JoanneS ???

[PinkGirl]

I haven't seen any posts from Joanne recently.
Does anyone know how she is doing? I remember
she was having major problems with her reconstruction
and implants.

Hope you are okay Joanne.

[Bill]

I thought maybe she commented in a thread within the past week, but I can't remember which one.

[PinkGirl]

I'm still thinking of you Joanne. Hope
you are okay.

[Soccermom]

Pink,Joanne last posted April 21st..I hope she is ok too!
M

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

I had gotten word from Steve on Joanne's email address that she was in the hospital. Running a high fever, she went to the emergency room and was admitted for diagnostic tests. She had ongoing capsular contracture problems and redness around her implants.

Her bld pressure was ridiculously low. Trying to control all her problems they operated and found necratic tissue and a volume of pus when they removed both implants. Then discovered a massive infection in the chest wall. Drains were left in.

Jo was very weak and in a great deal of pain, Steve reported. In ICU for a bit. Receiving strong IV antibiotics.

Now, though she is finally home and sending amazingly newsy and cheery emails (w/smilie dohickeys that help one visualize the ordeal with humor!) -- she must return twice a day to the hospital for another 5 days for antibiotic infusions.

She had port issues to boot, which is totally unfair, but they seem to have resolved. If ya'll post any cheery responses to all this, I will notify her to take a look on the board. As soon as she was able to converse, she asked about Kate and Michelle. I haven't gathered the courage to tell her yet. She's been through hell, but she is back now and full of joy and fun.

So that's all I know. Sorry I have been slack in responding, but I've been buried in working on my book, and missed this quest for Joanne. Thank you Pinkie for noticing her absence and asking... And thanks to all who chimed in... I know it is always nice to missed. Surely that will perk Jo up!

Love to all,
Andi

[PinkGirl]

Thanks for that update Andi. Wow, that sounds
awful ... but I'm glad to hear that Joanne is on the mend. What an ordeal!!!

[StephN]

OH Sheesh! Thanks Andi.
And I was just reading an article in the latest issue of CURE mag about infections.
The article said that one of the highest risks for breast cancer patients is infection with implants. Mainly MRSA, which sounds like Joanne unluckily got.

The incidence of infection is much lower for women who use their own belly tissue, according to that article.

Funny that my thoughts turned right to her as I was reading that article, and I was hoping my worst fears would not be confirmed ...

[nitewind]

Oh my gosh, that's horrible! I'm so happy to hear that she's home and doing well. It's great that she can be so cheerful.
If you pop in Joanne, here's a big hug {{{Joanne}}}}

[PinkGirl]

Hi Joanne
I hope you are feeling a bit better every day ... looking
forward to having you back on the board when you are
up to it. Hope you are getting lots of rest and relaxation.

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

JOANNE IS STILL VERY WEAK. PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY. SHE HAD A MAJOR SCARE AND A HARROWING EXPERIENCE.

One of the first things she mentioned when she got home was how are Kate and Michelle? I had to tell her. She was fully aware that they were going through tough times and worried about them, but still the reality was-- a shock.

She is just filled with "big non-stop tears and overwhelming emotions". She is trying very hard to gather her strength. To recover (still going twice a day to the hospital for IV antibiotics). It is miraculously wonderful that she has overcome all she has. Jo is aware that a number of us have asked for her and she is most appreciative of our kindness and caring. She just can't come back to the board just yet. I know you all can understand... Just wanted to keep y'all up to date. Joanne is getting better with each day. One day at a time.
Andi

[dhealey]

Thanks for the update Andi, I will continue to keep her in my prayers!

[ElaineM]

Hi,
I hope you are feeling better Joanne. Take good care of yourself and hang in there.

[Mary Jo]

Wanting to send big hugs, all my love and prayers to you Joanne. I'm so sorry for all you've had to go through lately. I pray you get well soon and can't wait to "see" you back on the board.

Thank you Andi for your updates and Pink for asking about her....................such sweet souls on this board.http://www.her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif

Mary Jo

[Paty]

Joanne,

My prayers for an speedy recovery.

Paty