Reclast. Teeth. And Kvetch(ing) Up.

Good Sun-ny-Day!

Hope all is well with everyone who is still left around Multiply.

I am still setting up my other sites, so bear with me as I still blog over here.

Has everyone figured out where they will be in another month? 
As for me, I am just hoping to still be alive. hehehe  
Just kidding, although I did have surgery this past week... Outpatient- and never left the hospital until 10pm. 

Long wait. Longer day. 

But the anesthesiologist was a nice doctor; concerned enough even for my anxiety levels, an attack that was bound to happen if they left me sit in that cold dark room for any longer, just w~a~i~t~i~n~g...

That Casey waited with me made it very bearable, (and even halfway enjoyable).

At any rate, my teeth are gone! YAY! I have been bucking for this for a very long time; the thought of never having an abscess or another toothache ever again being very attractive to me.

Besides if Casey can do it, then so can I.

As you might know, my own problems arose in that I had received Reclast for my severe osteoporosis. 

Reclast is a form of drug called a bisphosphonate. 

With that drug classification comes the side effect of ONJ- (Osteo-Necrosis of the Jaw). Or, more accurately in my case, BrONJ (as Bisphosphonate-related). 

My own clinic wouldn't even look in my mouth; let alone even do what was necessary to just circumvent my constant tooth pain. They sent me a 7-page list of dental surgeons who would be able to help. Since I do not live on the reservation, I would have to pay 100% of any/all referrals. Grrr...  Some of those surgeons were in Madison, some clear across the damned state. 

You that know me, also know that there is NO Freakin' WAY I can travel those distances. I couldn't even go to Uncle Chum's funeral!

To add insult to injury, I called to Sault Ste Marie. My own Tribe wouldn't even help me! That truly, and absolutely, angers me! 

This refusal, even after explaining that I have 27 fractures- & those are in my spine alone- all at various stages of healing- that there was no possible way for me to travel all the way up there- The gal that answered the phone was a very snippy and impertinent um, er, 'thing'. 

Mad I am about that too- To be treated as garbage by my own Tribe! 

I had asked her then for some other phone numbers. Our chairman for one- She flippantly told me I could make any number of calls I wanted, that the answer would just remain the same. 
Blah Blah Blah...

I gave up- And moved on to begging people that I know love me. 

Oh well- As long as the end always justifies the means, all should be ok.

Wait though- It ISN'T ok. Not by a long stretch. That was an awful experience in/of itself, and will stay with me for a very long time. 

If tribes want to be treated with all this kindness then I think they should start with treating their own that way first. And it's not like I haven't been looking for a damned house on the rez.  (Yup, still mad I am). And I've always been so proud of my heritage, and my tribe...

Anyway, back to Wednesday. After that last anti-anxiety hypo (I do not remember how many times he came in), I remember virtually nothing; save for being told in the OR that I needed to wiggle on over to the other table. That process alone, with respect to my back, may have taken a little while, but I wiggled anyway. 

I then remember, vaguely, seeing the surgeon before I was sent off to la~la~land.

I hear that he had some problems with one or two teeth; they didn't want to relinquish their hold within my face- But the next thing I remember is being in 'recovery'. And much like my complete hysterectomy in 2000, my pain was gone! But do not misunderstand, the surgeon had 'froze' my mouth up so much that I couldn't even feel a 6" square of my face- that of the surroundings of my mouth and nose.

Tooooooo weird that was! I hated that feeling.

From that point onward, we were back home within 2 hours- I'd (of course) gotten an awful migraine from the lack of caffeine- Casey had run down to the car to fetch those pills for me- As I took them I remember thinking, "OMG, please don't let me drool all over". I didn't. Not even a drip! But heck, how could I have? My mouth was stuffed full of gauze for cryin' out loud! hehehe

I have had minimal pain- more accurately just a 'sore' feeling in my mouth; my back is always worse, unless/until I get a migraine. 

Afterward, my surgeon had told Casey that if I had lived through those fractures that I probably wouldn't be bothered overmuch by my mouth. So right he was!  This is a breeze! I do take my meds though; just to remain on the painless side. 

Now to wait for new teeth... Tick-tock...  Tick-tock... Tick-tock... Tick-tock.

