Great Weekend

Hello Everyone! Sorry I haven't written in the blog in three days but a very busy weekend and know some of you feared something went wrong because I haven't written so thank you so much for your concerns and I guess you all enjoy the blog so will continue to write updates. Everything is going fine here at our house and Terry is stronger each day -- his voice even sounds like Terry. I hope you all had a fabulous Memorial Day holiday. We had a great holiday just being home and having a somewhat routine life after the last three weeks. Terry's brother, Steve, sister-in-law, Yvonne, and their German Shepherd, Mia, drove from Chicago to spend the holiday weekend with us. We had so much fun and Terry was so thrilled to see his brother and Yvonne. Terry participated with us as much as possible. He had at least three walks each day and stayed up more frequently during the day. It was just wonderful being with Steve and Yvonne and we just laughed and talked and talked. Spent some time in the hot tub with margaritas one night and Yvonne and I had cosmos and went to Sex in the City II another night. Today, Steve and Yvonne went to Dallas to spend the day with Brooke and I talked to them earlier and they were having a blast. After Steve and Yvonne left today, we continued to have more company so a very busy day for Terry but he sure perks up when he sees his friends so thank you all for coming by -- Oh yes, and more food was brought over -- wow -- so fortunate to have friends that love to cook -- I think I won't have to worry about a meal all week now. We are really getting spoiled with the good food! Terry started talking to me about his clients and work today, and we made a list of what to do first when he starts back. This is a very good sign as he really hasn't talked much about the business or had an interest so he definitely is on the mend in all aspects. I will say goodnight now -- I hope everyone has a wonderful week -- Thanks ya'll for being such great friends and family.

Not much new to report today other than Terry walked with me last night and did quite well and walked with me again this morning and promises to do the same this evening. He is still using his cane but his legs seem sturdy. This is the last day of the steroids and we are both happy about that -- he can get some sleep and he won't be so aggitated. He had company this afternoon which was very good for him to sit up and have a conversation about something other than brain tumors. I think it will be busy weekend with brother Steve and his wife coming in as well as friends stopping by but it will be good for the whole family to not have to spend time at a hospital.

Doctor's Visit

I took Terry to MD Anderson today for his follow-up with Dr. DeMonte. It was a very interesting visit as Dr. DeMonte showed us all the MRI scans and described in detail how he disected the tumor cell by cell. He pointed out the area that still contains the tumor that he could not get at. The pathology report does record some questionable cells that Dr. DeMonte says we will be watching very closely over multiple MRI's. There may be a chance of some radiation depending how fast the MRI's indicate these remaining cells are growing but there is also a very good chance no radiation will be required. Terry was a little bit "busted" again as he already has been giving me a hard time at home about getting out of bed and doing exercise (walking). Unfortunately, I did not hear the doctor's order the day Terry was discharged so today by both the nurse and doctor they gave Terry strict orders on what he is to do each to get stronger and one thing is WALKING a little more each day and not just around our little tiny kitchen/den area! Terry was told I was the "boss" - we will see how that goes -- and that if he was going to get strong again he needed to follow instructions. They cautioned him of all that could go wrong if he didn't do certain things so his attitude upon leaving the doctor's office was quite a bit different. Let's hope it lasts -- As you all know, Terry has had a tendency to enjoy lounging around but doctor's orders are that he must exercise to get well. Let's hope this becomes a routine with him and then the sooner he will be back on his feet. The sutures were removed today and we counted - 58 so you can imagine the size of his incision. Hard to imagine a week ago today where he was at and now they have him taking walks -- the art of modern medicine -- one of the nurses commented today that this surgery 20 years ago -- he would have been in bed and hospitalized for months so really is amazing. Hope everyone is having a good day!

