Tonight as of 8 pm, we are officially "Valley People"....having moved from Central Oregon to Wilsonville.....we are open to visits.....or for people to come and take Linda....or....so don't wait for an invite....
Linda's cell phone is 541 390 4836.....
The last two days have been hectic...going to Central Oregon to get the RV....make medical appointments.....meet with the broker....meet with friends...etc...etc...
Today Linda got her chemo infusion...the Alimta....the Oncologist agreed that the pleuritic pain was most likely caused by the coughing and upped the morphine amount Linda has been taking for a couple of years....he also prescribed some additional pain medication. He looked at the summary of Linda's last MRI in Central Oregon and it mentions hydrocephalis...but he didn't seem to be too concerned as in the scheme of things we had more to worry about with the cancer...anyway we were able obtain 3 past MRI scan discs from various agencies and will have a Neurologist examine for a recommendation.
The Oncologist sees 2-3 more rounds of Alimta, counting today's, and then another CT scan...to assess the effectiveness of the Alimta....it has been 7 months now....we also scheduled another appointment and infusion with him in three weeks but might be set up at OHSU (Oregon Health Sciences University) here in Portland...and if so, we would cancel the appointment...we shall see.
We have our RV set up and will begin organizing things tomorrow....Linda is holding up well.....again to see Linda...it's your call...
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday....April 28th....2010
We have been in Bend for most of the day....got the RV and minor repairs done....went to Brasada Ranch to check our properties out....and Dave got the "look over" by the Dermatologist.
Tomorrow Linda does a chemo session and a couple of meetings to follow...and then we are out of town heading to our new "diggs".....in Wilsonville...aka an RV spot for 60 days....
Linda is having a lot of pleuritic pain.....most likely because of the coughing from the crud and travel....we'll have the Oncologist check it out tomorrow....
If the Weeks are home we will stop by....for a short visit.....
Tomorrow Linda does a chemo session and a couple of meetings to follow...and then we are out of town heading to our new "diggs".....in Wilsonville...aka an RV spot for 60 days....
Linda is having a lot of pleuritic pain.....most likely because of the coughing from the crud and travel....we'll have the Oncologist check it out tomorrow....
If the Weeks are home we will stop by....for a short visit.....
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tuesday....April 27th...2010
We are in Oregon!
Friend Grace tatted an angel for Linda to protect her on the trip....we hung it in the window of the airplane..named it Angel Gracie and it protected us all the way.....
We took a LOT of "stuff" and got Southwest Airlines to haul it all the way..for not one nickel more.....our driver.....to the airport....the housecleaning fairy from yesterday...got "big eyed" when she saw how much stuff we were flying.....but we made it....
Our plane was late leaving due to some minor problem.....but they held all the connections in Denver ....we were 45 minutes late departing but only 4 minutes late into Portland.....take a lesson Delta, Continental and American...learn a lesson in customer care and you might make a profit too!
Linda held up well...got her a wheel chair each step of the way.....tomorrow we head to bend to get the Rv and doctor appointments...
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Friend Grace tatted an angel for Linda to protect her on the trip....we hung it in the window of the airplane..named it Angel Gracie and it protected us all the way.....
We took a LOT of "stuff" and got Southwest Airlines to haul it all the way..for not one nickel more.....our driver.....to the airport....the housecleaning fairy from yesterday...got "big eyed" when she saw how much stuff we were flying.....but we made it....
Our plane was late leaving due to some minor problem.....but they held all the connections in Denver ....we were 45 minutes late departing but only 4 minutes late into Portland.....take a lesson Delta, Continental and American...learn a lesson in customer care and you might make a profit too!
Linda held up well...got her a wheel chair each step of the way.....tomorrow we head to bend to get the Rv and doctor appointments...
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Monday, April 26, 2010
Monday.....April 26th...2010
Another chapter being turned ......leaving Florida tomorrow....finding a new home in a new city in Oregon...
Linda is doing much better today.....feeling much better after the infusion session....not as good as she was before she got sick but still much better....
We are virtually packed and a few things to clean and then we are ready to be "outta here"....Kim and Ernie pick us up at noon....we all go to lunch and then on to the airport....with a checked bag....3 boxes to be checked....a carry on bag of great weight.....two back packs ...a dog in a carrier...and a beach umbrella....wish us luck....
Dinner last night with Steve.....Ethel...and Mike...lunch today with Dick...Ann....Frank ...and Grace.....we will miss them all....and Peter too .....who we didn't have a last moment with....
While we were getting Linda "infused" today, a little fairy...aka .....Miss Kim....came by and did a lot of cleaning.....wow.....what love! Thank you....thank you....thank you...
Southwest Airlines...here we come! 4:20 PM EDT flight from Tampa......35 minutes in Denver....arrive in Portland at 9:10 PM PDT....
Linda is doing much better today.....feeling much better after the infusion session....not as good as she was before she got sick but still much better....
We are virtually packed and a few things to clean and then we are ready to be "outta here"....Kim and Ernie pick us up at noon....we all go to lunch and then on to the airport....with a checked bag....3 boxes to be checked....a carry on bag of great weight.....two back packs ...a dog in a carrier...and a beach umbrella....wish us luck....
Dinner last night with Steve.....Ethel...and Mike...lunch today with Dick...Ann....Frank ...and Grace.....we will miss them all....and Peter too .....who we didn't have a last moment with....
While we were getting Linda "infused" today, a little fairy...aka .....Miss Kim....came by and did a lot of cleaning.....wow.....what love! Thank you....thank you....thank you...
Southwest Airlines...here we come! 4:20 PM EDT flight from Tampa......35 minutes in Denver....arrive in Portland at 9:10 PM PDT....