I should be able to enjoy Thanksgiving, pies and all! Whoo~Hoo! That is, *if* the tribe will cover the new teeth!? They'd better! But watch, I'll probably have to borrow even more $$$ to get the special [padded] dentures needed because of my exposure to Reclast.

Too bad stem cells haven't progressed to the point that I can regrow my own teeth- I have every faith that in our kids lifetime that WILL be possible, just not in my own. But that's OK too. Much better for all my babies and grandbabies that way.

The surgeon also said from this point forward I can never even have an injury to my gums anymore. It could too easily set off an infection that would exacerbate the damage done by the BrONJ. No poppy seeds. No sesame seeds, etc.  Casey told me just never to take them out except for when I clean them.  Do dentures need to be brushed 3x day? Hmmm... ?  Probably.

Now the only thing I have to worry over (for 3+ years) is the progression of my BrONJ. (Bisphosphonate-related OsteoNecrosis of the Jaw, aka "Jaw Death"). The bisphosphonate responsible is the fookin' Reclast I received to treat my Osteo.

I cannot emphasize enough to everyone NOT to ever take any chemicals for Osteoporosis. All this BS, and worry, (from my kidneys to my GERD, to my teeth, to my ulcer, to my BrONJ, to prematurely bringing on my COPD) is hardly worth any potential value- (if there is indeed any good [click there] to come of taking the treatments). Especially knowing what I know now... 

These drugs, (bisphosphonates) do more damage than they are suspect of curing/treating. Notice I did not say 'proven to be'. Just like any chemotherapy, Reclast, and all chemical osteoporosis treatments will remain in your body, effing things up, for 30+ years. 

I was one of the "lucky"   ones that it set off so much more garbage in my body. Even so, I remain luckier than some who have died terribly painful deaths as their bodies stopped working, one organ at a time. <--And that, within a few months of receiving their treatments.  My heart goes out to their families.

My own thoughts are that bisphosphonate treatments are government accepted, and legal, forms of warfare and torture to the patients. 

The surgeon also asked if I had received Reclast by mouth or by IV. I had an infusion, so an IV. He said that with the bisphosphonate IV, there is a 10,000-fold increase of the possibility of ONJ, of losing half your jaw. 

Great. Add more 

Though frightening in its entirety, I am looking forward to being able to go out in public, and smile, and talk again. 
Not that a broken tooth could stop me, (but...)- hehehe

Let's see- What else has gone on in my vacation from blogging? 

Lots.

My cousin Buttercup visited Green Bay last weekend- A seminar at Oneida- and right in Casey's backyard! Well ok, it was across the parking lot... I couldn't take pictures past the one at the top here. Tiffany sat in the front seat, and Casey in the back. Unwilling to be left out, Punk planted her backside right next to Casey-  Not a funny story unless you know that I had removed one of the back seats so Punk can still get in/out when her back is bothering her...  



Good thing that Casey has a skinny backside or that would never have worked! hehehe

Randy finally retired about 3 weeks ago! Say YAY! Much less worry this way.

Casey is doing alright, save for the near constant pain on her insides. Greg will be bringing her in tomorrow morning for another shot to her inside scar tissue.

I still can't remember what these shots are called- a type of "nerve block" that goes near to her liver. 

Next to Casey and Greg, Punk remains such godsend in my life- 

She takes care of me, and all for 2 measly meals every day plus a few leftovers. (Gee, remember when that was enough for people too)? 

Sputty has his nose all flared up again, he sneezes (GROSS!) and then hightails it out of whatever room I am in. hehehe 

Funny to watch sometimes- I swear he even tries to cover his mouth and nose; but so nice that he knows not to sneeze on/around my furniture!

The problem I had with my friend in my last blog is ongoing. Not a feud, mind you, just that nothing has been settled or fixed. I thought by now this person would be over the humiliation they put themselves through.

Sadly, I thought wrong. (I really do hate it when I'm wrong).

Fall is here, and without my camera our beautiful 2012 foliage must just remain in my memory, unshared with you. Most of the leaves are off the trees now, save for the oak trees- and they are such a deep mahogany- Nice to see that against a near-barren forest. 

