Susan's pain increased somewhat each day on Sat & Sun along with greater fatigue. Her pain eased with Vicodin; and she had more frequent, longer naps than before.
She awoke at 2:30a with severe pain, crying, asking why it was happening. I gave her Vicodin and called UCLA Med Center. I thought the fact that we had weaned her off an anti-inflammatory called Decadron might have resulted in more brain edema (swelling). While that's not clear, the resident neurosurgeon on duty suggested she come in for another MRI.
When a 2nd Vicodin didn't relieve Susan's pain, we left for UCLA at 4:00a. They gave her morphine in the ER which took care of pain and allowed her to rest. She had a CT scan and an MRI during the morning and was admitted to the 7th floor neuroscience unit about 5:00p.
Thankfully, the scans showed no bleeding or severe swelling. However, they did reveal Susan had a sub-acute or mild stroke in the middle of her brain. Although not a full stroke with the classic symptoms, blood supply was cut off to some degree. She had several neurology exams as the team wants to rule out a cause other than cancer or swelling. She is slightly more confused about her general environment and what's going on.
Susan remains under evaluation for the causes of pain and stroke with treatment to follow.
While we continue to navigate the difficulties of Susan's situation, I am reminded that lamentation is the most powerful form of worship. Here is what the prophet Habbukuk has to say:
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on
the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though
there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in
the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.
(Hab 3:17-19)
Lord, have mercy on us.
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