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday.....April 25th...2010
Dinner last night for friends Kim, Ernie, Bob and Anita...then a recorded HBO special on past award winning rock and roll stars..especial for Ernie and Bob as each is a guitar player in bands or on their own....
Tonight dinner with Ethel, Steve and Mike....
Tomorrow hydration and last visit with the Florida Oncologist for Linda followed by lunch with Grace, Frank, Dick and Ann...
Then final cleaning and packing and prepare for the flight back to Oregon....
Linda is napping...not a great amount of energy today...
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Sunday....April 25th...2010
Notice.......Mrs. Wood is still "kickin"......but her cell phone "ain't".....Linda has discovered for the second time that cell phones are unable to swim in toilets.....so it is GONE....to reach Linda call 541 390 5550 til Tuesday when she gets to Oregon and her new phone arrives.
End of Official Notice
End of Official Notice
Friday, April 23, 2010
Friday...April 23rd....2010
We no longer own a home in Florida...but we get to stay until Tuesday.......closing occurred today and money wired to our bank account......
Tuesday we fly out.....
Linda feeling a smidgen better today....the crud still overwhelming....
Tuesday we fly out.....
Linda feeling a smidgen better today....the crud still overwhelming....
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Thursday....April 22nd....2010
Linda's been feeling poorly.....a bit of depression.....more than likely caused by the "crud"....ie upper respiratory infection and sinus infection.....which will NOT go away no matter how many antibiotics...
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So off to the Oncologist to get antinausea meds and hydration.....he said to get in there.....so most of the day was spent getting to the Oncologist and getting Linda "bulked up".....
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So off to the Oncologist to get antinausea meds and hydration.....he said to get in there.....so most of the day was spent getting to the Oncologist and getting Linda "bulked up".....
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Does she feel any better....a small bit...this crud will knock you down regardless of being with cancer or not....
Linda is scheduled for one more visit Monday to ":beef her up" prior to the flight home Tuesday.
We spent the late afternoon packing boxes of our "stuff for the flight....50 pound come pretty fast....
Pictures below..."Anteaters"....ie friends Susan and Rick...sent pictures of former Champ car fans sending a message to Linda aka "Linda-lou"......wow......what a neat connection.....we cherish the memories of those days working for CART and Champ Car as Fan Ambassadors. We seem to have interest again in helping the Indy Racing League with their fan program but it appears again the "follow through" is lacking...so who knows....we shall see....with Linda among family in Portland it is something Dave can commit to...
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Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tuesday.....April 20th...2010
Linda did much better today.....was able to do some things....and of course did too much....but that's her nature....both of us are feeling better with the crud...not healed but feeling better....
The limited edition art has been packaged up into two parcels for Fed Ex to Portland.....tomorrow we pick up the 4 boxes to put our "stuff" in for the flight home to Oregon...it had better all fit!!!!!!!!
The limited edition art has been packaged up into two parcels for Fed Ex to Portland.....tomorrow we pick up the 4 boxes to put our "stuff" in for the flight home to Oregon...it had better all fit!!!!!!!!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Monday....April 19th...2010
Yesterday was an awful day for Linda.....she threw up all day...if she hadn't thought the hospital she just got out of wasn't so awful too...she would have gone right back in. Her upper respiratory and sinus problems continued also.......
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So today we set off for the Oncologist as soon as we could get in....believing her white blood cell count was trashed...still (1.8 which is very low)....and feeling very weak,....the Oncologist agreed that Linda needed hydration today and also next Monday before the flight home....so no appointment on Thursday......which is the regular time....the white blood cell counts were improved to 2.4 so no shot to produce more cells is needed....it's on its way up....on its own. Linda also got infusion of anti nausea medications so that will hold her for a day or two...and we will see what happens.
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So today we set off for the Oncologist as soon as we could get in....believing her white blood cell count was trashed...still (1.8 which is very low)....and feeling very weak,....the Oncologist agreed that Linda needed hydration today and also next Monday before the flight home....so no appointment on Thursday......which is the regular time....the white blood cell counts were improved to 2.4 so no shot to produce more cells is needed....it's on its way up....on its own. Linda also got infusion of anti nausea medications so that will hold her for a day or two...and we will see what happens.
By the end of the day it seemed that Linda was a bit more like her "old self".....which is a good sign....we shall see what tomorrow brings.
We have started the sorting of our "stuff"...leaving the things of less importance as we are flying rather than driving. It seems weird to not have the pukemobile anymore but the neighbor's mustang makes us feel a bit more powerful on the road.
We have scheduled dinners with friends at the end of the week....assuming we are feeling well....we want to say good-bye and get rid of food....
We have scheduled dinners with friends at the end of the week....assuming we are feeling well....we want to say good-bye and get rid of food....
While Linda was in her two hour infusion, Dave took a walk in the cancer survivor plaza....very inspiring....the pictures show messages for cancer patients along the walk to inspire them in their cancer journey......a casting of images shows apprehensive cancer patients and caregivers entering the maze of cancer and coming out the other side energized and healed. There is also a children's memorial having pictures and sayings and hand prints of children having survived the cancer journey...My only wish was that our home in Oregon have such a contemplative memorial where one could go to sort feeling s and fears and gain strength...and...
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Saturday, April 17, 2010
Saturday....April 17th...2010
A mixed bag today.....we both felt sick from this respiratory/sinus stuff....
Today was the annual garage sale in the preserve....we didn't think anything about it...must had other things on our mind...but once we put a few things out which quickly sold, we made a few bucks....Dave also had to clean up the yellow pukemobile...tomorrow it head to New York...never to be seen by us again
Our neighbors leave tomorrow.....we will miss them...but again it will be quiet (again).