I have fresh chicken soup simmering on the stove- With my handy-dandy mini~chopper nearby. I'll only chop up my own servings as I don't think anyone else would care for baby food soup at this point. To remark that I am half-starved is not an exaggeration- merely the truth. One can only live on applesauce and pudding for so long. My tummy hasn't even growled yet- Perhaps it is in shock! hehehe  Even freezing the puddings, assorted though they are, doesn't fool my tummy for long.

I'd best close and go dump a few more veggies in my soup- There can never be enough of those in soup. But no potatoes as the bin is empty. No problem there, I just throw in extra chicken and a few more egg noodles!

Kelly brought over some squash the other night- She'd fed the dog while I was up at the hospital. I will be cooking that up too. Add salt, pepper, and a spoon- or 3- of brown sugar.

Mmmmmm.....

I do hope all is well with everyone? And that you are well and enjoying the changes of the season.

♥ Love to all ♥

XOXO
Me

**** Janet's story: DEATH by Reclast (a bisphosphonate) 

http://www.inspire.com/groups/national-osteoporosis-foundation/discussion/death-by-reclast-janets-story/

Frazzled and Frayed

Good Afternoon All;

Knock, knock... Is anyone here? 

I don't know how many of you are still around since Multiply seems to be nearly defunct already. (And with over 2 months yet to go that they have promised to stay open). I have much yet to retreive from my site- blogs and such- and am hoping that by the time I do get 'er up and running that the kinks will be worked out of this export program... I see more than a few posts complaining of that export system yet, so, even with my dial-up I will be patient. If i have too many problems I shall have to beg Mr. Greg to do it for me. *sigh*  Wonder how sick and tired he will be of me, and my computersaurus after that? Glad it takes TONS to make him be upset enough to even cuss... hehehe

Casey's surgery (hysteroscopy) is over; though I am SO sorry to say I couldn't go. Grrrrrrrr...  My car decided that this was the proper morning to pee antifreeze all over the garage floor. Damn, hey? (and I'd only wanted to warm it up a little as the chilly air hurts to be breathed in)! After that, I wasn't going to take a chance on driving in the hopes of getting there on time. 

Fortunately for everyone involved, Greg had previously taken today off. He was planning on bringing her anyway, so all that was left was for everyone to miss my presence. hehehe

I should have just said, "Thank God for Greg" and been done with it. I can't tell you how many times in the past few months that I have told Casey to tell him exactly that. I hope she has passed it on every time.

She called here about an hour ago, saying that they were back home- She sounded absolutely WUNNAFUL!!!

Of course she is sore, and more than a little hungry. They stopped at Fazoli's on the way home, and picked some food up so they could enjoy a late lunch/ early supper. Sounds good.

With my car in need of my mechanic hindsight tells me that I should have bought more the last time I went grocery shopping. Oh well. I can make do with whatever I have on hand. Mostly. 

Oh Lordy i am so tired. And it is [still] going be a very LONG evening- That is, *if* I stay awake for the Packer Game. I shall try. 

Not much other news around here- Though I am still perplexed by a phone call of apology I'd received from a friend 2 weeks ago...

I will go into that at a later posting. Suffice to say that I don't take being screamed at too well. And my heart is ONLY capable of taking BS for a time- Then it simply gives up. This time it gave up by simply hanging up. 

But like I said, that will keep.
For now.  The important thing today was to keep everyone up-to-date about my little CaseyAnne.

My love to all.

XOXO

Me

PS
Do let me know if you will be still around this site for a while?

And please, also let me know where I will be able to find you after Multiply closes for good? 

I do have a few of your destinations already, but no everyones...

Casey. Minnesota.

hehehe

Hi All;
L-O-N-G day today. But we have learned one important thing.
The ERCP/EGD/EUS (whatever it was called), found nothing out of the ordinary in her stomach- Save to reveal that Casey's anastomotic ulcer has healed nicely. That is a very good thing, (she cannot afford to be losing any more of her stomach).
The contents of her stomach are also slow to empty as the muscle at the duodenum is very very constricted. I am not sure if that can be 'cut' to relax it; like the manometry etc at Froedtert Hospital did to the foremost sphincter in her pancreas- (way back when). I forget what that was called, and my computer is so slow tonight that I am not going to go click on "Froedtert" either.

