Noel S - Update #8

Hello, everyone 

Noel has been down a long road the past couple of months with his surgery and the rehabilitation that has followed.  While he still has a long way to go, we have been encouraged by his progress thus far.  

He is two weeks into radiation/chemo and has four more weeks of treatment ahead.  The radiation/chemo treatment has not been as bad as the doctors warned us it could be, and he has suffered no side effects (e.g. nausea, etc.) due to chemo.  The radiation side effects are primarily significant fatigue, and he has found it difficult to stay awake after a 20-minute radiation treatment.  The doctors assure us that this kind of fatigue is normal and to be expected.  Even with the fatigue of the radiation, his overall strength, stamina, and energy level are slowly returning. 

Noel has continued working hard on his physical therapy, and a physical therapist typically makes a home visit home 3X per week.  This PT was temporarily suspended because he developed an extensive DVT (deep venous thrombosis/blood clot) in one leg. The doctors reassured us that this is not uncommon for patients with Noel’s cancer diagnosis.  He is receiving anticoagulant therapy for the DVT and it seems to be working well.  

Prior to surgery, he had right hemiparesis, and these symptoms seem to be resolving fairly quickly thanks to his physical therapy and rest.  As a result, he is able to use his right hand/arm for nearly everything, except handwriting and typing, which continue to be challenging for him.  

Thanks again for all your cards, emails, and other expressions of support and encouragement.  They mean a lot to Noel, and he appreciates them (as do we) more than you know.  Hopefully his treatment and rehabilitation will continue to be uneventful and will go well.  

Until the next update, happy Easter.

Noel S - Update #7

Noel is continuing to make progress.  Although he’s frustrated by feeling easily fatigued, he recognizes that this body is rebuilding its strength after the trauma of brain surgery.  His most recent MRI showed that the spot from which the tumor was removed shows no signs of cancer re-growth.  The surgeon told Noel today that he could be a poster boy for this surgery because he’s making such good progress.  Noel is back to answering Jeopardy questions in the evenings-showing that his store of knowledge and memory seem to be functioning well.

He starts radiation and chemo on Thursday and has been warned about the possibility of increased fatigue.  He's also been advised that exercise and a high protein diet can combat the fatigue.  So, don't be surprised if you see him power-walking (or bush-hogging) with turkey legs and broccoli in each hand.  

To all who have sent cards and emails with good wishes — thank you!  These messages have kept his spirits up and are encouraging his recovery efforts.  He wants to respond to everyone to show his appreciation, however, his typing and handwriting are still a bit slow at this point.  Sandy is taking dictation and trying to let everyone know that the prayers, humor, and good karma are all well received.