Wednesday, July 15, 2009

July 15th

It is hard to know what to say about what is happening. Robert remains at Gilchrist Hospice Center and that is telling- in and of itself. He went there for symptom management and now the symptom management continues for different reasons. Robert's health has changed dramatically in the two weeks that he has been there. I can not express the details tonight as today has been a very emotional day. The staff at the hospice are doing their best to keep Robert comfortable and pain free. It is obvious - even without test - that the diseases are progressing. Robert still recognizes us and we are thankful for the moments of connectedness that we capture. He is a fighter and our superhero. We pray for peace and comfort. We pray for the people who care for Robert to find the ability to continue to care for those that are so ill and often unable to express their wants and needs. We pray that everyone who supports us will know how powerful their good thoughts and good deeds have been in helping us to find white light during a time of darkness.

8 comments:

Marcee McCarthy said...

Tammy you know there are so many of us who think of you, Robert, and the boys daily, and moment by moment. You all show us such admirable strength and courage. With all our prayers lifting you and Robert up, I hope you continue to feel and find that deep faith that is sustaining for your family, and to accept the un-understandable.

Just as you find it difficult to find words to describe all the day to day emotions and status of Robert's health, I too can't find the words that will convey the depth of my care and concern for all of you. I just want you to know my family is thinking of you continuously and praying for your family.

Tonight we will be praying for comfort for Robert, and insight and compassion for Robert's caretakers.

A Day in the Life of a Houck said...

You are loved.

Anonymous said...

Tami,
I think of you often and pray for you, the kids and Robert with my kids. You are a strong a couragous person. Sometimes it does take hardship, trials and tribulations to know just how thankful we are and should be. You are so blessed to have so many friends and family to support you. Know that I too am here if you need anything.

Jessica said...

Tammy,
I think about you, Robert, Bryce, and Trey everyday. I am praying for your family and Robert's comfort. Please give Bryce a hug from me and as always if you need anything please let me know.

Carolyn said...

Tammy Your courage is amazing. I pray for you, Robert and your family every day. May God be with you and help all of you. Love Carolyn

Anonymous said...

Tammy- I am thinking of you, Robert and the kids often. My thoughts and prayers are with you daily. Love to you all!
-Jill Rosenthal

alaboiss13 said...

My heart breaks as I read your words. You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. You are all super heroes in our house!
Love,
Alicia Rob and Kaleb

Linda Murveit said...

Tammy,

God bless you and your family. I wish for you all serenity and peace as the road as the road appears to take sharp and scary turns. Try not to panic, continue to breath, and stay in the moments of connectedness and love. I am so sorry you are going through this. Please remember that you are never alone. You are supported and you are good hands.

Linda, Brandon & Chad

p.s. please tell the boys that miss linda is going to put them in her pocket when she sees them! :)

My Condition - Glioblastoma Multiforme (or GBM)

I was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). This condition has four different grades (I - IV). My tumor is a grade IV GBM. This is the most aggressive GBM tumor. I have included a little section of The Essential Guide to BRAIN TUMORS below to describe the condition more completely.

Astrocytoma

An astrocytoma develops from star-shaped glial cells (astrocytes) that support nerve cells. These tumors can be located anywhere in the brain, but the most common location is in the frontal lobe. Astrocytomas are the most common primary CNS tumor.

The physician, usually the neurosurgeon or neurooncologist, will discuss the type and location of an astrocytoma. The pathologist will assign it a grade. Astrocytomas are generally classified as low or high grade. Low-grade astrocytomas (grades I and II) are slow growing. High-grade astrocytomas (grades III and IV) grow more quickly. The main tumor type is listed for each grade. There are additional tumor types in each of these grades.

The WHO classification divides astrocytomas into four grades:

  • Grade I Pilocytic Astrocytoma
  • Grade II Low-Grade Astrocytoma
  • Grade III Anaplastic Astrocytoma
  • Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme (or GBM)

Characteristics

The characteristics of an astrocytoma vary depending on the tumor’s grade and location. Most people are functioning normally when diagnosed with a low-grade astrocytoma. Symptoms tend to be subtle and may take one to two years to diagnose. This is because the brain can often adapt to a slow-growing tumor for a period of time. Highgrade tumors may present with changes that are sudden and dramatic.

Symptoms

  • Headaches
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Difficulty thinking or speaking
  • Behavioral or cognitive changes (related to thinking, reasoning, and memory)
  • Weakness or paralysis in one part or one side of the body
  • Loss of balance
  • Vision changes
  • Nausea or vomiting