Where to start...so much has happened over the last week or so, but I guess before getting into details about what we know and don't know at this point, we should start at the beginning and fill you in on dad's initial symptom(s).
Life was busy as usual...from work to weekend outings to family time, we were all enjoying the end of summer and looking forward to the fall - nothing out of the ordinary. September 15th, dad was trying to put on his shoe - he mentally knew he needed to put it on, mentally knew how to put it on, but couldn't physically do it. A few minutes passed and he was able to put his shoe on just fine - of course he didn't tell any of us about this at the time (you know Earl - "it's nothing").
A few days later a similar situation happened as he was trying to write his name to sign a receipt at the gas station. After 5 small episodes and 2 weeks passing (and my mom and aunts begging him to go see a Dr.) he finally went to St. Joseph's on Tuesday October 4th to get checked out. The Dr. thought he may have had a mini stroke and decided to do an MRI - aside from a little back pain (he pulled his back lifting a 5 gallon bucket), these 5 mini fine motor incidents have been my dad's only symptom.
When the initial MRI results came back, they revealed two "masses" in Dad's brain, both in the frontal lobes of the brain - one on the left side measuring approx.. 2x4cm and one on the right side measuring approx.. 1x2cm. The "mass" on the left proved to be the one causing the fine motor incidents. The Dr. called Dad and told him to go to Barnes for further testing (Tuesday, October 4th).
Love the site Aften! Such an awesome get together tonight as well! It's so comforting to see how strong of a support system Earl has behind him... so many friends and family who love him and who have all the faith in the world that he will overcome this challenge. Thanks to all who made it tonight and have shown their support this last week!
ReplyDeleteThis was such a wonderful idea Aften. Thank you for the updates. All my thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family since I spoke with you on Wednesday. I have an army of friends and family praying as well. Earl is a great man, and he's strong. I have no doubt he will be kicking some serious ass in the weeks to come. ;) Stay strong and lean on each other. If I can do anything for anyone please let me know. Love you all lots!
ReplyDeleteAften, Thank you for sharing your blog on FB. I wouldn't have known otherwise. We are praying for a complete recovery for your dad and not only strength and peace for him as he faces whatever treatment plan is chosen, but for you and your family as well. -Elisa
ReplyDeleteThank you for blogging, Aften. I'm sure your family has so many people calling and emailing it's hard to keep up...everyone loves Earl! He has always been so sweet and is always smiling everytime I see him. I think about him and your family all the time. If anyone needs anything at all, do not hesitate to call me! Love you all.
ReplyDeleteDearest Aften Kyle, Cannan, Austin, Ariel, Bonnie and Earl, since we learned of the Earls situation we have been constantly praying and thinking of all of you. Aften thx so much for doing this blog. For those of us who cant be there on a daily basis, this is a Godsend. Your father has been in contact with us and Kevin remains available to him should he have further questions. Kevin has extensive expertise with brain injury, trauma and cancer. Sounds like u have fabulous doctors on board but KP is here to be a sounding board or another objective opinion. Stay strong and know there are many who love and support Earl and his entire family. Thx again for this information blog. Love, Von and KP
ReplyDeleteAften, "Thank You so Much" for starting this blog. It is such a "Great" idea =).It will really help all of us to keep up-to-date with what is going on with your Dad,Mom & all of you :-)You know, your Dad just looks so healthy...it's hard to believe there is anything going on...he "Thankfully" is a "LOT" like Grandpa Strieker...he looks like him, talks like him, acts like him and "YES" he is even a little stubborn like him...Ha! Ha!And, right now...I think that is one of the most important attributes Ha! Ha! :-P Just know we are keeping you all in our prayers and if you need anything...please let us know.
ReplyDeleteWe Love You All So Very Much =)Donna, Jary & Justin =)
Earl, Bonnie and Family,
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing the blog and keeping us up to date on what is going on. Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking about you and will keep you in our prayers. Also, if you need anything just let us know, we are here for you.
Al & Jeanette
Earl, Bonnie and family - prayers and hugs to all of you tonight and tomorrow as you begin the next phase. Like Glen said on Sunday "Earl we will see you back at home in Breese in a week!"
ReplyDeleteGlen and Geralyn
Sending this to all of you. Ted and Tommye at the Lake-Just know we are praying for complete recovery and peace and comfort for Mom and kids,. We have you on our prayer chain also. God bless and expet to see you Earl with those steaks next year for family vacation! Love and prayers the Washburn's
ReplyDelete