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!

Three times the charm - Success!

Patti's third and final surgery went very well!  The day started at the surgical center with a 6:30am arrival.  Patti went through the usual prep that unfortunately she has gotten used to over the past few months.  From blood pressure, heart checks, needle poking here and there, warm blankets, and last by not least, the funny medicine that lets Patti sleep while they work their magic!

Prior to the surgery, Patti's doctor came in to see her and it was interesting to watch him prepare her for this event.  He pulls out this little green mini pen and begins to draw on her, drawing lines and circles all over, as he planned his masterpiece. 

The surgery lasted a few hours.  When the doctor came out to see Mike and I, he stated that it went very well........ just as he had planned.  Always glad to hear it directly from the doctor!

Patti has the dreaded drain hooked up to her again, however; the doctor did this as a precautionary measure.  If Patti stays below 20ccs, the drain will be out by the weekend.  Last check was 4pm, in which she was at 15ccs - yay!

Patti is very sore but in good spirits. Her pain from 11am until now has decreased significantly, and she is resting as we speak. 

Overall, she is doing very well.  I think she can finally rest and heal, as this is the last invasive surgery that she should have to endure. 

Pray for a quick recovery and stay tuned for the next and final steps in Patti's Progress!

Stay warm!

Reconstruction Day

Just a quick update:

Overall, Patti has been in pretty good spirits and is anxious to get all of this behind her.  On Monday (1/27), Patti will have her final surgery. 

This should be the last time Patti has to go under the knife - yay!

An update will be sent tomorrow afternoon.  Wish her luck!

Bloodwork done and looking good! Next steps for Patti and dirty air?

Patti received her results from the blood work and everything looks perfect!  This means we do not have to worry so much as she heads into her next phase with the upcoming surgery on January 27th. 

Save the NEXT date!
Patti has secured another surgery date (March 13th) to scope down to the stomach and see what is causing all the drama in the tummy, as she continues to struggle with discomfort (acid - heartburn type stuff) throughout the day.  She has good and bad hours all within one day - ugh :-/

With the crazy, cold and unpredictable weather we've seen over the past 1-2 weeks, it gets even crazier!  We finally get a heat wave of 20 degrees and a "Particle Pollution?"

A notice was released a short time ago stating the following:
The notice, issued Thursday morning, indicates that fine particles suspended in the air have risen to a level where it’s unhealthy for people in sensitive groups. 

• Sensitive groups are defined as people with heart and lung disease, older adults and children. People in affected groups are advised to reschedule strenuous activities. 
• Fine particles come mostly from combustion sources, such as power plants, factories and other sources such as wood smoke. 
• Particle pollution is often a winter phenomenon, while ozone, or smog, primarily occurs in warmer months.

Note to Patti:  Stay in and stay well!!!

To all:  Stay warm and hold your breath - hee hee :-)

Save the date and Happy New Year! Shots for...........................

Patti :-/  Lots of them to get her ready for surgery and to bring her to current.......

Patti had blood work done in prep for the reconstruction surgery, which is scheduled for January 27th, 2014.

While they were at it, Patti went for the Holy Grail and got a tetanus shot - why not?!

She also got an EKG - this was to check for damage to the heart due to the Neupogen (the drug to stimulate the bone marrow to create new white blood cells). 

Chemo port was removed last week (12/27) and the steri strips were removed yesterday as well.  Dr. Joe decided to put mini strips (not so adhesive but holding things together!)on for a few days longer to be sure the location where the chemo port healed properly.

And about that stomach ache she's had........doc thinks it "might" be a hiatal hernia..............more to come once we get that surgery date set and scope down there to see what's causing the problems Patti has been experiencing. 

A special shout out to our sister Patrice!  She brought Patti natural cancer fighting supplements that Patti wanted but couldn't afford (graviola and vitamin B17).  Oh and by the way, that is the same name of the fighter plane that Patti had hanging from our bedroom ceiling when we were kids - yes, we planes hanging from our "girl" room!  I am certain Patti will be happy to share more on this - just ask her!

Stay warm and be safe in these cold days to come!