We are laying low this next week......getting packed slowly...feeling good enough we hope to have friends over before we go...
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Two pictures from the hospital stay....
Friday, April 16, 2010
Friday.....April 16th...2010
Linda is home.....not doing too bad....a bit tired...why do they keep waking you up in a hospital....and then you have to come home to recover.
Linda will need to be somewhat isolated from people for a few days as she has an extremely low immune system....on Monday she will go in and get a shot from the Oncologist which will promote the production of white blood cells...until her counts get back up, she will be avoiding people...she wants me to explain that it is nothing personal.....just being safe.
We basically have 10 days before we leave Florida....we plan on slowly packing our stuff...some for the airplane and some to ship home.....since we are not driving, the pile of "stuff" has and will grow smaller....We also plan on enjoying our last days at this beautiful home we put together......
Linda wants to thank all of you for your BLOG comments and support during her latest "crisis"......
Linda will need to be somewhat isolated from people for a few days as she has an extremely low immune system....on Monday she will go in and get a shot from the Oncologist which will promote the production of white blood cells...until her counts get back up, she will be avoiding people...she wants me to explain that it is nothing personal.....just being safe.
We basically have 10 days before we leave Florida....we plan on slowly packing our stuff...some for the airplane and some to ship home.....since we are not driving, the pile of "stuff" has and will grow smaller....We also plan on enjoying our last days at this beautiful home we put together......
Linda wants to thank all of you for your BLOG comments and support during her latest "crisis"......
Friday.....April 16th...2010
2:15 PM EDT
She's getting out!!!!!!!!
The doctor finally stopped by.....she is responsible for all the patients without primary physicians..so it takes a while to get around.....Linda acted her "perkiest".....as she wants OUT! The food sucks...the help is slack....
One and one half hours to go....
We then sign some closing papers on the house on the way home..the house sale will close by next Wednesday....
Tomorrow at noon we no longer own the "pukemobile"...ie the yellow Ford Focus...the morning will be spent cleaning it up..and getting our stuff out of it. We will use the neighbor's Ford Mustang until we fly out.....just short trips to the store...friends will take us to the infusion center and to the airport.
Linda's white blood cell count dropped again to 1.8......it needs to be above 4.....so Monday we will go to the Oncologist and get a shot to produce more white blood cells...in the meantime Linda will stay in the house away from other people.....getting out of the hospital will help....as they say, this place is full of airborne critters......
She's getting out!!!!!!!!
The doctor finally stopped by.....she is responsible for all the patients without primary physicians..so it takes a while to get around.....Linda acted her "perkiest".....as she wants OUT! The food sucks...the help is slack....
One and one half hours to go....
We then sign some closing papers on the house on the way home..the house sale will close by next Wednesday....
Tomorrow at noon we no longer own the "pukemobile"...ie the yellow Ford Focus...the morning will be spent cleaning it up..and getting our stuff out of it. We will use the neighbor's Ford Mustang until we fly out.....just short trips to the store...friends will take us to the infusion center and to the airport.
Linda's white blood cell count dropped again to 1.8......it needs to be above 4.....so Monday we will go to the Oncologist and get a shot to produce more white blood cells...in the meantime Linda will stay in the house away from other people.....getting out of the hospital will help....as they say, this place is full of airborne critters......
Friday....April 16th...2010
11:50 AM EDT
Still no word on the doctor letting Linda go...she is getting impatient as she wants to go to a quiet home at home...to heal.
We definitely will fly back to Oregon on the 27th....sold the Florida car yesterday.....
Now we have 1000 plus little tasks to complete......
Still no word on the doctor letting Linda go...she is getting impatient as she wants to go to a quiet home at home...to heal.
We definitely will fly back to Oregon on the 27th....sold the Florida car yesterday.....
Now we have 1000 plus little tasks to complete......
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Thursday....April15th...2010
6PM...EDT.....Here's Linda.......
This is definitely not how I planned to spend the end of my time in Florida, but as Dave says, "it is what it is".
Daughter Janine called this morning to tell me that great friend Amber had her first baby last night, so I have been recalling many life memories. I remember my young years of raising my family, of all my dreams and goals and all the unlimited possibilities in the world within my optimistic grasp. Like most young people, I thought I was immortal and never thought too much about what my retired years might bring. Don't get me wrong, I learned early about tragedy, losing a husband and then a young son, but I always kept my optimistic attitude. I guess that's why they say "attitude is everything". I'm just glad to say that now that life has thrown me all these curves that I have no physical control over, at least I'm grateful that I know I have the choice of how I accept it emotionally and mentally. I refuse to let these obstacles destroy whatever time I have left with those I love.
Thank you for being such an important part of my journey.
Love and gratitude....Linda
This is definitely not how I planned to spend the end of my time in Florida, but as Dave says, "it is what it is".
Daughter Janine called this morning to tell me that great friend Amber had her first baby last night, so I have been recalling many life memories. I remember my young years of raising my family, of all my dreams and goals and all the unlimited possibilities in the world within my optimistic grasp. Like most young people, I thought I was immortal and never thought too much about what my retired years might bring. Don't get me wrong, I learned early about tragedy, losing a husband and then a young son, but I always kept my optimistic attitude. I guess that's why they say "attitude is everything". I'm just glad to say that now that life has thrown me all these curves that I have no physical control over, at least I'm grateful that I know I have the choice of how I accept it emotionally and mentally. I refuse to let these obstacles destroy whatever time I have left with those I love.
Thank you for being such an important part of my journey.
Love and gratitude....Linda
Thursday...April 15th...2010
1 PM EDT.......
Lots of things going on......
