I'm sorry I really should update the blog but time just gets away from me. We ended up having 2 appointments last week. On Tuesday we saw the physical therapist. They are working on her lymphedema already. It looks like there is some nerve damage to her face, her ability to make expressions is compromised although not really noticeable and they need to work on range of motion and strengthening her neck. There is nerve damage to her shoulder. She will need to learn to protect her "wing" and new ways to lift and reach. Strengthening and range of motion will be worked on there as well. Linda her PT is amazing, we are blessed to have met her and have her directing Devin's physical therapy. She will go for PT every Tuesday and Thursday for the foreseeable future with the goal of returning to work. Right now we have appointments for the next 8 weeks.
We saw Erin the oncology nurse practitioner on Wednesday. Devin's speech improved some this week although she still can't eat any better and continues on the pureed food and the feeding tube. She lost some more weight as she had a stomach bug over the holidays and that now has slowed her healing as she has lost 20% of her total body weight since this whole ordeal began. She has thrush again :( which is also slowing the healing process. Erin is not unhappy with Devin's progress although she thought it would be quicker. We still have not been able to get her off any meds although some of the dosages are a bit lower. Erin said that we are in uncharted territory. That Devin is the youngest and had one of the most invasive surgeries she had ever seen. We compounded the problem by then hitting her with very high doses of radiation before she was fully healed. Heaven only knows what the next surgery will bring. She says this is a marathon and not sprint although we get tired of hearing that. Dr. Lin the radiation oncologist sent a letter to Dr. Weinstein thanking him for the privilege of working with Devin and that he was going for a cure and feels she will do well. So that's about where we are at the moment. Pray the weather holds so we can make all our February appointments!
Devin and Owen did adopt a puppy from the puppy party. Ellie came to live with us on 12/30. She is a cutie, as you can see, and quite a handful! She is keeping us all on our toes and has made Devin's days much more eventful!
Thank you all for your encouragement, the many cards and gifts and for keeping her in your prayers. Knowing you are all rooting for her really helps. Medical bills are beginning to mount so if you would like to donate to help Devin with her medical expenses here is a link to her Go Fund Me site.
Wishing you all a wonderful 2016!
Hugs,
Rose
