Doing well, thank you!

 

 

 

Hello to all!
I wanted to provide an update to all on Patti's progress and can sum it up in one word....FANTASTIC! 

She went into surgery with such a great attitude and came back out with even a more powerful spirit.  She is at ease now, as the cancer is out and she can truly start to focus on her recovery - YEA!!

Patti has a few extra items attached to her right now to help her heal.  A few tubes, big bandages, and a cute little camisole in white (my favorite color and her favorite new piece of clothing - hee hee :-)

She is still working on how to get comfortable with this new apparatus attached to her, and continues to remind herself that it is temporary.

Mike has been with Patti through it all and has done a wonderful job in taking care of her - he's got this one!  Keep it up Mike!

She's on stronger meds for pain, but slowly decreasing it as she sees fit.  Her spirit and attitude are really in a great place, which is half the battle in getting well. 

Check up with the doctors :  Patti will see her reconstructive doctor on Friday, followed by her surgeon on Monday.  More to follow on that as we go....

The pictures you see above are just a few moments that occurred in her first 48 hours after surgery:

• Patti sitting in the hospital - the first picture is of Patti less than 24 hours after surgery (10am on Saturday 9-28-13).

• Survivor long sleeve tee - I saw the shirt at the hospital and the statement went right to my heart.  The shirt says it all. :Life becomes more precious when face with the possibility of losing it" - WOW!

• The phone and note were discovered on Patti's counter Friday night when Mark and I stopped by to visit Mike.  Leave it to Patti to leave herself a note :-)  I love it!

• The beautiful flowers are from Nick and Lindsey.  They stopped up at the hospital the same day she had surgery to bring a smile, some flowers, and a gift card.  Needless to say, Patti did not feel up to visitors, but was very pleased that they stopped to check in on her.  A short time later, Mike, Mark and I stopped back in and she basically kicked us out within 15 minutes.  Good thing she did as she apparently got sick shortly afterwards.  All I can tell you is that the color blue was involved due to the nasty chemicals they pumped into to her before surgery.  What goes in MUST come out :-)

• Deb (Patti's next door neighbor and long time friend) stopped by on Sunday to bring Patti a nice puzzle and a few gift cards to help her and Mike out during this time - how sweet!  She also borrowed Patti an IPad that has yet to be figured out as to how to keep the WI FI connection going.  We will look into it when we visit tomorrow evening. 

• The most recent picture is of Austin with Aunt Patti.   He brought her a Terry Redlin puzzle and a big taffy stick, which she won't eat, but has on display for now :-)   She was sporting her new jammies and wearing the "be strong" footies from Marks sis Linda.  Mark donated his other laptop so Patti could have computer access while recovering bedside.  As most of us know, she has to stay connected and this will allow her to read this blog, visit on FB, and keep up with email.

• Not pictured - a special "thank you" to the yard fairy who cleaned up the front of the house (edged the sidewalk, cleaned up the bird feeder area, filled in a hole in their yard, and much more!)  This was done on Friday afternoon while we were at the hospital, preparing for Patti's arrival back home on Saturday.  Thank you yard fairy (AKA: Patti's niece, and our wonderful, spirited gem..........Julie :-)

Again, thanks to all for your well wishes during the surgery and keep up the prayers - we will need the power as the next weeks unfold.  Gotta keep her strong!!!!!

You are "officially" up to date on Patti's progress :-) 

The gloves are off!

The fight is done and the cancer is fired, outta there, see ya!!!!!!  God had this one all the way :-)

Happy Friday to all!
I am writing on behalf of Patti, Mike, and our family to let you know that Patti is doing very well after a long day under.

Patti told me that her and Mike walked the dogs this morning before she headed out to the hospital, and that she felt relaxed about the surgery.  She kept saying, "God has this one" (smiling right now as she was so calm and collective as she said that).......okay, some if the calmness might have been the chill medicine they were feeding her too- (see attached picture of Patti :-)  Seriously, she was really ready to go and was calm before the drugs set in - she just wanted that cancer out of her and now.

