Cancer Has Gone Beautifully, Til Now
Donation protected
A GoFundMe page:
gofundme.com/pattissmilepage
As you may know (becus I have
yakked about it over the years), I have Stage IV leiomyosarcoma; it is an involuntary muscle, soft and connective tissue cancer. I am way lucky as I was diagnosed in 2009. In the course of my treatment, I’ve done my full share of chemo and radiation, e.g. there is no more that I can “do”, in that regard. That’s the good news.
Accordingly, my teeth have been affected. The molars are chipping away. At this point, I have g o t to do s o m e t h i n g. So, if you would please help me, feel free. If you would rather help directly, I’m going to Archpoint Implant Denistry.
P.S. Below is a GoFundMe page for the same thing about which I now appeal to you. I wrote it ages ago without the courage to post. It’s got too much info, unless you’re interested in more answers to my dilemma:
Hello Friends ~
gofundme.com/pattissmilepage
Hopefully, you are out and enjoying this spectacular Spring day. As I write to you, I can sense so many of your happy faces. So many of you have carved out great careers and have raised great kids that are a constant in your life. As well, there are fabulous marriages and families happening. I am fortunate in that both of my children are fully integrated with fascinating families who are big, loving and get to travel together quite a bit. There is a beautiful family of friends.
A few years ago, a side effect of my bone density med took out a molar on the upper right side; and, more recently on the lower left. So, now, I can’t really say my “Rs”. It’s kind of funny when it unexpectedly occurs after years of being able to say them.
We assumed the same on the right side but since I'd been shot for more things on my left side, there was more to consider...and more molars that have to be removed. The teeth are cracked apart on the back sides. The DDS want these out, too. The teeth have chipped away up to the gum line. My most serious meetings with my great Oncologist are with dentists now, too.
As for my beloved family, going to my son again and again just doesn't seem fair. Our little sister suddenly died this past July. How weird and tragic it was to get that phone call, feeling like surely I would first “go” instead of April being next.
Except for the enormous loss of his little sister, April, our brother, Marc, is doing great. Along w 25 years with his wife, Kaki {who is a teacher} and their two {2} extraordinary ‘tween sons {Spencer & Presley ~ who are so smart, talented & adorable}, they have always found ways to help.
In 2009, a “cage” was put around vertebrae T12. Now, I also have tumors on the top of my left femur, my acetabulum, illyac and lots of sacral locations. Since the second {& 3rd, as a rod broke just 3 months later} neurosurgery, I now have a fused lumbar {1 ~ 5} and a “cage” from T10 to S2. Thankfully, I can walk.
Next, would have been an inability to walk. As an example, I could walk from concessions for chocolate almonds to a back theatre at the AMC 15 Northpark. Small distances were possible, with the assistance of my friend's arm, when I ran out of steam.
Occasional falls, mostly until I learned how to slow down and to be more mechanical with my movement, were increasing with bones and vertebrae at risk. Pre~Op, they tell you: no BLT, e.g. no bending, lifting and/or twisting. Yet, for how long do they mean? Via the hard way, I have learned that means “ever again”. This doc had not much of an interest in educating me. It just would have meant some orders for occupational therapy.
Some times it takes a minute to comprehend the extent of these instructions. When one feels so stiff, it feels odd not to try to stretch. So, I suppose I’m unsure as to the process in how it relates to the physical changes.
As I had one {1} successful neurosurgery in 2009, it seemed a reasonable treatment when it came around again. In June 2016, after surgery, infection set in. Carlos Bagley, MD, Vice Chair of the Department at the UTSW Med School, during my post-Op visits immediately after surgery, refused to recognize it. His colleague, my doc from 2009, Kevin Morrill, MD refused to assist or take me back after I have been more or less crippled by Dr. Bagley. He is who was supposed to continue being my doctor. Dr. Bagley just showed up at the door of the operating room. It was too late to object. I tried to think of it like kismet ~e.g. a good thing. He is the Director of the UTSW Spine Clinic and Vice Chair of the Department at the medical school.
Via his Resident, Dr. Bagley had me sent home from the ER ~with the infection~ as it worsened. My HomeCare RN had completed three {3} tours of Iraq &/or Afghanistan as a helicopter field Medic. He made the recommendation that I go to the hospital.
Then, after the 2nd surgery {of that round} in September 2016, I needed IV antibiotics every three (3) hours. So, I had to return to the in-patient nursing facility full-time for another five (5) weeks.
It has been quite a while, since June 2016, from when I could have been viably employed. Last year at Christmas~time, my partner lost his job and, a totally unexpected twist, has yet to find work. He is a brilliant fixed-income {bond} salesman. He has been in the biz for forty {40} years. He has worked in the finest houses and on the best desks in the World. He has been a major producer on “the street”.
