(Most recent updates first)
First received Thursday, May 2, 2019
For Tom J. in Mounds View, Minnesota with fatigue and severe gastrointestinal issues... [May 3] Tom is hospitalized with severe dehydration. He must recuperate before having a colonoscopy to determine the cause of severe
diarrhea... [May 9] Tom was released from the hospital on May 5. He is recovering from acute renal failure. He will be evaluated by his primary doctor on May 9...[May 13] Tom will have a colonoscopy on May 21.[May 18] Tom
has been diagnosed with C. diff and is on antibiotics for two weeks. The colonoscopy will be performed when he no longer has the infection... [June 10] A colonoscopy is scheduled for Tom on June 14 and a doctor's visit on
June 18 that will hopefully resolve the cause of chronic diarrhea and weight loss.
Update Monday, June 24, 2019
Tom has been diagnosed with Crohn's disease. He is on medication which is giving him some relief while he waits for insurance company to approve an infusion type of medication that is needed to address his severe issues.
First received Monday, June 17, 2019
For Bill F. in Wyoming with severe pneumonia and cardiac complications which include an atrial flutter and racing pulse.
Update Sunday, June 23, 2019
Results of cardiac evaluation shows quite a bit of valve disease: mitrial valve leak and aortic valve not opening properly.
No surgical intervention is needed, just further follow up appointments when he returns home. He is now able to leave the hospital.
First received Sunday, November 4, 2018
For Elfi I. in Austria who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer... [November 22] Elfi has surgery scheduled for Tuesday, November 27. Support for the best outcome for her and support also for the surgical team....
[November 27] Her surgery went well. She needs to decide which follow-up treatment will be best for her....[February 3] Elfi starts four weeks of radiation treatment on February 5... [March 13] Elfi has completed the radiation
treatment and will have her next check-up in three months... [April 1] Elfi has radiation pneumonitis as a consequence of the radiation treatment.
Update Thursday, June 20, 2019
Elfi is still in recovery from the radiation pneumonia and is physically weak and emotionally unsteady. She now has to decide how to proceed with her post-operative breast cancer, whether to take hormone suppressing drugs
or try another more holistic approach.
First received Thursday, June 6, 2019
For Y.C. in St. Petersburg, Florida who has an appointment on June 12 in the morning to explore treatment options for her voice.
Update Tuesday, June 18, 2019
The throat doctor used a scope and determined her throat was normal. She is supposed to do vocal exercises, use a throat spray and increase hydration.
First received Monday, April 22, 2019
For Bob H. in Peterborough, England who has a malignant spinal cord compression which could result in paralysis....[May 3] Bob was released from the hospital on palliative care with his wife and daughter as caregivers. They are overwhelmed: support with the decisions that lie ahead.
Update Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Bob has had all the treatment allowed for his cancers. He is at home with twenty-four-hour nursing care. Support for his family and friends.
First received Monday, February 25, 2019
For Rowena F. in Still Point, New York with a recurrence of vulvar cancer...[April 29] Rowena has been confined to her bed for three weeks with constant nausea and pain. She has lost thirty pounds and is going through extreme mood swings. A surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30. Depending on what is found the surgery may be reparative or exploratory. Support for her medical team....[May 1] The doctor was unable to perform surgery, since the cancer is very aggressive. It has invaded her lymph nodes, especially those near the left thigh. She has been admitted to the hospital for pain management. The doctor plans to do a nerve block and insert a pain pump. He has recommended hospice care.
Update Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Rowena peacefully made her transition last night surrounded by her community of friends.
First received Friday, June 7, 2019
For Dolly T. in Las Vegas, Nevada who has decided to receive palliative care and not to treat cancer.
Update Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Dolly made her transition during the late hours on June 16. Support also for her husband and daughters.
First received Tuesday, June 4, 2019
For Gigi M-V and N.V. in Providence, Rhode Island who both recently lost their jobs: Gigi has an interview on June 5 in Boston for a new position.
Update Friday, June 14, 2019
N.V. has been offered a new job.
