Shirley Update

Many of you have been emailing/calling/texting for an update on Shirley's condition.  I thought it best that I get another blog post out rather than try to respond to all the single-threaded queries.

Following a CT scan late last night and an early morning follow-up ultrasound, they have determined that she has gall stones.  This is likely the cause of her nausea and other and related discomforts.  Now that they have a cause, the gastroenterology team is being consulted on how to best treat the problem.  The likely long term solution will be to remove the gall bladder, but they hinted that some less invasive procedures may be used this time to deal with the stones.  We expect to hear their plan of attack tomorrow.

During the review of the CT scan, they also noted a compression fracture on her L4 vertebrae.  This would be a likely cause of the back pain she has been enduring for the last few weeks.  The heavy doses of prednisone she has been taking can lead to osteoporosis, which may have contributed to the weakening of her bones.  They say there isn't much they can do for this.  Pain medications to ease the discomfort and exercise are their recommendations.

Thanks to all for your continued concern and support. One of these days, we're going to get out of here and get back home!