12/31/08 Wed

Thanks to Marlene and David and John and Lauren for their Christmas presents and even more so for assembling them - shelves for dvd's and tapes and a handsome stand for the TV. What a neat surprise to come home from the hospital and see them all assembled and in great working order. Wow! Now visitors will not have to worry about the stand and tv tipping over. Plus new curtains for later installation. Thanks guys.

--------

As related previously, Linda had a set back Monday 12/29 as she fell on her face while at Physical Training . . Emergency room until 2 am, Intensive care one night, regular room one night, and 3 cat scans later she came home today and is happy. Had blood on the brain and there was possibility of more surgery. The later cat scans showed no further bleeding so no need for surgery. Will see Dr Asher in a week to check if ok. Take maybe 4 months for body to clear it out. Can go back to Rehab next week so it is, we hope, just a bump in the road to recovery.

12/30/08 Tue

Linda is in room 9611 in Intensive Care at Carolinas Medical. Main telephone number is 704 355 2000 but she cannot take calls in icu. I will go by soon. 8:30am. Another catscan at 11:30 am to compare with the previous one. Waiting on doctor 12:45pm.

12/29/08 Mon

Linda had a Good morning, tough afternoon. At 9 am picked up a part for Linda's oven and by noon had found my promised Christmas present - a lounge chair to replace the one on loan from our Church. At 3 pm Linda had Occupational Therapy at Carolinas Medical Center Rehabilitation Center and while on an excursion outside fell and hurt her face, head, side, and wrist. To Emergency Room and many hours later CAT Scan revealed bleeding in brain. X rays showed no broken ribs. She is being kept overnight in Intensive Care unit for observation and if conditions develop could have another surgery. Doctor thought she would not need surgery but they are being cautious and observing her. I came home around 3 am and will go back early Tuesday. Her face is scratched and hurt. Her head hurts but not as much as one would think. Her side is another matter and the doctor said a bruised rib is as painful as a cracked one. Got tetanus (sp, it is late)shot and pain pills. I hated to leave but I am beat.

12/27/08 Sat

On Christmas Day, Linda had Good Christmas with family in Greensboro. Don had Christmas in Wilmington. Then Don and Linda visited Milton on way back to Charlotte. Santa showed up in all three places.Linda traveled well. Yeh! Friday night cried through Morley and Me at the movie.

12/24/08 Christmas Eve

Good week and Linda is doing many routine things she once did. Slept well last night without a pill. She tried to several other nights but this is first time it went ok. Walking well. Progress. She is excited about going to see her family for Christmas leaving after 1pm for Greensboro with brother in law. Niece and husband coming from NJ.

Ok at therapy of
12/22/08 Mon 09am PT
12/23/08 Tue 03pm OT

Schedule through 01/16/2009

11/25/08 8 am Tuesday PT
11/24/08 Dr Asher
11/26/08 Dr Bullock
12/02/08 1 Wed 10:30 appointment to check stitch area with Lee Anne
12/04 2pm Thu OT 3pm PT
12/19/08 Wed 10:45am Echo Cardiogram at Charlotte Cardiology at rescheduled from 01/14/09 at Dr. Bullock's.
12/29/08 Mon 03pm OT,04pm PT
12/31/08 Wed 12pm PT,02pm OT
01/05/09 Mon 02pm OT,03pm PT
01/06/09 Tue 10:30am, Dr Bullock followup to 12/10/08 Visit with Dr Carter
01/07/09 Wed 02pm PT,03pm OT
01/12/09 Mon 11am OT,12 PT
01/14/09 Wed 10:45am Echo Cardiogram at Dr. Bullock's resheduled to 12/19/08.
01/19/09 Mon 10am pt
01/16/09 Fri 10am pt, 11am ot
01/21/09 Wed10am pt
01/26/09 Mon10am,pt
01/28/09 Wed 11am MRI, 01:30pm Dr. Asher
02/03/09 Eye doctor appointment Dr. Elizabeth Waller (Dr W)

12/21/08 Sun

A good day of rest for Linda.

12/20/08 Sat Early Christmas Lunch with Milton

Early Christmas Lunch with Milton and Linda at Lexington BBQ. We had a good time. First real trip out of town for Linda and she did ok. Ate BBq leftovers for the next day and a half.

12/19/08 Fri

10:45am Echo Cardiogram at Charlotte Cardiology (moved up from 1/16/09) - will get results "next week." Then went to Vet with Milo and Charlie. Milo got several shots plus medicine for runny eyes. Charlie had gained 1/2 pound to 6 1/2 and that was good as he has been losing over last couple of years. He is about 20. Milo is 9 3/4.

Moravian cookies from Linda to vet office arrived yesterday and were a hit. Honestly the timing was coincidental but nice.

Marlene went with us to vet's and then on home to Greensboro for Christmas and will not be back next week. She has been so helpful and is good with tools, especially her battery operated drill.

