The doctors have conviened, and the results have been submitted. Dad has fluid in the Dura Membrane layer in his brain. What is the Dura layer? Wikipedia has the scientific answer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dura_mater.
Specifically, fluid has gathered in the right frontal lobe of his brain, the MRI and following CT Scan found clusters of dead cells in this region. As the chemo kills large amounts of cells, some gathered in the Dura Layer. It's possible that the cells caused a minor hemorrhage... given Dad's inability to clot his blood during chemo, the small hemorrhage was a bit more significant. The 'fluid' has been classified as 'old', so no one knows when it started... but all tests suggest that the inflammation is NOT getting worse.
The right frontal lobe controls personality and planning. As the fluid in the membrane imposes a pressure on that region, the brain function in that region is inconsistent. All you RNs and MDs correct me where necessary (DDS or DMD responses will not be considered).
So, what's next you ask? The current opinion is that draining the fluid will cause more harm than good... my impression is that the doctors don't think the swelling will get worse. A spinal tap will occur tomorrow. They want to get some data on the fluid... does it contain leukemia, what are the dead cells, etc.
How was this just discovered today? I blame Dad's stubbornness. He puts on a good show when the doctors / nurses ask him questions, but Mom and I agree that he 'shuts down' with us non-medical people in the room. The credit for the discovery goes to the RN (Marion). When admitting Dad, she was grilling him with medical questions, and his 'front' came crashing in. She talked with doctors, doctors asked me some questions, tests were requested... you know the rest.
I'm glad these discoveries were made. Dad is not himself and he's doing his best to fool everyone. His body is still responding to the chemo, his bloodwork is still good. There's just one more hurdle for recovery. Keep him in your prayers.
He has another night in the hospital and he's not happy about it.
Jon
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When talking about medicine, good results here always lead to side effects. And we all know how Bill can "convince" just about anyone about just about anything. Good thing the RN knows a used car salesman when she sees one! As I always say, it is better to know your enemy so you know who you are fighting - and fight we must!
And if I know Bill, being at home in his mind is the best medicine, so, Jon, you have your work ahead of you. But being the persuasive person you are (don't know where you got that) I am sure you will do your job well. Good practice for parenthood!
You are doing a good job keeping us informed - keep up the good work. We really appreciate it!
From one caregiver to another,
Love, prayers, and good health,
Gail
Thanks so much Jon for the informative report. We all continue to pray and it helps so much to know what is going on. May God Bless you both today. Jan G
A Huber being stubborn?
Never happens.
Thanks, Jon, for the explainer. Even after all the phone calls, it's nice to be able to review all that's happening.
Keep up the good work and tell Dad we're thinking about him all the time!
Tell Bill that it is OK to be ill and when one is ill one must not worry about being a whiner (there is one Huber that is good at that). Bill and I are too old and don't have enough hair to think about being matcho now. Hell Social Security is just around the corner.
David Eaker
Jon, thank you for keeping us informed in such a clear and understandable way.
Bill, we are thinking about you every day. We know you can clear these hurdles, and our prayers are there to support you along the way.
Ed and Julie Cunningham
Thank God for good nurses and great family. They are your frontline to medicine and the best reporters to the doctor. Way to keep at the doctors, minor changes can show big things. We will be praying for good results and improvement with each day.
Love, prayers, and good health,
E.B.
To be honest I was hoping to learn about Uncle Bill's innermost thoughts today when I visited the blog. I guess a bunch of scientific medical mumbo jumbo will have to suffice.
Jon, as far as Uncle Bill’s stubbornness is concerned, have you ever met your Aunt Paula? Being stubborn is a strong Huber trait, but so is Courage.
Keep up the great job Jon, I am praying for you and the rest of the Huber clan.
Uncle Bill, stay Optimistic, and Honest with the Doctor’s.
Love You and still Praying,
Melissa
Hi, Hubers: You all have been in our thoughts and prayers. Congratulations on the new addition...Andrew! Hope Kari is doing well, and I know that Nancy is enjoying her time with the new grandson. Little Maggie is a doll baby, and looks like she already has "Pappy" wrapped around her little finger!Thanks for keeping us up to date and I hope this latest event will not be too serious a setback.
Best wishes,
Lois & Joel Davis
I agree with my sister. This family has the ability to try to fool medical personel.. We don't like to admit that we could be sick. As the older sister Bill was always good at convincing me whenever he had a goal in mind, but of coarse we all know what a pushover I am.
Bill- this is no time for Huber stubbornness. As EB puts it- be a needy patient.
Jon, you are doing a great job of keeping us all informed. Give yourself a pat on the back.
Love and many more prayers,
Paula
Dad,
Thinking and praying for you as always. Andrew is doing great! He has his 2 week check-up tomorrow - he's getting so big :)! He can't wait to meet his Pappy!
Don't worry, apparently I have some of your stubberness too - I haven't been answering some of Mom's 'drink' questions myself.
We'll be up there to visit soon - Can't wait!
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