Before I go on, I have to mention that the gown and bed controller Patti used had"paw prints" on them (see attached photo).  I titled the picture, "Meant to be - paws for Patti"  You can see the paw print on her gown, which is right over her heart too!  It gave her this neat feeling of peace :-)

So, on to the day!  They took her in by 10:45am and sent Mike and I to the waiting room.   Mike and I commandeered a nice corner area of the waiting room and set up camp for the day.  Mike was able to take in a movie on one of my computers while I worked on my other one.  I planned that as I figured he would need something to do for 4 hours too! 

Mark joined Mike and I for lunch at Café Community Memorial, and then we waited............and waited.........and waited.  I cannot believe I actually was pacing for a bit as I was with the understanding that they were going to give us a progress report halfway through (in between the mastectomy and reconstructive parts).  I was wrong :-/   but for good reason - things were going very well and they just kept going.

The surgeon was not able to see us right after the surgery however, the reconstructive surgeon spoke for both. 

He said that the surgery went REALLY WELL, emphasizing how well it went, and that he was pleased with the results.  The biggest initial news we could have received was about the nodes........

NEGATIVE!!!!!!!!!!!   YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was very important for Patti (and all of us!) however, we have to wait until Tuesday-Wednesday of next week to be sure that the node they took out has no hidden agenda (no cancer hiding within). 

We will hear more on this when the doctor sees Patti in the morning.

At this point, Mike and I had a big smile, went up to see Patti, who was VERY groggy, who also told us to go for a while so she could sleep, and we left the hospital knowing that the hardest part is done.  (sigh)  It's been a long few months and glad we are ready to move on to the healing.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers, well wishes, and for being there in spirit - Patti has a lot of reading to do when she's up to it, as we saw many who were thinking about her all day. 

1 Day to go and........Oh what a night!

http://menomoneefalls.patch.com/



 

Good afternoon to all!
Yesterday was a great day overall for Patti.  She has new Jammie's for her short stay at the hospital tomorrow night, compliments of her sisters :-)  Lynn gave Patti a pair of lighter weight PJ's in the event she's has those ever-loving hot flashes, and Denise gave her the pink fleece PJ's in the event she's chillin' (in a bad way!) as hospitals can be tricky in temperature (see attached pictures).

The sisters started the evening off with dinner at the local restaurant (missed you there Patrice!) and then off to the Powder Puff game at MFHS.  That was truly the highlight for us, as Austin performed in a different way than what we usually see from AOK (see attached link).  You should be able to pick him out as he is the one flipping around, as usual!  It was an awesome time and fun to be around the kids.

We ended the evening by going up to Kruegers so Patti could say hi to Mike and Mark, and ended up playing a ton of games in the arcade.....we were like little kids again!  WOW, did we rake in the tickets!  Lynn was able to take our winnings and turn the tickets in for fun stuff to give to the grand kids.  It was a really fun time :-) 

On to today's events:
Patti went to see the plastic surgeon to make sure she is ready and all marked up to work on the correct side.  Here is what she had to say:

Well I have lines all drawn so that the doctor can map out his plan in surgery.   This was the easiest appt. I've had !!   YAY !!!

I'll take the "YAY" as a happy visit to a doctor :-)  Nice for her to get a break from the drama.

She will pack her overnight bag and get ready for the big day tomorrow.  We are sooooooooo close to getting this nasty cancer out of her - I know she cannot wait to move on to recovery. 

Our goal?  No findings in the lymph nodes (it's what we are praying for!), no cancer anywhere other than the the one they remove, and the best possible outcome for a healthier Patti!

As stated earlier this week and the main reason for this blog is to keep everyone posted on Patti's progress with her breast cancer.  It's easier for all to find out what is going on without Patti having to repeat the results, prognosis, updates, etc.  Tomorrow is a very BIG day for all of us.  Scared, nervous, excited and anxious to get this part done so we know what the "get well" plan is. 

I will update the blog on Friday as we learn the outcome of her surgery.  Until then, happy, positive thoughts, and the power of prayer. 

Patti - you are strong and you will do well. 

