OK, here we go!

 

It has been a long winter. Due to medical problems, we regretfully will not be able to make it up to our summer place in Custer, SD. this summer. We will both really miss the beautiful Black Hills. We have spent every previous summer in the hills since 1995.

If you wish to read the entire careingbridge journal of our medical activities for the winter, you may go to:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mikemcfall2

I have been being treated for Prostrate Cancer that had metastasized in my bones.  I was being injected with a special “radio active” drug called Xofigo.

After my 6th monthly and last Xofigo infusion on May 12th, we had planned to head towards our place in Custer, SD. However, the Dr. wanted me to get another Nuclear Bone scan before we leave. That scan has been scheduled for May 29th. That should really tell us what this treatment has done to the Cancer in my bones. Keeping my fingers crossed on that one!

Now the "BAD" news. As most of you know, for about the past 3 or 4 months, Ms. Pat has had a pinched nerve in her Cervical spine that has been causing pain, numbness and weakness in the left arm and hand. She has been taking constant Physical Therapy and has had an Epidural in the cervical area in an effort to reduce the pain and swelling around the nerve. The treatments have been unsuccessful and haven't helped the pain. We were advised that she must have surgery as soon as possible to fix the narrowing of the spinal canal that is causing the pain. Failing to relieve the pressure on the nerves in the spinal canal could cause permanent damage and possible paralysis. The diagnosis is Cervical Spondylosis with Myelopathy.

It was decided that she would have this major Cervical Spine surgery (C2 to C7) on Tuesday, May 13. Everything went well except for one minor glitch. One of the screws went just inside the spinal column fluid. It did not affect the spinal cord but needless to say, it caused some blood and/or fluid to enter the brain and cause a few problems. So now she is on bed rest until a Neuro Surgeon and the Orthopedic Surgeon can put their heads together and figure out a good time to do the next surgery.

We had two or three Doctors trying to get their heads together as to when this second surgery should be done. This surgery will be to remove the screw that went array and replace it in it's proper place. The rod in that side of her spine has to be removed, then the screw replaced in the proper spot and the rod replaced. Fortunately, only one of the six screws has to be removed.

After a lot of discussion between the Orthopedic and the Neuro-Surgeon doctors, along with some out-of-state specialists, it was decided that the surgery should be delayed 5 to 7 weeks. It was further agreed that she could come home and receive home care nursing and home physical therapy. She will also receive constant care and watched closely by Lisa (her daughter) and I.

We brought Pat home late on the afternoon of Wednesday May 21st.  She enjoyes being home in her own surroundings and bed. Especially she was so glad to see Ms Megabyte2. However, she misses the really great care and special services she received from the nurses and of course, the meals being delivered after she ordered them from the hospital menu. Plus they always brought Lisa and I our own plate.

She walks well with a walker, however, we are extremely concerned and worried about the numbness and loss of feeling in her hips, legs and toes.  This has improved very little, if any, since the surgery. The Drs tell us it will improve in time. We may be a little impatient, but we are watching closely for this improvement.  As I mentioned, she will receive professional Physical Therapy and we will keep her exercises going as needed here at home. Our daughter Lisa from Florida has been a real blessing for us.

I know you will all keep her in your prayers, as they are much needed and appreciated.

I will do my best to keep you current on Ms. Pats progress and any other changes in her condition. More on the careingbridge site than here.

This kind of brings you all up to date on what is happening right now with us. 

God Bless

Mike