Problem is that no one has learned where her blood is going, and why she is so dangerously anemic all the time.
I do not know what the next step(s) will be; save for a few more (some invasive), tests that can possibly be done, safely, in Green Bay.

My child has taught me much.
Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

My love to all.
Have a 'wunnaful' Wednesday!

XOXO, and G' night.
me

PS
My apologies for not replying to my latest posts. My fingers are not cooperating much- and I swear ALL of my bones hurt tonight. (Fookin' Reclast poison that I had last April).
I promise to reply as soon as I can.
Thank you to everyone who took a moment to reply! :-)

A Few Thoughts for Casey, for Christmas, for You!

Congratulations Miss Casey!
3 years, and counting!!!

Good Morning All;
I have a feeling that this Christmas is going to be a very different one for us all. (Although I have no idea where that thought comes from).
Feeling very Grinch-like, I have already canceled Christmas in Flintville- (OK everyone, only at my house). hehehe

My cousin, Joannie, called last week to offer me a tree! They grow their own, but sadly, I had to decline. We will celebrate when Casey is feeling better- and after she heals from her surgery/ies.
I offered to celebrate her birthday and her Christmas together, and received an emphatic "NO" hehehe
So funny!
Perhaps we shall have Christmas in July then!

For now it is "off to Minnesota, and for her to find out (I hope) where she is losing her blood, and how.

Hard to believe that yesterday we celebrated her 3rd year since her TP/AIT. We would not have had her to love had she not had that surgery. In fact, at the rate her organs were failing, she would not have been able to sustain herself past October of 2010 (and that was actually a very optimistic guess on Dr. S.'s part).

I have wash in- and dishes to do yet.
Punk has been 'off her feed' as they say- But not sick-sick. I think she is a bit sad, though I don't know why that is either.  And yes, the 'off her feed' bit is only an expression- She will eat, sick or not. (Kinda like me that way). hehehe

After seeing the news this morning, I am reminded of the year that Casey marched in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. As Captain of the Color Guard, she had a 'wunnaful' time. (Yes, she was already quite sick at that time, though we didn't realize it... yet).

* Mark your calendars!!!
This year, Pulaski Red Raider Marching Band will be marching in the Rose Bowl Parade, again, this year!!!
(Casey was even Captain of the Color Guard for a few years)!
WOOT! WOOT!  
And how cool is it that Wisconsin will be playing?!
An exciting time for all, but the young lady I know that is loving every minute of it is Miss Ashley!
 Here she is, a few years ago (when I still had my Chrtistmas Brunch).


Miss Brandy, Myself, Casey, and Miss Ashley too.

My very best to all of the band! They will do perfectly!
Soooo make plans to be watching The Rose Bowl Parade this year!
And of course to be watching the game too
January 2, 2012.
5 Reasons the Wisconsin Badgers Will Beat the Oregon Ducks
* Sorry, Will. hehehe

Speaking of games- (and in reply to Slurkie's question in my guestbook)...
I didn't do anything different...
Well maybe if I would have had my best packers shirt on, as I had for the past 13 games)... Grrr...
Or, maybe I shouldn't have watched...
We took our 1st loss in 364 days yesterday. (Repeat Grrrr). But there are still ways to obtain that home field advantage, and that is important; although the sports bars all do well, regardless if it is at Lambeau Field, or not.
As do we, as fans. I am quite sure which 'side' I am on- There are people upset about the loss- (boo-hoo), and there are those that say it is best to get the stress of continuing the "W's" out of the way before the playoffs. No-Brainer, kids.
But I am wondering what the heck Thers did different to obtain Indianapolis' lone "W" for the year? hehehe

I'd best close for now...
I hope everyone is having a "wunnaful" week!
Hope too, that everyone in the path of the blizzard has full cupboards and furnaces.
- And please, to keep Casey in your good warm thoughts too?

XOXO
Me

Casey- My Elf- 2004                   

70's. And October!