Next blog = successful surgery!  See you then :-)

The countdown continues and wonderful people in the world

You know what days it is!  Oh yeah, come on, you know.......it's hump day!  Hee hee....

2 days and counting!

The past 24 hours have been good for Patti, with a good evening still to come.  She had the pleasure of seeing an old friend\designer that brought her a really nice book of inspiration (see attached picture).  She says both the visit and the book were a nice surprise.  Patti also made a visit to her favorite pet store (Friends of Nature) with Gracie and was given a really neat puzzle from Lynn (see attached picture).  Right up her alley!

Today, she received a pair of really awesome footie's (see attached picture) that will come along with her to the hospital, as we all know how chilly it can get there.  These were a gift from Mark's sister Linda.  In addition, Linda has done other things to make Patti's days.....she sends Patti cards weekly, which always bring a smile to her face.  Thanks for being so caring Linda - your thoughtfulness is amazing!

Tonight will be a fun night for us as we head out for a nice dinner together, followed by the "Powder-Puff" game at Menomonee Falls High School, where Austin will be performing at half-time.  All I can tell you is that there are coconuts and a grass skirt involved!  7pm if interested :-) 

To all - thank you for making Patti's days brighter in each and every way possible.  Whether it be a card, a gift to keep her mind busy, an e-mail, a Face book chat (her favorite, of course), it is appreciated MORE than you will ever know.

Happy Wednesday!  

Counting the days (3) and a new time for surgery!

Happy Tuesday to all - especially Patti!  She is very excited today, as she just received the news that her surgery time has moved from Friday afternoon to Friday morning. 

This was very important news for Patti, as she was not happy that she could not eat or drink after midnight.......meaning she would have to suffer throughout the day until her original surgery time of 1pm.

Patti will be heading to the hospital for a 7:45am arrival and a mid-morning surgery.  Patti should be out of recovery and in her room by mid-afternoon.  I will be sure to update the blog as soon as we know all of the details of how the surgery went and what to expect next, with Patti's permission of course.

Based on all of the testing we've gone through on this journey with Patti and the positive results thus far, we will continue to hold on to the positives :-)  Looking forward to the "get well" process and getting Patti back to "Patti".

As most of you know, this has been very stressful for her (mentally). She misses "being normal" and doing what she always did.......going to work, running errands, walking her furry kids, etc.  All in good time my sista - all in good time.

Next steps before surgery - Patti will see Dr Doerman (the reconstructive surgeon) on Thursday 9/26 to mark up the "one" that has to go, the one that is done, the defective one only please!  Good to hear they double check (no discount for two - hee hee), as we do not want them to take the wrong one away - YIKES!

BIG prayer week here people - give us all you got!  3 more days!!!!!!!!

Blood, x-rays, good stories and a nice hairdo!

Patti was able to get out a bit today and get some of her pre-op work done in preparation for next Friday's surgery.  She had a chest x-ray and blood drawn today.  This is done as a standard protocol to be sure they have all of the details they need in preparation for the BIG day!

Patti has experienced many sleepless nights as she gets closer to the date.  Naturally, her mind is wandering about everything associated with this cancer.  The surgery, what they will discover when they go into the lymph nodes, the recovery, chemo (or not?), radiation, hair loss, etc.  Lots going on inside that head of hers right now - hard to imagine what that must be like and wondering if she asks herself, "is that a migraine or my overload of thoughts!!??"

We continue to remind her to take it one day at a time, focusing on the best possible outcome, and keep a positive attitude - her health will come to depend on this!  Easier written here than done :-/

Good stories to tell:
1)  Her blood work was done and no bruising - YEA!  Patti was concerned about this, as she is now back to normal and wants her good arm to be in ship-shape for them to use next Friday.

2)  Patti was chatting with some of the personnel in the lab during her pre-op tests and discovered a few new things about this cancer that seem to put her at ease:

• Some people don't lose their hair (or much of it) if given the chemo pill.
• One person that the nurse mentioned thought they were not giving her the real chemo fluids, as she felt so good and the rumors were that she should expect to feel miserable while going through the chemo.
• One cancer patient had a "head-shaving" party with friends, in which several joined in and shaved their heads as well! 

