Why am I writing this blog?

Euclid (Cleveland), Ohio, United States
Here I share the amazing spiritual journey I began on July 19, 2007. I received the diagnosis of a golf-ball-sized tumor on top of the left parietal lobe (motor functions) of my brain. I had severe symptoms all up and down the right side of my body and had received an MRI scan of my brain. In August 2007, I learned that my diagnosis was a Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). This is a common form of fast-growing brain cancer with a challenging prognosis. That's the external story about that moment in time. In the spiritual world I found (actually more like it found me) what I came to call the Fact-Based Spirit-Guided Path, and I began an amazing journey. After October of 2008, I lost the use of my right arm, and in early 2009, my cognitive abilities were struggling, and treatment options ended. My wife, Susanne, then began doing most of the blog postings, with my review and input whenever possible. I continued to apply the Fact-Based Spirit-Guided Path as the adventure continued. My soul then flew to the Kingdom of God on July 1, 2009. Thanks for your interest in my journey. Craig

Susanne's Perspective

During this entire journey, my wife, Susanne, had an entirely different kind of experience. Initially she added comments to some of my posts describing her experience of the moments I discussed and offerred perspectives on our relationship. In the latter stage of this journey, she is writing the blog, as I am no longer able to do so. I am truly delighted that she is doing so. Susanne and I work together as marriage educators/relationship coaches and she has written many books on preparing for and strengthening marriages so you can count on her comments to be insightful and poignant.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Surgery and Intensive Care 8-27 and 8-28

The surgery for head infection went well. There was a tremendous amount of pus (sorry for the image folks!), but it appears that it was all between the skull and scalp and did not penetrate the brain. Because the bacteria may have been prone to grow in the section of the skull that was removed and replaced during the tumor removal surgeries, they have removed it permanently and inserted a titanium plate in its place. We are still awaiting final "bug" culture results, but it appears likely that this is some type of staph infection. Craig's daugher Michelle and I spent the night in intensive care with Craig.
Craig is still experiencing fever and needed closer monitoring today, so he was left in intensive care. We encouraged a small number of people to visit him briefly today, and that seems to have lifted his spirits. He experienced some challenges swallowing pills during the night, so they would not allow him to eat today (no food since dinner on Tuesday!) until his swallowing was assessed. He was finally approved to eat a slightly modified diet at about 4 p.m. (first meal in 3 days!) Yay!
8-28 was a second day in intensive care. His speech is still being affected by the drugs, but improving. He'll be on high doses of antibiotics for quite awhile. Still some fever.
8-28 is our 9th wedding anniversary. We began the day with saying a prayer for marriage and before I left for a break, I was helping him go to the bathroom. So, from the sublime to the mundane! But alive and together. The day ended with more friends and a mini/impromptu anniversary party complete with chocolate chip cookies and Craig feeling much better. Love, Susanne p.s. Sorry for the delay in news - a little busy and blogger locked out access for a few days.
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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

If you both need some smiles, I recommend http://icanhascheezburger.com/. There are even some inspirational yet very funny pics about "Ceiling Cat."

August 29, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Susan said...

Thank you, Susanne, for keeping us informed. Prayers continue daily for each of you.

August 30, 2008 at 6:22 AM

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