Sunday, February 03, 2008
Carol Izumi
Although my wife, Carol Izumi, and I are more private than public, people have been appropriately curious about her condition since I announced my resignation due to her health. Carol suffers from lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, both of which are conditions that can flare up and become more severe. Just over a year ago, she ruptured a tendon in her right hand. Her doctor had earlier warned her about this possibility, which is a consequence of degeneration of the wrist bones, and for which he advised immediate surgery, to avoid further ruptures that could impair use of the hand on a permanent basis.
Accordingly, in December 2006, Carol had surgery to fuse the right wrist, which in her case involved installation of a metal plate to provide strength. She then had three months of physical therapy to restore use of her hand, though the wrist no longer has mobility and she regained use of four of five fingers. In May 2006, she then had surgery to fuse the left wrist, as a precautionary measure. She again had three months of physical therapy, and it was entirely successful.
As we had planned, Carol resigned her administrative position at her law school. Following a sabbatical, she has returned to teaching.
Meanwhile, Carol has started a new treatment regimen, using some different medications. The issues she faces are life-changing, but they are not life-threatening. We are hopeful that the degenerative course of the lupus and arthritis will be slowed or stopped. We appreciate the support we have received from everyone.
