OTP – About Butch and me . . .
Question:
It sometimes becomes overwhelming around here (at my house, in my life, in my mind and heart), what with pressing imparatives, heightened awareness, levels of alertness racheted-up, bitter-sweet moments, along with expectations, disappointments and anxieties that color life, from moment to moment and day to day, with their ups and downs. It becomes so intense that lurking and reading ASA is about all I can manage sometimes, especially when the words I would like to use, to reply to posts, often feel as though I have used them all up, before I can even press finger to key. Please know, that my heart goes out to all of you (with a great deal of love) in your anguished and despairing moments, in your joys and successes. Please know, that my prayers and healing thoughts go out for each of you, each and every day, even though my keyboard may be silent. Melinda, thank you for posting on Butch’s and my behalf. Your prayers, love and support mean so much to me, as well as, those same things coming from this amazing assemblage of fierce, yet tender, and devoted Warrior-Angels. Thank you my Warrior-Angels, my special friends, this big-hearted family of my heart. As most of you know, Butch has been in the battle of his life for the past almost 16 months now. A week ago Tuesday, the University of Washington turned him down as a potential candidate for heart, or kidney, or heart/kidney transplantation. (Virginia Mason only does pancreas/kidney transplants, but without a new heart, they indicated he wouldn’t survive it.) The news was not unexpected, because we knew that diabetes had been ravaging his body and had caused a lot of internal damage. There has also been enormous body mass loss, as his kidneys continue to pour 48 grams of protein from his body each 24 hours. There was a delicate thread of hope for about a week, when the U of W specialists considered that he may have had a vascular blockage to his kidneys, which could have been surgically correctable/stented and which would have allowed him to qualify for transplantation. But, test results negated that hope. This Tuesday morning, his cardiologist suggested he finish his unfinished business, which we will be doing. Tuesday afternoon, after listening to all of the things his nephrologist said they cannot medically do for him (how diuresis has failed him; how paracentesis is no longer an option; how paratineal dialysis would strip him of too much protein like paracentesis; and how they are going to try hemodialysis, very gently and possibly daily, in the hope that it might relieve and remove the fluid, not toxins which are not a problem, building in his chest/ abdomen areas to help his heart, as per the suggestion of the head cardiologist at the U of W), Butch directly asked ”the” question for the first time. His nephrologist answered it with what felt, to me, like using a sledge-hammer on Butch. He curtly answered Butch, ”you only has a few months left to live.” His nephrologist is not guaranteeing, nor is he hopeful, that hemodialysis is going to work for him. Yesterday morning, Butch had a permanent catheter for hemodialysis put into his chest. He kidded with the doctor about ”getting to go camping” in the hospital when they surgically ”tented him” for the procedure. then, he teased them about the ”inferior hunting gear and fishing tackle”, they were using on him, not being worth anything in a real hunting or fishing camp and they quipped back, of course.<smile> My guy’s courage is amazing to me, when I consider all that he has been through over the past almost 16 months and what he had just gone through, having that catheter put in—-w0w, what a horrid procedure!—-cutting down into his jugular and lifting the skin off the connective tissues in his chest to make a tunnel for the catheter— makes me wince and cringe just thinking about it. Pain pills helped him get through last night and today (he’s amazing, yet again), he doesn’t need them. Last night, Butch told me, ”You know, I really think I’m going to get through this and that I’m going to be ok. I think I’m going to fool these doctors.” And, since the U of W specialists are still scratching their heads over the fact that his labs are so terrible that they couldn’t figure out how he is even walking around (and yet, he is), I can’t help thinking maybe he’s right, and maybe, he will survive longer than their prognosis for him. But, we need a miracle, as Melinda says. We need the hemodialysis to work for him and for him to retain his proteins and regain body mass. I believe in miracles, because I’ve seen them everyday. I know Butch believes in them, too. Thank you, ASA Warrior-Angels, of the first and highest sacred order of battle (battles don’t get any more sacred than life and death), for helping us to ask for, to seek and to believe that this miracle is possible for Butch to claim. Lovingly, Kate
Response:
My dear Kate- Words just can not say, what you have come to mean to us, around here. Know that we are with in spirit. Any time you need someone to lean on, we are here. Any time you need someone to talk to, we are here. Any time you need a shoulder to cry on, we are here. Any thing you need, any time, we are hear for you. Never forget that. We are here for you ALL the time. You have my number. Do not hesitate to use it. God bless. Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’. We’re all in this together." Red Green
Response:
