| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Donna K |
Posted - 12/11/2003 : 11:01:15 AM
This email is very difficult for me to write. Our dear friend Aunt Patty's husband Bert has just been diagnosed with Acute Leukemia and the prognosis does not look good. Bert has been admitted to UCSF where he will be undergoing chemotherapy for the next month. Pat will be residing with him throughout his stay in SF. I will try to keep the message board updated as I receive news from Pat. Please join Jay and myself in thinking good thoughts and keep Pat, Bert and their children in your prayers during this most difficult and trying time.
Regards,
Donna K. |
| 8 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Donna K |
Posted - 01/01/2004 : 11:15:37 AM
Well folks, this will be my final entry. Dear Bert passed away last nite. He was surrounded by Pat, his children and their spouses and grandson. Please be assured that Bert passed on peacefully and without any discomfort. Now that Bert is "in a better place", please join Jay and myself by lending support to Pat and her family during this most difficult time. I want to thank all of you for your concerns and good vibes during the past 3 weeks. All of your wishes and prayers have been given to Pat and her family and believe me when I say, they were very much appreciated.
Donna K. |
| Donna K |
Posted - 12/31/2003 : 06:47:01 AM
Sorry for the week lapse in updates....This past week has been an up and down week for Bert. Last Friday was not a good day for him. Joann and myself spent a good portion of the day at the hospital with Pat and her daughter. Bert did not recognize anyone except for Pat. He developed blisters in his mouth from the Chemo which thankfully have cleared up as of yesterday. Bert is still struggling with his breathing and his blood pressure and diabetes are still out of control. The good news is that yesterday Bert had his eyes open and actually recognized me and gave us a few smiles. He is fighting hard! The docs say the next few days will be difficult. He has another infection going on with a fever. The concern is that it not go back into the lungs and develop into pneumonia. Pat is hanging in there. She is a great gal and is by Berts side talking to him and telling him that he is doing great. They are taking each day one at a time! Pat has been climbing the stairs at the hospital as her exercise routine. Remember, this is a gal that swims, rides, exercises daily! I am warning all of you...she is on the lookout for fresh legs to climb 9-11 flights of stairs with her! I am pooped....she will even make you climb stairs after donating blood (told you...she is one tough cookie.....)Keep good thoughts for Bert and Pat for the next few days...At this time, let me take the opportunity to wish all my fellow DP's a very Happy and Healthy New Year!
Donna K. |
| Donna K |
Posted - 12/23/2003 : 07:13:50 AM
Hello again....great news. Pat called me last nite and Bert is off the ventilator and breathing on his own! He is still receiving nourishment via a feeding tube but has now added ice chips to his diet......he has spoken a few words and is aware of his surroundings. Pat sounds wonderful and relieved...thanks for all of your good thoughts and prayers......the docs may move Bert back to the Oncology ward today or tomorrow...
More to come.....
Donna K. |
| Donna K |
Posted - 12/20/2003 : 10:26:13 AM
I am back with great news.....Pat just called and said that Bert had a good day yesterday and the docs feel that he has made it thru this crisis. bert is nodding his head when spoken to and has even attempted to speak. Pat sounds great! their grandson, Anthony, stationed with the Army in Germany flew in yesterday to be with the family. Keep thinking good thoughts and I will keep you all posted as news filters in.
Donna K. |
| Donna K |
Posted - 12/19/2003 : 07:00:28 AM
Bert has made it thru another day and the docs feel that he will pull thru this crisis. Pat is hanging on...she has a great support group to lean on. Please keep thinking good thoughts. Jay and I spent some time with Pat yesterday and she is very greatful to all of you that have donated bllod on Bert's behalf and to all that have been praying for his recovery. The blood donation center is open on Saturday from 9am-4pm...if you can, please try to get over there.
Donna K. |
| Donna K |
Posted - 12/18/2003 : 07:29:02 AM
Bert took a turn for the worse on Tuesday nite. The doctors have put him in " a medically induced coma" to allow his body to rest. He has a huge buildup of fluids on his lungs and they have a lung machine assisting Bert to get him thru this crisis. Pat and her family are requesting that no visitors come at this time. Please do consider donating blood! He is receiving 2-3 pints a day in addition to platelets. He will be in ICU indefinately. I will keep you all updated and have called several of Pat and Berts close friends. Feel free to call Jay or myself at anytime. A great team of docs are working with Bert.....Please think good thoughts and say a small prayer!
Donna K. |
| lj |
Posted - 12/17/2003 : 9:53:20 PM
Blood center has free juice and muffins, and a Subway right next door!
Sorry to say Bert was in the ICU section. |
| Donna K |
Posted - 12/16/2003 : 12:50:23 PM
As of last night, Bert was back on the Oncology floor. He was moved last Friday to the Cardiac ICU ward due to an irregular rapid heart rate. He spent 2 nites in ICU and luckily with medication the docs were able to regulate the beat and send him back to his other room.
Bert is in critical need of blood donations. He is receiving 2-3 pints of blood every few days. If you can get over to UCSF M-F 8am-7pm or Saturday 9am-4pm and designate your donation to him, both he and Pat would be most appreciative. The donation must be made at the hospital in his name. If you have any questions you can call the Blood Donor Center directly @ 415-353-1809.
Berts spirits are good considering everything that he is going thru. He is a fighter and so is Pat!
More to come later this week....
Donna K |
