Still in the hospital

Tom decided to stay a whole week in our timeshare at Northside Hospital. No really, he has been there per doctors orders obviously. They are concerned about a couple of things:

1) white spots that appear on his MRI
2) his legs are now numb from the knees down

They've done CT scans, an MRI, an EEG. They took one extraction of spinal fluid from the top of his head, through his Omaya reservoir (the bump). One doctor didn't see anything to be concerned about - that was Wednesday. As of yesterday though, another doctor or doctors took another sample. I don't know why, I'm only assuming that the first doctor may have overlooked something. I do know that the reason for the extraction to begin with was to look for infection or new cancer cells. The results are not in for the second extraction yet. It's frustrating not knowing what's going on. The doctors don't visit very often and when they do it's so quick that it's difficult to converse. It's always a different doctor also. As my dad said, it's as if nobody's in charge.

Tom is receiving physical therapy every day. They have supplied a walker, however Tom insists on using his cane and I don't blame him. Why get him used to using a walker? Take advantage of his determination to use the cane!

His memory is a little slow but I think I'm probably the only person who would know this because I talk to him very frequently. It's probably caused by the seizure.

Tom is in the process of resuming long term disability (LTD). He fought this idea all the way. He really doesn't want to do that but he can't keep up with the pace of the projects right now. His colleagues are still just as concerned and willing to do whatever it takes to keep him on the staff. Let's hope that when the LTD comes to an end that Tom will be fully prepared to take on his role in the group. It's very sad to see him have to make this move. I believe he feels like a failure inside. Everyone is completely behind him though. They've gone above and beyond, as usual, to let him try.

Hopefully he will be discharged on Monday. If you live nearby please stop in for a visit. He needs it.