I wish it were more positive, but the mass that he has that is expanding is a direct result from the infection he got after the “routine” procedure on his leg. Under normal circumstances, they would remove the mass- but in Mike’s case, they cannot. The surgeons said based on the complications Mike fights with after surgical procedures- if he did not die during the surgery (which they liken to fixing a big shark bite to the stomach/groin). He would surely not survive the recuperation process which puts healthy people in a tailwind of a 10 week recovery period. So it is inoperable and they will try and keep it from spreading further but they couldn’t promise they could keep it in the future from becoming infected.
On a personal note, my thanks to the individual who made a direct donation to my vet recently. Thank you for helping to lower the vet debt and taking one more stressor off my shoulders this month. My hope is that I can stay out of the vet’s office until the debt is completely paid in full.
I pray for you both daily. I am so sorry MA.
Pat,
It’s okay really. I don’t post what I do to gain sympathy. I do it because I am so angry at how Diabetes works in people. Initially, they do not feel sick, even if they are on meds, so it puts someone in a complacent state of mind. Once it takes hold and does damage (especially to non-compliant patients) the damage is done. I hope that someone reading either now or down the road sometime who has been diagnosed with Diabetes recently will sit up and take notice and make lifestyle changes pronto.
I had to do an Advanced Directive the other day with my husband and that was rough. In the end, he has donated his body to medical science in the hopes that no one else will have to suffer what he has endured. I am looking for a new PC for him- someone who has a bit more compassion for what he is facing. His original PC is a joke. He’s gone out of the office more times than he is here and Mike suffers because of it.
I am not alone in fighting this disease along with a loved one. I have been hearing from people who identify with my situation but don’t wish to post on my blog. The emails break my heart and show me that I am not alone in seeing drastic changes from someone diagnosed with this disease and fighting all the side effects it brings. But it doesn’t change what my challenges have become and how my life has changed as well. Just makes me feel less alone.
The surgeons yesterday, they were very kind. But they said opening him up to this operation will terminate his life. As long as it is just an inflammation he can handle it. It limits what he can do for himself, but it isn’t life threatening. Only if the skin suffers a breakdown and infection gets in- does it become critical. If they open him up with such a large, invasive incision- they freely invite him into a bed of bacteria and he already has cellulitis deep in his tissues. It isn’t even to be considered and when asked about a gastric bypass, they said the same thing. Poor surgical risk.
My cats and my dog are what is keeping me in the here-and-now without going bonkers. Molly is still glued to my side even scratching on the door of the bathroom when I am inside! Kota sleeps with me every night and almost overnight has started to become very protective over me. Animals know and they are my anchor.
What a terrible situation. I am sorry for all of this. Needless to write, you and Mike don’t deserve this, but who does? I hope the inflammation recedes and Mike will be less troubled soon.
MA, I am also the wife (now) of a diabetic. Much has happened this past year that you do not know about. It is a serious topic in our house.
It should be a serious topic in any house. I am so sorry Pat having met both of you in real time, this makes it quite personal and I will pray for both of you. Even if you do not have it, it will ultimately effect you to your core. If it helps and I hope it does- the doctor recommended a cookbook when I explained the diabetic cookbooks weren’t that easy to follow. It is called Healthy Choices from the Kitchens of Keepers at Home. Dedicated to those caregivers who are trying to balance good, healthy food with different life-threatening diseases. They want him on a good protein diet (although I am not yet sure what the difference between high protein and good protein is- but I have ordered the cookbook.
Thanks MA, prayers gratefully accepted.