr. Asfora had taken my brain case in front of a board or group of other doctors. I had told his assistant yesterday I was at the end of my rope and wanted an appt. She assured me it was a tough road I was on but I needed just continue on the steroids and see them on the 22nd. But the steroid pills are destroying me bit by bit.
However, they think now that the radiation has been the problem but maybe something else. They did see a slight bleed on that last MRI. It is not where the AVM or meningioma ( Non cancerous tumor) are located. I talked one on one with Dr. Asfora and said they are both fixed and doing fine. But there is another area on the line of the along either the Cerebellum or Cerebrum ( I am not 100% where at this point ). It shows a slight bleeding on the brain. I have always felt there was more things wrong as I get this head pains on and off for years. I might finally find out there is more problems. Dr. Asfora says it is possible I still have another AVM. He is unsure at this point but will be checking for that this Monday. He does not believe the radiation swelling is the problem after all but uncertain at right now.
On Monday I will be having an angiogram. I had this test 3 years ago to discover the first AVM. It was not a good experience the first time and scares me again. They got put a tube into the groin and go up into my brain to take a look with dye. I was awake for part of it and saw my dye in head on 6 big screen TV'* which is kind of neat but I had awful burning pain in my head during it. It was very unpleasant. I think it last about an hour. They tell you over and over before you go in that they can cause a stroke or death which doesn't give you much comfort. So please pray that all goes smoothly. I am to register at 7 am and the angiogram is scheduled for 9:15. After the procedure you have to lay flat and still so that the incision they went in does start to bleed for hours....I think it was 6 hrs. Not a fun time either. Last time I was dismissed later in the day but had to stay across the street at a motel in case I need fast medical help if it started to bleed. This time they said they might do that again or be required to stay overnight in the hospital.
All this is good news / bad news. I am glad that we are finally able to move in a new direction and get this behind me I hope. Then again what is going on in my head and how will it be fixed.
01-06-2008, 11:30 AM
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Andrew, I just caught up with the current posts in this topic. I genuinely hope your mom has a safe procedure tomorrow and the doctors can shed some light on exactly what it happening. I look forward to a good news update tomorrow. Stay strong, and we're thinking of you.
01-07-2008, 11:10 AM
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I got this email this weekend:
I just got a text message from her. They admitted her to the Brookings hospital to get the blood sugar down. I am not sure how long that will take.
Yesterday I had physical at the local doctor. I did not pass.
The labs show my blood sugar really high. It was 600. I should be under 200 or even lower. It has been this way before but Dr. Asfora'* office always just said it is the steroids and don't seem to be concerned. Dr. Hieb is very concerned though and will not approve me till for the angiogram till it is down. I was hoping I can get it down on the weekend but he said that would be too fast. He thinks it could take a week. : (
This morning I was trained by a dietician. Basically I have been making good diet choices. I learnt how to take my blood sugar and will be doing that at least 3 times a day now. I have to email my blood sugars to them every time. So I just did that or I would not be at the computer. I have been spending my time mostly in bed reading, napping and phone calls. I am pretty weak. Lee is working -playing on Andrew'* car this afternoon. Lee needed a break as nurse for awhile. At 5 pm he will come with my first insulin shot med. I did a saline solution this morning as practice and it went fine.
I very disappointed that Monday looks like the test is falling through. But I guess I am also glad that Dr. Hieb is watching out that I am in good shape before they do this as it can dangerous.
9 am on I am to have an appt in brookings with Hieb
It is one day and one moment at a time here.
The labs show my blood sugar really high. It was 600. I should be under 200 or even lower. It has been this way before but Dr. Asfora'* office always just said it is the steroids and don't seem to be concerned. Dr. Hieb is very concerned though and will not approve me till for the angiogram till it is down. I was hoping I can get it down on the weekend but he said that would be too fast. He thinks it could take a week. : (
This morning I was trained by a dietician. Basically I have been making good diet choices. I learnt how to take my blood sugar and will be doing that at least 3 times a day now. I have to email my blood sugars to them every time. So I just did that or I would not be at the computer. I have been spending my time mostly in bed reading, napping and phone calls. I am pretty weak. Lee is working -playing on Andrew'* car this afternoon. Lee needed a break as nurse for awhile. At 5 pm he will come with my first insulin shot med. I did a saline solution this morning as practice and it went fine.
I very disappointed that Monday looks like the test is falling through. But I guess I am also glad that Dr. Hieb is watching out that I am in good shape before they do this as it can dangerous.
9 am on I am to have an appt in brookings with Hieb
It is one day and one moment at a time here.
01-09-2008, 11:44 AM
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She was admitted to Brookings hospital on Monday morning. She is not hooked up to an IV, so she has easy mobility and such. She is very happy to be in the hospital, as she doesn't have to worry about my dad taking care of her, she doesn't have to make her own meals, she can get help going to the bathroom, and she likes that her bed can sit up for her.
They have been giving her insulin shots every couple hours to get the blood sugar down. When she went in, it was over 600. It needs to be under 200. They hoped to get her down overnight, but it is now Wednesday and her last reading was 246. She is very close to going home.
The two doctors working on her, are now working together. Hopefully they can figure something out. My mom is VERY hoepfully. She thinks she is nearing the end of this. She is still very nervous about the Angiogram.
Keep praying!
They have been giving her insulin shots every couple hours to get the blood sugar down. When she went in, it was over 600. It needs to be under 200. They hoped to get her down overnight, but it is now Wednesday and her last reading was 246. She is very close to going home.
The two doctors working on her, are now working together. Hopefully they can figure something out. My mom is VERY hoepfully. She thinks she is nearing the end of this. She is still very nervous about the Angiogram.
Keep praying!
01-09-2008, 04:25 PM
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Her last one was over an hour long, and she had a very odd hurting pain in her head. Her tongue felt very hot and her teeth hurt. She is NOT thrilled to have another one. Especially since there is a chance of death.
