(Most recent updates first)
First received Wednesday, December 4, 2019
For Dave B. in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with a diagnosis of vestibular neuronitis which causes him to be shaky, disoriented and sleep a lot. A CT scan is scheduled for December 24...[December 7] After falling and hitting his
head, Dave was taken by ambulance to the hospital. A CT scan and an MRI were done. They are expecting a nerve in his inner ear to be causing the dizziness and discovered his B12 was very low. Continued support for his wife,
family, and friends...[December 17] After a week in the hospital with exhaustive testing, he has been diagnosed with a rare blood disease which has entered his brain. This is treated by aggressive antibiotics and pills.
He's expected to be in the hospital a few more weeks followed by a few months more of treatment from home. Continued support is requested for Rosemary, his wife and caregiver...[December 31] After three weeks in bed, Dave is
able to use a walker to stand and walk. He is having a spinal tap today to determine if the antibiotics are working... [January 9] The aggressive antibiotics are working. Each spinal tap shows improvement, his dizziness has
improved, and he can sit on the side of the bed to eat. He is walking while supervised with a walker due the dizziness. Once the spinal fluid is clear, he will be sent to the hospital for several weeks of rehabilitation.
Update Monday, January 20, 2020
After many weeks in the hospital Dave's spinal fluid has returned to normal and he has been released to go home. He has medicines to take as well as physical therapy to do daily. The hospital is considering him an outpatient for
possibly a year.
First received Wednesday, January 15, 2020
For Jean S. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a bowel obstruction, pneumonia, and septic response... [January 17] The bowel obstruction
and septic condition have been taken care of. Requesting support for a stronger response to the pneumonia antibiotics.
Update Sunday, January 19, 2020
Jean is now out of intensive care. Her vital signs are good. Continued support for recovering from pneumonia.
First received Tuesday, November 19, 2019
For Robert R. in Lake in the Hills, Illinois who will be having a series of radiation treatments, and for his wife.
Update Saturday, January 18, 2020
Robert has completed chemotherapy and now is scheduled for surgery on January 27.
First received Monday, December 9, 2019
For S.R. in Marzahn, Germany with head injuries and a cut trachea from an accident.
Update Thursday, January 16, 2020
S. can now breathe on her own and eat some soft food but cannot move her limbs. She is able to keep her spirits up and is grateful for every improvement.
First received Saturday, December 28, 2019
For Bryan C. in Tucson, Arizona who had a liver transplant last spring and continues to have infection near the bile duct, and for his medical team and family.
Update Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Bryan needs a second liver transplant. Doctors want him to gain the weight that was lost over the last six months. They are hoping to do a transplant in two to three months. Support for the family as well.
First received Sunday, December 29, 2019
For Cyril H. in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada who is receiving palliative care and is expected to make his transition soon.
Update Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Cyril made a peaceful transition surrounded by his family.
First received Friday, January 10, 2020
For Brandon B. in Windsor, Canada who had surgery on January 9 for Barrett’s esophagus.
Update Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Brandon is having breathing difficulties, dizziness, and nausea. If the nausea continues, a tube will have to be placed into the stomach.
First received Friday, January 10, 2020
For S.D. in Pensacola, Florida who is in the intensive care unit with influenza A and pnuemonia.
Update Sunday, January 12, 2020
S.D.'s doctors have notified her family that she is close to her transition.
Support is requested for them as they gather to be with her in the hospital.
First received Wednesday, January 8, 2020
For ninety-two-year-old Shirley J. in Mounds View, Minnesota who fell and fractured her leg and will have surgery on January 9...[January 10] Shirley's surgery went well. She now has a rod and screws in her right femur. She did limited walking today. She previously walked with a cane and will now have to use a walker. She will go to a rehabilitation facility for several weeks on Monday or Tuesday.
Update Saturday, January 11, 2020
Shirley is in pain, continues to need IV fluids, and needs assistance when walking. She is very tired and resting as much as possible.
First received Monday, January 6, 2020
For Joy S. in Waldorf, Maryland who is having extensive dental surgery on January 7.
