Hello All our Prayer Warriors,
This is going to be a lengthy update, so, men bear with me, women…..indulge yourselves. J
We began with radiation at 7:40 and then met with Dr. Manon, our radiologist. I learned something new. The plasmacytoma on my spine, is very radiation sensitive, i.e., radiation reduces it significantly because the tumor can’t stand up to the radiation. Good news.
Then we went to Dr. Matthew Bury, our neurosurgeon. This was probably our most informative, humorous meeting of the day. He came in and was still in awe that I had walked into his office on my own accord. No wheelchair. He told us, “You have to understand, this is not what I usually see after your type of surgery. I have done two surgeries, just like yours, since then, and they have not had as good an outcome as you have had. You are lucky.” I told him luck had nothing to do with it, it was God. He just looked at me and shook his head, still not believing what he was seeing. He also asked us if he was…..gruff, when he visited us in the hospital. I told him he was, but that I would take his skill any day over that. He said, “I know, but I really need to work on that. Can you tell me what I said, or what I did that made me come off that way because I really don’t mean to be that way. My nickname in Med school was Eeor”. (remember we called him Dr. Dark, the name Mike Thomas gave him) We had a good laugh and he proceeded to share more.
He explained that when he came into the ER and reviewed my case that night, he had to make a decision to either operate right away, or wait until the morning. (My chances for walking again had he waited would have been 0) He said, “I told myself, this is a young woman who just presented a few hours ago with paralysis and maybe I can help her”. So, he said he just couldn’t live with himself if he could have made a difference, but didn’t at least try. So, he operated and said we definitely had time on our side.
He also explained that the “Hardware” I had in my thoracic spine should not prohibit movement. The cervical and lumbar are really where all your movement comes from”. So, that really made me feel better. He also said he expected my imbalance to improve and for the stiffness I feel in my back to go away. So, truthfully, I had not heard that before, and to hear it from HIM, really encouraged us. He also said I could sit up and put the brace on, so now I can relax in bed without the brace on and I can sit in the recliner without it. Again, good news.
Ron and I had breakfast at Brian’s Restaurant on Orange (my first restaurant since surgery) and then we went to Physical Therapy (PT). Brenda, instead of Rod, was my therapist and we began to evaluate my progress. It was very encouraging to actually SEE the progress on the machine that tells you exactly WHERE your imbalance is. I had improved, but still needed improving. So, then we went to the exercise table and she added some strengthening exercises for my core, since I can now remove my brace while sitting up. Then we went to the parallel bars and she had me stand with my feet touching each other, arms crossed over my chest and eyes closed; an exercise I have been practicing at home. I passed with flying colors. In other words, too easy…let’s make it harder. So, now I stand on a pillow, which serves as an unstable surface, with my feet together, arms crossed and eyes closed. Ron or the girls stand with me to make sure I am safe. Unless it’s Ron, I feel safe. Ron is too much of a jokester and taps my arm when I am not falling just to make me laugh. I know all you men are dying laughing and the women, most of you, are saying, “Oh, that is mean!” Ah, laughter is good medicine and Ron is an expert at making me laugh. This exercise was very difficult when I began doing it. I am also continuing on the WII. I have added the soccer “Balance” game and I am a horrible player on that. But, this is my first day. It is so good to get different exercises. It cuts down on the boredom. So, again, good news.
Now you should all feel caught up and know how to pray specifically. We hope to share Christ with Dr. Bury again. His treatment of me and my case will cause him to reevaluate how he decides to operate, maybe when and why and how quickly. Only our Father knows where all this will lead, but we are confident that He is in Control and has a perfect plan. Pray for my patience with my progress. I was reminded at each appointment, of how far we have come and what COULD have been, but because of God’s wonderful mercy and love, was NOT my outcome.
I’ve had three radiation treatments and have had no reaction. However, it IS early. Keep praying for this phase. We go every morning at 7:40 and are done in about 10 minutes. We have 12 more to go.
Ron and I thank you for praying, it takes time and commitment on your part, and we are the better for it.
Blessed to serve Him,
Jenny
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