weekend update

Dad settled into Kernan this weekend. The therapists didn't seem to be around so Dad was able to relax for the upcoming week of therapy. Yesterday, I brought Dad some Gatorade since his salt level still seems to be low. He's not hooked to an iv anymore. I arrived when Dad was having dinner in the kitchen area with other patients. They gave him his steroid, salt, and anti-seizure medication. Afterwards, I was able to take Dad to the Healing Garden and the entrance of the hospital in a wheelchair. Since the wheelchair didn't have any foot rests, Dad crossed his weak right leg over his left leg and lifted his left as I pushed him. Dad seemed to enjoy watching the ants and berries on the bushes. I asked him if he remembers anything about the fall, but still nothing. I told him that some are suspecting that he was attacked, but it didn't bring back any memories.

Today Mom was with Dad since 2:30pm to 8:30pm. We tried to take Dad around the Garden again, but this time we put on these athletic shorts that seems slippery with the cover for the wheelchair seat. Dad kept on slipping down the chair when he crossed his legs. Finally, we took off the seat cover, but he still slipped a little in the shorts. We had to keep stopping to slide Dad back up again. I also found out that Dad has a UTI. Ouch. He's on antibiotics that were started today. Darn catheters. He was given Tylenol for pain.

I tried to wash Dad's hair yesterday, and one of the nurses gave me this odd invention. It was a shower cap with a damp cloth lined inside. You heat it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up, put on the head, massage it, and you don't need to rinse the shampoo/conditioner. Well, Mom called when I slipped it on Dad's head, and I tried massaging with one hand. I realized later that water had dripped down the back of Dad's neck, and his hair wasn't cleaner than with regular way so I brought in shampoo today.

Dad talked a little more since we had to take care of his rent and lease today. He was able to sign his name. In the wheelchair, he tried stepping with both feet and moving the chair forward himself. The right leg is still weak. I'll be calling the therapist tomorrow about his treatment plan.

Poor William had some bleeding today from his wisdom teeth extractions, and Mom said that his face was swollen. He used some black tea bags to try to stop the bleeding. The dentist will look at the stitched tomorrow morning.

Linda and Jae have moved into their new condo. They painted the baby room the lightest blue with white crown molding. Remember no lifting, Linda! Only directing!

With the summer nearing the end, Sam decided to grill some steaks today on the community's gas grill. It was tasty, but I don't think that it helped with lowering his cholesterol levels.

My hair's becoming a bit wild, especially when I wake up in the morning. I'm constantly watering it down. I'll have my Herceptin this Wed. Still no sign of my period since May. My toes are good, no tingling anymore. My thumb joints have been a bit achy lately, but it may be the tubes I have to close and this tough multi-channel pipettor I was using.

Dad at Kernan

Dad was moved to Kernan today at 5pm. Mom and I went to visit around 7pm. We found his dinner (fish, potatoes, broccoli) and helped him eat it. He didn't seem to want to move his arms. The engineers at his work signed a card for him. Dad took the time to read all the notes and signatures. The staff was very helpful in getting us oriented, and Dr. Harrison came by to check on him. Tomorrow, Dad will be meeting with various team members (occupational therapy for his upper body, physical therapy, speech/swallowing therapy), and they will assess how long he will need to be at Kernan.

There is still in iv line in Dad's right bicep that flushes well. He is still on his anti-seizure medication. Dad was watching a wrestling match when we left, although I turned on the TV and chose the channel for him.

William wasn't able to come today because this morning he had all his wisdom teeth extracted. I made an ice pack holder for his head with a sun visor, Mom's socks, safety pins, and a scarf. Maybe I should patent it. Honestly, as I was tying the scarf, I couldn't keep a straight face, but it worked really well.

As I was waiting for William in the dentist's office, I read Rolling Stone's article on Adam Lambert from American Idol and Secretary of Energy and Nobel Prize winner Steven Chu. I have a lot more respect for Rolling Stone for its diverse coverage. It also makes me wonder if Dr. Chu really thinks that the human race is in peril.

Dad's busting out of the hospital tomorrow

Dad's strength seems to have returned today. We asked the nurse in the evening to bring a walker with wheels on the front legs. Amazingly, Dad walked all the way down the hall, maybe 10 yards, and then all the way back to his room. Towards the end, he did start to get tired, and the right foot dragged a little. At the beginning though, there was no lag! Really awesome!

Dad will be moved to Kernan, which is affiliated with the University of Maryland. I went to visit Kernan today before going to work. It is a much bigger facility than Mount Sinai with even a pool for therapy, a larger gym with more equipment, and nicer rooms. The beds actually face each other to promote communication and can be separated by a curtain. Each patient has their own window and shares a bathroom. I think this setup is more comfortable. After Dad's walk down the hall, he probably won't have to stay long at Kernan.