Update Friday, January 10, 2020
Surgery went well, and there are side effects with the medication. She is returning to the dentist on January 14 to check on healing and stitches.
First received Monday, January 6, 2020
For Mark S. in Waldorf, Maryland who has a cold and bronchitis.
Update Friday, January 10, 2020
Mark no longer has a cold and the bronchitis is greatly improved. Coughing is less frequent every day.
First received Friday, August 16, 2019
For Katia N. in Phoenix, Arizona who is being treated for breast cancer.
Update Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Katia will soon have her final chemotherapy treatment.
First received Thursday, January 2, 2020
For 95-year-old Adam H. of Penn Valley, Pennsylvania who has been in the hospital for almost two weeks with a digestive blockage and is now scheduled for surgery; and for his family.
Update Saturday, January 4, 2020
Adam survived a lengthy surgery. The blockage in his small intestine turned out to be more cancer, after he already knew there was an inoperable tumor behind one kidney. The surgeon thinks they got the tumors around the intestine and that they reconnected everything, but they do not know yet whether he will be able to recover.
First received Friday, June 7, 2019
For Dave D. in Kingsville, Ontario who is being treated for ALS, and for his wife Marty...[July 1]
Dave is traveling to London, Ontario tomorrow to be tested for ALS.
Update Saturday, January 4, 2020
The disease is continuing to progress and Dave's symptoms are increasing.
First received Thursday, December 26, 2019
For Sharon P. in Brownsboro, Alabama who has COPD and is having a bout of pneumonia, and for her family and medical team.
Update Friday, January 3, 2020
Sharon is still in the hospital with pneumonia in addition to COPD. She has not been out of bed in six days and her body is weak
First received Thursday, March 14, 2019
For Sheryl C. of Barrington, Rhode Island who is in the ER with pain in her chest and left arm and very high blood pressure... [March 15] A follow-up appointment with Sheryl's doctor revealed that she definitely has a heart issue. The doctor ordered two medications and a stress test, which should take place soon... [March 19] Sheryl now has blurred and double vision. Her doctor recommends consultation with her eye doctor...[November 19] Sheryl's blood pressure remains extremely high, in spite of taking medication for it...[November 24] Sheryl is scheduled for a heart catheterization tomorrow in Providence, Rhode Island to photograph arteries for blockages and possibly insert stents... [November 26] Sheryl is being released from the hospital to go home with new medications...[November 29] Sheryl is back in the Miriam Hospital emergency room in Providence with recurring chest and jaw pain. The doctor told her to return because the stent had possibly become dislodged... [December 15] Sheryl continues to have pain in her chest, left arm, and jaw. She was scheduled to do a stress echocardiogram test Friday, but it was determined it was too soon after her heart attack. Consequently, it is not certain if she will be able to begin cardiac rehabilitation this week....[December 27]
Sheryl was scheduled for a stress echocardiogram this morning.
Update Friday, January 3, 2020
Sheryl is still having chest and left jaw pain as well as very high blood pressure. Her cardiologist changed medications today, but the doctors do not seem to know exactly what is causing the heart problems. Continued Radiant support for finding the right doctor and effective rehabilitation.
First received Monday, December 2, 2019
For Kim S. in Tuscaloosa, Alabama who will interview for a job on December 4...[December 16] Kim was told the interview went well, but has not heard anything since the interview.
Update Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Kim will begin working on January 14.
First received Friday, November 15, 2019
For Meredith K. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa who hurt his back when his car accidentally hit a deer.
Update Friday, December 27, 2019
Meredith is recovering well. Several other long-term issues are also resolving.
First received Monday, December 23, 2019
For Marge H. in Highlands Ranch, Colorado with head pain, sore throat, low-grade fever and a possible stroke.
Update Thursday, December 26, 2019
"Marge is starting to recover from the head cold. Her doctor recently prescribed medication for skin irritation. She is getting better and it may take time for her to recover her strength."
First received Monday, April 22, 2019
For William W. in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania with stage 4 cancer.
Update Thursday, December 26, 2019
William is now in hospice care: support for a peaceful transition.