Linda did not sleep much last night but in fine spirits today. Taking a nap at 4 pm

This is Charlie below:
see more at

12/18/08 Thu

Good night of sleep with right sleeping pill. Spent several hours shopping and our with Marlene; good. Good day. Did fall when going down steps landing on her bottom, she is ok.

12/17/08 Wed

Last night took pill for pain on top of head and the medicine usually makes Linda sleep. This time the pain went away but she did not sleep well.

Had good day at PT and OT as Linda is enjoying the wonderful staff at Carolinans Medical Rehab. We split a Spaghetti lunch at Carolina Cafe and she ate maybe half of her half. Then some grocery shopping and Linda walked. Last time she rode the buggy but had to stop half way through.

Marlene back in town to be with her during days until Friday. They went shopping and Linda still had enegy at night. Most activity since operation.

Linda is looking forward to a doctor's appointment Friday - her red tabby Persian has an appointment with a supper Vet, Mark Green.

12/16/08 Tue

Head where some stitches placed giving her headache (near where the staple had been overlooked for a few weeks) so went to doctor's office. Looked "ok" but head still hurts. A good day, nevertheless. Not much appetite.

12/15/08 Mon

Good day at ot and pt. Jennefer is fun

12/14/08 Sun

Went to 8:30 am music program in Church Sanctuary and Linda loved it.

12/12/08 Frii

Slow day, little energy, low appetite, lot of sleeping. Discouraged. Eyes not making progress and is frustrating. Skipped home exercise assignments. Sorry to miss SS party today.

Positive developments that are gradually happening but not emphasized much so far include:
>Linda does not use or need the walker.
>She can get up and out of almost any chair.
>Moves around on bed and gets in and out by herself
>She does a shower by herself.
>She can fix some food and drink.
>Each time she goes up her outside 14 steps, it is faster and less painful.
So good things are happening too!

12/11/08 Thu

Slept better last night with new Ambien, stronger than before. Also started medicine for sinuses. Felt better early morning , but had OT and PT today and was dizzy during PT so cut short and came home. Too bad. Slept a lot during the day and felt better. Fell asleep tonight around 8:45 pm

12/10/08 Wed

Woke up not feeling well with Congestion.No fever except cabin. Visit Dr. Carter (Bullock busy) at 2:15 pm. Prescribed new medicine for sleeping and sinus troubles. Scheduled doctor followup in a few weeks plus ECHO cardioagram in January

12/09/08 Tue

Thank goodness, Linda is better to day and in better spirits after a tough few days. Went to PT and OT and did well. Feels so much better and getting stronger. Up the 14 steps with basically no help for first time. Stuffed up last night and took Tylenol then later Allegra D (which once gave her problems but is effective for the running nose).

12/08/08 Mon

Grocery shopping this morning was too much for Linda even with the motorized cart and we stopped about half through. Up and down weekend.

12/06/08 Sat

Linda is better tthis morning after yesterday's funk. She worked on Christmas Cards and thank you cards late last night and this morning, and I think she is seeing better. Went on her PC for first time since surgery and viewed her emails. 11 am

12/05/08 Fri

Ooooops, Linda crashed today about 3 pm and energy was gone. Rested some and felt a little better by 8 pm

12/04/08 Thu

Wow, Linda had a B-12 shot last week and is taking B-12 pills each day and she is full of energy and gratefulness. Did the B12 do it? - I do not know but she does not eat eggs or much meat or dairy products and that causes low whatever b12 corrects.

Eyesight still an issue but she might be some improved.

She went to PT and OT today and did so much better than the last visit about 10 days ago. She scored 52 on a test for balance with a goal of 56. She last scored 27. It took her 9 minutes today to take the test compared with 35 last time. She also is showing progress going up steps, which has been very hard for her. Even after 2 hours of therapy she still was full of energy. Maybe I (don) will get a shot!

Anyone had experience with B12??

12/04/08 Thu

12/04 2pm Thursday OT
12/04 3pm Thursday PT

Schedule

Schedule

01/28/2009 (11:00am) Wednesday MRI and
01/28/09 (1:30 pm) Wednesday next visit with Dr. Asher

01/14/09 10:45 am Echo Cardiogram at Dr. Bullock's Office


01/06/09 Tuesday 10:30 am sees Dr Bullock for followup to 12/10/08 Visit with Dr Carter

12/15 11am Monday OT
12/15 12 Noon Monday Pt

12/10/08 Visit with Dr Carter

12/11 9am Thursday PT (half)
12/11 10am Thursday OT (skipped)

12/09 10am Tuesday PT
12/09 11am Tuesday OT

12/04 2pm Thursday OT
12/04 3pm Thursday PT

12/02/08 10:30 Wednesday appointment to check stitch area with Lee Anne

11/26 Dr Bullock

11.25 8 am Tuesday PT

11/24/08 Dr Asher

12/01/08 Mon

Good Weekend

11/28/08 Friday

Good day

11/27/08 Thursday Thanksgiving

Slept many hours last night beginning around 7pm. Took a sleeping pill at midnight. Feels good this morning. Put up Christmas Trees (3) ! Heated up left over BBQ from last night for lunch

11/26/08

Good visit with Dr Bullock and various issues addressed as well as tests asked for by surgeon. Will start taking B12 to address energy level. Out to Sonny's BBQ after I85 backed up for miles with an electronic sign saying "slow traffic for next 20 miles" discouraged us from Lexington BBQ. She felt fine all day, but was very tired all of a sudden as we left the restaurant.

