Back in the saddle

Last week certainly brought news we were all hoping never to hear, but it's time to move on, forge ahead and see what God has in store for us. While Randy and I were recharging our batteries in Kewadin, MI (at the A-Ga-Ming Resort overlooking beautiful Torch Lake), there were a few bits of news.

Karl's heart rate still continued to be elevated, so after talking it over with the endocrine team, Teresa, his PA-C, ordered some doppler studies to rule out a blood clot. Well...they found one. It was located in his groin area and had partially broke off and went into his lung. Karl said they were not concerned and they put him on coumadin to thin his blood. I asked Karl when they were going to find something good...like a golden egg stuck somewhere. Randy replied that if they did find a golden egg, they'd never tell anyone.

Dr. Yaszemski was finally in town again and talked to Karl on Friday. He told Karl that after extensive consultation with many other physicians, he thought it would be best to surgically remove the tumor. At the same time, they would also remove all of Karl's rods and screws and put a tissue flap on both his rear end and heel. He said the surgery would last hours rather than days it took in 2008. He said the earliest the surgery could take place is Thursday, Aug. 5, but needed to assemble the appropriate team with the plastic surgeons being the most important. Another caveat is that Dr. Y is also on call as the trauma surgeon that day and he told Karl he wanted him to be his entire focus that day.

Dr. Y did deliver good news: he didn't feel Karl would lose total function of his legs afterall. He said he'd probably be weaker in the knees, but with therapy he'd be able to build up his strength and use them as he does now. Dr. Y did say Karl would spend a good amount of time at Mayo, but not as long as last time. He also said that if the structure failed, he'd reinstall the rods and screws, but by taking them out, there wouldn't be the chance for reinfection. By the way, his hydrotherapeutic lavage sessions are going very well. They are keeping the infection at bay and his decubes are improving. Karl will also probably get a dose of radiation in his back. They are concerned he couldn't handle another round of chemotherapy and since this area hasn't been exposed to radiation in the past, they are comfortable with that as an option.

Karl is comfortable and confident. We are all very happy that they will keep Karl at St. Mary's/Mayo for a period of time. We know he's getting phenomenal care. Right now brother Kirk is there with Mom, who twisted her knee again. She was promptly given a cane by the wonderful girls in rehab and Karl reported today that she seems to be walking better already.

We feel your prayers and are most thankful for them. Keep them coming!

Blessings,

Kerry