This was the aneurysm (one of two) that the doctors at Loma Linda had initially diagnosed as small and not an imminent threat, but Dr. Sanchez now believes it was the one that had originally bled on Dec. 21st when Joy was stricken. After they had performed her craniatomy on Dec. 23rd on the larger of the two aneurysms (the one that was clipped), it quickly became apparent to the doctors at Loma Linda that the small aneurysm was a problem, that the reason that it appeared small originally was because it was the aneurysm that had bled into her brain, and may have caused her stroke. On January 4th, a Loma Linda physician named Dr. Jacobsen performed the angioplasty coiling procedure in an attempt to fill it. That coiling attempt has now proved to be a failure, but Dr. Sanchez says that even under the best of circumstances the coiling procedures over time have a 40% failure rate. Dr. Jacobsen was the Doctor at Loma Linda that treated Susan and I with the most respect and spent time with us in front of his computer going over the charts and scans in an attempt to explain the procedure. His office has since followed up to inquire as to Joy's progress. I thank him for his efforts on Joy's behalf.
The end result is that Joy will have another angioplasty/coiling procedure at some point in the next four weeks. Dr. Sanchez will also install a stent to reinforce the coiling of the aneurysm. Although the aneurysm is deep in the back of Joy's brain and consequently difficult to treat, the procedure has only a 5% chance of complications.
It was also determined that the growth on Joy's scalp that Dr. Sanchez's assistant Brenda Mann had removed the previous week was the result of a mrsa infection and needed to be treated with antibiotics. Suspecting as much, Brenda had prescribed the proper antibiotics to treat the infection. A week later, the wound looked like it was finally healing properly to Dr. Sanchez. A mrsa infection is still a dangerous infection and will be monitored closely.
I might as well get all the bad news out at once. During her craniotomy in December, portions of Joy's skull were removed and not replaced, apparently to allow for swelling of the brain if that were to occur post-procedure. She has deep depressions at her temple and on the side of her head near her right ear that will require patching of the skull plate. Dr. Sanchez said he will consider doing that surgery after the angioplasty is performed. So there will likely be another procedure after the one now scheduled.
I have complete confidence in Dr. Sanchez's ability to successfully perform the angioplasty procedure and anything else he feels is necessary. Everyone I've spoken to about him--nurses, doctors, patients and their families--has said he is a special, talented doctor and my experience with him so far has confirmed that. Joy is in very good hands.
Dr. Sanchez did say that the angioplasty procedure could affect Joy's recovery and that she may experience some setbacks because of it. We believe that the danger of the aneurysm bursting again overrules all other considerations and that Joy is strong enough to tolerate the procedure and will resume her recovery in earnest when she is able.
Here is a picture taken on September 8th of Dr. Sanchez, Joy and Joy's nurse/therapist/neighbor Sue Thomas, who has been invaluable to us since Joy returned home in May:
Another picture of Dr. Sanchez and Joy:
Yes, we have hit a rough patch. But when I consider what befell the country and some of our fellow citizens ten years ago on this day, and what is happening to some of our neighbors in this economy, I consider us lucky. Joy's prospects for recovery are still good. Her rate of recovery so far has surprised everyone. I'm sure she will continue on that journey once we get her fully healed from procedures and reconstructions. Next Monday, we will interview and Joy will be evaluated at the Scripps Rehabiliation Center in Encinitas. I believe Joy will benefit greatly from the therapy she receives there.
I would like to thank my lifelong friends Jim and Marg Simpson for their support and wish Jim a very Happy Birthday on September 13th. Joy and I have vacationed with Jim and Marg at their place on beautiful St. Croix on a couple of occasions and always had a wonderful time. They adore Joy and have stayed in touch with us throughout our ordeal. One of my goals for us is to be able to go back to St. Croix and visit Jim and Marg. Another is to visit Gary and Lynn Jensen Nagle in Costa Rica, where we vacationed in 2007.
Here is Longfellow's poem, The Rainy Day, in its entirety:
The day is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
The vine still clings to the moldering wall,
But at every gust the dead leaves fall,
And the day is dark and dreary.
My life is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
My thoughts still cling to the moldering Past,
But the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast
And the days are dark and dreary.
Be still, sad heart! and cease repining;
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life some rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary.
It's not that bad, folks! The reality is that the sun is shining here and it's a gorgeous, temperate day. Joy is out walking with her nurse Crystal and the dogs. We are blessed with good friends, a loving family, and a wonderful climate. God bless you all for your continuing concern and expressions of love and support,
Doug
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