Terry is at Home

Our home internet is still down so a little harder to keep everyone up-to-date. I took Terry home early last night. His Dad had taken Terry down to the salon at MD Anderson to get his hair cleaned up and reshaped so when I got there he was sitting in his clothes, with a new baseball cap on his head! It was so wonderful to see him dressed and looking like Terry. The baseball cap will be his new look until his hair grows back and covers the incision. Anyway, he was more than ready to go home. Last night he did well, was so grateful to be in his own bed and I think slept quite well. He also got up joined us at the table for dinner which was quite fun and we had a nice conversation reflecting on the events of the past two weeks. He continues to have a lot of pain in the eye but it will take time to heal. The swelling this morning considerably down again so every day it will get better. He cannot even attempt to use the computer for a week, make phone calls, emails, etc. Doctors want him to just sleep and rest. If friends want to stop by, I think he will be very open to seeing friendly faces. Just give us a call, to make sure he is awake. Terry's brother, Steve and his wife, Yvonne, will be spending Memorial Day weekend with us. We are both looking forward to their visit and I think their visit will be very good for him. Something to talk about rather than just the surgery. I take him back to MD Anderson tomorrow morning already to visit his doctor and perhaps get more detailed recovery instructions so he will already have an outing tomorrow morning. We continue to get calls and cards. To many of you I have not been able to return the calls or emails but will start doing so this week. Between trying to keep up with work, Terry's clients, and the hospital, it has been hectic. Again, many thanks to you all for seeing us through this. Everyone have a wonderful day!

New Updates

Hello. Our internet has been down both Saturday and Sunday so have not been able to blog with updates. My apologies as I know some of you have worried something is wrong. I am happy to report each day is a little better. Saturday Terry had me a little concerned as our conversations were a little bit out there but yesterday, Sunday, was a very good day. The swelling is considerably down and he started to resemble himself. He was able to put his glasses on for the first time and they fit. His goal yesterday was to walk four times. We had a good conversation and he intereacted very well with his Dad and I. His voice was strong and he seemed a lot calmer not so aggitated but I have been told the steroids will do that. The pain yesterday was mainly concentrated in his eye and above the eye. His eye still looks very bad appearance wise so can imagine it is painful but it was open a slight bit. A portion of our conversation yesterday was what in the world to do with the remainder of the head he still has on his head! As you all know, Terry has or had a very thick head of hair but now it is just reduced to a thick mass of hair in the back of his head. He definitely needs some styling tips so today I hope he will let us take him to the salon at MD Anderson to get it washed and cut short as trying to brush those longer locks pulls too much on his incision. He needs a new "do" but is not being all that cooperative but hey, I have an advantage -- he can't run away from me - I just have to push him in a wheelchair and get him down there -- he is Mr. Personality to everyone around him so once I get him there he should cooperate.

Monday - A.M. Stopped at the hospital this morning in hope that Terry would go home today. Still no orders to release him yet but I really do think it will happen today. I hope so -- Two weeks ago today we received news that changed our lives -- what a roller coaster it has been -- The power of prayers and friendship have gotten us through all this -- I hope all of you are well and life is treating you good. Have a Great Monday everyone and I will keep you posted.

P. S. Terry still is talking about a celebration party so don't be surprised if late summer or so the Williams will be having another party!

Another new day on the way to recovery. Terry walked today with support of nurses and ate his breakfast in a chair. Swelling is pretty incredible still. Actually, if I didn't know better, would have apologized to the person for coming to the wrong room. Just a little startling and I wasn't prepared for that. Terry is in good spirits today -- wants to go home. More cards and calls today of "get well" wishes. Tomorrow I hope to convince Terry to let me take him to the MD Anderson hair salon where they work with people who have had surgery and need a little assistance reshaping and trimming what little hair they have left. So far, he is pretty resistant so we will see about that one. Not much else to report tonight other than things are looking quite a lot better than they did a week ago -- We are truly blessed.

Additional Comments

I just wanted to tell you that I told Terry again this morning how many friends and family have called with prayers and well wishes. He just smiled and said -- let's plan a party so that I can personally thank everyone -- well, that certainly is a switch, wouldn't you say?? so -- I guess let the party planning again. We will be married 36 years in August -- maybe I will plan a combined celebration! Have a blessed day everyone!