Friday, December 7, 2007

Friday Afternoon, December 7, 2007

I’m learning more about cancer management than I ever thought I would. That being said, Dave is now ready for the next step – rehabilitation.

The severity of the initial brain lesion, and its removal, has necessitated physical rehabilitation for Dave before he can head home and eventually back to work. The need for hospitalization is past so he is scheduled to be moved this evening to Casa Colina Hospital in Pomona, a facility that specializes in physical rehabilitation. It’s located at 255 E Bonita Ave,Pomona, CA 91767. It’s on Bonita Ave just east of Garey.

We don’t know yet what the visiting guidelines are, but will update when we discover them.

Dave will continue his radiation therapy at the City of Hope (Casa Colina will provide the transportation) for one more week and then it’s kind of wait-and-see to determine the effectiveness of his treatments. They will be performing tests on him in 4 to 6 weeks.

In the meantime, the new facility will work on restoring Dave’s physical strength and abilities with the goal of sending him home to complete the healing process.

Dave’s spirits are great; he wants to make sure his new “home” will allow Christmas decorations, and Dave has already decided he wants a hand in determining what, where, and how the Altman family will celebrate Christmas. For those of you unaware, we have a fairly large extended family, and Christmas Eve often sees a celebration with as many and 75 people.

I cannot thank everyone enough for their kind thoughts, comments, and prayers.

Reading those to Dave has even surpassed visits by his dear, loving brother as the highlight of his day (his wife, children, and grandchildren have always ranked first. Let them spend hours every day updating this website, I say!).

Until more news, God Bless.

PS. It’s Friday and I’m not sure of how much news we will have over the weekend. That doesn’t mean something’s gone bad, it just means that time may get away from me, and all of the sudden it Monday!

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dave,
Things are great here. Chuck Boyd at RVDA wanted me to tell you Hello and he's saying his prayers daily for you. Is God tired of hearing about you yet?
Can't wait to see your new "casa".
See you soon,
Hugs and Kisses,
Your Fav!

Anonymous said...

Dear Dave,
I heard from some of your friends that your surgery was very successful and that gives me great relief. I want you to know that a little over 80 of the Via Verde Country Club employees all have great admiration and love for you and your wife, Marla. So many years, you have supported this club; your leadership here at Via Verde has especially been outstanding. We, as employees, know that through the years, you have been a pillar to our club. Thank you very much for everything and I hope to see you out on the course playing for one of our tournaments soon. Get well soon. God bless you and your family.
Dal H. Lee

Anonymous said...

Dear Dave,
You are in our thoughts and our prayers. We hope you get well soon.
Via Verde Country Club Staff

Mike Allison said...

Dave:

I was thrilled to read that you were moving to Casa Colina. I'm not sure how many have heard of it, but is the City of Hope of physical rehabilitation. You are in very good hands, my friend. I know you remember Bruce Goddard, my predecessor at WAJ. Casa Colina basically saved his life after his staph infection nearly took him from us a couple years ago. Casa Colina is also very involved in caring for soldiers who have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. You couldn't have found a better place for the next phase in the road to recovery. I hope you have a restful weekend...although they will work you at Casa!

All the best,

Mike Allison

Anonymous said...

Hi Dave,
By the time you get this message, you will be in your room at Casa Colina. We understand this is a great rehab center with a staff that is going to help you regain your strength. Hope that the transition from City of Hope to Casa Colina went well and that you were able to rest comfortably once you were settled in your room. We will be over soon to visit with you and Marla at your new “temporary” home. We hope Casa Colina is prepared for the “Altman” clan and your many many friends to descend on it!!! We will be looking forward to Joes update on the names you have given to the staff at Casa Colina.
Love ya……..Steve & Lucette

Dick and Linda said...

God Bless all of you...Dave, Marla, Joe and the rest of the family and support system. Not to mention the medial care. Continued prayers from North Carolina.

Dick and Linda Graven

Jim and Dusty said...

Dave,

We are not sure that Casa Colina is ready for you! We have a pool as to when you will be in charge over there. I have three days, 6 hours, only because it will take two days for you to get the lay of the land. We are very happy that your surgery went well and you are in rehab. We know that you will attack that with a vengence. I hope this thing goes through because I'm not up to speed in BLOGGING, etc.

Love,
Jim (and "Busty")

landertom said...

Hi David. The only reason I haven,t been out to see you is because I have a bad cold. Just so you know how incredibly strong your support and care is, I,ve talked to Joe,Doug,Troyand myself, and to show our support, we changing the name of the company to, BALDMANS. Ha! Ha! Please tell Marla if there is anything Gail or I can do to help, we will. Love ya, Tom and Gail.

Al Hesselbart said...

Dave, the entire staff of the Hall of Fame went to dinner last night, without you, at Crimaldi's where we had the dinner before the golf outing - induction day. Good company, good food, good booze, and good times made it possible to put up with Carl --- plus he paid. Carl is leaving monday to head west and Im sure he will check in when he gets to Palm Springs. Keep climbing back Al

Kelly said...

Dave,
You should ask Santa for a Wii. I am not kidding! I was reading about it the other day. In case you don't know what a Wii is (prounced wee), it's a video game but you hold a Wee-mote and you have to move around as you aim it at the tv. It's made by Nintendo.
"The video game allows you to grip a motion-sensing wireless controller, and swing your arms as if you were playing tennis or bowling or boxing. It gets your whole body moving, but in a controlled setting." And this: "We saw 77-year-old Jerry Pope getting a workout playing a virtual tennis game. He suffered a debilitating stroke in June. Pope said that the Wii has enabled him to regain his balance, and the use of his arms.

"Not only am I moving the hand, my feet are moving, I am jumping around, it is as if I am really playing the game. It is motivational, makes you feel like you are progressing, even if you are not and that helps you," he said."

Just imagine: instead of Super Mario, it will be Super Dave racing thru Casa Colina!

Take care and get better!
Kelly and Teryn

Anonymous said...

Hi Dave-

The Birgen family wants you to know that you are continually in our thoughts and prayers. Also, count on a barrage of prayer on your behalf this Wednesday night, courtesy of Legatus.

Take care, dear friend!

-The Birgen Family

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Altman:

I am so happy to hear that you continue down the road to recovery. It makes me smile when I read that everyday you are doing better and better...

I'm sure you will be golfing again before we know it!

My prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, please continue to heal Mr. Altman and please bring comfort and strength to Mr. Altman and his entire family through this time. I pray that you give the Altman family the ULTIMATE Christmas Blessing .....Mr. Altman healthy and back home.

In Jesus name I pray
Amen


MaryAnn

Anonymous said...

Dear Dave and Marla,
My thoughts and prayers are with you both. I know heaven has been stormed with prayers for Dave.

Prayers, Barb Lawson

landertom said...

Hi Dave and Marla, Tom Lander here. So Dave, I heard a rumor that a few of your golfing buddies were sitting around the waiting room wondering what they could get you to cheer you up! Well, as the rumor goes, They finally decided to get you a Hooker. So about two days passed and this gorgeous blonde showed up in your room. In a sexie voice she said,"I,am here to give you super sex. Daves reply was,"Thats fantastic! I,ll have the soup please. Love ya Dave and Marla, TOM L.