11/26/08 Wed

After visit with Dr Bullock, decided to go to Lexington BBQ but traffic backup changed our mind and went to Sonny's BBQ on Tyvola. Had a good time but Linda got stuck in the bathroom. Click here for a funny description of the event.

11/25/08 The Great Escape

11/25/2008

Good day, best since birthday. Took extra sleeping medicine last night and woke feeling fine and in very good mood. Had PT at 8 Am and did well there. Seems stronger. Temperature ok. By 8:44 pm still doing well.

11/24/08

Had visit with Dr Asher today and he said Linda was doing ok or words to that effect. This was good news, although she has not felt good the last few days with several issues. Ooooops, Dr. Asher found a STAPLE that had not been removed and removed it today, that makes 53. Linda has complained about the right side of her head hurting, and no wonder, my goodness. Went out for lunch and enjoyed it. Does not feel well tonight. Temperature back to normal. Will see regular doctor Wednesday.

MRI (11:00)am and next visit with Dr. Asher (1:30pm) is Wednesday January 28, 2009

11/24/08

11/24/08

2008.11.22

Temperature ok and around 99 tonight. Taking medicine still. Appetite so much less with no more steroids after 11/18/08. Did her exercises this morning. Slept a lot today.

2008.11.21

Linda had a temperature of 102 this morning. We talked with doctors. By afternoon at 100.5 and received medicine. By 5 pm down to 99.1 . Will see surgeon , Dr. Asher, on Monday 11:15 am. Will see regular doctor , Dr. Bullock, on Wednesday ay 1:30 I think.

Since we learned the Dewey book ends sadly, we read the epilogue to get the sad part over. We learn after Dewy died, the Librarian eventually retires with 25 years at the Library. The point of the book is about loving and caring, both ways. She thought she had just helped Dewey at first, and of course realizes that Dewey helped her and many people even more. We go back to Chapter 12 on Christmas next time.

2008.11.20

2008.11.20 Thursday

I have noticed an increase in strength in last couple of days. Today she came up the stairs without my help except I promised I would help on last two (of the 14). It was so hard on her and she was almost crying and breaking my heart but she did it.

Today was hard for several reasons. She did not take sleeping medication last night and did not wake as refreshed as yesterday. Her eyesight was back to pre birthday status so I know there will be ups and downs. We had Occupational Therapy at 9 am and Physical Therapy at 10. The OT concentrated on memory things and she was having a hard time seeing so that made it hard to do well on the visual memory things. Performed better at remembering verbal commands.

We set up a schedule for three more weeks of PT and 2 of OT. We hope to have someone in OT next time with visual expertise.
Schedule: CMS Therapy Department 1100 Blythe

2008.11.19

2008.11.19 Wednesday
Halleluiah, Linda woke on her birthday today, and for first time since operation ,could read the newspaper. Maybe the doctor was right, with "give it time." Vision not perfect of course but enough to get her excited. She did take a sleeping pill Tuesday night and one of best nights yet. (10am)

She spent most of the day in living room in and around the new lift chair. She thinks that is the best thing ever. A "funny" thing happened today as the neighbor in the condo below Linda called to ask if she had a lion in her condo. Linda said no, just two little cats. Don pointed to the chair control and Linda told the neighbor about the chair. ooops. It growls when it goes up and down. The neighbor said that it was ok. Nevertheless we will stop playing with the chair as much and be more careful about the sound. Don has been know to use it late at night . .

Vision stayed pretty good all day and she could read some of the captions on TV and tried the Computer with large fonts for a few minutes. Not ready yet for emailing.

Tonight we had a great birthday dinner at OutBack. She had been wanting steak for days and we got some good ones plus a fabulous blooming onion. We had told our waitress it was her birthday and we got the singing waiters routine which pleased her no end. She was in a great mood all day. Marlene is buying Linda a new wardrobe as the days pass and that is fun for her. She had several calls today and enjoyed the talks. Received birthday and get well cards today and enjoyed them. Thanks.

We did not get to reading Dewey today, but we learned it will have a sad ending. We agreed we wanted to keep going any way because there is so much joy along the way.

Today was last day on steroids. Monday she sees her surgeon for her one month follow up visit. She seemed twice as strong today as yesterday.

A very good birthday for Linda. Your prayers and support are working.

