We are in our new 'normal' and have developed a routine. I am teaching in the mornings and usually home by 1pm. Dwayne is doing things around the house, kitchen cleanup, vacuuming, watering the plants, etc. That is a big help. In the afternoons we try to walk at least a mile, either on the beach trail or in the neighborhood.
Yesterday, Dwayne was evaluated by a new rehab center. The physical and speech therapists had him go through their testing. He did well with the physical therapy and after going over the notes from his last PT, she was encouraged that after a month of no therapy he had not lost any ground. She will be working on strength and balance. His endurance is much better. We went to Sea World this past Saturday and he did the day without using the wheelchair! Speech is still the area that needs the most work. Short term recall and aphasia are still a challenge.
Today he began his third round of chemo. This will go on for five days. The week of November 7th he will have the next MRI. We are praying that the last three spots are gone!
Thank you for being an important part of our lives.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
English Translation, Please!
This was too funny not to share. Dwayne has been doing much better with his word finding, but there are still some he just can't find what he needs.
We have been trying to walk the beach trail near our house as often as possible. Sometimes going about two miles in about an hour and a half. A couple of weeks ago, we had finished the walk and because it was very humid that evening, decided to stop for frozen yogurt. Dwayne was tired and didn't want to go in, so I asked him what he wanted. He told me vanilla, then I asked if he wanted something on it. He said he did, but could not remember the word. So, I went back to the stragity that the first speech therapist, Mary Beth, had said to use,"yes/no" questions. This usually works pretty well, and has taken out some of the frustration at times trying to communicate. So, I began with did he want fruit-"no", nuts-"no', chocolate chips-"yes, but with the feet and limbs attached". That one really threw me. Wasn't sure what to do with it. He still could not get the word out he wanted, and finally told me that I would figure it out. I was not as confidant. So, I went in and started looking at the toppings. Came out with 'cookie dough' on the top. He said he knew I would get it. Sometimes you just have to laugh!
Someone have an English/Aphasia dictionary I can borrow?
We have been trying to walk the beach trail near our house as often as possible. Sometimes going about two miles in about an hour and a half. A couple of weeks ago, we had finished the walk and because it was very humid that evening, decided to stop for frozen yogurt. Dwayne was tired and didn't want to go in, so I asked him what he wanted. He told me vanilla, then I asked if he wanted something on it. He said he did, but could not remember the word. So, I went back to the stragity that the first speech therapist, Mary Beth, had said to use,"yes/no" questions. This usually works pretty well, and has taken out some of the frustration at times trying to communicate. So, I began with did he want fruit-"no", nuts-"no', chocolate chips-"yes, but with the feet and limbs attached". That one really threw me. Wasn't sure what to do with it. He still could not get the word out he wanted, and finally told me that I would figure it out. I was not as confidant. So, I went in and started looking at the toppings. Came out with 'cookie dough' on the top. He said he knew I would get it. Sometimes you just have to laugh!
Someone have an English/Aphasia dictionary I can borrow?
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| Sun setting over Catalina, from the beach trail. |
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