Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Pain Management

It was pretty cool timing today because Jessa's back has been hurting more but she had a scheduled doctor's appointment with Dr. Bruel, her pain management specialist. After evaluating her, he felt that she has probable fractures in her sacrum. That's the part of the back that extends below the lower back to above the tail bone. Jess has an MRI scheduled on July 7th and then a consultation with Dr. Bruel on the 10th to determine her treatment. If her sacrum does indeed have fractures in it-- Bruel will most likely fill up the new cracks with more bone cement. In the meantime he is rotating her pain meds and adding a medicine that helps with muscle spasms.

Jess starts her pool therapy Friday. We knew it was coming, but it feels so good to have it scheduled.

Katelyn left for two weeks for Portland, Oregon today to be with her grandparents today-- I think it will be a great break for her (she helps out at home so much) and she loves being spoiled. She is almost past the age of "unaccompanied minor" so I quizzed her about what to do when we got to the airport. My diagnosis: she is growing up because she aced the test.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jess,
It is SO good to see you up at church. You inspire me so much. Talks and prayers of You and your amazing family are in a constant in our household. Thank you for the weekly and almost daily blogs!
Keep it up and have a BLAST swimming!!! :) Love, the Kauffmann girls

Anonymous said...

Love you, Jessa. Thanks for reminding me to choose joy and not to live with fear. Whoever would have thought 3 years ago that I would say, "Yea, you get to start a new chemotherapy tomorrow!" I am thanking God for the wisdom of those who research new therapy!!

Love you,
Aunt Sandy

Anonymous said...

Jessica,

You have a great witness for God. He has allowed you to touch so many lives with your illness. I know that you can do it!!!! You are an inspiration of hope and the glory of God really shows thru you and your family. Know that I am praying for you and your family. Enjoy the pool and I pray that this activity will continue to build you up. Love to all,
Moxie

Anonymous said...

Jes,
I have pictures scrolling on my computer at the office. My favorite one is of you floating in a pool under a cloudless deep blue sky at an Arizona spa on a "sisters" trip. My second favorite is one of you and Sandy doing synchronized swimming. YOUR legs WERE straighter and feet pointyier! Have fun in that pool. Try not to show off too much.
Love you so.
Mom

Anonymous said...

Jessica,

I too, was so glad to see you at church last Sunday. I love to see you and all your family filling that section of church. I did not get to say hi, because I only spotted you once church began. We are so glad to know you are beginning new treatments and pool therapy. We are praying for strength, rest, and good times for your family.

Wendy Casas