2008.11.17

2008.11.17 Monday
Last week Linda enjoyed a visit by Susan Mobley (MPUMC Parish Nurse). Susan told Linda of a lounge chair the church had to loan and it was delivered Monday. Linda is so excited with it as her living room chairs were the wrong size for her needs. This one is automatic. Thanks Susan and Myers Park Methodist Church . .

The Dewy cat book, which I am reading to Linda, all of a sudden turned serious as we learned of the background and difficult life of the librarian. In high school she had aspirations of being a doctor and was told by the high school advisor she did not need to think about that and going to college, that she would just get married and raise a family. So she did. She married a wonderful young man who himself was not interested in college, but had a job with his father's construction company. He had a great personality and could charm anyone, including cudstomers. The Librarian began to notice, however, that any thing the husband did involed drinking. Watching football and drinking, hunting and dring, fishing and drinking, golf and drinking, eating and drinking, driving and drinking. He came home less and less. By then they had a child and another pregnancy which had complications and 6 surgeries. The husband seldom was home or helping with bills, lost his job, continued to drink. The marriage ended. She discovered their modest home and car were past due payments and there were debts all around.She eventually pulled herself together with the help of fasmily and frineds and earned a degree with high honors at age 32. Chaper 11 is next . .

2008.11.16

2008.11.16 Sunday
Linda stayed by herself while don went to Church and Panther game and she did ok. The doctors/nurses said she needed 24 hour supervision origianlly but said ok now for her to stay alone some nights and day time. She is very weak and at PT today tested at 26 out of 52 which is low. Her knee is ok. Her eyesight is about the same, ie.,cloudy on sides and distorted. Some double vision remains.

Thanks to some friends who surprised her with a super mini birthday party tonight, bless you.

Linda slept well Sunday night with no sleeping pill. Needed a pill Monday night and slept well.

2008.11.15

2008.11.15 Saturday
Did her exercises at 9:30 to 10 and ok. Seems to feel better today as slept ok with sleeping pill.

We are reading a neat book called Dewey, about a cat, given to Linda by a librarian friend (called Kitty)who loves cats just as Linda. The cat looks like Milo and he lives in a library in the midwest. He charms the town - and Linda and me as I read the book to her. We are on chapter 9 of 34 . (dsr 11Am)

2008.11.14

2008.11.14 Friday
Salmon dinner at Shomars
Last night was first night by herself and she made it though I think it was hard. She probably should have taken a sleeping pill, but fortunately she did not. I had given her what I thought was a sleeping medication to put near her bed in case she needed it, but I had given her another steroid pill by mistake thinking it was the sleeping pill - my bad. Any way, for some reason, she did not take the pill, or get much sleep.

She has cut the steroid dosage back and will be off it by 11/19/08. It has turned some muscle to fat and that has contributed to her being tired and weak I think. She has done well but she and we are concerned at the lack of energy, though we are told that is natural. Still eyesight issue. The exercises at the PT hospital, and at home when we get them in, are hard for her.

We ate out tonight this was the first outing, other than to hospitals, since the operation 10/24. Had Salmon and went in Shomar's without the walked. Still she is a trooper.

She appreciates your cards and they brighten her day. Thank you

2008.11.12

2008.11.12 Wednesday.
Sleep is hard , probably from steroids. As prescribed, gradually cutting down steroids and will be off by her birthday on 11/19/08. Very tired and PT exercises are tiring which she does days between PT appointments on Tuesday and Thursdays.

Staying in bed is tiring. Getting up is tiring. Slept from about 9:30pm to midnight last night and then awake til breakfast at 7:00am. Needs more sleep but can't. Knee is about ok with lots of ice. She probably strained it getting out of chairs the wrong way as that is hard for her if low.

Thanks for all the wonderful cards, calss, and visits - and food, what a blessing.

2008.11.11

2008.11.11 Tuesday.
Second PT session today. Knee is better. Vison still an issue and left eye worse than right.

(Bertha's husband, John Gerald Jr, passed away peacefully around 5:30 pm Thursday November 06. Bertha's address is Bertha Gerald 3400 Crenshaw St Charlotte NC 28216. Their son is minister of the church she attends. His information is JOHN GLENN GERALD, III PASTOR, GETHSEMANE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, 2670 DR. CARVER ROAD, CHARLOTTE NC 28207 (704) 376-4797. The funeral is Wednesday Novembber 11, 2008 at 1pm at the church. Visatation is at the church from 12 to 1. Online condolences may be sent to the funeral home at www.aljinwrightfuneralservice.com.
Here is a link to the article in Tuesday's 11/11/ paper
http://www.legacy.com/Charlotte/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=120045477 )

2008.11.09

2008.11.09 Sunday
Linda ok/about same, except had a bad knee problem for 24 hours that is now much better. Walking some without walker in house.

2008.11.06

2008.11.06 Thursday
Linda is doing well, went to first of 6 weeks of therapy today, but her eyesight is still an issue. They say give it a couple of weeks so we are hopeful.

