Granny is home and moving about the house with energy and ease. She has a deluxe walker with wheels and a seat; additionally, she has a handful of new medicines to add to her cauldron. The swelling in her face is minimal, and she seems to be handling everything very well. The infection is being treated with antibiotics, and I personally hope it help with her hearing and vertigo as well.
Due to the infection, Granny's mouth piece no longer fits properly. And with the painful ulcer(s) now in her mouth, the dentist suggested she not wear the mouth piece til it is comfortable. The dentist did try to reshape the obturator, but the pain was pretty intense. He was able to shave it down, place it in her mouth one time and then remove it.
Today we had a nurse come by that knows us from post-surgery visits, and she spent over 2 hours with us going over some helpful information. We will have an occupational therapist come tomorrow, who will assess her living area and suggest helpful items such as raised toilet seats, temporary hand rails, and other things to avoid any more falls. We certainly would not like to see Granny with broken bones.
Still of concern is her thyroid number, showing a very hypothyroid condition. With Aunt Mert's advice, I am working with Jean and Granny to find some alternative therapies to get her back in the normal range. I believe Granny's extreme confusion and sleepiness is directly related to her thyroid. If she can think clearly, she can then begin caring for herself, and I believe her recovery will move along more rapidly.
In another day or so, we will have results from a biopsy taken during her hospital stay. The doctors found a lump on her surgery side and decided they would like to test it. The lump may simply be something that formed from radiation. UNC is very thorough and once again, I am so pleased with their level of care. Also, I am so grateful for all the calls and visits during Granny's hospital stay. She is much brighter with all the love and support. She even received a blessing from her church, and I know that means so much to her. And with everyone taking turns to visit, I was able to talk to doctors from home and get caught up over the weekend with my house. I am overflowing with love and gratitude!