First received Tuesday, December 17, 2019
For Gavin R. in Bradenton, Florida who was hospitalized after a stroke when doctors discovered multiple brain tumors.
Update Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Gavin is improving daily. He is breathing on his own and he can move some on his right side. The brain tumors were only an image from blood on his brain and that is resolving. When he recovers sufficiently he will go to rehab for six months after which doctors will evaluate his longterm possibilities.
First received Saturday, December 14, 2019
For Liz C. in Windsor, Canada who will have surgery on January 9 to remove a cancerous right kidney.
Update Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Her kidney surgery has been rescheduled for January 30.
First received Thursday, November 7, 2019
For Dobie, a cat in Waldorf, Maryland who needs a permanent home...[November 22] Dobie has been surrendered to a local humane society. He is FIV positive and supporters are seeking a cageless shelter for him.
Update Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Dobie has been adopted. He was promoted as pet of the week in the local newspaper and was also posted on Facebook. Two hours after the Facebook post he was adopted. He will be the only cat in the household of a single woman.
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...[June 24] Tom has been diagnosed with Crohn's disease. He is on medication which is giving him some relief while he waits for his insurance company to approve an infusion type of medication that is needed to address his severe issues....[July 10] Tom's infusion medication was approved by insurance and he has had one infusion. His heart rate went up and his heart was monitored for a day. He had a stroke and heart attack on December 24. He has not had any other side-effects and his heart seems to be fine. He is scheduled for a second infusion on July 12...[July 16] Tom had his second infusion. He is having problems with fatigue and a sore throat which are gradually diminishing. These are common side effects. He is eating well, is not having diarrhea, and has stopped losing weight. He has lost sixty-five pounds since December 24. His next infusion will be August 9...[August 17] Tom had his infusion on August 9 and experienced the same side effects of fatigue and cold-like symptoms. His weight remains stable, and he has not had any intestinal issues. The side effects are now minimal. He is having problems with weakness in his left leg as a result of his stroke and is not walking properly...[September 16] Tom is having side effects from his August infusion including severe sore throat, nausea, headache, fatigue, and sinus issues. His next infusion is October 4. Side effects can occur at any time with this medication. His weight is stable and his walking is slowly improving...[October 20] Tom's infusion on October 4 went well. He continues to have severe fatigue and cold symptoms for several days afterward. His weight remains stable. His other medications may be causing some of his side effects and his medications will be reviewed. The strength in his left side has improved and he has now joined a gym. His next infusion is December 4. He will have testing to determine the level of inflammation in January.
.... [November 18] Tom saw his cardiologist and they have adjusted his medication. His heart is functioning normally. There is no way to determine if his heart was weakened by a tear in his heart which has healed. His cholesterol remains normal and it was normal before his stroke. Doctors do not know why plaque totally clogged his carotid artery and caused his stroke. His infusions for crohn's disease continue to cause sore throat and cold-like side effects after an infusion and occur occasionally in between infusions, requiring him to rest for several days. His weight remains stable.
Update Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Tom had an infusion on December 4 and the side-effects have slowly disappeared. With each infusion, the side-effects are lasting longer. He will be evaluated in several months to determine the effectiveness of the infusions.
First received Wednesday, January 25, 2017
For Marilyn R. in Decatur, Illinois who has begun chemotherapy for breast cancer...[February 14] "83-year-old Marilyn is handling the chemotherapy treatments with little depression, even though she is losing her hair. She had the second chemotherapy session five days ago and continues to care for herself at home. Her son and his wife check on her frequently."...[March 13] Marilyn is doing as well as can be expected. After her next chemotherapy session, she will be evaluated for surgery and radiation....[March 26] Marilyn had her fourth chemotherapy session on Thursday. She is very tired and sleeping a lot. At this point the doctors think she will need two more sessions...[April 12] Marilyn will have a blood draw today to see if she is ready for the next chemotherapy session on Thursday... [April 27] Marilyn was even more tired after her chemotherapy session on April 13. Nevertheless she is regaining strength while still caring for herself, and is preparing for the sixth session on Monday, May 8... [May 10] Marilyn had her sixth infusion on Monday. No new physical problems have developed, though she is very tired after infusions. In three weeks she expects to have the PET scan and evaluations...[June 21] Marilyn had a successful surgery last week. She stayed overnight in the hospital and two more days with her son and his wife. She is now home recovering and slowly releasing fatigue. In general, her health appears to be good. She will see the surgeon tomorrow for a checkup.[August 4] Marilyn is now in the midst of taking daily radiation treatments. As she completes about a quarter of them, she remains very tired and looks forward to the end of this process...[October 29] Marilyn has completed all of the chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She appears to be free of cancer. Her next checkup is in December...[December 15] Marilyn's December checkup reveals no evidence of the cancer. Her next examination will be in six months.
