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This Little Piggy... (May 8, 2002)Great news. On Sunday, after just 3 days of chemotherapy, the tumors in Kent's breast were pretty much dissolved. Today, the one in the lymph gland in his chest was mostly gone. We are so grateful for all the prayers and support we have received. Yesterday, Kent had another go 'round with the physical terrorists. Three therapists that he had never seen before came into his room and told him to get into his wheelchair. He asked for a transfer board to help slide into the chair. Their reply was that the hospital only had one and it was being used by other patients, he had to stand to transfer. When he explained that his one leg was paralyzed and the other would not hold him, they said they would catch him if he started to fall. "No, I don't want a repeat of Saturday," says Kent. "Stand right now or we will have to kick you out of here," they replied. Kent reiterated "NO!" and they stormed off. Figuring it was a misunderstanding with the doctor's orders, he reported the incident to his primary doctor this morning. "You have no control over your therapy. The therapists are the experts, I expect you to do what they say," the doctor replied. We decided to work around him to do what we know is best. Later this morning, another therapist came in. He worked with Kent to get him moving, brought in a transfer board and got him up comfortably and without incident into the wheelchair. After 2 1/2 hours, Kent went back to bed, pleased at how well things went. (We knew it would with the right attitude and right tools.)
Kent is in a regular room (currently 115) at Sutter Roseville Medical Center and welcomes visitors. You might want to call first to ensure they don't have any procedures scheduled for him. Also, though he appreciates the gestures, no gifts are necessary. Your company is the best gift of all. Jokes on the other hand are always welcome. Keep those prayers flowing our way. In loving gratitude, The Simcoes We can be reached via cell phones during Kent's recovery.
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miracles. This afternoon, Kent was able to move the toes on his left foot after
the leg being paralyzed for 5 weeks. This is the first "real" movement
in the left leg. This is the sign that the spinal tumor may be dissolving and
relieving pressure in the cord against the vertebrae. The neurologist and
neurosurgeons haven't heard about it yet, but the movement was definite,
voluntary and repeatable. We look forward to more functionality returning.