William and I were debating for a while whether to go with Kernan or Mount Sinai. William and I like the pets at Sinai, the step-down program, and the proximity to Mom. I felt good about deciding to go with Kernan when I mentioned to Jennifer, the lab coordinator, that my dad needed rehab, she asked if we were going to Kernan. It seems a friend of hers who had MS learned to walk there, and she thought it was a phenomenal place. =>

Dad took a look at the brochure so he knows where he'll be going. He also was able to give me his ss# and sign his short-term disability form. Great progress. Mom washed his hair and brushed his teeth for his little trip tomorrow. Dad must be feeling better because he was giving her a little attitude.

Kernan is at 2200 Kernan Drive, Baltimore, MD 21207. www.Kernan.org

Dad--Regular patient room Day 4

Dad made great progress today with the physical therapist. He used a walker and was able to walk a few steps out of his room. He took a little break in the hallway. They brought a chair out. On the way back to bed, he was able to walk a bit more quickly. His right foot/leg is responding a bit slow still. They took an x-ray today of his right leg, but there were no injuries seen. Interestingly, when Dad was asked to take a step backwards with his right leg, it was even harder for him to do than walk forward. The therapist said that it was because the muscle in the back of the leg is usually weaker than in the front. Dad was exhausted after the walk and fell asleep immediately.

Dad's sodium levels are right around 135, and he took more salt tablets today. He ate all his meals. The social worker recommended 2 rehab sites, where Dad would stay for perhaps a few weeks, to get his strength back. William, Mom, and I went to one of the sites tonight at Mount Sinai. It's Jewish facility with 3 gyms and lots of pets and a focus on "fun"/recreation. We'll probably check out the other facility tomorrow.

Before lunch, Dad had to use the bathroom. It was the first time I had seem him not in the bed or chair by the bed in a week. He also leans forward in the chair to stretch out his back. He was able to open his eyes more and is aware of his surroundings like on Sunday. You know that he's inspecting himself when he looks down, especially his arms, and is saying Jeez at the needle marks. they take his blood every 6 hours. He even took off one of the cottonballs/tape by himself today. Mom washed his hair and brushed his teeth so Dad was resting comfortably when we left. He should have gotten a laxative at 10pm tonight and his anti-seizure meds and steroids are gradually being decreased.

It was such a huge improvement today that Dad really may be able to be moved to the rehab facility tomorrow. Cognitively, Dad seems fine, but if you ask him a ques when he's drowsy, he may repeat the answer that he said previously.

I haven't seen Dr. Q in person in a few days, but it was funny that when I was watching Nova Science NOW tonight, he was on it. The show was covering scientists that came from humble backgrounds, ie Einstein and Mendeleev. Dr. Quinones-Hinojosa illegally immigrated from Mexico, but now runs his own lab and is a brain surgeon. Sam found this site: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/dome/0609/top_story.cfm

I worked in the lab for about 3.5 hours today since I was watching Dad do his physical therapy, but I still got some good results at work. Even with me seeing the rehab center, Sam came back later than I did. I'm glad that Linda and little JH are doing OK after their bit of alarm this past weekend. It was a good day. =>

Dad--Patient room Day3

Yesterday, Dad had low sodium levels that seemed to make him very sleepy. He was given actual salt tablets, and his water intake was restricted. He was also put back on the catheter because they gave him something that sounds like Lasix that made him pee a lot to get the fluids out of his system.

He could hardly keep his eyes open. Even though he ate a full lunch and dinner, he didn't try to eat by himself. Dad and I almost had synchronized echocardiograms. I had mine to check on any effects of Herceptin on my heart, and Dad had his to check on a possible heart attack that would make him pass out. Dad's echo as well as EKG came back great. The cardiologist stopped by when we were washing Dad's hair and said he didn't see any heart damage. =>

Today, Dad seemed a bit more responsive, but still not as good as Sunday. He still couldn't keep his eyes open for long. He did eat dinner by himself though. A CT was done that showed no change in his brain, no more bleeding. Oddly, Dad's right foot hurt when I moved it to massage it. It was right up at bottom of his foot by his toes. We changed his "stockings" that are suppose to put pressure on his calves/foot and prevent clots with the air massage cuffs.

I forgot to ask why they changed Dad's anti-seizure medications tonight. The nurse told us. Also, we were told that possibly Dad may be able to be moved to a rehab facility on Thurs. The speech/eating therapist and occupational/physical therapist came by today to work with Dad. Dad's still on a soft food diet. Dad hopefully got at least 1.5 hours of undisturbed sleep this afternoon. Mr. Andrew left yesterday, and now a new roomie, who unfortunately is hard of hearing, had moved in today. We left Dad with earplugs in.