Dave was late coming in to the hospital as the "chores" and other tasks had to be done.....AND....they moved Linda to a new single bed room early....not a big deal?...not supposed to be....except....they moved only part of the stuff......and the rest got tossed or was still in the old room....it took a while to find everything but now all is OK.
Linda was removed from the liquid diet last night by the doctor...but...but...a liquid diet showed this am....the right breakfast came about 20 minutes before the lunch...oh well. It makes us appreciate St. Charles in Bend Oregon where the patient gets a menu and selects what to order...and an order can be made at any time...here...everyone gets the same thing at the same time....the good news is the strained cream of broccoli soup is now strained cream of mushroom....ugly!
Linda's fever has gone down...good news....BUT now she has acute sinusitis....inflammation of the sinuses...they did a scan of her sinuses last night late. She also has a very low white blood cell count from fighting off the infection.....and low but not dangerously low hemoglobin and platelet counts.
So she "ain't" going "nowhere". We are working on the informations and all needed to complete the sale of the Florida home....we sure wish we could find an exact duplicate in Portland ....not going to happen. We heard this am another house sold in the area sold for $109K which is less than half of its initial cost...we guess we should be thankful we only lost $25K....and remember we made a killing on the condo we sold before this home....
We have decided to enjoy our time here once Linda gets out of the hospital...visit friends...and fly out on the 27th as originally planned....the car can come later...
Today maybe Linda may write a piece so you will know none of these blogs have been made up...
Lots of things going on......
Dave was late coming in to the hospital as the "chores" and other tasks had to be done.....AND....they moved Linda to a new single bed room early....not a big deal?...not supposed to be....except....they moved only part of the stuff......and the rest got tossed or was still in the old room....it took a while to find everything but now all is OK.
Linda was removed from the liquid diet last night by the doctor...but...but...a liquid diet showed this am....the right breakfast came about 20 minutes before the lunch...oh well. It makes us appreciate St. Charles in Bend Oregon where the patient gets a menu and selects what to order...and an order can be made at any time...here...everyone gets the same thing at the same time....the good news is the strained cream of broccoli soup is now strained cream of mushroom....ugly!
Linda's fever has gone down...good news....BUT now she has acute sinusitis....inflammation of the sinuses...they did a scan of her sinuses last night late. She also has a very low white blood cell count from fighting off the infection.....and low but not dangerously low hemoglobin and platelet counts.
So she "ain't" going "nowhere". We are working on the informations and all needed to complete the sale of the Florida home....we sure wish we could find an exact duplicate in Portland ....not going to happen. We heard this am another house sold in the area sold for $109K which is less than half of its initial cost...we guess we should be thankful we only lost $25K....and remember we made a killing on the condo we sold before this home....
We have decided to enjoy our time here once Linda gets out of the hospital...visit friends...and fly out on the 27th as originally planned....the car can come later...
Today maybe Linda may write a piece so you will know none of these blogs have been made up...
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Wednesday....April 14th...2010
10:10 PM EDT.....
Well.....all the doctors have finally come through...the last one...the Neurologist just left....
What do we know....
Linda has hydrocephalus.....totally unconnected to her cancer or initial hospitalization. When we get back to Oregon, we will have another Neurologist compare this MRI with the two previous scans done over the past three years...this will tell what the pattern has been as to this situation. Linda also will need to get another MRI to check things out in 4 to 6 months.
The bottom line to us is there is no cancer in the brain....we have NOT turned the page on this cancer journey......and that is wonderful news.
We have yet to have the results of the echocardiogram....tomorrow we should know....we suspect there will be no bad news there.
Linda has been running a fever since last night....100.3 last night...100.1 this morning....100.6 tonight.....she will not be released from the hospital until the fever is gone....we suspect she will be there at least another day.
Linda is being put on a solid food menu starting tomorrow....no more Ensure....which caused many problems today....
Linda is still on a heavy regimen of antibiotics....she still suffers from this "Florida crud".....lots of persistent coughing...upper respiratory congestion and sinus swelling.....
The good news is the cancer is unrelated to what is going on...other than perhaps lowering the resistance to this nasty crud.
Other news....
As we mentioned..the Florida home has been sold..papers are being signed and the title company is working to close this up by the end of the week or the first of next week.
What then?
We have many options....we have an agreement to stay in the house until our flights on April 27th....flying on Southwest Airlines, we have the ability to check 4 items of luggage....up to 200 pounds.....so we can send lots of personal stuff home....at no additional cost....like those other airlines (have you heard Spirit airlines now will charge for carry ons).....silly....now people will wear all their week's worth of vacation clothes on to the airplane.
We also have friends who are willing to store our car in their garage as they are leaving for Canada to their home...for the next 6 month...so we can drive the car back with the rest of the personal things at any time....or have someone else drive it to Oregon....
Then of course we can drive ourselves back...depending on how Linda feels...and her wants....and I'm not voting for that...we shall see....
I think this pretty much covers everything...it has been a stressful...sleepless time...but the gift is NO new cancer.....particularly in the brain...
Well.....all the doctors have finally come through...the last one...the Neurologist just left....
What do we know....
Linda has hydrocephalus.....totally unconnected to her cancer or initial hospitalization. When we get back to Oregon, we will have another Neurologist compare this MRI with the two previous scans done over the past three years...this will tell what the pattern has been as to this situation. Linda also will need to get another MRI to check things out in 4 to 6 months.
The bottom line to us is there is no cancer in the brain....we have NOT turned the page on this cancer journey......and that is wonderful news.
We have yet to have the results of the echocardiogram....tomorrow we should know....we suspect there will be no bad news there.