2008.11.05

2008.11.05 Wednesday(50) Staples removed. What a trooper Linda is as she breezed through it.

2008.11.05

2008.11.05 Wednesday

(50) Staples removed. What a trooper Linda is as she breezed through it.

2008.11.01

2008.11.01
This is probably the last daily update in this series, though I will add brief notes as days go by

Linda is home, doing well (except for eyes), resting, walking a little, happy, thankful, tired.
Sad news> Our friend Bertha's husband is on life support and tough decision to be made Monday. Bertha has been my friend and helper for 30 years and I am so sorry. Bertha has helped Linda for about 10 years, and she even came today to Linda's to help her some. Bless her. Bertha was so thankful for the card sent by one of you dear folks.

2008.10.31

2008.10.31
Linda learned at 8:30 am she could leave and she checked out of Carolinas Medical Center at 12:15. Eye issue remains.

Appointments to remove stitches and staples for Wednesday 11/05 at 10am at Dr Asher's office, with PT on Thursday 11/06 at 9:00 am be there at 8:30 at CMC main, followup with Dr Asher on Monday 11/24 at 10:45 AM.

I was in charge of dinner tonight - Wolfman Pizza, a BLT and Baked Potato Pizza, super if you have not tried them. Tomorrow we do grocery shopping and get some healthy foods. Marlene has cleaned out Linda's refrigerator to start over.

Someone is to be with Linda 24 hours a day for a while and I am on duty tonight. Tomorrow Marlene is on duty as Marlene and Linda decided I could have the weekend off to watch football nonstop - thanks!

2008.10.30

2008.10.30
Linda might go home on Friday, She is doing well but eye issues continue.

We saw Dr Asher and folks from Physical Therapy today. Looks like she will not need the PT in hospital and might do on out patient basis, if needed. She obviously is progressing well and fast, except for the eyes. We were told to give it a couple of weeks.
2008.10.29

Dr Asher said this morning the double vision was normal and from swelling and they are doing some Physical therapy with it.

We are working into a schedule where Marlene goes in the morning and I go after lunch until 9 or 10. That works better for me as I am not a good getting up early in the morning person, rather a stay up past midnight guy.

2008.10.28

2008.10.28

Another good day. Linda had most of her tubes removed today, she was sitting up and some walking, and her swelling way down. Still double vision. She is enjoying flowers, calls, and visits and even a book on tape someone brought by. Thanks for your kindness.

Dr. Howell was by and as he was leaving said he needed to go and visit some sick people! Thanks for coming by and for your prayer of thanksgiving and encouragement.

The Physical Therapist was by and did some preliminary checking.

First time I saw the staples and stitches on the top of her head. Amazing. Her hair will cover the area after they are removed.

2008.10.27

2008.10.27 Monday.

Linda's room number as you know is 9910 (Carolinas Medical Center, 1000 Blythe Blvd, charlotte nc 28203) and now we know her telephone > 704 355 6801. Try again if busy.

She had a very good day. I had just left seeing her this morning and she called me excited that sister Marlene had washed on her eyes and, lo, they opened and she can see. She had some double vision but both eyes work. By the end of the day she said one eye was clear with the other not so clear and she was not seeing as many doubles.

One doctor Tuesday said they "got all of it" in the surgery. Previously they were qualifying it by saying there were 4,000 somethings we were dealing with.

First thing this morning she was asking what the stock futures were so she is staying in touch. (I said I did not know as I dreaded knowing, the way things are going in the markets.)

Rev. Shane Page (MPUMC Minister of Evangelism and Involvement) came by and Linda appreciated that. He looked neat in his collar and blue jeans. He shared that Carol Douglas was in the same hospital in room 10-920 after visiting the Emergency Room Sunday night.

By end of day the swelling was down but still there. Also color was better.

2008.10.26

2008.10.26

The really good news is that a draining tube which had not been working and causing some concern was "fixed" by her Dr. Asher. Previously he had said he was unable to do it but by some method today he did. He said it made him a happy man. Otherwise the draining was to have to be into the face area and then naturally dissipate.

Linda was moved during the night from Intensive Care into room 9910. Visiting hours are open and she is doing ok with visitors. She skipped Progressive Care, so perhaps that is a good sign.

Her eye area continues to swell and she still has not opened her eyes. Putting cold water there to help .Eating regular food and no more IV. I read the headlines to her from the paper and shared what was going on in the world. We "watched" the end of the panther game with my updating her during the comeback. She still is upset about the terrible game at Tampa.

