We had a very good, encouraging and productive visit to Gainsville. The trip itself was quite smooth and Mom enjoyed getting out of the room for awhile and traveled well.
We met with the DR. yesterday morning and we all really liked her a lot. She was incredibly knowledgable and had a really great bedside manner that was both realistic and positive. Overall she feels that there is a lot of room for improvement but due to all the additional complications we will have to wait until a more accurate diagnosis can be completed. The pneumonia proved a big setback and the upcoming lumpectomy is also standing in the way of getting an accurate read on her Parkinsons. Once the lumpectomy is behind us and she is able to rehab from that we will be going back to Gainsville for more tests and at that time a more precise plan of action will be put in place.
The Dr. felt that there is a lot of room for changes to her medicine and is all Parkinsons cases getting the proper dosage and mix is often a hit or miss proposition. In other words she is diagnosing Parkinsons but feels that she will be able to treat it and Mom should be able to continue living a somewhat comfortable life.
Mom still has a way to go in gaining her strength but the results of the past week have been amazing and we are being told that all of the setbacks have been as a result of the Parkinsons not allowing the body to heal as quickly as normal. We are told that all of the symptoms she has experienced are normal and not anything additional that we should be concerned with.
Due to her lack of strength and age she is recommending we speak to the surgeon performing the lumpectomy and advises that if her breast needs to be removed or any additional surgery is needed we consider having it done at the same time as the lumpectomy so she only needs to be put under once. Obviously a surgery of this type will provide yet another setback in her recovery but again we are told that this is normal and shouldn't provide a real big setback. We are scheduled to meet with the surgeon and his team next Monday the 21st and assuming Mom continues gaining strength the surgery is scheduled for the 23rd of this month.
The facility in Gainsville is top notch and the Dr. was incredible. We feel like we are finally in good hands and getting somewhere. Even though uncertainty lingers we are getting some answers and direction that we feel we can trust and move forward with. It will be a series of steps. We can't predict the outcome of the lumpectomy but once that is behind us we will be able to start looking at the proper medicines and dosages. Once all this is done she has recommended at least part time care at the house until we are able to make things comfortable for her and she is able to get around a little better.
Mom's attitude seems to also be growing in strength and she is eager to get on with rehab. He goal is to get out of there as soon as possible and she seems willing to do whatever it takes. We appear to have already leaped over the first hurdle which was the CDIF virus she contracted. It is gone and she will now be able to resume using the PT room for her therapy instead of having it in her room. Her appetite has not yet returned and she has lost a lot of weight but the Dr did not seem to concerned as again this was somewhat expected. We are however a bit concerned and doing what we can to provide tasty meals and high protein snacks for her.
We were all really proud of Mom and how she handled the travel to Gainsville. I know it wasn't easy but she did well. She still has a little problem sleeping at night and her tailbone is still tender from a fall she had a few weeks back and this is causing a bit of trouble getting comfortable at night. The care on the first floor continues to be good and we now have a more defined schedule for her pills which we are keeping an eye on to make sure they are administered in a timely fashion.
The Dr. assured Mom that rehab was the best option for her and reminded us how lucky and fortunate we are to be in a position to take advantage of it. Looks like at least two more weeks but will know more after the upcoming surgery.
Mom is up and alert if anyone would like to reach out to her. She has received quite a few cards and flowers and phone calls and we all thank you so much for your prayers and concerns. It has been difficult getting in touch with everyone so I hope this blog is doing it's job and keeping you all up to date. We apologize for the informality but I know you all understand. The Cobles are trying to settle into a groove that allows us to resume our regular responsibilities and still be able to spend as much time with Mom as possible.
One of my greatest childhood memories involves the MLB All Star Game and tonight Dad will come over to watch with me. I am looking forward to it.
God bless you all and We will talk to you soon.
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