First received Sunday, June 9, 2019
For Katie in Tuscaloosa, Alabama with physical and emotional stress from active symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Update Thursday, June 13, 2019
Katie’s symptoms, which include a rash, nausea and lack of energy, have become more severe. She is being treated with antibiotics.
First received Saturday, May 25, 2019
For Dee H. in Aurora, Colorado whose right leg was amputated due to a blood clot a year ago: she will have surgery on May 29 to remove another blood clot from her left leg.
Update Wednesday, June 12, 2019
The surgery to remove the blood clot in Dee's leg went very well.
First received Monday, June 10, 2019
For Ana A.S. in Diessen, Germany with an irregular heart rhythm, a high pulse rate and respiratory problems.
Update Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Ana says she feels much better.
First received Thursday, February 28, 2019
For Roland and Elisabeth B. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida as they prepare to travel to Santiago, Chile, and for adapting to the change in climate...[May 24] Roland and Elisabeth have both noticed they have felt much better than during their last visit to Chile.
Update Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Roland and Elizabeth now are having a more severe allergic reaction to the pollution in Chile. They will travel to Miami next week.
First received Sunday, May 12, 2019
For Papageno, a cat in Atlanta, Georgia who is having problems with his legs on the right side and will see a neurologist on May 29.
Update Tuesday, June 11, 2019
"The pet neurologist believes Papageno has a brain tumor or a stroke. An MRI would be needed to determine which one. Many pre-tests using general anesthesia for the MRI would also be needed. In consulting with our veterinarian, we decided against putting Papageno through these tests. He is getting around well enough and behaves normally except for his wobbly right legs, so we've decided to not treat him, at least for now."
First received Tuesday, July 3, 2018
For Tim S. in Atlanta, Georgia who is scheduled for surgery on his right eye on Friday, July 6...[July 8] Tim's surgery went well. His vision still is blurry, but is expected to improve.[June 7] Support for the progression of Parkinson's disease and the effects of stronger medicine he is now taking.
Update Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Tim is being chosen to participate in a clinical study for new and extremely promising Parkinson's disease medication that targets the disease, not the symptoms.
First received Wednesday, June 5, 2019
For M.D.K. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa who had surgery today to remove a small growth from his right eyelid.
Update Saturday, June 8, 2019
M.D.K. has been recovering more quickly than expected. He is now able to resume work at the computer.
First received Sunday, June 2, 2019
For M.F. in Madison, Wisconsin who has a brain tumor and is having surgery on Monday, June 3.
Update Saturday, June 8, 2019
The brain surgery scheduled for June 3 is rescheduled for June 20. M.F. has a tumor close to his brain stem.
First received Friday, May 31, 2019
For Melanie J. in Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada with sarcoidosis.
Update Friday, June 7, 2019
Melanie is hospitalized at Toronto General Hospital and doing much better with a team of specialists.
First received Wednesday, February 13, 2019
For Isabella R. in Switzerland who has been diagnosed with advanced cancer of the ovaries and will have surgery on February 15 followed by chemotherapy and radiation....[February 15] The surgery originally scheduled for February 15 has been rescheduled for February 22...[March 13] Isabella's surgery was successful. She is now receiving treatment in rehab.
Update Friday, June 7, 2019
Isabella is very weak and her cancer has spread. She needs a feeding tube and further treatmeant.
First received Thursday, May 30, 2019
For 20-year-old Cambron B. in Louisville, Kentucky who is giving legal testimony on June 3 about the pool accident which caused his quadriplegia.
Update Tuesday, June 4, 2019
"Cambron did an excellent job with his legal testimony. In addition, he's publicly accepting his paralysis and life changes for the first time."
Received Thursday, May 30, 2019
For Dendera, a nine-year-old Bengal cat in Seminole, Florida whose health has rapidly declined: the veterinarian is trying to determine the cause and most effective treatment.
Update Sunday, June 2, 2019
Dendera had a very aggressive form of cancer. She made her transition at noon on May 31.