So......if Patti has to go this route........are there any volunteers out there? 

3)  Looking good sista!  Our long-time hairdresser Kristy was very kind in offering to help Patti during this difficult time in taking care of her hair for her.  They got together on Friday so Patti can look maaarvellous when she goes into surgery and the weeks afterwards.  She needs to take care of her hair, as it will be there for weeks or months before chemo (if needed). or not lose it at all!  Always a nice feeling for us gals to get our hair done, right?  Kristy has also offered to take care of Patti's hair throughout this ordeal and if needed, has access to special shampoo that will help Patti's hair during treatment.

These are GREAT stories and moments of kindness that Patti needs to continue to listen to, reflect on, and to keep close to her, as they will certainly help her to keep calm and carry on :-)
 
On behalf of Patti, thanks to all of you who have extended a hand, a well wish, a puzzle, or a prayer to help make the difference.......she feels truly blessed :-)

waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting...................

So.........many may be wondering what Patti is doing these days while waiting for the BIG day to arrive?  First of all, I must tell you that she is BORED! 

The days are long and naturally, she thinks about the cancer all day - every day.  Her daytime interaction consists of an occasional visit to the grocery store or gas station with her fabulously running truck (finally got it tuned up and ready to go for the upcoming season - not going to say the "W" word!), or idle chit-chat with her two children with fur (Grace and Gabe :-).  Needless to say.........the waiting makes her days very long and chats with humans very exciting :-) 

She has been doing a lot of research on Chemotherapy (don't get her started again) and has strong views on what it is and what can she do to avoid it.   Not sure if that is entirely possible, but we are talking about Patti here.  One never knows the possibilities.  More to follow after the surgery is done and we know the whole story.

On a lighter note......I wanted to share this with all on how Patti is doing and to send a shout out to those who have found ways to make her days a bit easier to get through!    The attached pictures are some of the wonderful gifts that have been coming to her door this past week, and definitely making her day! 

April (Knapp) long time friend of the family,  Linda B (Mark's sister), Nolan (Aprils son and future artist), another puzzle from Leslie H (Breast Cancer survivor and long time friend of the family - puzzle not pictured) and "Battling Life Together" (BLT), a Breast Cancer Support Group who sent the lovely basket  with comfort items and faith inspired gifts, along with an adorable bookmark (Patti's favorite) made by the elementary children from South Carolina.  Thanks to all of you for making her days brighter - it means more than you know!

A smile is all it takes to make a day brighter  - Chin up and smile on sista :-)

Save the date!

Usually, people send out this kind of message for a wonderful event like a wedding, a party, or some other type of celebration.

To us, it will be a day of celebrating for Patti, as this will be the day she can get that cancer out of her and begin to heal :-)   Official date has been set surgery.
  
So.....with that said.....

 

Save the date! 

 

Friday September 27th is the big day for Patti.  She will be going to Community Hospital and will be staying the night. More to follow on events as we get closer to her big day :-)

Feel free to store up all those positive thoughts and prayers to send Patti's way!!! 

Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!!! ONE and DONE!

Great news! 

Patti just got the genetic test results and it's NEGATIVE, which is actually the best POSITIVE result she could have hoped for!!

What does this mean?
This means that the cancer gene(s) associated with ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and all the high risks associated with these cancers are off the table....outta here....not gonna happen......or as they say in New York, "Fuhgeddaboudid!"

She does not carry the cancer genes that would cause additional preventative surgery due to the "potential" of her getting cancer again down the road (the Angilina Jolie affect).  Obviously in Patti's case, she has actual cancer, was strongly urged to get this test and if positive, have both breasts removed.

YEP - This also means that Patti will not have to endure a double mastectomy. 
In other words:   One and DONE.....One goes and one stays - YEA :-)

Next steps:
Pre-op blood work is next on our agenda (date TBD - should be this week)
Surgery to get that cancer bug out (the hope/goal is next week) and determine how to get well.......key word - she will GET WELL!

A good day for Patti and for all - God is certainly watching over her!