Linda has been running a fever since last night....100.3 last night...100.1 this morning....100.6 tonight.....she will not be released from the hospital until the fever is gone....we suspect she will be there at least another day.
Linda is being put on a solid food menu starting tomorrow....no more Ensure....which caused many problems today....
Linda is still on a heavy regimen of antibiotics....she still suffers from this "Florida crud".....lots of persistent coughing...upper respiratory congestion and sinus swelling.....
The good news is the cancer is unrelated to what is going on...other than perhaps lowering the resistance to this nasty crud.
Other news....
As we mentioned..the Florida home has been sold..papers are being signed and the title company is working to close this up by the end of the week or the first of next week.
What then?
We have many options....we have an agreement to stay in the house until our flights on April 27th....flying on Southwest Airlines, we have the ability to check 4 items of luggage....up to 200 pounds.....so we can send lots of personal stuff home....at no additional cost....like those other airlines (have you heard Spirit airlines now will charge for carry ons).....silly....now people will wear all their week's worth of vacation clothes on to the airplane.
We also have friends who are willing to store our car in their garage as they are leaving for Canada to their home...for the next 6 month...so we can drive the car back with the rest of the personal things at any time....or have someone else drive it to Oregon....
Then of course we can drive ourselves back...depending on how Linda feels...and her wants....and I'm not voting for that...we shall see....
I think this pretty much covers everything...it has been a stressful...sleepless time...but the gift is NO new cancer.....particularly in the brain...
Wednesday....April 14th...2010
4:00 PM EDT..
Things are happening...
The Neurologist's assistant has visited twice and will be back in shortly...the Neurologist will be in tonight.
The short version.....Linda has mild hydrocephalus not caused by any tumor they can detect.....
What is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within cavities called ventricles inside the brain. CSF is produced in the ventricles, circulates through the ventricular system and is absorbed into the bloodstream. Hydrocephalus occurs when there is an imbalance between the amount of CSF that is produced and the rate at which it is absorbed. As the CSF builds up, it causes the ventricles to enlarge and the pressure inside the head to increase, resulting in hydrocephalus.
Hydrocephalus can occur at any age, though the most well-known forms of hydrocephalus are those that occur at the extremes of life—in infants or the elderly. Hydrocephalus has a variety of causes.
Adult-Onset Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus – This form of hydrocephalus is marked by an accumulation of CSF that causes the ventricles in the brain to become enlarged, sometimes with little or no increase in intracranial pressure. It is most commonly seen in older adults (age 50 and older).
Things are happening...
The Neurologist's assistant has visited twice and will be back in shortly...the Neurologist will be in tonight.
The short version.....Linda has mild hydrocephalus not caused by any tumor they can detect.....
What is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within cavities called ventricles inside the brain. CSF is produced in the ventricles, circulates through the ventricular system and is absorbed into the bloodstream. Hydrocephalus occurs when there is an imbalance between the amount of CSF that is produced and the rate at which it is absorbed. As the CSF builds up, it causes the ventricles to enlarge and the pressure inside the head to increase, resulting in hydrocephalus.
Hydrocephalus can occur at any age, though the most well-known forms of hydrocephalus are those that occur at the extremes of life—in infants or the elderly. Hydrocephalus has a variety of causes.
Adult-Onset Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus – This form of hydrocephalus is marked by an accumulation of CSF that causes the ventricles in the brain to become enlarged, sometimes with little or no increase in intracranial pressure. It is most commonly seen in older adults (age 50 and older).
Wednesday....April 14th...2014
3:20 PM EDT....
Anybody know of a good Neutorlogist to recommend?
We asked nurse Deanna if a patient can go on strike..she said we can do anything we want because the patient is always right...so we informed her we were on strike until the Neurologist shows.......
Wednesday....April 14th...2010
2 PM EDT......
Miss Wood is doing better...the cramping and and nasty results seem to have calmed down....the ostomy nurse and we are thinking it is the liquid diet Linda had been on..ie ENSURE...."ran right through her"....we have asked for solid food.....didn't really get it but at lunch today Linda did much better...
Dave has cleaned Linda up and Linda has cleaned Linda up....brushed her teeth..spiked her hair..she did...etc..etc...opened the blinds...etc...etc.
Linda seems to be more restful...we hope all this is about the crud and nothing more.....
Hey.....if you see a neurologist.....send him our way....
Miss Wood is doing better...the cramping and and nasty results seem to have calmed down....the ostomy nurse and we are thinking it is the liquid diet Linda had been on..ie ENSURE...."ran right through her"....we have asked for solid food.....didn't really get it but at lunch today Linda did much better...
Dave has cleaned Linda up and Linda has cleaned Linda up....brushed her teeth..spiked her hair..she did...etc..etc...opened the blinds...etc...etc.
Linda seems to be more restful...we hope all this is about the crud and nothing more.....
Hey.....if you see a neurologist.....send him our way....
Wednesday...April 14th....2010
10 AM EDT......
Linda is cramping bad..not sure about what that is all about...everyone is waiting for the Neurologist to report of the MRI...the "core" concern at this point....Linda's Oncologist came by....this all has nothing to do with the Alimta treatment he assured...we didn't think it was....
Linda's "abandonment " last night was because of the shift change..one would think they could be a bit more "seamless" in the change..oh well...now she knows now when not to need something...
Our house is sold....closing as soon as possible..what next in terms of returning to Oregon depends on Linda...Dave is covering the options including storing the car at a friend's house until later etc...etc.. The appraisal was not improved upon...ouch...but we did get $10K more so no use being upset....and besides the loan on the house, the money was from profits from the sale of the condo...so it all evens out....and at this point the priority was to have it sold...done.
