As some of her family and friends are now aware, Mom (Kay) is finding certain ordinary tasks increasingly difficult to perform. Consistent with her medical history, this latest malady is...another mystery. An MRI shows something in the right hemisphere of the brain, and her local doctors have ordered a variety of tests to determine what it is. It's probably not a stroke. So, does Mom have cancer, chemo-damage, an infection, or what?
Tomorrow, we heighten the tempo of the diagnostic efforts with a visit to a world-class neurologist in the Seattle area:-)
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Kay in August
News about Kay and her fight against the JC Virus that causes PML -- posted by her family.
Kay in August
SUMMARY
Kay returned home from UW Medical Center and died on Thursday, December 28, 2006. She was diagnosed with Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare and deadly demylinating disease of the central nervous system. PML is caused by reactivation of a virus (JC Virus) that is latent in 86% of adults. Reactivation occurs in immunosuppressed individuals, including some chemo-therapy patients. Kay's visitors are not at risk.
The virus destroys cells that produce myelin, a fatty substance that insulates a neuron's axons and protects the transmissions therein. Areas of demylination appear as brain lesions. And, the lesions' locations in the brain determine the symptoms.
Symptoms may include altered mental status, motor deficits, unsteadiness, and visual impairments. Kay was acutely aware of her symptoms which include cognitive deficits mainly related to spacial perception (hard to drive car, open gift, or remove cap from toothpaste) and the loss of some sensitivity, strength and vision on her left side. She is not in pain.
There is no cure for the PML. Kay was treated with a toxin called Cytarabine. It has stopped the progression of PML in a minority of cases like hers and has allowed a least one patient to improve, regaining lost functions. So few people with PML have been treated with Cytarabine that outcome data was not useful in predicting how Kay might respond.
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Blog Archive
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2006
(23)
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November
(15)
- Storm
- Kay Gives Thanks
- Hospital Releases Kay
- Hoping for Return Home Soon
- Kay Strikes Back
- Kay Approves Proposed Treatment
- Doctors Say Kay Has PML
- Meeting with Doctors 1:30 PM Wednesday
- Successful Lumbar Puncture
- Love starts to pour in...
- Hoping for results by late Tuesday
- Delay...
- Contacting or Visiting Kay
- Prime suspect identified...
- Wonder Woman...
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November
(15)
3 comments:
Kay -
I just had an email from Bob telling me that you were in the hospital. I have been out of touch for much to long. I will try to call you. If we don't connect, then please know that Beverly and I are praying for a speedy recovery and we will see you when we come to visit Jonathan who lives in Seattle.
Love to you - John Watling
Hi Dear Kay,
I am sending white light to you for this procedure you are having today-hope tomorrow is a better and that the mystery will be solved soon. You are truely amazing. Love the pictures of you with your dear grandchildren.
xo Nancy G and Mr. Wow
Dear Kay, it has been many years since we have seen one another. I remember wondeful dinner parties and fun times at the symposium. I also remember the great Italian food at your family's restaurant.
I wish you the best of enduring strength through all your challenges. BE WELL.
I am enjoying a sculptor's life in sunny California. I will keep you in my thoughts and in the rays of the warm sun.
Love, Vic Picou
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