Head, thoracic, knees, and toes.
This week has felt overwhelming.
Troy and I went on a short walk around our neighborhood, and we saw our 87-year-old neighbor, “Grandma,” taking out the garbage. When we first moved into our house five years ago, we introduced ourselves to each other. She said her name was Pat, but everybody called her Grandma, so it stuck. She gave us both a big ‘ol hug and said in her Southern Texas accent that she was so happy to see us. Then she turned to me and asked, “How ya holdin’ up, hunny?”
“Fine.”
Which I am! It’s truly the strength of Yeshua, not our own, that we’re able to keep it together to do all the things. We’ve had good days and bad days, bleh days and super fun days.
But this week was full of appointments, so let’s get to it.
Speech therapy: This was a follow up to his previous appointment to clear him for any cognitive concerns. They went over the results from his previous appointment, how to recognize when to pay attention to things, that memory can be reduced when stressors take over, and how our brains are similar to batteries. Imagine your phone. It’s working all day, and the next thing you know, you’re down to 20%. Don’t let yourself get to 20 % before you plug it in and walk away to let it recharge.
Optometry: Troy developed a stye in his right eye and was seen by our eye doctor before his seizure. At that appointment, we decided we would wait a little bit to see if the stye would go away, and schedule his eye exam in a couple of months for another exam. This was that appointment. Troy’s tumor was pressing on his occular nerves, which affected his vision, and he was given a new prescription.
Radiology: To follow up from his last appointment with his PCP, Troy had his MRI to get a clearer, more detailed image of what’s happening with his back. This was painful for him since he had to lay completely flat on a hard table but he handled it so well!
It’s written in Troy’s work release letter that he needed flexibility to make all of these appointments. We’ve had a few hiccups along the way with work, and while we won’t go into detail or discuss it, we’d appreciate your prayers in this matter.
Neurosurgery: This is not the neurosurgeon who performed Troy’s surgery but an extension of the department that oversees the spinal side. We learned there is approximately 40% height loss of T7 with associated edema, mild chronic height loss of T4, and mild central height loss of T9. Right now, his body is doing what it’s supposed to do to heal itself, however painful.
The PA checked his reflexes and muscle strength, and because there are no deficiencies (he still has feeling, bend his knees, can use the bathroom, etc.) there are a few options for treatment: wear a brace, physical therapy, out patient surgery where there is some “cement” fluid inserted to bring the vertebrae back to normal size, or back surgery with all the bolts and pins. Because he’s about 4 months out from the fracture Troy will wear a brace as a self-reminder to try and not overdo it.
Radiation: Today was the day! There was so much leading up to his 5:45 pm appointment, it gave us plenty of time to worry about the unknown. Thankfully, the Lord is in the details. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful, and the unit itself was peaceful. So much so, he almost fell asleep to yacht rock. The appointment was scheduled for only 15 minutes, and the next six weeks were all planned out. He had a slight headache afterward which is normal, and no other side effects. Here’s a video about the process.
In the waiting room, there are books, magazines, crunchy ice, and candy for all the patients and caretakers. There’s also a stack of sealed envelopes written to encourage those going through radiation. I grabbed the envelope on top and, this is what it said:
But Adonai — it is he who will go ahead of you. He will be with you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you, so don’t be afraid or downhearted. -Deuteronomy 31:8
Love you all,
Troy, Stephanie, & Family