Good Morning Everyone;
Boy, it's been a long time since I have written a blog; and once again I am not sure I remember how.
Wait! It is one of those things, like riding a bike -and other things, that you don't forget...  hehehe

Not much news to write home about-
Save for two, Casey had all of her teeth removed 2½ weeks ago-



Too cute she is!
She still has 4 weeks before the surgeons will even do her new impressions.
She had felt SO down about that- Me too, (I was jealous). hehehe
But her surgeon told her, IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS, (and almost nose~to~nose to drive his point home), that she could have had a dentist following her around these years and her teeth still would have died from the inside out as her pancreas wreaked its damage throughout her body.

We have now learned that her pancreas had been 'going' years before we thought- and years before it had gotten so very bad... When the body is sick, it 'takes' from other parts to maintain survival.
Her nasty pancreas had also digested the roots of her teeth, little by little-

Mal-absorption being only one of the worst things she is dealing with.
She is back on her diabetes meds too, both insulins, until her body recovers from the surgical shock; and can also heal from the godawful infection that had plagued her for the past 2+ months.
She texted me this morning around 3- Said that both herself and Greg are dealing with some 'tummy troubles'. That's all she needs, right. She had offered to drop by, but I told her that it's probably better if she doesn't.
"This too shall pass."
Besides, my anxiety attacks have come back with a vengeance! Grrr...
I had done so well for so long...
*sigh* 
Even as I sit here typing I am shaking all over.
And no, I am not cold.

I mowed lawns yesterday- Nice to be outside in October and work up a sweat too. (That is not normal for us). 
But it sure makes me happy! It is almost sinful to be on the inside.
Our weather has been absolutely "WUNNAFUL"! And should remain so -at least through the weekend. Or so they say.
Generally by now we have had snow- ugh- It makes me want to jump up and dance that we haven't had any yet. PLUS, it is in the 70's! Whoo~Hoo!

These little guys are even still around!




Though I know it can't, I wish it could stay that way.
Not looking forward to Winter. I never do. But then there is always Spring!

Some trees have turned, some are hanging on to their green leaves still. Odd to see that also.

Anyway, I am proud that I got the lawns done. (Better said, "as done as I could"). Looks SO much better than before.
JoAnne and Jim came and mowed a few weeks back- Thank God for neighbors that just help out, and you don't even have to ask!
The part that hadn't been cut in over a month was a challenge though; especially to my back.  That part was never leveled off right (after the barn was taken down)- I went over that part twice- and it still needs to be gone over again! Most likely I will try to do that on Friday -

Master Gabriel turned 6 on the first! Oh, how time flies!
He and his sisters go to school full time now- A nice break for Miss Kristin, Provided she doesn't have any younger fosters. Such a great family that he has found!

As you have seen, every now and then my camera will still take a picture-

This is looking across the field... At sunset


Sorry so fuzzy. (Picture was taken from about 20 acres away).
I love to watch them.


Two weeks ago Sunday was a bikers rally. Many of these runs go right by my place. Kind of cool that.
After her first few years, Punk generally pays them no never mind- But this past week she surely did.
Of a sudden, she is barking out the window, her fur raised on her back- This is what she had seen...
One of the bikes had broken down right down the road. I kept hearing them speed up and go over the hill; not knowing why they had slowed to begin with.


They were there about 45 minutes, then on their way again!

Like me.
It is high time to get a move on for the day.
Hope all is well with everyone...   Have a 'wunnaful' Wednesday!

My love to all

XOXO
Me

With a Little Help from my Friends

Good Morning Everyone!
Lots of 'stuff' going on today; this, in addition to having had a very, very, busy weekend. (And a very happy one)!

First of all, my heartfelt thanks to my friends, and to Casey too, (not only my daughter, but a very special friend- a rare and special combination). These people that I love who made it possible for me to have my bedroom downstairs!
YAY!!!  -No more sleeping on the couch! I would do a little dance, but... no can do.  hehehe

But what a job!
Lynn came out to help me clean out my "junk" room. This is where I have many of my eBay things stored, waiting to be put up for auction. These all had/have to find new homes/space for me to have access to them.
(We didn't even touch the surface of the smaller walk-in closet either).
As I look in my living room now, there are 6 boxes that need sorting; most to recycle, some to file, some to save, and of course, some to the trash.

