3 Strikes and You’re Out

So it’s appropriate that the baseball playoffs are going on right now because after 3 tries at the expanders, it is officially a strikeout.

Jamie had started feeling better and then this morning she noticed that her shirt was wet in the area that she had the drain exit.  After further inspection, we discovered that there was fluid (pus) leaking from the exit spot which apparently had not fully healed.

Fast forward the story, Jamie went to Dr. Hijjawi’s office who then sent her to Froedtert’s Day Surgery.  After discussing the options between ourselves, and Dr. Hijjawi; Jamie decided to remove both expanders.  The surgery was about 2 hours with her up in the extended recovery room around 6:00 pm tonight.

Jamie is feeling relatively good this evening.  She’s been dealing with pain, nauseousness, headaches over the last week due to an infection and an upper respiratory virus.  For now, she’s not feeling those symptoms.  Still has a nagging cough from the virus.  Not so fun after surgery on the chest.  She’s in good spirits.

You look back over the last 11 months and wish you knew back then what you know now.  It’s sad to think about how cancer took so much from her last year.  The missed time spent with the kids.  Dealing with … the crappiness of chemotherapy …  with multiple surgeries …  with the at home IV antibiotics … with tissue expansion … the emotional swings.  There’s more but you get the picture.  So that’s why I am so proud of her because of how she’s stayed strong.  She’s kept up her spirits.  She’s focused on the big picture that She’s CANCER FREE!!!

Cancer can take a lot of your body physically.  But you get to choose to not let cancer take your happiness.  As we near the end of 2014, we’re looking forward to 2015 where we can get back to some normalcy.  To a crazy chaotic house of 4 kids.  To put this crazy chapter in our past.

I love you J!!

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13 Responses to 3 Strikes and You’re Out

  1. Sharon says:

    My prayers are with you each and every day

  2. auntie Patti says:

    Prayers for continued strength and recovery. Love you!

  3. Heather Ragen says:

    I am happy to help with Eli or offer up some distraction for the big kids if needed. Hugs and prayers coming your way.

  4. Terrie says:

    Hope you’re feeling a little better every day!
    xoxo
    T

  5. Bonnie says:

    Hoping your healing is speedy and pain-free, Jamie! We are all proud of you. XOXO

  6. Dana says:

    Gob bless, talk soon.
    Dana

  7. One always hears that God only gives you what you can handle. If that is true, Jamie, Chris and your children are all wearing super hero capes. Continued thoughts and prayers coming your way.

  8. Auntie Karen says:

    God blessed you with the strength for this journey and you continue to inspire all of us who know and love you. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Prayers continue for your complete recovery. love you lots

  9. Aunt Karen Czajka says:

    Great to hear that the two of you are so positive and each other’s eternal support. Prayers always!

  10. Julia Westphal says:

    Glad it’s over. Her poor little body has been through so much and deserves so much better! Rest, heal and come out swinging in 2015!

    Cancer did not win! It could never take the love between you two! Take care of yourself also Chris- what a crazy ride it’s been! Cancer couldn’t take away her amazing spirit either…you guys rock! Love you both!

  11. paula says:

    Thinking if you all and hoping for no to little pain or discomfort while Jamie heals

  12. Uncle Buckwheat says:

    I’m proud of you Jamie and you too Chris. It’s hard to see the big picture and in our mere human-ness, it is easy to wallow in our setbacks and disappointments. But God sees the whole picture and has big plans for you and your family. Keep looking up – to Him and find joy in your blessings. You are a witness to your faith! Keep up the great work and we’ll keep lifting you up in prayers. We love you, Uncle Tom and Aunt Meg

  13. Rosa says:

    I am thinking of you all tonight, as Jamie continues to heal from surgeries…and is CANCER FREE at the same time. Chris, you really are an amazing husband and father. Jamie, you have the best family! I love you and miss you all. Healthy healing from way out here!

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