Update Saturday, December 21, 2019
Marilyn has continued regular checkups. At her most recent one this week, her doctor said the breast cancer is in remission.
First received Sunday, September 29, 2019
For Russell B. in London, United Kingdom who has been hospitalized after a stroke affecting the left side of his body...[October 17]
Russell has been moved to a rehabilitation center in Kent. Support also for his mother, Kat, and sister, Kirsty.
Update Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Russell is now back home and slowly learning to walk again.
First received Tuesday, December 10, 2019
For Patty P. in Fairhope, Alabama who is scheduled for vaginal surgery on December 12, and for her husband and her surgeon.
Update Monday, December 16, 2019
"The surgery went well. Patty is feeling some pain and discomfort when she sits for any length of time. Overall, her pain is quite manageable, and she'll see her surgeon next week for a follow-up."
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...[June 7] Isabella is very weak and her cancer has spread. She needs a feeding tube and further treatmeant...[July 7] Isabella is a little bit better and will continue with chemotherapy.
Update Monday, December 16, 2019
Isabella's last cancer scans showed, against all predictions, that she is totally cancer free at the moment.
First received Tuesday, July 2, 2019
For Miki I. in Vienna, Austria who is having four dental inlays removed on July 3 with the possibility of irritating nerves...[July 7]
"The dental procedure went well and so far the nerves seem not to have been affected." [July 20] "I will have intense and invasive dental work in which all teeth are to be drilled for crowns on July 22 (lower jaw) and July 24 (upper jaw). Support also for the dentist and his team."...[July 28] The latest procedures went well. The work will continue on August 1 and August 8. Miki is in constant pain and is therefore on pain medication. Continued support is requested...[August 11] "Everything went well, still inflammation and discomfort, but moderate. It will take several months for the final adjustment, but the worst is over."...[November 13] At the last dental check-up it was determined that the right jaw joint is inflamed. The alignment of both jaws is not correct.
Update Monday, December 16, 2019
One tooth has started to move. The movement is connected with the correct jaw alignment, which is still not in position. Continued support is requested.
First received Monday, December 9, 2019
For Vicki B. in Spring Hill, Florida with extensive dental surgery on December 13.
Update Sunday, December 15, 2019
"Vicki is amazed how well she is doing after such extensive surgery and is only taking over-the-counter painkillers."
First received Friday, November 15, 2019
For Roland in Wolfsburg, Germany with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and for his caretakers and medical team.
Update Sunday, December 15, 2019
"Roland passed away very peacefully. Support is requested for his family and friends."
First received Thursday, November 14, 2019
For the S. family in Offenbach, Germany as they find new ways of relating to one another.
Update Sunday, December 15, 2019
Further support is requested for finding good ways to live for the family and all involved.
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.....[May 28] 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... [December 5] Kashlind continues to have major surgery to help his heart function since he was born with half a heart. Blood vessels have been manipulated and moved to the heart to improve the blood flow but they are very narrow and the doctors haven’t been able to successfully enlarge them to help him breath better. He easily turns blue on exertion. On December 6 he will be going to Toronto Sick Kids Hospital Cath Lab to try again and his family are very worried about possible serious complications.
Update Saturday, December 14, 2019
Kashlind had a procedure done in Toronto, and they hope it will help with his oxygen saturation. He is doing well and back home.