We're getting a bit concerned by his slower progress. He just feels so tired, and his brain needs to heal. His right foot is still weak, but his muscle strength, especially on his upper body, is very good. His sodium is around 130 today, but yesterday, it was about 126. Normally, it's suppose to be 136 to 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) of blood. Hopefully, tomorrow his sodium levels will be up, and he'll feel more energetic. I'm gonna stuff some salt packets into my purse now.

Dad in regular room

Well, Dad was finally moved to a regular patient room today. He has a roommate, Mr. Andrew, that he shares the bathroom, but they have their own TVs and curtained areas. Dad is not on a constant heart monitor anymore, but earlier in the day when he was still at NCCU, I didn't see any dips. Dad ate both his lunch and dinner, although dinner was not as appealing to him it seems. Everything's chopped up so we put on salt and butter and hoped for the best. He's still downing the cranberry juice.

Dad has his own phone (410-502-4222). He passed the neurological test very well, especially with the date and place questions. His right foot is still a bit weak so he didn't walk today. Tomorrow he will meet with the physical therapists.

He's still not talking much, but I think that it has to do mostly with his energy levels and not confusion. He's off the catheter.

I saw Dr. Quinones (Dad's main doc) on TV last night. He was helping with a biking fundraiser for brain tumor patients. Kinda funny to see your doc on the news channel.

Dad--Day 6 in NCCU

Dad was able to sit in a chair and eat his dinner tonight. Dr. Duckworth agrees that he is doing very well and can be moved to a regular patient room within a day or two. The overnight EEG, that was done last night, didn't show any epileptic episodes. The two anti-seizure medications seem to be working well.

Last night Dad was able to move his right toes again during his exam, a very good sign. He could move them tonight, too, although they're not as strong as the left toes. He will try walking tomorrow.

Since Dad hasn't eaten anything since Tues. (only soup), he's on a soft food diet. He drank about 3 cups of cranberry juice and ate lemon pudding, potato soup, mashed potatoes with butter, and finely chopped green beans and turkey with gravy. He was really full afterwards!

Last night, Dr. Xiong informed us that Dad has a skull fracture of the left side of his head and showed us the CT scan. Dad must have fallen and cracked his skull from his forehead straight back to the back of his head. It will heal on its own. As for the blood in the left frontal lobe of his brain, there will always be traces of blood in the area, if he should have another CT scan in the future, but the pain should go away.

Dad watched the Discovery channel tonight, which showed this guy working at a garbage site in CA. Some really gross stuff, especially after dinner. Dad read the card from his co-workers tonight, using Mom's glasses. He was looking for the signature of one guy, which he found. Dr. Duckworth walked in at that time. When I pointed out that Dad was wearing my mom's reading glasses (had rhinestones on the sides), it was the first time that I saw him really smile the whole time in the hospital.

Dad's heart monitor showed some couplets for the first time tonight. Usually, we saw an occasional dip on the monitor, but there were two dips tonight before it went back to normal. Dad's echocardiogram will need to be done. Dr. Duckworth mentioned that he will probably need a stress test, where he runs on a treadmill while being monitored.

When we left tonight after 8 pm, Dad still wanted to sit up and watch TV. He would call Nurse Crystal whenever he wanted to go back to bed. He's much more like himself, even asking where Dr. Duckworth came from, but with time, he should become much more talkative. His arm/hand motor skills are excellent since he ate with a utensil and held the cup by himself. He'll just need some physical therapy to strengthen his muscles to walk since he's been in bed for 6 days. He's still sensitive to light and sound, but he only indicated that he was in pain a few times during the visit.

William took me and Mom to Mughal garden, an Indian restaurant on Charles St., between visits (12-2pm, 5-8pm) since we didn't have much time to go home to eat. Apparently, Indian food makes William very, very sleepy.

Dad--Day 4 in NCCU

Dad looked much better today. When I went to see him from noon to 2 with my aunt and uncle, he would moan every now and then, but not constantly like yesterday. I was surprised to find that he was only given Tylenol at the time. Other pain killers were not given because they made him drowsy.

In the evening, the neurological test was done by Nurse Crystal. Dad did very well in his responses, such as moving his arms and answering questions about where he was, but he still can't wiggle his right toes. He can lift his right leg though. He indicated that his upper abdomen and head hurt.

Dr. Thomas showed us the results of the CT scan of his head and spine. It seems that there's a mass of blood inside his left front part of Dad's brain. It's bigger and more internal than I had thought. The area is a bit swollen and is pushing the left side a bit into the right side of the skull. It also turns out that the blood in the back area is actually on the right side and is near the top of the head (superficial).

Dad was able to say some sentences today (Thank you, sir./I'm fine.) and was lucid enough to say bye to my uncle by name when he left. One funny incident was when Crystal was doing the neurological exam, she asked Dad to stick out his tongue and move it left to right. Then, she asked him to move his eyes upward, but Dad still had his tongue sticking out. He ended up moving both his eyes and tongue upwards.

