Progress report

Les had an appointment at UW Medical Center yesterday. It has been 3 months since his diagnosis. We have been a bit anxious about this appointment.....lots of wondering.

First up was Dr. Weiss. He was encouraging since Les hasn't lost any weight and no new symptoms in his limbs.  We chatted a bit about speech and eating and he sent us on!  Next was a lung capacity test. This also was encouraging; Les' lung capacity has decreased only a small bit.  Then he had a heart test but we don't know the results of that (he has to have his heart checked because of one of his meds).  Next was a blood draw - to check his liver, again because of meds.  Last was the speech therapist, Deanna.  We know that Les' speech is worse, and he has more difficulty swallowing.  Her test results showed that Les' tongue is weaker.  We discussed a feeding tube but they aren't concerned with that yet.  Les would have to be losing weight and choking more often before they feel a feeding tube would be necessary.  We found out that Les should always be able to eat (even if just smoothies)--that cheered Les up a bit!!  We also talked with her about speech aides.  Most of them aren't appropriate cuz they are for wheel chairs.  Les will probably start with an app on his iPhone and maybe the iPad, but he needs to be able to hold it in his hand.  So that is his assignment-- find an app that works for him.  Talking alot makes Les pretty tired, so he does need to start using an alternative way to communicate.   Down the road we will look at a bigger machine/computer, but not quite yet.  Next appointment April 16!!  Lesson learned:  "Do not worry about anything; but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"  Phillippians 4:5-7

My cousin Lori's husband just had heart surgery at the UW medical center so we got to visit them on the 5th floor.  The patient is doing great and we had a fun visit!  See you in May for sure!!