Helping Diane

I was honored when approached to start a page to help my friend Diane Becker. I am also sad to have to create one and nervous because I want to get it right. Diane is a happy, positive, generous go-getter who is always on the move.
On Dec 13th she went to Rochester Mayo for a "simple" surgery to have a cyst & ovary removed. She went home 2 hrs later. The next day she was having trouble breathing because it was extremely painful. She then spiked a fever and was rushed to Mankato Mayo Hospital. After 5 days they discovered her colon was nicked and the toxins had been leaking throughout her body. She was in septic shock for a week. The doctors did two wash out surgeries to remove the toxins. Diane spent 2 weeks in ICU, then moved to (PCU) Progressive Care Unit and finally to the regular room. She has had about a dozen procedures since being there and will have more in the future. She has an ostomy bag & has a large opening down center of her abdomin. Once that is healed she will need to come back for another surgery to reconnect her colon. She is now trying to get her strength back. She is using a walker and is very shaky. She keeps getting fevers and has persistent nausea. If that was not enough she has developed hives over her entire body and she is retaining fluid. On a positive note, her heart rate, oxygen and blood pressure are finally getting closer to normal. Her appetite is starting to come back as well. We have been chatting today. She is hoping to go home soon. She has to get 15 liters of fluid out of her body first.

Diane said so many of you have asked what you can do to help. As far as actual every day tasks, they are covered. She hopes to be home soon but will be off work for several months. The bills still pile up and that is her biggest concern. Her income has been non-existent and will continue to be.
As I write this, Diane is laying in the hospital as she has been for 40 days! Think about that. FORTY days of being away from your child. Your husband. Your pets. Your home. Tod, her husband has been there every single day and is also keeping life running smooth for their daughter. She is very blessed and thankful to have them but also everyone in her life that has prayed, sent good thoughts, visited, sent messages or have just thought of her. It makes this a bit easier. This is a good way to help Diane and her family get through this bump in the road if you are able to. Diane and family thank you so very much for any consideration.