Casey and Greg came out too- around 4, and got my old bedroom set down to put in that room.
That room is darn beautiful if I do say so myself. The same room that for 3 times in its existence has been called "Grandma's Room". The circle completed now, for my generation too.
And ALL with heartfelt thanks to these 3 very special, helpful, family and friends of mine!

Now, also add one more friend, ("Jim"- of snowplowing fame). In the past few days here, he has put many hours of his time to fixing up my Cub Cadet to be good as new. (As for me, I $pent lotsa dollars that I didn't even know I had).   hehehe
My little tractor is now ready to tackle my lawns--- Well, just as soon as I can be ready to do it too.

In the future, I may be needing to replace the double pulley on the mowing deck. Not just the bearings mind you, but the whole dang pulley system.
Crap. I did this thrice already in my life... Not fun- Plus it has a tendency to rob me of DNA.   hehehe
I believe that Jim will do that when/if I live long enough to buy the system. This is quite probably why the front end keeps throwing the drive belt. (I bought the 2nd new belt for this one, this year).
Enter Nate, (who I once worked with at Pulaski-Chase Cooperative). He is now employed over at the other hardware store, and is keeping a special eye out for anything (parts wise) I might need later on. Thank God for Nate too!

This morning, I have an appointment @ 10:00 for a brand spankin' new brace.
(Double~YAY)!!!

But, (and there is ALWAYS that damned "but" isn't there)?!?
Throughout the weekend, I have been having some sharp pains in my back where I had my 6 injections last Thursday.
Waking this morning, I think I will also need to go back in to the doctor who performed that surgery. I woke with awful (and a very "odd" -yet quite severe) pain in my back; very near to where I had received those shots.
Trying to see it close up in a mirror is almost impossible, even using two mirrors.
But I do believe that the red/maroon dot, (approximately the size of a dime), directly over my spine, (PLUS the 'rashy~looking' area around it), might probably suggest an internal infection of sorts.
Wish me luck. I will call my surgeon around 8 or so this morning when his office opens...
But geez, I hope the only appointment they have for me is not at 10:00. (Still, by now, most of you have figured out how my luck goes).  
hehehe

I'd better close and try to stand under a hot shower for my back for a while. When I am done in there it will be time to call Dr. Mario's office- Just in time to be behind the barrage of phone calls that any office receives on a Monday...

Wow. What a weekend, indeed!

Hope yours was as fun as mine! I hope too that you were able to spend time with family and friends, the very special kind that aren't afraid to offer, to show up, to sweat, and to pitch in.
OH! It is always so nice to have friendly voices around! (No offense to my Little Miss Punk).
hehehe

Love to all.

XOXO
Me

PS
As a side note, for those who read and replied, we still know nothing further of Casey's impending surgery.
Perhaps I must go roll a few heads in the insurance, and the contract health department...

For my Blog E-Mail Friends/ Casey surgery

Casey will be having some surgery, locally, as early as next week.
I will explain more in a very private blog on here soon.
If you are not on Multiply, please join, and send me an invitation.
This surgery, compared to her TP/AIT, is minor. Yet, to hear the doctor here speak, it is major. He will be contacting Dr. Sutherland before scheduling this.

XOXO
Me

Casey. Very BAD reaction to Ferrlecit

Just an update...
Casey was given her Ferrlecit infusion yesterday afternoon/evening...

As usual, they run this very slowly; and since she is sensitive to it, they also give her 50 mgs benedryl before even beginning.

Over the course of those 4 hours, she did quite well, save for a bout of diarrhea.
She had only 12 minutes left on it when the benedryl gave up, and she immediately broke out in hives from head to toe.
She had excruciating pain in every joint in her body-

We rang the nurse, who stopped the IV, and also withdrew the last of the Ferrlecit that was in her neck.
Within minutes she was given 50 mgs more of benedryl, and a bolus of her pain meds for the overwhelming joint pain she had.

Before I left last night she was given 50 mgs more benedryl, and her normal pain meds.
I have yet to hear from her this morning-

Please keep her in your good thoughts and prayers.
Love to all

XOXO
Me




Anyone that knows Casey, knows that her ankles and legs are very slim and trim...




This is what happened within a minute-
- - - The pain. The swelling. The hives.

Casey. Minnesota. Surgery- (The 1st few days).