First received Friday, May 17, 2019
For Julie L. in Iowa City, Iowa with Alzheimer's disease who is having daily panic attacks; and for her husband and caregiver, Kevin.
Update Sunday, June 2, 2019
Julie feels most comfortable now when she is at home. She has less physical energy. She is calmer and more stable than in the past few months.
First received Saturday, October 27, 2018
For Susan B. P. in Boston, Massachusetts who has been hospitalized with an undiagnosed mass in her abdomen and a high fever...[November 27] Susan has been released into a long term care and rehabilitation facility while her medical team continues to treat the osteomyelitis in her spine, and to manage her pain. Today she will return to the hospital for an endoscopic ultrasound to try to determine what the mass in her abdomen actually is. Support for her and her husband as they wait for the test results, which are expected to take a week to complete....[December 10] The test results show the mass in Susan's abdomen is benign. After five weeks in the hospital, she has been released and is continuing her recovery at home. She is still on a regimen of intravenous antibiotics to kill the osteomyelitis infection in her spine; she has been taught how to administer them to herself...[December 15] Susan is finding it more challenging to be at home than she had anticipated. Pain management remains difficult and only sporadically successful. An additional concern is that she is on her own this week as her husband is out of town on business...[January 23] Susan has been receiving intravenous antibiotics at home for nearly two months, but the infection in her spine has not been controlled and she remains in severe pain. She will shortly have an additional biopsy of the infected area in her spine to get more information for effective treatment.
Update Thursday, May 30, 2019
The follow-up surgery for the osteomyelitis went smoothly and without complications. Bacteria from the sepsis infection had destroyed one of the discs in Susan's back. The operation removed the discharge and replaced the disc with a bone graft and additional material to create an artificial disc which the body will eventually turn into a real one. She remains hospitalized for pain management. The recovery period is expected to be lengthy, but doctors think her prognosis is excellent.
First received Monday, March 18, 2019
For Marge H. in Highlands Ranch, Colorado with cracked ribs after a fall in her kitchen...[April 18] Marge is in the hospital. She has had an acute stroke. Tests are showing that she has damage from other small strokes over time.
Her last episode in the ER was probably a stroke. When she fell with the stroke yesterday, she cracked her sacrum. The doctors are running more tests today to determine a plan of care. Support also for her nephew, daughter and
extended family...[April 20] Marge is out of the hospital and back home... [April 25] Marge is on new medications and doing very well. She is receiving physical therapy and has begun to walk on her own without support...[May 9] Marge had another fall on Tuesday, May 7. She's seen the doctor today, May 9. The doctor says she is okay. The fall involved a blackout. Her daughter and grandson are very concerned about her...[May 17] Marge has an appointment to see an new doctor on May 22. The hope is she will like him and that he may refer her to a neurologist that she could work with.
Update Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Marge's appointment went very well. The doctor doesn't think she needs to see a neurologist. Marge is willing to work with the medications and see if any of them bother her too much. She begins outpatient physical therapy next week and has another doctor's appointment in three months.
First received Wednesday, December 19, 2018
For Laura S. in Parker, Colorado who has severe congestion and laryngitis...[December 21] Laura was hospitalized today with pneumonia and sepsis...[December 23] Laura's voice is returning and the edema has been reduced; the sepsis infection still remains...[January 23]"I was in the hospital from December 22 to 26. I have been at home in bed since then resting and convalescing. The edema is still severe even with taking a daily prescribed diuretic. The doctor who discharged me said I might have at least a two-month recovery from the pneumonia. I am currently on oxygen as it can drop suddenly with activity. The coughing and the chest pain have subsided. Now I need to recover strength, stamina and have my legs drain the swelling. The hospital prescribed a home health service for therapy."...[March 19] "I am still confined to my bed most of the time. The edema has gone down dramatically.
