Darlene Van Holland

Hello Everyone,
Darlene's journey this week started on Monday with an appointment at Hegg Medical Clinic because a few family members had noticed some signs of her not understanding things and sleeping a lot.  When asked the question in the clinic, what we noticed as a change? The response was "Our mother is not Ornery".  So true.  Anyone who knows and loves our mother, knows that is a significant change. Darlene was admitted to the Rock Valley Hospital for observation Monday, October 26 and Tuesday, October 27.  While under observation they ran many tests and ruled out many things.  Many tests were coming back normal.  On Tuesday, when they were ready to discharge her, she started having right arm and hand weakness and the right side of her face started drooping. The Dr. was very concerned and we were as well.  She stayed another night under observation and a repeat CT scan and other tests were done. On Wednesday, October 28 she was continuing to decline, so the decision was made to transfer mom to Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls.  She needed to have an MRI, so we could have a whole picture of what was happening.  Before she could go down for the MRI in Sioux Falls, it was required to do a COVID test.  This test came back positive.  She has not had and continues to not have COVID symptoms.  The MRI came back with multiple small strokes on the left side of her brain, due to some blocked arteries in her neck. Because of positive COVID test no visitors are allowed to be in her room. She does have one to one care at this time.  Needless to say, due to the strokes, communication has become extremely challenging.  Her deafness complicates things because she cannot hear what questions are being asked to assess her awareness due to the affects of the damage from the stroke. The nurses and doctors have done a fabulous job keeping us informed as to what is happening. 


We believe she may be re gaining a bit of her speech but very hard to know without visiting her.  We did see her on a zoom call today, October 31.  As many of you know, communication with our mother was not easy before her stroke, due to her hearing deficit.  The stroke has complicated communication even more.  While we continue to trust that our HEAVENLY FATHER holds her so very dearly in the palm of His hand.  This is very difficult.  We are grateful and thankful for all of the love and prayers so many of you have shared.  Your continued prayers for mom and our family is so appreciated.