Good Morning All;
First, and most important, Casey's surgery went very well, even though I'd brought her there for 9:30, and never heard again until she was out of surgery around 3:30.
Surgery did start a bit later than they'd hoped. Still, it was a long long day...

To thank everyone who sent their cards, notes, and gifts- Casey will thank you all personally as she can! Suffice to say the top of the fridge is full of cards for her!
Way cool!

We have been in Minnesota for almost a week now- It's been quite a ride, given that I arrived here with a migraine and a sick child, both in tow.
Leaving home, we had gotten new snows- a good enough cover to smear up the roads. But the plows had been out, spreading their salts, and the roads only slowed us down a little, and only for the first 90 miles or so.




Casey stole a nap as we neared I-94, having pain with her meal, and being stressed out as well.

I snapped this picture-



- and wondered who the heck in the north has a new boat on their mind in the middle of January?!?


As you can tell from these pictures, the sun finally did come up and out that day-




Know that the beauty is misleading too- as the temps were hovering around 10°(F) all day long.

We passed LOTS of these marks in the medians-




Evidence that some people were either caught unawares, or didn't care, about the snow/ice.


We stopped a few times (twice for relief and once for gas and food)-

Then finally, we were to Minnesota!




It is always so nice to see The Moos Tower (part of U of M)-
(There are only about 20 minutes left to drive at this point).

Casey's appointment was for 2 to meet with Dr. Andrade- We had about 45 minutes to get signed in to our room, leave Punk where it is warm, and get over to Fairview.






Dr. Andrade is a specialist in Thoracic and Foregut Surgery.
Casey was referred to him by Dr. Sutherland.
Obviously Casey could have opted to find another (closer to home) surgeon for this Vagotomy- Since all of Fairview is knowledgeable of the TP/AIT transplants that are done there, we choose to remain with them whenever possible. This makes real sense to not only us, but to Fairview as well.








Just one floor down from Dr. Sutherlands offices and clinics-


Once in the room, Casey found a poster of "normal" insides...


OK.
So it's upside down, and all parts are still there. (Unlike Casey's own innards).
hehehe

We remain very impressed by Dr. Andrade- Though younger, he is much like Dr. S. He listens to the patient, to everything, and responds according to the fact that Casey is 23, and very well informed.
(I am sensing that this ability to actually talk to a patient, instead of 'down to' - or 'at'- a person, is a prerequisite for being hired on at U of M)...
He also asked about my head- (it was that obvious). 
He then turned down the lights, saying that his own father suffered terribly the whole of his life. He even asked the nurse to talk quietly when she came in.

He explained all that the surgery would entail; how long it would take, etc, to us, and then checked her over too. He also said that, depending on her pain levels, she may be in the hospital for quite a while.


Back at the hotel, Casey was waiting for her food to arrive, and Punk was watching an "Animal Planet" show.





It must have been a fascinating program...




Casey tried, but our Punkster would NOT take her eyes off the screen! hehehe

But oh, we were so hungry! And so happy when the food finally came!

(Food DID make Punk leave her show). hehehe



Punk had to inspect the whole thing...

That salad was for me! "Mmmm"...
(I'd ordered extra dressings so I could eat that salad for 3 or 4 separate meals).

Casey ordered a baked potato pizza- knowing that *if* the tomatoes set off her tummy, that the pain would be short~lived at best.



Broccoli, with 3 cheeses, onions, tomato, and baked potato-
With sour cream to dip it in! - - - Double "Mmmm"...


I'd better close for now- Casey texted earlier and told me to hold off on coming up- She wants to sleep. (Imagine that)! hehehe
Methinks I will nap a bit too, and will catch you all up more about the day of surgery as soon as I can.

I hope all is well with everyone.
As always, I send my love-

XOXO
Me

Asking for a HUGE Favor (Pretty Please)?

***Private Entry***



Hi Everyone;
I am back online; having had issues with Yahoo. (Will try to explain THAT fiasco in a new blog).

However, this one blog is for Casey-  Or not, as the case may be... hehehe
Please don't tell her.

Casey will be having her transthoracic vagotomy next week Tuesday.
We leave, (dependent on the weather), either Wednesday or Thursday. (Yikes, that might be tomorrow already)!

