In MD-speak I have a cerebellar oligoastrocytoma (grade 4) -- the pathologists
can't really quite agree on this, but this seems to be the consensus. It
has now invaded a part of my brainstem called the pons where it is impossible
to surgically remove it. My parents will try to update this file periodically
to keep friends informed.
August 7 1995. Just about a year ago I began to have symptoms: on a trip
to visit colleges with my sister I was car sick and felt fluish.
I also began to walk unevenly and lost some function in my left hand.
When we returned to Urbana, an MRI revealed a tumor.
A month ago, the doctors decided that the tumor had progressed so deeply
into my brainstem that it was not possible to operate. Since then I have
been at home under the care of my parents and the local hospice. It is
very boring! and scary.
The tumor makes lots of normal things very difficult. My hearing and eyesight
are pretty bad, and it is getting very difficult to speak and swallow.
Last week they put me on morphine to help with pain. This seemed to help
me hear a bit better, and made some of my awful nightmares a bit better.
I sleep much of the day, but it is still nice to see friends. Just
check with my parents first.
August 8th. Today Emma is experiencing more difficulty in breathing and has a slight temperature.
August 13th. Emma's condition has been stable for the last several days. She is awake off and on during the day and continues to enjoy her limited diet of apple sauce, orange juice and milkshakes.
August 16th. We are saddened to have to report that Emma lost her struggle last night, shortly after midnight. We were all with her at the end, at home. We are arranging a private burial tomorrow. At her request she will be buried at Mount Hope Cemetery just down the street. There will be a memorial service tentatively planned for Sunday afternoon August 27th for her friends and family to say goodbye. Diane, Hannah, and Roger