Decisions

Hello good folks,

With the careful care of the hematologists Bernice's blood values have stabilized to an extent that the neurosurgeons can now step in and perform their miracles to repair the damage done in her fall. We spent a good hour with a neurosurgeon this morning while he explained in in great detail what, after looking at her CT scans and MRI images, his team has concluded and what they believe is the best course of action. Dr Moyle (no puns please) an MD-PhD out of California, soft spoken, very bright, has won our whole-hearted confidence. Briefly, there are two problems: her back and her skull. The compressed vertebra (about half its vertical height) has continued to be a source of continued pain and its slight movements bring it too close to the spinal chord. Under local anesthesia a probe will put an epoxy-like material into this vertebra to stabilize it and, hopefully, eliminate the pain. I asked son harvey how this would work. he asked me if I had ever had a hang nail and noticed that the least brush against it could induce a stab of pain. He continued saying to imagine an epoxy hardening around the hang nail so it would no longer be sensitive. This surgery (tentative, of course) is scheduled for Friday.

The remains of the internal blood remains and this has slowly pushed her brain to one side and there may be some small leakage still present. The clot is on the brain surface and there is no evidence of brain damage. Surgery on Monday will involve making two small holes and removing all traces of this old blood. For two days Bernice must keep her head stationary and we have yet to see how this is accomplished. This is the main reason for having the back surgery first — there should be less or diminished back point at this point.

I must say that we are pleased to have such good doctors working on the case and we are optimistic of outcomes. Bernice, perhaps due to improved blood values, was better today than since admission. She is reading a great deal and is using the walker more and more: to the bathroom and we went for a long circuit around the oncology floor. She is spirited and is eating much better. She requested a dark chocolate bar. With some effort, I contacted the beauty people and someone is coming tomorrow to give a manicure, a pedicure, wash her hair, and perform whatever customary procedures women feel they need to maintain their allure. Bernice says she must prepare for her surgery.

Other less important things are going on but I am too tired at this point for lighter literary pursuits. Having done all the dishes l am now getting a wash done because I have a limited supply here in the city.

more tomorrow,
love to all, Merwin