Monday, April 20, 2009

Still here

We are still at Woodlands Memorial Hospital. Marc seems a little more communicative tonight than he has been. So far his tests showed a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the femoral and poplietal veins in the left leg; the same leg as the previous DVTs in December. The Dr. recommended that Marc have an inferior vena cava filter placed to prevent future pulmonary emboli. The filter will block any large clots from going to the heart, lungs or brain while at the same time allowing blood flow through the vena cava; thus preventing complications such as stroke, heart attack or pulmonary emboli. The filter was inserted under conscious sedation today using the same procedure they use for cardiac caths only in the femoral vein instead of the femoral artery. The procedure took only about 10 minutes and Marc was laughing and smiling when he came out, from the "happy juice" he was given for sedation. It was nice to see him smile as it has been awhile.

The neurologist and the neuro-oncologist still believe that the issue was weaning Marc from the steroids. The steroids worked well keeping the inflammation from the brain and when they were stopped the inflammation returned and presented itself with the seizures. Marc is back on the steroids and will remain on them, we just have to find the right dose. You can bet I will argue if they tell us to wean them again! They have also added another antiseizure medicine to the list of medicines he is taking. It's a good thing that Marc is good at taking pills or I would really have my hands full. So far this admission he has had 3 CT scans all showing no changes and has an MRI scheduled for tomorrow.

Marc has been up walking in the room today and told me "We have to walk!" and headed out the door to the hallway. He then stopped at a wheelchair that was in the hall, sat down and said "now walk"; so he sat and I walked (pushed). He sure hasn't lost his warped since of humor.

Julie is going to bring the grandkids up to see him later tonight for a bit and I am sure that will thrill him. He always perks up when they are around.

I will post more in a couple of days. Your prayers and thoughts are appreciated.

3 comments:

Jill said...

Marc, Glad to know that , you still have your wit.... Iam sure and the kids will be glad to see you....the pictures of Easter are Great to see...Abigal, has those beautiful long eyelashes...along with Annie's and Brayden's...how cute...we keep you in our prayers...and big hugs...your Sis Jill and Byron..keep up that walking...??

Mastertech said...

Hang in there, Marc!
Like always I appreciate y'all keeping us updated on Marc's condition.
Marc, we are praying for you buddy!!!

HayJude said...

Marc and family,

As always, we (Class of 69) are keeping up with your activities. Sounds like you have a busy schedule. Ron T is keeping you in his thoughts & I will keep him updated as time goes on.
When you think of going in for an MRI -- think of what it was like in "Ye 'Ol Mill" -- State Fair. Spooky!!!
Thanks to your wife and family for keeping the blog updated.
We hold you all in our hearts!!
Judy