25 DAYS TO GO! 1 full week done!

Patti made it through the first week - YEA!  Patti says she's feeling pretty good so far and that is great to hear. 

Keep the faith in getting well and getting through this Patti.  Yes, it sucks......but you are closer than you ever were before to being done and CANCER FREE!

Tick-tock......26 days left!

As we use to say in the 70's - Keep on Truckin' Sista!

28 done! 27 to go.......

Keep going and hang in there Patti......your getting closer to the finish line every day!!!!

A good day, 29 days, and is that......could it be?

HAIR!
COUNTDOWN: 29 days to go!

Good afternoon to all,
Just a quick update on Patti's progress for today:

• Yes, she was finally able to receive her first radiation treatment today and the countdown begins!  We will continue to add the countdown on this final step of the process for Patti.  This should help to give her the hope she needs and to remind her that there is success at the end of this journey!

Tummy talk! 

• Patti's procedure went very well today. The doctor said that he did not see any of the issues that Patti was concerned with (hietal hernia, ulcers, cancer (yea!) etc.).  He did take a biopsy from the bottom section of her stomach, as they saw some redness and think it may be a stomach infection. This could be due to her long love for ibuprofen, other meds from the cancer process, or stress (go figure!) 
• She was in and out of surgery within 20 minutes! When Patti came out, she was acting like a silly drunk....asking the same set of questions several times in 10 minutes. Mike and I got a few chuckles out of watching her.  She went back to sleep.......and this is where the little sister gets back at the big sister for those times where she picked on me too much (hee hee):

Just Kidding!  I shared this picture with Patti to prove that she can sleep (She was out cold!). She then ask me to include this photo in her post.  We're finally starting to see coverage on top - YEA!  Ignore the color - that will change :-)

The results of the biopsy may take up to two weeks so.......we'll just have to be patient and pray that the only action that will need to be taken is an antibiotic.

Heatwave in Wisconsin (40+ degrees tomorrow!)  Have a great weekend!

One more procedure and we can see the light.......

The race is on!  We can finally see the light, as Patti prepares for her first radiation treatment on Thursday.  This starts the final steps in this long journey. 
Her final step is the radiation process.  She was molded for the position she will have to be in for the treatmen to ensure they hit exactly where they need to. In addition, she has little tattoos that will serve as markers for this process as well.

They do this to be sure the doctor states that radiation is accumulative (not an immediate reaction).  Here are some of the notes that Patti will study as she goes through this process:

• Keeping an eye on the skin for changes such as pink, redness, and a bumpy effect. 
• Fatigue may increase as she progresses through treatment. Hmmmm......maybe this will help her finally sleep?
• She will receive a boost that will focus on the scar, as this is the area where the cancer passed through.
• Watch for "zingers, which are nerve endings that may become more active.
• Watching for any arm pain or swelling.
• Throat may become sore.

On another note, Patti will be undergoing a procedure tomorrow  (3-13-14) as well. They will scope her throat and tummy to see what keeps bugging her.  Let's hope it's only that darn stress getting the best of her, which would not be surprising!



We wish you lots of luck tomorrow Patti and know that we are all praying that you do not see many (if any) of the symptoms! 

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%