Next, they want to pull out most of my teeth. This involves, for the long-term, tooth implantation. They say, without replacement teeth, my jaw bones will recede {picture your Grandpa poking out his dentures for fun} which is skeletally unsound.
Going forward, any tumors on my spine, hips and legs et al will only indicate surgery, as I am maxxed out on chemo & radiation. It has turned out that I am lucky to be one of those cancer patients that has lived longer than expected. Sometimes at night, the break~through pain from the cancer is significant through my foot and sacrum. Most of the time, though, I just bounce through life as many of us do.
Except for a raucous thyroid, my blood work is exceptional except for an occasionally low count on my white blood cells & platelets. After the second (2nd) Neurosurgery, I had two (2) blood transfusions. Another good thing is: he “got” the cancer that had made it’s way into the "tailbone" {the last vertabrae in the sacral section of my spine}.
The dental specialists feel like this is mandatory. The procedure on my teeth, for my health's sake, is an important and imminent need. Insurance covers a minimal amount of the work. Undoubtedly, such a procedure must be arduous.
Back when, I was a career gal with six (6) securities licenses, a little house in Wilshire Heights, savings in the bank and the benefits that came along with such a job that were warranted. Always, I could take care of myself. My 30th birthday, I remember as if it were yesterday. It seems my life has done a flip like the one named for the tiny USA Olympian gymnast with a crush on Zac Efron.
Absolutely anything that you feel comfortable putting in the plate when it passes your way will bring with it a double-dip of love. Add to that, the warmth of the hand~turned caramel with Godiva chocolate on top, like a Magnum ice cream bar. That is truly a great treat when they un~incubate someone after anesthesia. Something I never had thought of before. Yum.
It is so funny that is what I think of. Add a quiet space, my best pillows for my back, a good old sit~com on one of those big plasma TVs, a notebook and a good pen. Sincerely, that is the best.
Thank you for reading my tome. I just wanted to be absolutely forthcoming. In that vein, going forward, you are welcome to see any reports or invoices...as to your investment in my life. You also can check GoFundMe anytime for, and I will be sure to write, updates.
Further, I will do my best to pay it forward. As my health comes back full~bore, I hope you will view my recovered capabilities as something about which you gave a darn. The kind of love, generosity, thoughtfulness and concern for another that is most noble. It comes back full~circle.
If I may ever be of service to or for you, I would relish the opportunity. As I reach for the stars ...
Love, Peace & Joy,
Patti
gofundme.com/pattissmilepage
gofundme.com/pattissmilepage
As you may know (becus I have
yakked about it over the years), I have Stage IV leiomyosarcoma; it is an involuntary muscle, soft and connective tissue cancer. I am way lucky as I was diagnosed in 2009. In the course of my treatment, I’ve done my full share of chemo and radiation, e.g. there is no more that I can “do”, in that regard. That’s the good news.
Accordingly, my teeth have been affected. The molars are chipping away. At this point, I have g o t to do s o m e t h i n g. So, if you would please help me, feel free. If you would rather help directly, I’m going to Archpoint Implant Denistry.
P.S. Below is a GoFundMe page for the same thing about which I now appeal to you. I wrote it ages ago without the courage to post. It’s got too much info, unless you’re interested in more answers to my dilemma:
Hello Friends ~
gofundme.com/pattissmilepage
Hopefully, you are out and enjoying this spectacular Spring day. As I write to you, I can sense so many of your happy faces. So many of you have carved out great careers and have raised great kids that are a constant in your life. As well, there are fabulous marriages and families happening. I am fortunate in that both of my children are fully integrated with fascinating families who are big, loving and get to travel together quite a bit. There is a beautiful family of friends.
A few years ago, a side effect of my bone density med took out a molar on the upper right side; and, more recently on the lower left. So, now, I can’t really say my “Rs”. It’s kind of funny when it unexpectedly occurs after years of being able to say them.
We assumed the same on the right side but since I'd been shot for more things on my left side, there was more to consider...and more molars that have to be removed. The teeth are cracked apart on the back sides. The DDS want these out, too. The teeth have chipped away up to the gum line. My most serious meetings with my great Oncologist are with dentists now, too.
As for my beloved family, going to my son again and again just doesn't seem fair. Our little sister suddenly died this past July. How weird and tragic it was to get that phone call, feeling like surely I would first “go” instead of April being next.
Except for the enormous loss of his little sister, April, our brother, Marc, is doing great. Along w 25 years with his wife, Kaki {who is a teacher} and their two {2} extraordinary ‘tween sons {Spencer & Presley ~ who are so smart, talented & adorable}, they have always found ways to help.
In 2009, a “cage” was put around vertebrae T12. Now, I also have tumors on the top of my left femur, my acetabulum, illyac and lots of sacral locations. Since the second {& 3rd, as a rod broke just 3 months later} neurosurgery, I now have a fused lumbar {1 ~ 5} and a “cage” from T10 to S2. Thankfully, I can walk.