{{{{{{Kate and Butch}}}}}}, Both your’s and Butch’s strength and courage brings tears to my eyes. I wish I had the right words to let you know how deeply you’ve affected all of us in such wonderful ways. You are loved here. People all over the world are pulling for you and Butch. I’m sending prayers for peace, healing and miracles. God speed! Hoping your hills are never too steep! Be well, Patty
Response:
You both are in our prayers! DeeTee DeeTee and Bob Taggart http://home.earthlink.net/~bdtaggart – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It sometimes becomes overwhelming around here (at my house, in my life, in > my mind and heart), what with pressing imparatives, heightened awareness, > levels of alertness racheted-up, bitter-sweet moments, along with > expectations, disappointments and anxieties that color life, from moment to > moment and day to day, with their ups and downs. It becomes so intense that > lurking and reading ASA is about all I can manage sometimes, especially when > the words I would like to use, to reply to posts, often feel as though I > have used them all up, before I can even press finger to key. Please know, > that my heart goes out to all of you (with a great deal of love) in your > anguished and despairing moments, in your joys and successes. Please know, > that my prayers and healing thoughts go out for each of you, each and every > day, even though my keyboard may be silent. > Melinda, thank you for posting on Butch’s and my behalf. Your prayers, love > and support mean so much to me, as well as, those same things coming from > this amazing assemblage of fierce, yet tender, and devoted Warrior-Angels. > Thank you my Warrior-Angels, my special friends, this big-hearted family of > my heart. > As most of you know, Butch has been in the battle of his life for the past > almost 16 months now. A week ago Tuesday, the University of Washington > turned him down as a potential candidate for heart, or kidney, or > heart/kidney transplantation. (Virginia Mason only does pancreas/kidney > transplants, but without a new heart, they indicated he wouldn’t survive > it.) The news was not unexpected, because we knew that diabetes had been > ravaging his body and had caused a lot of internal damage. There has also > been enormous body mass loss, as his kidneys continue to pour 48 grams of > protein from his body each 24 hours. There was a delicate thread of hope > for about a week, when the U of W specialists considered that he may have > had a vascular blockage to his kidneys, which could have been surgically > correctable/stented and which would have allowed him to qualify for > transplantation. But, test results negated that hope. > This Tuesday morning, his cardiologist suggested he finish his unfinished > business, which we will be doing. Tuesday afternoon, after listening to all > of the things his nephrologist said they cannot medically do for him (how > diuresis has failed him; how paracentesis is no longer an option; how > paratineal dialysis would strip him of too much protein like paracentesis; > and how they are going to try hemodialysis, very gently and possibly daily, > in the hope that it might relieve and remove the fluid, not toxins which are > not a problem, building in his chest/ abdomen areas to help his heart, as > per the suggestion of the head cardiologist at the U of W), Butch directly > asked ”the” question for the first time. His nephrologist answered it > with what felt, to me, like using a sledge-hammer on Butch. He curtly > answered Butch, ”you only has a few months left to live.” His > nephrologist is not guaranteeing, nor is he hopeful, that hemodialysis is > going to work for him. > Yesterday morning, Butch had a permanent catheter for hemodialysis put into > his chest. He kidded with the doctor about ”getting to go camping” in the > hospital when they surgically ”tented him” for the procedure. then, he > teased them about the ”inferior hunting gear and fishing tackle”, they > were using on him, not being worth anything in a real hunting or fishing > camp and they quipped back, of course.<smile> My guy’s courage is amazing > to me, when I consider all that he has been through over the past almost 16 > months and what he had just gone through, having that catheter put > in—-w0w, what a horrid procedure!—-cutting down into his jugular and > lifting the skin off the connective tissues in his chest to make a tunnel > for the catheter— makes me wince and cringe just thinking about it. Pain > pills helped him get through last night and today (he’s amazing, yet again), > he doesn’t need them. > Last night, Butch told me, ”You know, I really think I’m going to get > through this and that I’m going to be ok. I think I’m going to fool these > doctors.” And, since the U of W specialists are still scratching their > heads over the fact that his labs are so terrible that they couldn’t figure > out how he is even walking around (and yet, he is), I can’t help thinking > maybe he’s right, and maybe, he will survive longer than their prognosis for > him. But, we need a miracle, as Melinda says. We need the hemodialysis to > work for him and for him to retain his proteins and regain body mass. I > believe in miracles, because I’ve seen them everyday. I know Butch > believes in them, too. > Thank you, ASA Warrior-Angels, of the first and highest sacred order of > battle (battles don’t get any more sacred than life and death), for helping > us to ask for, to seek and to believe that this miracle is possible for > Butch to claim. > Lovingly, > Kate
Response:
(((butch))) (((kate))) with love and prayers, Vickie B.