Rev. Bill Roth (MPUMC Minister of Congregational Care) came by today when I was not there and Linda was asleep. He said a prayer and left. When I came I saw his card and later Linda said that Bill Roth had said a beautiful prayer so maybe she was playing possum. (Mystery solved, Linda said Bill Roth also called and that is when she heard his prayers.)Thanks Bill. Which reminds me, she appreciates your prayers and support

On a sad note, Bertha's husband had a stroke yesterday (while with about 15 of their family in Florida for a family reunion). He was flown back to Charlotte this morning at about 4:30 am. They are awaiting MRI results but right now he cannot or is not being allowed to eat through the mouth. Loss of movement on one of his sides. Speech not working but he knows what is going on around him , waving goodbye for example when I left. Bertha (Gerald) is a lady who does house cleaning at my home and at Linda's several times a month. We were counting on her so that might be modified going forward as she deals with him. He is at Presbyterian Healtcare ,200 Hawthorn Lane, Charlotte NC 28233 (hospital # is 704 384 4000) room 479 and his name is John Gerald Jr. Their son is a minister of Gethsamine Baptist Church.

2008.10.25

2008.10.25 pm
Good day. Her nurse said Linda was doing better than 95% of patients in this situation. All day she was able to communicate and knew it was Saturday, remembered I told her UNC won, said she was sorry I did not get to go to game, and generally was in touch. She talked of wanting to go home. She does have medication. She has been up a couple of times but that is hard. She asked if I were going to Sunday School tomorrow (10/25). I understand during tonight of 10-25/26 she probably will move from Intensive Care (room 9616) to Progressive Care or regular care. Yesterday she could open her eyes better then today. I asked if she could look at me and she said she couldn't open her eyes. The swelling is and was to be expected. We should know her room number in a day or so. She knows about cards, calls, and visits , etc of people and of your support. Feel free to contact me in any way. Thanks.

2008.10.24

2008.10.24 pm
Surgery lasted about 11 1/2 hours beginning at 8:12 am. Dr Asher talked with us for over 40 minutes after surgery.

In my attempting to make a long story short , I asked Dr. Asher what to say to friends without medical degrees.
He said the tumor was benign but extremely complex and involved both frontal lobes. The procedure took longer than we anticipated, but he was pleased with how things turned out.

There are many more details of the risks remaining and the time involved going forward. Linda came through a tough day. She has been brave the whole time. She was able to tell her birthday and other info a couple of hours after surgery. She will be in Intensive Care a day or so . .and will be sleeping a lot. Swelling is expected to increase for a day or so.

10/23/08 Sunday School info

2008.10.22

2008.10.22
Our dear friend, Linda Myers, has surgery Friday October 24 at 7:30 am at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. She has a meningioma brain tumor located near the skull on the front high forward. The surgeon is Dr Tony (Anthony L.) Asher from the Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates. Prognosis is good but there are risks. Surgery is expected to last 4 to 5 or 6 or 8 hours. She will be in intensive care for 2-3 days, hospital 7-10 days, rehab 2-3 days, recovery over weeks and maybe months. It is near pituitary gland, optic nerve, etc. Such tumors mainly are benign. This type is slow growing for years, giving time to catch and treat. It is the size of a flat tennis ball. Dr Asher says non-surgery is not an option as it eventually is life threatening. She is taking steroids to reduce the inflammation around the tumor. The steroids are giving her more trouble with her stomach, etc, than the tumor. There is no pain now. She is able to do about all she usually does on a daily basis and would have been at Sunday School last week except for family from out of town celebrating her birthday a few weeks early. Several factors, including loss of energy and sense of smell, led to the MRI October 02, 2008, which identified the tumor. She is in good spirits and wants to get this over. Her mailing address is 4739 Hedgemore Drive Unit T, Charlotte NC 28209 . She is not doing emails right now. She does not know her room yet or CMC address (other than 1000 Blythe Blvd, 28203). She asks for your prayers and moral support. (2008.10.22)

For friends of Linda who want to know

Meningioma

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

Meningioma Classification and external resources
A contrast enhanced CT scan of the brain, demonstrating the appearance of a Meningioma.
ICD-10	C70, D32
ICD-9	225.2
ICD-O:	9530
OMIM	607174
DiseasesDB	8008
eMedicine	neuro/209 radio/439
MeSH	D008579

Meningiomas are the most common primary tumor of the central nervous system, arising from the arachnoid "cap" cells of the arachnoid villi in the meninges.^[1] These tumours are usually benign in nature; however, they can be malignant.^[2]

Contents 1 Causes 2 Signs and symptoms 3 Mechanism 4 Diagnosis 5 Treatment 5.1 Observation 5.2 Surgical resection 5.3 Radiation therapy 5.4 Conventional chemotherapy 6 See also 7 References 8 External links

Causes

Most cases are sporadic while some are familial. Persons who have undergone radiation to the scalp are more at risk for developing meningiomas.^[3]

The most frequent genetic mutations involved in meningiomas are inactivation mutations in the neurofibromatosis 2 gene (merlin) on chromosome 22q. Other possible genes/loci include: MN1^[4] PTEN^[5] an unknown gene at 1p13^[6]

MRI - Magnetic resonance imaging

For Linda's friends who want to know:

Magnetic resonance imaging

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"MRI" redirects here. For other uses, see MRI (disambiguation).

