Hi everyone,
Tom has started PT, OT, and Speech Therapy. We are working through TIRR which has a great reputation. In OT the direction is on fine motor skills, and Speech is really about memory. In PT Tom is focusing on balance. Apparently balance is largely accomplished through visual feedback, feeling in our feet, and the vestibular system (something about his inner ear)
Tom also had a special eye exam which taught us that his peripheral vision is badly damaged and of course the feeling in his feet has not come back. He has learned to compensate for these well but the damage done to his inner ear is serious and requires a lot of therapy to overcome.
As such, his balance is very bad. He took quite a fall this morning resulting in a trip to the ER for a CT scan. Fortunately it came back negative. We were back on the road in a few hours and treated ourselves to a Big Mac. Sometimes fat and chocolate are just necessary.
We are both learning a lot. One my recent gains has been in learning about Gerstmann syndrome which is neurological condition brought on by brain trauma. It presents with difficulty with math, left/right distinction, and something else I can't recall now (probably something to do with memory haha). While we wish it was not occurring in Tom it is and it is good to have a name and action plan associated with the situation.
All this sounds bleak but it is not. Tom is so happy and we are loving this Christmas season. We laugh a lot and really enjoy being together.
We have terrific support from friends and family all the way from food delivery and rides to an amazing fund raiser in January.
We are so blessed.
Please keep Tom in your prayers.
Love Theresa
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4 comments:
OT and PT don't sound like fun, but it is much better to read updates about them than about chemo and radiation! They're probably better to write, too. We're so glad to hear about the progress. Merry Christmas, happy new year, happy every day.
Hi Tom and Theresa - It is good to hear an update! Thank you. Sorry to hear about the fall but you are both handling it with grace, as usual. We are here and ready to deliver some dinners when you are! ~ Donna & Hugh
Your uplifting spirit and positive attitude are an inspiration. My prayers continue to be with you both.
~Ed
Hi Theresa and Tom (whose surname I now know is Lawrence)!
This is the first we have heard of any of your medical issues (Thanks Hugh and Donna), and marvel at the grace with which you are handling this hurdle.
I have another friend from elementary school days who was diagnosed in December '07 and has had 3 brain surgeries this year. He is still trying to understand what his options are, and is fighting mercilessly, just like you.
Sounds like you are on the mend, though face serious work ahead.
Reach out as help is needed -- it can come from surprising places. Our thoughts are with you!
Carpe diem.
Marc Shapiro
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