Snowfall has been exceptionally heavy in Bellingham, so Mom has come down from Chuckanut Mountain into our home for two days and two nights. We love having her here.
More than ever, she needs hands-on professional care. Andrew, who has been at her side throughout, is escalating service accordingly. Mom could not have chosen a more dutiful, loving husband. He deserves our support too!
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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:
Rob, thank you so much for this blog. It allows us to stay in touch without intruding. Please give Kay a hug from us.
Julie & Bob
We are truly sorry to hear of Kay's illness and extremely hopeful and in amazement of the family support and medical care in her corner. Please pass our love, best wishes, and prayers on to Kay and Andrew and the rest of the Healy/ Moquin family.... and a special hug from me.
Love to you all and thank you for sharing.
xoxoxo
Jennifer and Ian
Kay - Just thinking about you and hoping that you're enjoying the beauty of the snow.
My love and a hug,
Justyn
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