Sorry I haven't updated you earlier, I didn't forget you.  I'll start with the good news - we have IV access again.  They just finished putting in a PIC line - it is different than a regular IV in several ways, most importantly that it can stay in for several weeks if needed.  Plus you can use it for infusions AND to draw blood so no more sticks for labwork.  IF Leslie will allow it, we can leave it in and use it for Yervoy injections or blood draws or scans or whatever.  But it sticks out of her skin like an IV and that always freaks her out, hopefully we can wrap it up and talk her into keeping it.

Leslie has not improved any today, I am hoping that getting IV fluids going again will help perk her up.  They will also be starting her on some liquid nutrition through that IV (we have connections with the Dietician :)  I have great hope that tomorrow will be better than today was.

Dr Ott (San Diego neurosurgeon) and Dr Calvin (local neurosurgeon) are friends, I asked them to compare notes.  Dr Ott completely agrees with Dr Calvins plan which is a nice reassurance.  Of course, we would want Leslie tranfered to San Diego if they could do something more for her, but it's nice to be able to keep her close to home is she can get the same - or maybe better :) care here.

I had a couple of Leslie's friends come see her today for some VERY short visits.  I must admit I had an ulterior motive and the visits were not to benefit the visitors - I hoped that it would stimulate Leslie a little but it didn't seem to work.  I know that so many of you want to see Leslie, I thank you so much for being so understanding.  I have to do what I think is best for Leslie, I know that a lot of visitors would not benefit her right now.

Thank you so much for all the love you are sending us, it's helping me hold it together.  And again, thank you for being so understanding that I have been keeping Leslie from you.

UPDATE 10:00 pm  Leslie finished up the day a little better today.  She eat more today, talked football with Jenna & Jeff, got out of bed twice (with lots of help)  She is still very tired and slept most of the day, but was probably actively awake 1 1/2 hours today vs 15 minutes yesterday.  Dr Calvin says the scan is unchanged - he says that, with Leslie's increased activity is a good sign.  Here are some specific prayer needs - please continue to pray that Leslie gains strength, that her brain scan improves, that she eats and drinks more.  She doesn't have an IV right now, pray they can find a place to put one.  Pray that Leslie's will to fight gets stronger.  Please pray for strength and hope for me.  Thanks you all again for your support and prayers.  I was able to read Leslie your comments today during of of the times she was more awake.

Leslie is looking a LITTLE better today, kind of helps restore my hope.  She is still very tired but is keeping her eyes open more and talking a little more.  She had an MRI early this morning, I expect it will be a while before we find out results.  I think she might be feeling well enough for me to read her some of your comments and encouragement today - keep 'em coming.

5:30 pm - Well, I can't even call this an update - there is no news to report.  Leslie has slept all day.  Dr Calvin was in to see her, he's not too worried - he says she's been through a lot and probably just needs some rest.  She awakens easily, answers questions appropriately, knows where she is, what the date is, smiles if you tell a joke, moves all of her parts, eats a little, etc - she just fall immediately back to sleep.  Dr Calvin has ordered a new MRI for tomorrow morning to compare to yesterday's CT scan and see how she is progressing.

Again, thank you for your prayers and support, Leslie is not up to it right now but I will read all your comments to her when she feels better.

I know you are all anxious for an update but I don't have much to report yet.  Leslie didn't sleep to well in ICU last night, it's a pretty hectic place.  She has been asleep all morning, getting some much needed rest so I really have not had a chance to talk to her and see how she's feeling.  She told Dr Fareed she was feeling much better and she told me she wanted to eat,but she promptly fell asleep again.  I will post an update when I know more.

UPDATE 11:00pm - I got Leslie all settled in ICU and I'm home for the night, I will try to get some sleep.  Leslie is already looking 100% better, from the fluids and probably partially from the steriods.  For the past several days she has spoken only in one word sentances - yes, no, water.  Tonight we carried on a conversation, it's good having Leslie back.  Leslie has requested no visitors tomorrow (Sunday)  We'll let her rest and build strength, maybe she'll be up to visitors on Monday.  Also, ICU is not allowed to release any information (HIPAA regulations) so don't call them.  I will be back in the morning, I will post an update.  You can also call me if you want, I have both mine and Leslie's phone.  Thank you for all your prayers and support, for all your offers to do anything humanly possible and even for your offers to do the humanly impossible.

UPDATE 6:45pm - When they did Leslie's Gamma Knife and Surgery, she had two small tumors at the back of her brain that had been bleeding a little too.  They needed to get her off the steroids for the Yervoy to do it's job but we knew that was a bit of a gamble.  Looks like she may have come off the steroid too soon and one of those tumors is swelling some.  They are going to admit Leslie to PMH ICU for some steroids and to monitor her.  She was pretty dehydrated which was part of why she was feeling so bad - she's had a liter of fluid and has perked up some.  Leslie was scheduled for another Yervoy treatment this Tuesday but I doubt that will happen.  I will be contacting Dr McClay's off on Moday to update them, I expect Leslie will be in the hospital at least until then.  I will be reading Leslie your comments when she is feeling a little better.

Sorry the Blog has been down, I didn't really have anything to report until now anyway.

Jenna is coming over and we are going to take Leslie to the ER.  I thought maybe she had turned a corner last night and was getting better but now I don't think so.  She has been in bed since Tuesday evening and is just getting weaker, now she is complaining that the room is spinning.  She doesn't really eat or drink, I think she is probable dehydrated too.  She hasn't wanted to go to the hospital before now, but I'm not going to give her a choice anymore (she doesn't know yet)

Please pray for us

Thanks - Mike

UPDATE  8:00 - We had a wonderful group of friends who braved the 100 degree temps and the bugs to come out for Leslie.  Leslie was able to hear your sweet singing through the window and was uplifted by it.  Thank you all so much for taking time tonight to lift Leslie up to the Lord.  Thank you Vicki for organizing this, and thanks to all the people who were not able to attend but stopped what they were doing at 7:00 and prayed for Leslie in Texas, in Alabama, in farther parts of California,in Nevada, in Pennsylvania, and wherever else you are.  Thank you for your continued prayers, we know that God is the Great Healer.

UPDATE 10:30 - Vicki Rush is organizing a prayer time for Leslie this evening at 7:00 outside our house for any who want to attend.  I seriously doubt that Leslie will be up to any appearance but you are welcome to come and pray for her.   It will still be "warm" outside, bring a folding chair and water if you want.  You might want to pray for a breeze :) 

Thank you all so much for your kind comments and especially for your prayers through the night.  We put the Butrans pain patch on Leslie about 8:00 last night.  Looks like we have finally found a pain reliever that doesn't make her nauseated.  She slept very well through the night, says her pain and nausea are better.  She is still very, very weak - I need to be sure she is able to eat and drink well today to try to build her strength.  Dr Fareed is going to come to the house today or tomorrow to see Leslie (amazing - a doctor who makes housecalls!)  He is a very good and compassionate man.  I will also be giving Dr McClay's office a call today to report the latest symptoms.

I will keep you updated - Mike