Dad's hands were nice and warm at the noon visit, but were cold again in the evening. Mom and I gave Dad a foot massage since those were cold, too. His angiogram is set for tomorrow, and we signed the consent forms. Dad was suppose to have it today, but there weren't any openings. Charles from the Neurology Intervention Unit came by to have the forms signed and nicely explained what will be done tomorrow. In the angiogram, a small tube about the size of the end of a pen will be inserted into the artery in the groin and threaded up toward the brain to release the dye. They will get a clearer picture of the blood vessels in his brain. Dad is second in line tomorrow morning for the procedure, and I will go with him for it, which should start at 9am and end around 10 am.

Of concern, we don't know what the blood is masking in the brain. Dr. Thomas (young woman) mentioned that there could have been a small stroke in the left front area that lead to the bleeding. Tumor has not totally been ruled out because they can't see anything with the blood. It's just all white in the CT scan.

Instead of overnight EEG, Dad had a 45-min one this morning, which did not show seizure activity. The anti-seizure medicine seems to be working, but he may be having small seizures intermittently. Dr. Thomas said that some activity that looked like the start of a seizure was seen, but it didn't progress.

Although Dad has bruises and scrapes on his right knee (the most), right elbow (3 spots), and slight surface scratches on his forehead (2 on either side of his hairline, the middle, 2 above either eyebrow), the only thing that indicates a major injury is his bruised right eye. He doesn't remember the fall at all (where or what happened). Mom said that Dad told her he went to sleep at 6pm the night before, which is really early even for Dad. It makes us wonder if he had an "incident" the night before, but how he drove to work is beyond us. He did arrive later than usual, which is 5:30am, and came past 5:50am.

Hopefully, the blood will reabsorbed on its own, but there's a lot more there than we initially thought. More answers should come tomorrow with the angiogram.

Dad in hospital

This entry is mostly for myself since it's been really crazy for the last few weeks.

I had Herceptin last Wednesday without any complications. That's the good news.

The bad news is that I've been in the ER once a week for the last 3 weeks. At first, Jun, a post-doc in the lab, got attacked while riding his bike to work. He just needed a tetanus shot and a fresh bandage. That was on William's birthday, Aug 2.

Then, the following weekend, Sam hit his head on the rotating ceiling fan. Because of the bleeding and dizziness, we spent about 8 hours in ER so that Sam could get 2 stitches, a tetanus shot, and CT scan. He got out the stitches a week later at the Howard County General Hospital ER.

This Monday Dad had a CT scan done at St. Joseph's hospital and was found to have bleeding the the brain. He was taken by ambulance to Hopkins Neurology Critical Care Unit, along with Mom. Dad had fallen earlier in the day and was walking erratically. Since Dad refused to call 911, the supervisor sent him home. Mom attended him, but he had a horrible migraine and threw up.

Dad arrived at Hopkins around 4:30 PM on Monday and has had a splitting headache since then. Another CT scan was done when he arrived, but the MRI was not completed until the next morning at 8AM. They showed that he had 3 areas that had bled-- 2 on the forehead and one in the back left. The CT yesterday did not show an increase in blood, good. The MRI did not show any tumors, although the MRI could not clearly show the brain behind the blood. Dad will need an MRI in about a month when the blood should have cleared on its own.

At this time he does not need surgery. He had an EEG done today which shows that he is having seizures, although we cannot see them visually. The seizures are most likely due to the blood irritating the brain. Tonight he will have an EEG along with a video camera to monitor him and the seizures. He's been given a new anti-seizure medication--fospheyntoin, which is given 2x daily.

I was able to observe Dad directly today when my aunt and uncle came to visit at noon. He responded very well to commands even though he was in severe pain. No pain meds were given to him at that time because they wanted to monitor his seizure activity without the meds. His head was burning up so we put cold compresses on his head, which made him feel better.

Tonight, Dad's response to commands were not as good. He has trouble wiggling his right toes, although he can still feel. There was a slight trembling in his right arm. The blood pool on the left side of the brain is bigger, and therefore more irritating on the left side. After a new doc checked him out, another CT without contrast was ordered for tonight to include Dad's spine. When either of his feet are pushed back, there's some trembling.

I met Dr. Quinones this afternoon. His lab is on the same floor as mine in CRB II. He took a look at the results on the test with basically CT and a dye. This was to determine any weak vessels in his brain. There seemed to be some slight leaking centrally, but it may have been "background". An angiogram, where a dye is administered in the artery in your groin, will be done tomorrow to see if there really is any leakage. A catheter was inserted today to better observe urine output.

I'll meet up with my aunt and uncle again tomorrow at noon and Mom and William at around 5pm. Dad's in the Meyer building, 7th floor.