Thursday, December 24, 2009 7:30 PM, PST
Since we just started this today, we'll recap the last week too...
Charlotte's been feeling under the weather for a couple weeks and a week ago felt like she had a migraine. She went to her doctor and yep, probably a migraine. She'd also felt sluggish on her left side. There was some dizziness and disorientation that was very concerning on Friday and by Saturday she couldn't get out of bed. The headache was just too much Sunday, so early afternoon Charlotte and Leonard went to Valley Medical's ER. In the ER, the doctor decided to do a MRI just to make sure she didn't suffer a stroke. With the results of the MRI showing a mass, Charlotte was admitted until a Neurologist could review it. Early the next morning (Monday) Char is being prepped for a surgical biopsy, as the Neurosurgeon decided it was most likely not "just" an infection (yes, we were actually hoping Char had an infection in her brain ...as opposed to the alternative). After surgery the surgeon let us know that she couldn't extract any part of the mass other than what was necessary for the lab to test due to the nature and location of the tumor. Surgical removal of parts of the tumor may be performed later but at this time it's not possible.
The last several days have been filled with appointments with oncology specialists and neurologists working with her on pain management as she recovers from the biopsy and deals with the increasing effects of the growing tumor. Today Charlotte looks much better than yesterday, sitting up, eating, talking (not just to say "it hurts"). She also had another CT scan today and there is no hemorrhaging from the tumor or the surgery/biopsy, this is very good news!
We're hoping the doc releases her tomorrow for Christmas. Lord help the Neuroscience Department at Valley Medical if they don't: Can you imagine the frenzy that is our family's Christmas in a hospital room? Just kidding, we wouldn't do that to you Char.
Radiation and chemotherapy start Monday, December 28th. As difficult as these are to bare, I can't help but be excited for the little bugger in her head to cry in pain and shrivel up. ("Are you talkin' to me?")
Merry Christmas everyone! Enjoy your families and friends! We do!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Thursday, December 24, 2009 3:07 PM, PST
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, my days are filled with thoughts of your continual and positive attitude when it involves family. You always are there for support when it is needed the most. Stay positive during these tough days ahead. Know that your family will provide the support you need now ,until your healthy again.
Rich Uskevich
Thursday, December 24, 2009 11:13 PM, PST
ReplyDeleteThis is an unbelievable thing that is happening. Charlotte is the best aunt in the world and I love her so much. Right now the only thing I can do is keep focused on how we are going to fight this stupid thing as a family. Charlotte is amazingly strong and positive. If anyone can beat this, she can. She is already amazing me with the fight and strength she has. And for the days ahead when she is feeling a little less strong or positive, we as her family and friends will be there to lift her spirits or her fork:) She needs everyone in her corner right now so please do not feel shy about visiting her or finding some way to show her you are there for her. Even a note on this website will do wonders. Thank you all for supporting Charlotte on the long road ahead. And thank you Callie for setting up this site. WE LOVE YOU CHAR!!!! LET'S KICK THIS TUMOR'S BOOTY!!!!!
Rachelle Uskevich Snyder
Friday, December 25, 2009 2:11 AM, PST
ReplyDeleteDear Charlotte and family, I'm thinking of all of you as I end my day. Just can't seem to get to sleep knowing what your going through. I pray you'll be at home tomorrow with your family as I think it would be the best medicine. Char your friends are behind you. Let go of the reins, turn over what you can't do right now to others, save your strengh for the fight.
Love to you all, Jami Vaux
Friday, December 25, 2009 9:47 AM, PST
ReplyDeleteHey Cuz -
Getting caught up on my email and, OMG! Way to go Callie and Peggy for jumping up and doing the Paul Revere thing - thank you, thank you, thank you. We'll do what we can from the "east side" to help.
Hang in there, Char. I know you can beat this thing because I know your spirit! Know that on this Christmas (and forward) our thoughts and prayers are with you. Marlene and I will also contact Santa for a late request (demand) that he get his best elf-oncologist on the job.
All my love,
Jim Blair (Jimmy)
Bothell
Friday, December 25, 2009 4:39 PM, WST
ReplyDeleteMy Dear Cousin Charlotte,
You are so much in our thoughts and prayers on this Christmas day. I picture you surrounded by immense love of your family, along with probably some chaos and confusion that goes with the day. We have a bit of that here too with 20-month old Tovah (Heather and Gillian's daughter) here. Is there anything better than the sound of a toddler's belly laugh? I think not!
Wishing you strength and serenity as you head your boat into the wind. Feel all the arms of those who love you surround you as you read your flood of messages.
Love,
Teena
Teena Reichgott
Friday, December 25, 2009 11:39 PM, PST
ReplyDeleteOK, so I'm still in the shock phase, but rallying quickly to the battle cry. Finally got Gabriel to sleep after all the excitement of going over to Uncle Jim and Aunt Mar's for Christmas -- and it reminded me so of the Christmases all us cousins shared at the Alki house. I wish we'd all get together more often, but I know it's a difficult trick, now that we're all Middle Aged Grown Up Old Farts with busy lives. Count me in for anything you need. I'm pulling for you! Love you, love you.
-Roxanne
Roxanne Kenison
Seattle
Char, good thing you were born into this family, cause I have never seen fighters like I have in the Pardy/Uskevich clan! Coupled with determination, and drive, a family with their wits about them, and a heart of gold. We know you are going to kick some tumor ARSE! We've been praying for you. Merry Christmas. We're glad you're home.
ReplyDeleteLove, Becky
The Jaramillo's (Becky, Dan & Luka)
Talked to Peg and found out Char got home (ya who!!!) You got a hospital bed, it is just wonderful how you can benifit from all this net working. Praying for that tumor to shrink as you go through the radiation and chemo. Stay strong my dear. Nothing but positive thoughts coming your way. Love, Jami
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you, Char & your boys... I love and miss you so much. Be strong as you always are & get better soon. I love you. Xoxoxox Mandi
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you Charlotte. Let your family take care of you and save your strength! I sincerely wish I could see you but California is too far to travel! Stay positive and let all the love aid in healing you.
ReplyDeleteLove you!
Karen Lantagne
Charlotte,
ReplyDeleteKnow that you are in our thoughts and prayers here in Colorado.
Dwayne Mills
WSHS Class of 75