Now...where is that Neurologist....
Linda is cramping bad..not sure about what that is all about...everyone is waiting for the Neurologist to report of the MRI...the "core" concern at this point....Linda's Oncologist came by....this all has nothing to do with the Alimta treatment he assured...we didn't think it was....
Linda's "abandonment " last night was because of the shift change..one would think they could be a bit more "seamless" in the change..oh well...now she knows now when not to need something...
Our house is sold....closing as soon as possible..what next in terms of returning to Oregon depends on Linda...Dave is covering the options including storing the car at a friend's house until later etc...etc.. The appraisal was not improved upon...ouch...but we did get $10K more so no use being upset....and besides the loan on the house, the money was from profits from the sale of the condo...so it all evens out....and at this point the priority was to have it sold...done.
Now...where is that Neurologist....
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Tuesday....April 13th...2010
10:00 PM EDT.....
Linda called a little while ago and had just completed her MRI...the Neurologist will be reading it and sharing the results in the morning......
Linda said the reason she was left without help earlier in the evening was because of a shift change and she is in quarantine because of her shingles and supposedly those in quarantine are left to the last...we will be fixing that mentality in the am....
Grand daughter Jillian just called...she then called her Gandma to "perk" her up.....which she surely did......good kid...
Night all.....really.....
Linda called a little while ago and had just completed her MRI...the Neurologist will be reading it and sharing the results in the morning......
Linda said the reason she was left without help earlier in the evening was because of a shift change and she is in quarantine because of her shingles and supposedly those in quarantine are left to the last...we will be fixing that mentality in the am....
Grand daughter Jillian just called...she then called her Gandma to "perk" her up.....which she surely did......good kid...
Night all.....really.....
Tuesday...April 13th...2010
9:11 PM EDT......
Linda called about 7 pm..Dave had just arrived home to get some rest.....still no MRI....why did we hustle over to this hospital at 6 am by ambulance to get the test done....and we don't have a clue why some tests were done and the results.....tomorrow we will seek answers.....definitive answers.....
Linda was a bit upset tonight...needed help..called on the call button..no answer for 45 minutes and finally a response...then affirmative response for help but as of 20 minutes later..nobody. We wonder if the day crew had gone home as they were every attentive...maybe it was the night crew and they have different priorities..we will find out tomorrow as Linda should not be getting up by herself....with all the tubes and whistles and all....
No word yet on the appraisal....the broker said it would be last night..then this morning..then tonight.....who knows..hope we are not being set up again....we'd like to sell our Florida home for a fair price and get back to Oregon....
Linda called about 7 pm..Dave had just arrived home to get some rest.....still no MRI....why did we hustle over to this hospital at 6 am by ambulance to get the test done....and we don't have a clue why some tests were done and the results.....tomorrow we will seek answers.....definitive answers.....
Linda was a bit upset tonight...needed help..called on the call button..no answer for 45 minutes and finally a response...then affirmative response for help but as of 20 minutes later..nobody. We wonder if the day crew had gone home as they were every attentive...maybe it was the night crew and they have different priorities..we will find out tomorrow as Linda should not be getting up by herself....with all the tubes and whistles and all....
No word yet on the appraisal....the broker said it would be last night..then this morning..then tonight.....who knows..hope we are not being set up again....we'd like to sell our Florida home for a fair price and get back to Oregon....
Tuesday...April 13th...2010
3 pm EDT.....3 hours ahead of the west coast....
Linda is sleeping fitfully...her coughing wakes her up from time to time. They have given her morphine as well as fluids and antibiotics.
Our hope is that this is all about the upper respiratory and sinus infection she has contacted....Dave and Linda got it at exactly the same time...Dave has had it previously and it lasted over 5 weeks...and now he has it all over again. Linda describes it as the worst illness she has ever had...not counting the cancer....she is absolutely miserable.
While Dave went home to get Linda's power port ID card (they won't use it for contrast without it) and advanced directives...and...and.....Linda's doctor in charge (who she never met previously) came by and evaluated things...the Neurologist assistant came by also (the main reason Linda had to change hospitals as the first one is so new they have yet to have a Neurologist).
The doctor said Linda's sweating and clamminess was due to the infection...she has no fever. The Neurologist Assistant is setting up the MRI to see if there are any tumors in the brain which might be causing some of her symptoms. This has us a bit concerned as that is where lung cancer likes to go. Both Dave's Mom and step sister developed tumors in the brain as a result of stage 4 lung cancer.....we'd like to cross that off and not open that "chapter".
Someone decided to have Linda do an echo cardiogram...seeing if there was a problem there....we have yet to hear the results.
We will update this BLOG as things happen and we have the energy..sleep is lacking right now and things are going slow here.....we are keeping our phones off to preserve the "quiet"...no visitors as Linda is sick and also the shingles has created a big red flag for visitors....
Thanks for the support..just read the BLOG..that's about it....
Linda is sleeping fitfully...her coughing wakes her up from time to time. They have given her morphine as well as fluids and antibiotics.
Our hope is that this is all about the upper respiratory and sinus infection she has contacted....Dave and Linda got it at exactly the same time...Dave has had it previously and it lasted over 5 weeks...and now he has it all over again. Linda describes it as the worst illness she has ever had...not counting the cancer....she is absolutely miserable.
While Dave went home to get Linda's power port ID card (they won't use it for contrast without it) and advanced directives...and...and.....Linda's doctor in charge (who she never met previously) came by and evaluated things...the Neurologist assistant came by also (the main reason Linda had to change hospitals as the first one is so new they have yet to have a Neurologist).
