We saw the plastic surgeon today who placed the probability of successful nerve
reconstruction at about 50% *if* there is no follow-on radiation treatment.
But only 20% chance of success if the newly implanted nerves get bombarded with
radiation. The cancer surgeon and radiologist have yet to confer on radiation
post-surgery but it was considered a near certainty before surgery. In all
probability, nerve reconstruction (which would need to start no later than
next week) is off the table... and Dad seems to prefer that case.
What will be done regardless is to perform a procedure he called a "tuck". He
will place a few stitches in the outside corner of the upper and lower eyelids
of the left eye. This will have the effect of picking up the drooping lower
lid and pulling the upper lid slightly down. It reduces the surface area
subject to tear evaporation and keeps the tears more evenly over the surface of
the eye instead of allowing them to pool behind the now drooping lower lid. It
will reduce the (now hourly) requirement to instill artificial tear drops in
the eye.
I chose to post this response in reply to Fernando's comments since he is
noticeably more chipper after this visit with the plastic surgeon (whom he
knows from a prior bout of skin cancer). He had also been complaining of being
a bit off-balance. He took some meclazine today (anti-vertigo med) and says he
feels much better. He has some spring in his step. I personally feel (based
on past experience) that this is likely a placebo... but who cares if it works.
:-)
I also managed to replace his non-working dining room light switch and the
garbage disposal which had a small corrosion hole in its casing and was blowing
water and garbage all about under the sink. The kitchen faucet also needs
attention but I'm leery of that job. The plastic plumbing and manifolds used
in Las Vegas houses is something totally unfamiliar to me. Unfamiliar
connectors and lack of proper tools will keep me from attempting that job. But
I'm happy he's happier and that I was able to get some house maintenance done.
Dr. Plumber (not)
Chuck Norcutt
> -------Original Message-------
> From: Fernando Gonzalez Gentile <fgonzalezgentile@xxxxxxxxx>
> To: Olympus Camera Discussion <olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: Re: [OM] Parotidectomy done
> Sent: Nov 12 '10 12:03
>
> If it's only mental confusion he should get better in parallel with
> surgery recovery.
>
> If it doesn't improve or gets worse, another cause must be ruled out.
>
> But it's a very common clinical syndrome, Chuck.
>
> Don't worry too much about it.
>
> Fernando.
>
> On Fri, Nov 12, 2010 at 4:57 AM, <chucknorcutt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> >
> > He's clearly showing signs of some mental confusion which is beginning to
> worry me more than the apparently defeated cancer.
> >
> > Chuck Norrcutt
> > --
>
> >
> >
> --
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>
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