My voice has come back. I am regaining strength. I can get out of bed without having to support myself with the walker. I can get back into bed on my own which saves my husband, Gerry, lots of effort. The home health agencies have been very helpful. I now have a home-visiting doctor who will continue until I am able to drive myself again. An at-home echocardiagram is scheduled. The doctor is concerned that the fluid retention may be a part of congestive heart failure. They are also going to test my sleeping oxygen to see if I need to continue on it. I am planning on getting to other rooms in the house in the next few days -- new freedom." ...[April 18]
"I have gotten out of the bedroom several days in a row. The doctor wants me to stay on oxygen at night. I no longer need the oxygen during the day. I have lost approximately sixty pounds of water weight from the edema, with more water weight to come off. I am feeling much stronger and am moving much more easily. An occupational therapist and a physical therapist are now visiting our home to help me regain muscle strength. I am able to bead again for hours at a stretch and work at my computer. So far no echo cardiogram, so no information on what caused the gross edema. My blood pressure is good and my heart rate is dropping closer to my normal range, although I still
have a-fib episodes." ... [April 25] "An echocardiogram test was administered last week. The results were normal for a person of my age. My nurse has increased the dosage of diuretics since my kidneys seem to be fine. The nurse thinks I may still have another ten
pounds of edema/water weight to lose. She is also cutting my heart medication in half. I am off daytime oxygen and may soon be off nighttime oxygen. I am feeling stronger everyday. I hope to get outside tomorrow and out of the
house for a class on Saturday." ...[May 9] "I got to the point where I was well enough to leave the house for a day-long class and a second emergency visit to the dentist. Yesteday evening, I wrenched my left knee and although I can put weight on it, I am in pain walking. The nurse has prescribed pain medication and ice." ...[May 17] "My left leg is healing, though still sore, and walking, sitting and standing have become easier. My heart rate has dropped to very low levels so the nurse has recommended that I not take heart medication for now. Since I began taking diuretics for the edema at the end of February, I have lost eighty pounds (at least fifty pounds had been added water weight.) I have had an ultrasound on my right leg and am waiting for the nurse or doctor to determine the results. Today, I did eight minutes on a floor bike. I am making lots of progress."
Update Wednesday, May 29, 2019
"My home nurse was here today. The results of the ultrasound show a sub-acute clot in my right calf. The nurse estimates the clot has been there for at least six weeks or more. I don't have any significant pain. The nurse is exploring which blood thinners to put me on. She recommended a cardiologist as she thinks I should be on a temporary monitor to figure out the low pulse rate issue which has not corrected itself yet, even though I stopped my heart medication for two weeks. I am feeling overwhelmed and extremely anxious with all the medical things: nurse/doctor, dentist, cardiologist, oncologist, physical therapies and still needing to rely on home care for bathing, in addition to other stressful issues in my life."
First received Friday, September 9, 2016
For 8-month-old Ryder B. in Belle River, Canada who has had severe eczema since birth and now has developed life-threatening allergies to rice and dairy products: he will be hospitalized on September 13 for food allergy testing...[October 6] Ryder continues to have multiple allergies. He also has developed an aversion to eating and refuses to put any food in his mouth, gagging and vomiting if food touches his lips or tongue. He is very
unsettled and sleeps poorly, which is very stressful for his parents... [January 4, 2016] Ryder continues to have multiple concerns. His anaphylactic reactions continue to increase. His FPIES (Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome)condition has caused him to develop an aversion to eating, and he will not touch any food. Due to this stress, both parents are developing health problems....[March 4, 2017] Ryder was taken to the hospital by ambulance with an anaphylactic reaction: vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties. He is currently receiving IV fluids.
Update Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Ryder continues to have major concerns with FPIES and anaphylatic allergies. He still has an aversion to eating. His parents are attending a seminar this weekend on a program which addresses his concerns. If all goes well and they are able to prove how important the program is for his future growth, he might be accepted. There are only a couple of spots available.