Sagittal MR image of the knee

Para-sagittal MRI of the head, with aliasing artifacts (nose and forehead in the back of the head)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI), is primarily a medical imaging technique most commonly used in radiology to visualize the structure and function of the body. It provides detailed images of the body in any plane. MRI provides much greater contrast between the different soft tissues of the body than computed tomography (CT) does, making it especially useful in neurological (brain), musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and oncological (cancer) imaging. Unlike CT, it uses no ionizing radiation, but uses a powerful magnetic field to align the nuclear magnetization of (usually) hydrogen atoms in water in the body. Radiofrequency fields are used to systematically alter the alignment of this magnetization, causing the hydrogen nuclei to produce a rotating magnetic field detectable by the scanner. This signal can be manipulated by additional magnetic fields to build up enough information to construct an image of the body.

MRI is a relatively new technology, which has been in use for little more than 30 years (compared with over 110 years for X-ray radiography). The first MR Image was published in 1973^[1] and the first study performed on a human took place on July 3, 1977.^[2]

Magnetic resonance imaging was developed from knowledge gained in the study of nuclear magnetic resonance. In its early years the technique was referred to as nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI). However, as the word nuclear was associated in the public mind with ionizing radiation exposure it is generally now referred to simply as MRI. Scientists still use the term NMRI when discussing non-medical devices operating on the same principles. The term Magnetic Resonance Tomography (MRT) is also sometimes used. One of the contributors to modern MRI, Paul Lauterbur, originally named the technique zeugmatography, a Greek term meaning "that which is used for joining".^[1] The term referred to the interaction between the static, radiofrequency, and gradient magnetic fields necessary to create an image, but this term was not adopted.

Contents

[hide]

1 How MRI works

• 1.1 Brief lay explanation of MRI physics

CAT Scan/CT Scan - what is it

For Linda's friends who want to know what a CatScan is:

Computerized Axial Tomography
(CAT Scan/CT Scan)

Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr, MD, FACP, FACR

• What is a CT scan?
• Why are CT scans performed?
• Are there risks in obtaining a CT scan?
• How does a patient prepare for CT scanning, and how is it performed?
• CT Scan At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Ct Scan - Helped With Your Diagnosis

What is a CT scan?

A computerized axial tomography scan is an x-ray procedure that combines many x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views and, if needed, three-dimensional images of the internal organs and structures of the body. Computerized axial tomography is more commonly known by its abbreviated names, CT scan or CAT scan. A CT scan is used to define normal and abnormal structures in the body and/or assist in procedures by helping to accurately guide the placement of instruments or treatments.

A large donut-shaped x-ray machine takes x-ray images at many different angles around the body. These images are processed by a computer to produce cross-sectional pictures of the body. In each of these pictures the body is seen as an x-ray "slice" of the body, which is recorded on a film. This recorded image is called a tomogram. "Computerized Axial Tomography" refers to the recorded tomogram "sections" at different levels of the body.

Imagine the body as a loaf of bread and you are looking at one end of the loaf. As you remove each slice of bread, you can see the entire surface of that slice from the crust to the center. The body is seen on CT scan slices in a similar fashion from the skin to the central part of the body being examined. When these levels are further "added" together, a three-dimensional picture of an organ or abnormal body structure can be obtained.

Echo Cardiogram

Echo Stress Test

How does the Echo Stress Test work?
How do I prepare for the test?
How is the test performed
How long does it take?
How safe is it?
What is the reliability of the test?
How quickly will I get the results?
Show me a panoramic view of the Echo Stress lab

How does Stress Echo work? Patients with coronary artery blockages may have minimal or no symptoms during rest. However, symptoms and signs of heart disease may be unmasked by exposing the heart to the stress of exercise. During exercise, healthy coronary arteries dilate (develop a more open channel) than an artery with a blockage. This unequal dilation causes more blood to be delivered to heart muscle supplied by the normal artery. In contrast, narrowed arteries end up supplying reduced flow to it's area of distribution. This reduced flow causes the involved muscle to "starve" during exercise. The "starvation" may produce symptoms (like chest discomfort or inappropriate shortness of breath), EKG abnormalities and reduced movement of the heart muscle. The latter can be recognized by examining the movement of the walls of the left ventricle (the major pumping chamber of the heart) by Echocardiography.

In the animation shown above, the left hand panel, marked "Resting" shows normal movement of the septum (the muscle partition between the right and left ventricles (RV and LV, respectively) while the patient is resting. The animated echo on the right ("Exercise") shows that movement of the septum is markedly reduced immediately following stress. Such findings would indicate a blockage in the artery supplying the partition of the heart and the front portion of the left ventricle (both these areas are supplied by the LAD or left anterior descending coronary artery).

How is a Stress Echo performed? An Echo Stress can be obtained in a physician's office or in the hospital. Imaging tests are generally obtained when a physician wishes to confirm or rule out the presence of coronary artery disease. A Stress Echo is also performed in patients who have disease involving the heart muscle or valve, or if a patient is having inappropriate shortness of breath and a cardiac cause is suspected.