Response:
Keeping both of you in my thoughts. ~KJ Akron, Ohio http://arthritisinsight.com Knowledge is power…support is essential. Tina’s Togs Quality Plus Size and Vintage Fashions http://www.stores.ebay.com/tinastogs
Response:
> kate, i’m glad you were able to share this with us. i will pray for a miracle > for the two of you, and i’m so glad butch has you to help him through this, no > matter what the outcome. and you are a beautiful writer. > diane
Well said and my thoughts too. Harv
Response:
((((((Kate and Butch)))))) You are both in my heart and in my prayers Janet
Response:
I am praying for you both too, Kate and Butch. You are in my thoughts. — Love and hugs to all Good thoughts coming your way too. Squirrely Jo
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> ((((((Kate and Butch)))))) > You are both in my heart and in my prayers > Janet
Response:
Hope the hemodialysis will work for him. Miracles do happen. You are both in my thoughts. Nina – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It sometimes becomes overwhelming around here (at my house, in my life, in > my mind and heart), what with pressing imparatives, heightened awareness, > levels of alertness racheted-up, bitter-sweet moments, along with > expectations, disappointments and anxieties that color life, from moment to > moment and day to day, with their ups and downs. It becomes so intense that > lurking and reading ASA is about all I can manage sometimes, especially when > the words I would like to use, to reply to posts, often feel as though I > have used them all up, before I can even press finger to key. Please know, > that my heart goes out to all of you (with a great deal of love) in your > anguished and despairing moments, in your joys and successes. Please know, > that my prayers and healing thoughts go out for each of you, each and every > day, even though my keyboard may be silent. > Melinda, thank you for posting on Butch’s and my behalf. Your prayers, love > and support mean so much to me, as well as, those same things coming from > this amazing assemblage of fierce, yet tender, and devoted Warrior-Angels. > Thank you my Warrior-Angels, my special friends, this big-hearted family of > my heart. > As most of you know, Butch has been in the battle of his life for the past > almost 16 months now. A week ago Tuesday, the University of Washington > turned him down as a potential candidate for heart, or kidney, or > heart/kidney transplantation. (Virginia Mason only does pancreas/kidney > transplants, but without a new heart, they indicated he wouldn’t survive > it.) The news was not unexpected, because we knew that diabetes had been > ravaging his body and had caused a lot of internal damage. There has also > been enormous body mass loss, as his kidneys continue to pour 48 grams of > protein from his body each 24 hours. There was a delicate thread of hope > for about a week, when the U of W specialists considered that he may have > had a vascular blockage to his kidneys, which could have been surgically > correctable/stented and which would have allowed him to qualify for > transplantation. But, test results negated that hope. > This Tuesday morning, his cardiologist suggested he finish his unfinished > business, which we will be doing. Tuesday afternoon, after listening to all > of the things his nephrologist said they cannot medically do for him (how > diuresis has failed him; how paracentesis is no longer an option; how > paratineal dialysis would strip him of too much protein like paracentesis; > and how they are going to try hemodialysis, very gently and possibly daily, > in the hope that it might relieve and remove the fluid, not toxins which are > not a problem, building in his chest/ abdomen areas to help his heart, as > per the suggestion of the head cardiologist at the U of W), Butch directly > asked ”the” question for the first time. His nephrologist answered it > with what felt, to me, like using a sledge-hammer on Butch. He curtly > answered Butch, ”you only has a few months left to live.” His > nephrologist is not guaranteeing, nor is he hopeful, that hemodialysis is > going to work for him. > Yesterday morning, Butch had a permanent catheter for hemodialysis put into > his chest. He kidded with the doctor about ”getting to go camping” in the > hospital when they surgically ”tented him” for the procedure. then, he > teased them about the ”inferior hunting gear and fishing tackle”, they > were using on him, not being worth anything in a real hunting or fishing > camp and they quipped back, of course.<smile> My guy’s courage is amazing > to me, when I consider all that he has been through over the past almost 16 > months and what he had just gone through, having that catheter put > in—-w0w, what a horrid procedure!—-cutting down into his jugular and > lifting the skin off the connective tissues in his chest to make a tunnel > for the catheter— makes me wince and cringe just thinking about it. Pain > pills helped him get through last night and today (he’s amazing, yet again), > he doesn’t need them. > Last night, Butch told me, ”You know, I really think I’m going to get > through this and that I’m going to be ok. I think I’m going to fool these > doctors.” And, since the U of W specialists are still scratching their > heads over the fact that his labs are so terrible that they couldn’t figure > out how he is even walking around (and yet, he is), I can’t help thinking > maybe he’s right, and maybe, he will survive longer than their prognosis for > him. But, we need a miracle, as Melinda says. We need the hemodialysis to > work for him and for him to retain his proteins and regain body mass. I > believe in miracles, because I’ve seen them everyday. I know Butch > believes in them, too. > Thank you, ASA Warrior-Angels, of the first and highest sacred order of > battle (battles don’t get any more sacred than life and death), for helping > us to ask for, to seek and to believe that this miracle is possible for > Butch to claim. > Lovingly, > Kate