First received Monday, July 20, 2015
For Kashlind D. in Chatham, Canada with a complex congenital heart defect who is having surgery on July 23, the third in a series, called the Fontan Procedure...[August 31] Kashlind's surgery has been rescheduled to September 1 or 2... [September 5] The surgery lasted seven hours and went well. Although there were a couple of serious complications, no problems have developed...[September 11] Kashlind has been discharged from the hospital and is doing well. The doctors couldn't finish all that needed to be corrected and he will have to have ongoing future surgeries...[December 22, 2015] Kashlind is continuing to improve and has started school...[October 6, 2016] Kashlind will be having cardiac surgery at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto on October 6 and the following day if needed. With each surgery his health and ability to participate in activities has been improving. With this surgery it is hoped that he will be able to be active without becoming short of breath....[May 15, 2018] Kashlind, who was born with only half a heart, is scheduled for another surgery on May 16 at Toronto Sick Kids Hospital. The last surgery did not succeed in improving the blood flow from his heart to his lungs. The goal of this surgery is to try again to increase the flow of the pulmonary artery and clamp off all the small arteries that have developed so oxygenation will increase...[May 17] The surgery went well. The surgeon coiled off several collateral veins, stretched the pulmonary artery and other procedures. Now they will monitor Kashlind in hopes that the surgery will help his oxygenation and ability to play and do things.
Update Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Kashlind is currently at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, Canada for a second major cardiac surgery to attempt to close a hole in his heart.
First received Saturday, April 27, 2019
For John S. in Claremont, California with severe pain in his right hip from osteoarthritis.
Update Sunday, May 26, 2019
John is scheduled for hip replacement surgery on May 28.
First received Thursday, May 16, 2019
For Urs in Uster, Switzerland with terminal cancer and severe pain, and for his wife.
Update Saturday, May 25, 2019
Urs is nearing his transition. Continued support for him and his family.
First received Thursday, February 21, 2019
For Lauri S. in Oakland, California who is anxious after receiving a positive test result from her colon cancer screening....[March 4] Lauri has a consultation with the doctor on April 23 about her follow-up options, and is on the waiting list for an earlier opening. The result may be a false positive from the test procedure, but she really doesn't want to have a colonoscopy.... [April 9] The doctor had a cancellation so Lauri's appointment has changed to April 15. She has become more resigned to having a colonoscopy and is now looking for holistic forms of help to balance her physical energy in the preparation day and with the anesthesia during the procedure....[May 7] Lauri's doctor gave her many supportive suggestions for making her colonoscopy prep easier. The procedure is now scheduled for May 24, with a shorter-acting anesthetic which hopefully will also reduce any adverse reactions afterwards.
Update Friday, May 24, 2019
Lauri's colonoscopy went very well. She was pronounced "clean" and told to have her next colonoscopy in ten years. She said the preparations made the whole process much easier than her previous experience seven years ago.
First received Sunday, April 28, 2019
For Linda R. in Phoenix, Arizona with pain in her left shoulder and upper quadrant of her body.
Update Friday, May 24, 2019
Linda is receiving complementary treatments for a torn rotator cuff. She now has increased mobility and significantly less pain.
First received Thursday, November 7, 2018
For A. S. in Germany who has been hospitalized with severe back pain and weight loss...[November 24] A.S. is back at home. She has cancer which is affecting her spine and vertebrae. Five years ago she had breast cancer and the cancer has returned in different locations with metastatic growth....[December 23] A. S. has severe pain and is now receiving chemotherapy treatments.... [January 31] A.S. has several more weeks to go of chemotherapy. She is still in a great deal of pain. Today she could not move one of her feet. Support also for her husband who is her caregiver...[February 15] A.S. is now in a hospital with bowel difficulties.
Update Wednesday, May 22, 2019
A. has asked the doctor for a break from chemotherapy to regain her strength. She is at home now with her husband.
First received Friday, March 22, 2019
For Wade P. in Salt Lake City, Utah, a sheriff from Montana who was shot in the face and is hospitalized in an induced coma; and for his wife and two children.
Update Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Wade is going home to Montana after being in critical care for a long time. He still has an extensive recovery process ahead but he will be home.
First received Saturday, May 18, 2019
For John W. in Prescott, Arizona with a fever and possible urinary tract infection, and for his wife, Lois.
Update Sunday, May 19, 2019
John is still running a fever and will be in the hospital until at least Tuesday.