Next, would have been an inability to walk. As an example, I could walk from concessions for chocolate almonds to a back theatre at the AMC 15 Northpark. Small distances were possible, with the assistance of my friend's arm, when I ran out of steam.
Occasional falls, mostly until I learned how to slow down and to be more mechanical with my movement, were increasing with bones and vertebrae at risk. Pre~Op, they tell you: no BLT, e.g. no bending, lifting and/or twisting. Yet, for how long do they mean? Via the hard way, I have learned that means “ever again”. This doc had not much of an interest in educating me. It just would have meant some orders for occupational therapy.
Some times it takes a minute to comprehend the extent of these instructions. When one feels so stiff, it feels odd not to try to stretch. So, I suppose I’m unsure as to the process in how it relates to the physical changes.
As I had one {1} successful neurosurgery in 2009, it seemed a reasonable treatment when it came around again. In June 2016, after surgery, infection set in. Carlos Bagley, MD, Vice Chair of the Department at the UTSW Med School, during my post-Op visits immediately after surgery, refused to recognize it. His colleague, my doc from 2009, Kevin Morrill, MD refused to assist or take me back after I have been more or less crippled by Dr. Bagley. He is who was supposed to continue being my doctor. Dr. Bagley just showed up at the door of the operating room. It was too late to object. I tried to think of it like kismet ~e.g. a good thing. He is the Director of the UTSW Spine Clinic and Vice Chair of the Department at the medical school.
Via his Resident, Dr. Bagley had me sent home from the ER ~with the infection~ as it worsened. My HomeCare RN had completed three {3} tours of Iraq &/or Afghanistan as a helicopter field Medic. He made the recommendation that I go to the hospital.
Then, after the 2nd surgery {of that round} in September 2016, I needed IV antibiotics every three (3) hours. So, I had to return to the in-patient nursing facility full-time for another five (5) weeks.
It has been quite a while, since June 2016, from when I could have been viably employed. Last year at Christmas~time, my partner lost his job and, a totally unexpected twist, has yet to find work. He is a brilliant fixed-income {bond} salesman. He has been in the biz for forty {40} years. He has worked in the finest houses and on the best desks in the World. He has been a major producer on “the street”.
Next, they want to pull out most of my teeth. This involves, for the long-term, tooth implantation. They say, without replacement teeth, my jaw bones will recede {picture your Grandpa poking out his dentures for fun} which is skeletally unsound.
Going forward, any tumors on my spine, hips and legs et al will only indicate surgery, as I am maxxed out on chemo & radiation. It has turned out that I am lucky to be one of those cancer patients that has lived longer than expected. Sometimes at night, the break~through pain from the cancer is significant through my foot and sacrum. Most of the time, though, I just bounce through life as many of us do.
Except for a raucous thyroid, my blood work is exceptional except for an occasionally low count on my white blood cells & platelets. After the second (2nd) Neurosurgery, I had two (2) blood transfusions. Another good thing is: he “got” the cancer that had made it’s way into the "tailbone" {the last vertabrae in the sacral section of my spine}.
The dental specialists feel like this is mandatory. The procedure on my teeth, for my health's sake, is an important and imminent need. Insurance covers a minimal amount of the work. Undoubtedly, such a procedure must be arduous.
Back when, I was a career gal with six (6) securities licenses, a little house in Wilshire Heights, savings in the bank and the benefits that came along with such a job that were warranted. Always, I could take care of myself. My 30th birthday, I remember as if it were yesterday. It seems my life has done a flip like the one named for the tiny USA Olympian gymnast with a crush on Zac Efron.
Absolutely anything that you feel comfortable putting in the plate when it passes your way will bring with it a double-dip of love. Add to that, the warmth of the hand~turned caramel with Godiva chocolate on top, like a Magnum ice cream bar. That is truly a great treat when they un~incubate someone after anesthesia. Something I never had thought of before. Yum.
It is so funny that is what I think of. Add a quiet space, my best pillows for my back, a good old sit~com on one of those big plasma TVs, a notebook and a good pen. Sincerely, that is the best.
Thank you for reading my tome. I just wanted to be absolutely forthcoming. In that vein, going forward, you are welcome to see any reports or invoices...as to your investment in my life. You also can check GoFundMe anytime for, and I will be sure to write, updates.
Further, I will do my best to pay it forward. As my health comes back full~bore, I hope you will view my recovered capabilities as something about which you gave a darn. The kind of love, generosity, thoughtfulness and concern for another that is most noble. It comes back full~circle.
If I may ever be of service to or for you, I would relish the opportunity. As I reach for the stars ...
Love, Peace & Joy,
Patti
gofundme.com/pattissmilepage
Organizer
Patti Oldham Gilpin
Organizer
Dallas, TX