We interrupt Patti's Progress........

I originally planned to update this site to share details on Patti's visit to the doctor yesterday and the plan for the next 6+ weeks.....but needed to set this aside to share a moment that is near and dear to Patti and Mike, and their furry child. 

It is with sadness to inform you that Patti and Mike had to let go of their boy Gabe this morning. 

Patti and Mike took Gabe in a little over a year ago as a rescue from Wisconsin Adopt A Golden Retriever (WAAGR) with a known illness - Lyme's disease. 

They have been struggling with his deteriorating muscles these past months and today, after Gabe fell coming into the house and could not get up, they had to make the decision that was best for him. 
According to the doctors who briefly looked at him before they had to say goodbye, they stated that Gabe's muscles deteriorated to nearly nothing due to this disease, which is why he simply could not get up today, and why he has been struggling with movement in general.

So, we pause for this moment, and know that Patti and Mike understand that it was time, it was the right thing to do, but lost a fur child today. 

In loving memory...........

A mini update and more to come on Monday.....

Patti continues to recover quite well from the reconstructive surgery.  She is still restricted and was told:  No lifting - no pulling - no pushing....RED LIGHT!  For those of you who are old school, you will get this.  If not, Dale, Patti and I do!

She even has a warranty with her new el natural ah hummm thingy...As Aunt Betty always said, "Anyways.........."


Patti also saw the radiation doctor on Friday (yes, this is what she decided to do on Valentine's Day).

Here is the plan for Patti: 

• Treatment plan is next Monday 2/24  - Mapping the area where radiation will be performed.
• Simulation of the radiation process.
• Cat Scan - 3D imaging to understand what needs to be done and areas of focus
• Model the radiation to Patti's body, which will tailor treatment to her specifically.
• Radiation treatment will begin the following week (exact date TBD).  Patti will have treatment at Froedert due to the Falls Medical facility being closed for the next 3 months for renovations. 
• 6 weeks - 5 days a week - 15-20 minutes per session. 
• Note - the doctor increased this by one week (calls it a boost on the scar) due to the size of the tumor, where the knife and cancer passed through. 

Things to watch for:

• The risk of lymphedema is always there.  Patti is keeping a very close eye on this, keeping an eye on her right arm and also being mindful of any injury to her (cuts, scratches, etc.)
• Lung issues due to radiation - doctors states less than 2%

Oh oh Freedom!

Yay!  The drain is out, the brace (now that we know it's a belly brace!) is modified to work properly and help Patti heal in the tummy, and a clean house!


Patti had a follow up doctor visit yesterday (1/31) with her doctor.  Everything is looking good from Monday's surgery - yay!  The doctor noticed that Patti's brace was over (ahmmm - the girls) and was concerned, as it had some affect on her new.......let's just say....construction.  The wrap was way to high and should have been on her belly area, not on the (ahmmm - the girls). 


The attached picture of the week is not for the weak!  That is what we like to call a "Mark-ism"  Those who know Mark... know what I mean:-)


 
Do the words "OUCH" come to mind?  Patti will tell you that she would never elect to do this!  Thank goodness it's done!


All is well now, as the doctor modified the brace to ensure it does what it is suppose to do, heal the areas where Patti's fat was taken to reconstruct....(ahmmm - the girls).  I'm starting to have fun with that!  tee hee!


Patti continues to be in good spirits and is anxious to get back to the new normal.  She is still under a heavy restriction with regards to reaching, lifting, etc.  With that said, we are doing what we can to help, and ensure she doesn't try to do stuff that tempts her (cleaning, wash, shoveling, etc.)


If you find you have time to visit, Patti would greatly appreciate any offer to help where needed, as she will be incapacitated for a little longer and even the simplest of tasks that we take for granted are not possible for her at this time.


A special shout out to the Davidoski Family for helping with the snow shoveling today. Patti really appreciated it.  I think she cried a little....but they were tears of joy, in that she has so many around her who love her and want to help!
 
Tonight, Patti can rest easy with a clean house, a clean driveway, and let's all pray she ends it with a good nights sleep!