Casey has 2 appointments, pre~surgical; one on Thursday and one on Friday. We will stay the weekend, given that neither of us are up for 3 trips.


Anyhow, a little birdie told me that Casey and Greg received all of 2 Christmas cards.
I know many of you do not send cards- I sent relatively few of my own this year. (Thus, I am also guilty of not sending them one, and will take up my own advice shortly). hehehe

I am wondering if you would please send her a card? Either a surgery, a get well- or even a  birthday card?  (Casey will turn 24 on the 26th).
I have no idea how long she will be in the hospital, so if you could do this before next Tuesday, that may be best. Just please don't send it out today already, (or it might get there before we do).


As always we will be staying at Days Inn...

CaseyAnne L. DeGrave
c/o Days Inn
2407 University Av Se,
Minneapolis, MN 55414

I think this would be very very cool for her. What do you think?

Love to all-  (More soon, I hope).

XOXO
Me


PS
If you are wondering about her surgery...  Here is the email I got from her.


Hi Mommy!

When I searched for "transthoracic vagotomy" all I got were clippings of parts of medical journals, and couldn't understand those... However, I searched for vagotomy and it brought up a bunch of info on it. It's actually something I've heard of before, where they cut the nerve to the stomach that is in charge of telling the stomach to produce ulcers. Since most ulcers are caused by the H. Pylori bacteria, not a lot of these surgeries are done anymore as they respond to the antibiotics and the ulcer is gone... But it is done in cases like mine, when patients don't respond to medical therapy...

Here are {some of} the links I found:

Wikipedia on Vagotomy

          http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vagotomy

Definition and other info on Medical Dictionary
          http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/vagotomy

And Vagotomy on Surgery Encyclopedia

          http://www.surgeryencyclopedia.com/St-Wr/Vagotomy.html

Love you MUCH MUCH!

~CaseyAnne


We will know much, much, more by the end of Friday. hehehe

The Happy Business of Living...

Good Morning All;
(It will be by the time you read this anyway)! hehehe

Does everyone have plans for The Super Bowl?
And who are ya rootin' for?
Since I will root for the underdog, I will be cheering for The Saints.


Speaking of dogs... (Was too). hehehe


On Friday, Punk caught me nibbling on a potato chip...

She 'sneaks' up to watch, (and to beg for just a little one).
She thinks I don't see her?!?
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She watches as I nibble... Using my two front teeth, because I swear all the rest are hurtin' big time. I understand now how people can grab a pliers and pull their own teeth out. (Just that I didn't pack any pliers)...
.
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Then Punk has this doggie~stare~down with the TGI~Fridays bag.
Bacon and cheddar 'flavored'- (Tastes like neither by the way).
.
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.
I give her one.
I say "wait".
.
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So she waits. 
*Such a good dog!
.
.
After there are no more chips, she sits by the door...
One eye staring at her leash.
The other eye watching me very closely so I do not leave her behind when I go up to the hospital.
.
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.
 
"Please take me with you?"

She was SO good at the hospital on Thursday that she can definitely go back...
.
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As I got to the hospital, I made her wait in the car.
(I told her to 'be very good'- She was)!

For being so good she receives an extra~special treat!
.
Scroll down please...
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keep scrolling...
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a little more...
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Yes, alright. This is a HUGE treat for all of us! 
hehehe 
...And WOOT~WOOT too!
.
.
Just know that whatever you do, do NOT ask Punk if we should bring Casey back to the hospital...
.
..

.
.
 
She loses her puppy sense of humor, and will NOT even listen to such a thing!  
hehehe
.
.
.

Yes! Casey is out of the hospital! Being released earlier than the 11~14 days we had been told!
(Go Casey)!!!

As always Dr. Sutherland wants us to stick around in case anything goes awry in this first week or so. Understandable.

Today was good for Casey. (For me too, not having to go up there)!
And oh, I hope it stays that way!

She has an appointment back to see Dr. S. next week.

A little prayer maybe that we can get home after that, and get on with this happy business of living?!

Have a SUPER Sunday!!!  And may the best team win!
Time for me to hit the hay... G'Night All.

XOXO
Me