Satomi’s Dad had to be rushed to the Long Beach Memorial Hospital’s ER on the same day that I rushed Satomi to the St. Joesph’s ER. As you all have probably read in my past posts, he had some severe health problems. After a long battle, he passed away in the early morning of Friday the 28th. Sadly, Satomi did not get to see her Dad beforehand.
I spoke with her Family and we all thought it best not to tell Satomi until she was discharged-She was under enough stress. Unfortunately, this plan quickly fell apart. Shortly after the news broke, there were many condolence messages being sent to family members via cell phone/E-mail/text message. I had not considered this possibility and left Satomi equipped with her Blackberry. When I realized what was happening I rushed back to the hospital. All I could imagine was Satomi finding out about her Dad on a text message.
I ran into her room. She was napping with her Blackberry sitting on her chest. I quietly grabbed the phone and turned it off.
When she awoke, I told her about her Dad. She was quite upset.
[Authors Note: I’m composing this post quite some time after her discharge. I have to apologize for that but as you may have assumed, things have been at a new level of hectic around here. Read all my other posts and I think it couldn’t be more clear. It’s almost unbelievable what’s going on.]
Satomi was discharged on Friday (August 28th) after a boat load of tests and trying several drugs in an effort to reduce her breathing and arrythmia (or palpatations if you wish). The results were not enouraging. The test were clear and all but one drug effected her symptoms. I guess I should be happy that they did find a drug that was effective.
All the test results were fine (which I guess in and of itself is a good thing). No one can give us a definite cause of the symptoms but the Cardiologist did find it necessary to prescribe a Beta Blocker (Lopressor) to slow the heart and breathing to normal levels. On several occassions to different Doctors, I had asked about the possibility of this being caused by the Decradron weening cycle or possibly the scar tissue in her brain. Several acknowledged the possibility but all had focused their efforts on potential solutions not brain related. I got the distinct feeling that they were avoiding it.
So another drug is added to her list of a half-dozen drugs that she has to take every day. Crap.
Satomi was home alone and just finished eating lunch. She sat at the kitchen table and rested but couldn’t catch her breath. She couldn’t control her breathing at all. Her heart started palpatating.
She called my cell phone. I was at lunch with Clients. Lunch was cut short and I sped home.
She was breathing so hard, her chest hurt and she could barely talk. I dialed 911.
Firemen showed up first in less than 5 minutes and started taking her vitals. EMT’s followed shortly afterward and took over. She didn’t improve on oxygen and her HR was tachy. When they put her on the gurney her back pain was absolutely terrible and she moaned in pain several times. Off in the ambulance she went. I followed a minute afterward.
We got to St.Joes and they started their work. Many tests later, they don’t see any problem with her bloodwork or her lungs. They just did an echo of her heart and we’re waiting on the outcome.
I’m worried myself. I know that the location of the tumor scar tissue is very near the Medula Oblongata which controls breathing. I mentioned it to the Dr and nurse but I think they are keeping that as a last resort. But that’s my worry talking.
Now she’s in the ER bed, with the monitor alarms constantly ringing-High respiration, high at-rest heart rate. So annoying!
There’s a few more tests and then she’ll be admitted. Then I’ll go home to watch over the girls.
Things just aren’t getting any easier.
Satomi started vestibular rehab last week. For everyone that doesn’t know what this is, here is a link to our therapist’s website: http://www.englandpt.com/vestibular-rehab.htm.
Apparently, Satomi had referred past patients there so she was familiar with the facility. She was also acquainted with some of the therapy staff back from Satomi’s stint at Long Beach Memorial.
Teresa is our therapist. She is very knowledgeable and spoke to Satomi using all those PT medical words. I had to ask a lot of questions to keep up. Teresa actually laughed at a few of my jokes so I think we’ll get along fine. About half way through the evaluation, I saw Teresa’s business card and realized her last name is England. Call me Sherlock but our therapist Teresa owns the place-Nice. There’s no messing around when the boss is treating you.
At least for me, it was a very uplifting experience. The therapy room reminds me of Tustin Rehab’s-Satomi looked quite at home there. The initial evaluation was quite informative and encouraging. As you can see from the website, their results are quite positive. Teresa was very confident that the therapy would improve Satomi’s condition however, she didn’t know to what extent. Even if it’s only on an emotional level, it should do wonders for Satomi.
Physically Satomi has a long road ahead. Teresa showed Satomi a few exercise to improve her core strength and we did some neurological tests to the check the extent of her “dizziness”. I didn’t get the name of the test but it had to do with her eyes continuing to bouncing around after her head stops moving. I’ll give you all more info later but needless to say that her results were good.
It’s a bit ironic that Satomi needs advice on exercises-I mean she has been a licensed PT for what-15+years? I think it’s a motivational thing-She needs someone to guide and encourage her. Since I know nothing about it, having another therapist involved is perfect.
We’re planning to go to therapy twice a week.
After advice from family, friends and doctors, Satomi began Accupuncture treatments. It was always something that we had considered especially since a good friend owns an Acupunture practice in Costa Mesa. Here’s a link to her site: http://www.coastalacupuncturectr.com/. Tina and her family are good people and have been very supportive.
I really don’t know much about the procedure besides her lying in a darkened quiet room with a bunch of needles sticking out of her. Sat says it’s fatiguing but very relaxing. She may be in bed all the time but that doesn’t mean Satomi is relaxed. Sat’s sister, Hiromi, takes her there every Thursday. I like that it allows Satomi quality time with her Sister. She needs more of that in her life.
Satomi's Cancer Blog 