The doctor said Linda's sweating and clamminess was due to the infection...she has no fever. The Neurologist Assistant is setting up the MRI to see if there are any tumors in the brain which might be causing some of her symptoms. This has us a bit concerned as that is where lung cancer likes to go. Both Dave's Mom and step sister developed tumors in the brain as a result of stage 4 lung cancer.....we'd like to cross that off and not open that "chapter".
Someone decided to have Linda do an echo cardiogram...seeing if there was a problem there....we have yet to hear the results.
We will update this BLOG as things happen and we have the energy..sleep is lacking right now and things are going slow here.....we are keeping our phones off to preserve the "quiet"...no visitors as Linda is sick and also the shingles has created a big red flag for visitors....
Thanks for the support..just read the BLOG..that's about it....
Tuesday....April 13th...2010
9 am EDT....We are at the big main hospital in Tampa...
Linda is quite uncomfortable with no sleep..nothing to eat since last night.... nausea.... headache...sweating profusely due to the cough and congestion from the upper respiratory infection....etc...etc.
They have assigned a primary physician to her but she is on her rounds and should arrive soon...so meds can be administered. This physician will also order the MRI......so who knows when that is....
They are concerned that these dilated ventricles in the brain may be tumor caused..so that is the reason for the MRI....this has Linda freaked a bit....particularly with some discomfort in her arms and legs....particularly on the left side.....we are keeping the faith that this is about nothing other than the nasty respiratory infection....
More later....
Linda is quite uncomfortable with no sleep..nothing to eat since last night.... nausea.... headache...sweating profusely due to the cough and congestion from the upper respiratory infection....etc...etc.
They have assigned a primary physician to her but she is on her rounds and should arrive soon...so meds can be administered. This physician will also order the MRI......so who knows when that is....
They are concerned that these dilated ventricles in the brain may be tumor caused..so that is the reason for the MRI....this has Linda freaked a bit....particularly with some discomfort in her arms and legs....particularly on the left side.....we are keeping the faith that this is about nothing other than the nasty respiratory infection....
More later....
Tuesday....April 13th....2010
4:30 EDT...they are getting ready to transport Linda by ambulance to the main "campus"..ie the main St. Joseph's hospital in downtown Tampa...they have seen some dilation in the ventricles of the brain and want to do an MRI now with a Neurologist present to view....they also are doing a different type of scan of the body..searching for a possible clot...the other tests came out ok...so it's about crossing off these additional tests....
So who knows...we are both tired...so onward.....
So who knows...we are both tired...so onward.....
Monday, April 12, 2010
Monday...April 12th...2010
Linda was bad...bad....today with the crud.....
Tonight her blood pressure was all over the place....so off to the emergency room we have gone....pretty neat new hospital within 7 miles of where we live.....open for two months.
Anyway they have stabilized her blood pressure but concerned about possible pnemonia....even though she has had a pnemonia shot.....they are going to pump her full of anitbiotics and fluids....and have done a chest XRAY and now a scan is ordered.....we shall see what all this means....
Linda is not comfortable but tolerating the procedures and all....she is getting hungry...good sign?
More later....
Tonight her blood pressure was all over the place....so off to the emergency room we have gone....pretty neat new hospital within 7 miles of where we live.....open for two months.
Anyway they have stabilized her blood pressure but concerned about possible pnemonia....even though she has had a pnemonia shot.....they are going to pump her full of anitbiotics and fluids....and have done a chest XRAY and now a scan is ordered.....we shall see what all this means....
Linda is not comfortable but tolerating the procedures and all....she is getting hungry...good sign?
More later....
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Sunday....April 11th...2010
Linda is really congested with this "stuff"/"crud"....Dave is not much better...we cancelled a social engagement tomorrow and will go to the Doctor if needed....we loaded up on meds today....but still under the weather...
The appraiser has admitted he was conservative......thanks a lot......the parties have agreed to another appraisal tomorrow....with the report tomorrow night....
The hockey season is over..at least for the Tampa Bay Lightning as they missed the playoffs....Stomkos got another goal today.....Crosby got 2.....Overhkin got 0.....so Crosby and our Stamkos tied for the trophy of most goals scored in this season...the benchmark of 50 goals is an enormous accomplishment..we actually watched all three games today to see how each did...how exciting. Please remember Sidney Crosby was on the Canadian team and scored the goals that beat the USA team.
The appraiser has admitted he was conservative......thanks a lot......the parties have agreed to another appraisal tomorrow....with the report tomorrow night....
The hockey season is over..at least for the Tampa Bay Lightning as they missed the playoffs....Stomkos got another goal today.....Crosby got 2.....Overhkin got 0.....so Crosby and our Stamkos tied for the trophy of most goals scored in this season...the benchmark of 50 goals is an enormous accomplishment..we actually watched all three games today to see how each did...how exciting. Please remember Sidney Crosby was on the Canadian team and scored the goals that beat the USA team.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Saturday....April 10th...2010
Good hockey game tonight with the Lightning winning in a shootout...4 to 3.....but the good news is Stephen Samkos got his 50th goal....(3rd youngest to do so in history).. ...he is tied at 50 with Alex Ovechkin of Washington Capitols (played for Russia in the Olympics)...Sidney Crosby of Pittsburgh Penguins (played for Canada and got the goal that beat the US team) has 49 goals.....all three teams finish the season tomorrow....who will win the trophy for the most goals....
Linda did pretty good today..the upper respiratory and sinus stuff continues for both of us....
No word from the realtor as to how things are going to be "fixed (if there is such a thing) by getting another appraiser involved.....time is running out.
Linda did pretty good today..the upper respiratory and sinus stuff continues for both of us....