Response:
Oh, Kate, you are an angel of courage. I will continue to pray for you and Butch. (((((((((((Kate & Butch))))))))) Hugs, Carol
Response:
Just put an a few more prayers for that miracle to happen!!! Donna G
Response:
((((((Kate and Butch)))))) I don’t have words to express what’s in my heart. I will keep you in my prayers. — Cyberhugs, DianeW
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> ((((((Kate and Butch)))))) > You are both in my heart and in my prayers > Janet
Response:
((((((((((Kate & Butch)))))))))))))) May God bless you. Lyn —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–== Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–
Response:
>>Thank you, ASA Warrior-Angels, of the first and highest sacred order of >battle (battles don’t get any more sacred than life and death), for helping >us to ask for, to seek and to believe that this miracle is possible for >Butch to claim. >Miracles do happen! Remember I am the good witch of the south, so if >you need any help don’t hesitate to call. Aim and I will hustle over >and help out. Now were are those ruby slippers when you need them? >Sending you a spring miracle. – MZ
ABSOLUTELY. Anything you need. Anything at all. Just say the word. I think I can safely speak for all those of us in the area when I say that we are ALL here for you. Just let us know what we can do to help you out — cooking, cleaning, take you (singular OR plural) out for a bit, whatever. Aim
Response:
You both are in my prayers. Call if you need to talk. Miracles are possible and do happen every day. Butch sounds like one special guy but he would have to be to be married to our Kate. Duckie
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thank you, ASA Warrior-Angels, of the first and highest sacred order of > battle (battles don’t get any more sacred than life and death), for helping > us to ask for, to seek and to believe that this miracle is possible for > Butch to claim. > Lovingly, > Kate
Response:
Dear Kate, My prayers are for both you and Butch. He sounds like a terrific person who is willing to fight for his well being. This is a very difficult time for you both, but God and his Angels will watch over both of you. My prayers are with you. Donna
Response:
kate, i’m glad you were able to share this with us. i will pray for a miracle for the two of you, and i’m so glad butch has you to help him through this, no matter what the outcome. and you are a beautiful writer. diane
Response:
>Thank you, ASA Warrior-Angels, of the first and highest sacred order of >battle (battles don’t get any more sacred than life and death), for helping >us to ask for, to seek and to believe that this miracle is possible for >Butch to claim.
Miracles do happen! Remember I am the good witch of the south, so if you need any help don’t hesitate to call. Aim and I will hustle over and help out. Now were are those ruby slippers when you need them? Sending you a spring miracle. – MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com
Response:
((((((((((Kate & Butch))))))))))))) Thinking of you both and sending up prayers for better days. — Nann remove the Gator cheer to email me "To array a man’s will against his sickness is the supreme art of medicine." …Henry Ward Beecher
Response:
((((Kate and Butch)))) Prayers continue for both of you. Your courage and strength are an inspiration. I do believe in miracles. Kelly C.;o)
Response:
Kate, I don’t have the words to express what I’m feeling for both you and Butch. I know it’s been a horribly long and hard road for you both. Unfortunately, I know only too well the ravages of diabetes. My SO and my youngest son are both Type 1 and it’s a daily battle for us to keep it under control. Please know that my prayers are with you both. Miracles do happen and we’re counting on one for you all. Anne AAC/AAF/AFBV62.0844.AZ http://www.tckworld.com/opfoot
Response:
Kate, much love and many prayers going your way–for both of you. Gwen
Response:
Kate sweetie, Love you dearly. Please, if there is ANYTHING you need that I can provide, even if it’s an hour out of the house for coffee and chat, or whatEVER you need, please remember I am right up the road and more than happy to help in any way I can, ok? Don’t hesitate for even ONE second to call me. You are both in my prayers. Aim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->It sometimes becomes overwhelming around here (at my house, in my life, in >my mind and heart), what with pressing imparatives, heightened awareness, >levels of alertness racheted-up, bitter-sweet moments, along with >expectations, disappointments and anxieties that color life, from moment to >moment and day to day, with their ups and downs. It becomes so intense that >lurking and reading ASA is about all I can manage sometimes, especially when >the words I would like to use, to reply to posts, often feel as though I >have used them all up, before I can even press finger to key. Please know, >that my heart goes out to all of you (with a great deal of love) in your >anguished and despairing moments, in your joys and successes. Please know, >that my prayers and healing thoughts go out for each of you, each and every >day, even though my keyboard may be silent. >Melinda, thank you for posting on Butch’s and my behalf. Your prayers, love >and support mean so much to me, as well as, those same things coming from >this amazing assemblage of fierce, yet tender, and devoted Warrior-Angels. >Thank you my Warrior-Angels, my special friends, this big-hearted family of >my heart. >As most of you know, Butch has been in the battle of his life for the past >almost 16 months now. A week ago Tuesday, the University of Washington >turned him down as a potential candidate for heart, or kidney, or >heart/kidney transplantation. (Virginia Mason only does pancreas/kidney >transplants, but without a new heart, they indicated he wouldn’t survive >it.) The news was not unexpected, because we knew that diabetes had been >ravaging his body and had caused a lot of internal damage. There has also >been enormous body mass loss, as his kidneys continue to pour 48 grams of >protein from his body each 24 hours. There was a delicate thread of hope >for about a week, when the U of W specialists considered that he may have >had a vascular blockage to his kidneys, which could have been surgically >correctable/stented and which would have allowed him to qualify for >transplantation. But, test results negated that hope. >This Tuesday morning, his cardiologist suggested he finish his unfinished >business, which we will be doing. Tuesday afternoon, after listening to all >of the things his nephrologist said they cannot medically do for him (how >diuresis has failed him; how paracentesis is no longer an option; how >paratineal dialysis would strip him of too much protein like paracentesis; >and how they are going to try hemodialysis, very gently and possibly daily, >in the hope that it might relieve and remove the fluid, not toxins which are >not a problem, building in his chest/ abdomen areas to help his heart, as >per the suggestion of the head cardiologist at the U of W), Butch directly >asked ”the” question for the first time. His nephrologist answered it >with what felt, to me, like using a sledge-hammer on Butch. He curtly >answered Butch, ”you only has a few months left to live.” His >nephrologist is not guaranteeing, nor is he hopeful, that hemodialysis is >going to work for him. >Yesterday morning, Butch had a permanent catheter for hemodialysis put into >his chest. He kidded with the doctor about ”getting to go camping” in the >hospital when they surgically ”tented him” for the procedure. then, he >teased them about the ”inferior hunting gear and fishing tackle”, they >were using on him, not being worth anything in a real hunting or fishing >camp and they quipped back, of course.<smile> My guy’s courage is amazing >to me, when I consider all that he has been through over the past almost 16 >months and what he had just gone through, having that catheter put >in—-w0w, what a horrid procedure!—-cutting down into his jugular and >lifting the skin off the connective tissues in his chest to make a tunnel >for the catheter— makes me wince and cringe just thinking about it. Pain >pills helped him get through last night and today (he’s amazing, yet again), >he doesn’t need them. >Last night, Butch told me, ”You know, I really think I’m going to get >through this and that I’m going to be ok. I think I’m going to fool these >doctors.” And, since the U of W specialists are still scratching their >heads over the fact that his labs are so terrible that they couldn’t figure >out how he is even walking around (and yet, he is), I can’t help thinking >maybe he’s right, and maybe, he will survive longer than their prognosis for >him. But, we need a miracle, as Melinda says. We need the hemodialysis to >work for him and for him to retain his proteins and regain body mass. I >believe in miracles, because I’ve seen them everyday. I know Butch >believes in them, too. >Thank you, ASA Warrior-Angels, of the first and highest sacred order of >battle (battles don’t get any more sacred than life and death), for helping >us to ask for, to seek and to believe that this miracle is possible for >Butch to claim. >Lovingly, >Kate
Response:
> But, we need a miracle, as Melinda says. We need the hemodialysis to >work for him and for him to retain his proteins and regain body mass. I >believe in miracles, because I’ve seen them everyday. I know Butch >believes in them, too.
Kate, miracles DO happen, I have seen them in a long nursing career. Here’s hoping for one for you folks. Hugs from Ontario. — Joan Tom Hennessy (ironjustice aka watchman) on: Message IDs follow.
Response:
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