A Little Set Back

If you read my prior post, then you know that Dan's tumor was malignant.  Turns out he also has a spot (3 cm) on his lung.  At this point, the natural assumption is that he has lung cancer which has metastasized to his brain.  Our neurosurgeon feels that is what indeed has happened, but until we get the final pathology report sometime next week, we won't know for sure.  I know what you are thinking, and no-there is no good reason why Dan should have lung cancer. He never smoked one cigarette, his work  environment was not an issue, as far as we know he had no radon exposure.  For his risk factors and age, Dan fits into the 1% category of people who have lung cancer.  We may never know why.

The more pressing issue we have been facing the past couple of days is the fact that Dan developed what is called Wallenberg Syndrome.  Essentially that means he had a mini-stroke.  We don't know when this occurred, there are several possibilities.  What has happened is he has no sense of balance.  He has some strength in his arms/legs, numbness in his hands/feet, and no ability to sit up or stand.  When the physical therapist gets him sitting up on the bed, he feels like he is floating in water and has trouble determining where his mid-point is.  He is also having trouble with his hand/eye coordination.   The good news is that the doctor feels that most or all of his function can be restored through heavy physical therapy.  So, that means they will be moving Dan to Elks Rehab Hospital (across the street from where he currently is).  They are going to start him on a heavy 3-hour a day rehab program with the hopes that he can become independent in the next few weeks and we can get him home.  This will be very important as we also need to begin his radiation/chemo treatments once we have final pathology.

The current plan is to get him transferred to Elks as soon as possible (there is a shot it could happen today, Saturday, but may not be until early next week).  Dan's mom is coming next week, and once he is settled, there will be some opportunity for limited visitation.  With so much happening, Dan has not felt up to receiving visitors, and he tires easily.  We know everyone is concerned, and is thinking of him and I hope this blog will be a good source to try and keep everyone updated.  Please feel free to leave a message for Dan on here and I will read them all to him.  We really appreciate all your love and support!