No word from the realtor as to how things are going to be "fixed (if there is such a thing) by getting another appraiser involved.....time is running out.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Friday....April 9th...2010
Yesterday and today have been stressful...we had a cash offer on our home here in Florida which we accepted...the buyers wanted an inspection done as well as an appraisal...the realtor arranged both...the inspection went well...the appraisal was an absolute disaster....and has messed up the sale. Now the buyers have countered back a ridiculose low offer...who can blame them on a screwed up appraisal....now the realtor is trying to get another appraisal...blaw..blaw..blaw.
To say we are upset is putting it mildly..a realtor should know how her appraisers work..this one had no clue..the guy based his appraisal on square footage with no consideration of land values, square footage costs between models, improvements, etc..etc. The Realtor said he will be out of the business....but that doesn't help us.
Anyway, Linda is doing well...good infusion Thursday....the cough is still getting to both of us...but she is doing well...being with friends....
Tomorrow we go to Sarasota to see a car the brother of Linda's late husband wants us to view..then on to dinner and our last hockey game of the season.
To say we are upset is putting it mildly..a realtor should know how her appraisers work..this one had no clue..the guy based his appraisal on square footage with no consideration of land values, square footage costs between models, improvements, etc..etc. The Realtor said he will be out of the business....but that doesn't help us.
Anyway, Linda is doing well...good infusion Thursday....the cough is still getting to both of us...but she is doing well...being with friends....
Tomorrow we go to Sarasota to see a car the brother of Linda's late husband wants us to view..then on to dinner and our last hockey game of the season.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Wednesday....April 7th...2010
Busy.....
Linda is doing well..although she has the "crud"...and Dave has it again...upper respiratory infection....feel like crap in the am....better as day goes along.
Linda has chemo tomorrow.....
We hope to hear tomorrow about the appraisal and the home inspection.....if these are handled then it's "closing" on the 16th and we drive out of town on the 18th......
We've been selling some things on Craig's List....a few things left....
Linda is doing well..although she has the "crud"...and Dave has it again...upper respiratory infection....feel like crap in the am....better as day goes along.
Linda has chemo tomorrow.....
We hope to hear tomorrow about the appraisal and the home inspection.....if these are handled then it's "closing" on the 16th and we drive out of town on the 18th......
We've been selling some things on Craig's List....a few things left....
Monday, April 5, 2010
Monday.....April 5th....2010
Several things going on.....
We went to Cocoa Beach to see the space shuttle launch at night..the launch at 6:21 this morning was the last night launch of the shuttle series...there are .three shuttle launches left with all daytime launches. We also got to spend time with Linda's niece Denise.....husband Clark...and daughter Rachel. We enjoy spending time with them....
During the night last night Dave happened to his phone on and received a call that his Mom had passed away. It was expected but not so quickly.....we had hoped to make it back to Oregon to visit one last time. She was blessed with no pain and lived a long life...but was up against impossible odds with her health issues. We are having a family memorial the first part of May when we return.
Our house sale here in Florida is moving forward...the appraisal is tomorrow with the inspection on Wednesday.....we plan on closing on the 16th and begin our cross country trek in the car with personal belongings and all soon thereafter.
Below are various pictures including the last hockey game where we sat so high in the Forum...but worked our way down to the 100 level big spender seats...we have another game tomorrow night..
.
We went to Cocoa Beach to see the space shuttle launch at night..the launch at 6:21 this morning was the last night launch of the shuttle series...there are .three shuttle launches left with all daytime launches. We also got to spend time with Linda's niece Denise.....husband Clark...and daughter Rachel. We enjoy spending time with them....
During the night last night Dave happened to his phone on and received a call that his Mom had passed away. It was expected but not so quickly.....we had hoped to make it back to Oregon to visit one last time. She was blessed with no pain and lived a long life...but was up against impossible odds with her health issues. We are having a family memorial the first part of May when we return.
Our house sale here in Florida is moving forward...the appraisal is tomorrow with the inspection on Wednesday.....we plan on closing on the 16th and begin our cross country trek in the car with personal belongings and all soon thereafter.
Below are various pictures including the last hockey game where we sat so high in the Forum...but worked our way down to the 100 level big spender seats...we have another game tomorrow night..
.
.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Saturday....April 3rd...2010
Thereare two ways to live your life.....one is as though nothing is a miracle..the other is as though everything is a miracle......Albert Einstein
Last night the Tampa Bay Lightning lost 5 - 0...boy did we have a great time...yea right...
Last night the Tampa Bay Lightning lost 5 - 0...boy did we have a great time...yea right...
Yesterday we interviewed a possible realtor recommended by a friend....last night she called to say she might have a buyer...this morning the home was shown....this afternoon we have sold our Florida home (subject to closing).....
Now what?
We plan on driving our car to Oregon....starting about April 18th and arriving in Portland on the 27th.....that way we can get our belongings and art home.....we sold the home "turnkey"...ie sheets, towels, cooking ware, furniture, etc...etc...everything except our personal stuff.
How's Linda ...doing well....doing quite well....Tomorrow we travel to Cocao Beach (on the opposite coast..Atlantic Coast) to visit Linda's niece Denise and her family....and to watch the launch of the shuttle Monday morning.....
.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Thursday....April 1st...2010
No April fools!!!!!
Linda had a great day at the Oncologist.....good CBC numbers.....no need for hydration....no need for procrit....the reexamination of the scan showed no big differences.....no tears....no depression....
Back to the salt mines for her!
Linda had a great day at the Oncologist.....good CBC numbers.....no need for hydration....no need for procrit....the reexamination of the scan showed no big differences.....no tears....no depression....
Back to the salt mines for her!
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