Karen and I are getting ready to return to Duke Medical Center soon. This trip will be a quick-hitter, only a couple of days. The Duke Cancer Center (the Robert Preston Tisch Brain Tumor Center - Where Hope Lives, to be exact) is expecting our visit. They have worked closely with our local doctors, especially Dr. David Einspahr, our oncologist. They make a fantastic team.
We had a scary experience Sunday. I had a seizure for the first (and I hope only) time. I had just gotten up and was letting my dog out when I fainted and lost consciousness. I hit my head pretty hard and bled a lot from my forehead. Karen was really really frightened but she kept her wits about her. She called 911 and emergency responders and an ambulance rushed to our house. I was still out of it as the paramedics took charge and I didn't really begin to track events until they had me in the hospital's emergency room. They told Karen not to follow the ambulance to the emergency room but to give them five minutes head start. According to Karen, I was combative and I was not cooperative. They managed without my help.
A nurse friend of ours has told us that a seizure is not necessarily a bad sign at all and that it may indicate healing is taking place. That's what we are praying is happening. Anyway, they have tuned up the Keppra (anti-seizure medication). It may have been set too low.
Karen and I visited with our family doctor today, Mike Atwood, who went over our experience with us in detail. I had an MRI yesterday and Mike was very pleased with the results of the tests. That really made our day and Karen is still smiling with relief.
The seizure has, at least temporarily (6 months maybe?) revoked my driving rights. My beloved Audi will have to sit in the garage for now, I guess.
Nathan and Danielle, Karen and I are looking forward to seeing you soon. Are you ready for a couple of low-maintenance guests? I hope your invitation is still on. We'll see you soon.
Love,
John
A River Runs Through Lindenlure
11 years ago
5 comments:
Hi John,
We can't wait to see you and Karen!! I'm preparing the guest room this weekend - you couldn't be any easier guests!
Love you guys,
Danielle
Hi John,
So glad to get this messaage and you and Karen have been in my prayers constantly.
I know the driving thing is the pitts but sit back and enjoy!
I know Nathan and Danielle mean it when they say you are welcome! Danielle wants her "mother in law" to be close, she must be a keeper!
Love to you all,
Martha
Hey J,
We are soo glad to hear that your MRI results showed significant improvement, yesterday! :)
We look forward to getting back to town and seeing you, soon (and we'll get our coffee).
Take every small victory and celebrate, and every bump in the road in stride-- we're keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. God is working in you, and we can see it. We love you; you're strength is amazing!
Love,
Lil A
Hey John,
Glad that you made it through that experience without worse damage. Are you still going to be able to get on your bike? I went flying over the handles of my bike last night coming home from work. Ibuprophen is my new best friend. I hope you have a great visit to Duke, though I never thought I'd utter those words. Go Terps...
Hang in there. You can be sure I'm praying with you just as hard.
Phil
John--
I have had seizures in my life and have taken medicine for them since age 16. They are scary when you realize just the wrong time and something permanent can happen bad. Please be careful as I am glad to hear you made it ok! I can relate to seizures better than cancer. Have a great day and glad to hear you are recovering. I hope Duke goes well!!
Brian G
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