The patient is brought to the Echo laboratory where a "resting" study is performed. This provides a baseline examination and demonstrates the size and function of various chambers of the heart. Particular attention is paid to the movement of all walls of the left ventricle (LV). Similar to a regular echo test, sticky patches or electrodes are attached to the chest and shoulders and connected to electrodes or wires to record the electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). The EKG helps in the timing of various cardiac events (filling and emptying of chambers).

A colorless gel is then applied to the chest and the echo transducer (as described in the Echocardiogram section) is placed on top of it. The echo technologist then makes recordings from different parts of the chest to obtain several views of the heart. You may be asked to move form your back and to the left side. Instructions may also be given for you to breathe slowly or to hold your breath. This helps to obtain higher quality pictures. The images are constantly viewed on the monitor. It is also recorded on photographic paper, on videotape and on a computer disk.

12 leads of the EKG are recorded on paper and the blood pressure is taken. Exercise is then initiated using a treadmill (most common) or a stationary bicycle. In patients who are unable to complete a high level of exercise because of physical limitations, stress to the heart is provided by pharmaceutical or chemical stimulation of the heart. Stress Echo is made up of three parts: A resting Echo study, Stress test, and a repeat Echo while the heart is still beating fast.

Exercise stress testing usually employs the "Bruce" or a similar protocol, as described in the Regular Stress Test section. Exercise is started at a slower "warm-up" speed. The speed of the treadmill and it's slope or inclination is increased every 3 minutes. The treadmill is abruptly stopped when the patient exceeds 85% of the target rate (based upon the patient's age). Exercise may be stopped earlier if the patient develops alarming symptoms (chest discomfort, marked shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, etc.), if there is dangerous elevation or drop in the blood pressure, significant EKG changes or a potentially dangerous irregular heart rhythm. Please remember that you have a physician in attendance (although an experienced assistant may perform the test if the physician is tied up with an emergency). The above problems are uncommon and you are far safer if they occur in the presence of an experienced medical team rather than having them happen while you are exercising in a spa, jogging, or running up a flight of office stairs.

EKG recordings are made during every minute of exercise and then again after exercise is stopped. The blood pressure is recorded at three minute intervals during exercise and then again at rest.
Immediately after stopping the treadmill, the patient moves directly to the examination table and lays on the left side. The Echo examination is immediately repeated. Images are stored and then played back by the computer. A video clip of multiple views of the resting and exercise study are compared side-by-side. They are analyzed by the physician. Normally, one expects an increased EF or ejection fraction (a measure of how well the heart is pumping). Also, the LV walls do not show any exercise-induced abnormal movement. In contrast, a drop in EF and/or a new wall motion abnormality is an indicator of disease.

Preparing for the Echo Stress Test: The following recommendations are "generic" for all types of cardiac stress tests:

• Do not eat or drink for three hours prior to the procedure. This reduces the likelihood of nausea that may accompany strenuous exercise after a heavy meal. Diabetics, particularly those who use insulin, will need special instructions from the physician's office.
• Specific heart medicines may need to be stopped one or two days prior to the test. Such instructions are generally provided when the test is scheduled.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are suitable for exercise.
• An explanation of the test is provided and the patient is asked to sign a consent form.
  

How long does the entire test take? A patient should allow 1 1/2 to 2 hours for the entire test, including the preparation, echo imaging and stress test.

How safe is a Stress Echo test? There are no known adverse effects from the ultrasound used during Echo imaging. The risk of the stress portion of the test is rare and similar to what you would expect from any strenuous form of exercise (jogging in your neighborhood, running up a flight of stairs, etc.). As noted earlier, experienced medical staff is in attendance to manage the rare complications like sustained abnormal heart rhythm, unrelieved chest pain or even a heart attack. These problems could potentially have occurred if the same patient performed an equivalent level of exercise at home or on a jogging track.

What is the reliability of Stress Echo? If a patient is able to achieve the target heart rate and if the ECHO images are of good technical quality, a Stress Echo is capable of diagnosing important disease in more than 85% of patients with coronary artery disease. Also, it can exclude important disease in more than 90% of cases when the test is absolutely normal.

How quickly will I get the results and what will it mean? The physician conducting the test will be able to give you the preliminary results before you leave the Stress Echo laboratory. However, the official result may take a few days to complete. The results of the test may help confirm or rule out a diagnosis of heart disease. In patients with known coronary artery disease (prior heart attack, known coronary blockages, previous treatment with angioplasty, stents or bypass surgery, etc.), the study will help confirm that the patient is in a stable state, or that a new blockage is developing. The results may influence your physician's decision to change your treatment or recommend additional testing such as cardiac catheterization.

The panoramic view (below) shows a patient undergoing the treadmill and Echocardiography portions of the stress test (combined into a single picture).

You may also pan left and right by clicking and draggging your mouse within the panoramic picture.