Wyatt the fighter! from jenny dannels on Vimeo.
9 years ago
Showing posts with label cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cancer. Show all posts
Friday, February 22, 2013
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Memories in pictures from the hospital
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| Wyatt's first cast |
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| The hospital doesn't allow kids 12 and under to visit but I made sure Wyatt's biggest fans could come and see him! |
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| Aunt Kelly had the boys color Wyatt a picture before they came to the hospital and isn't this the cutest thing ever Crew drew? |
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| Marcus came to visit... |
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| The first time Wyatt had his feet off the bed |
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| Jeff and Megan came and visited Wyatt |
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| Ryan and Wyatt |
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| The first cast with out the fake foot attatched |
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| The second temporary prosthetic Wyatt got on the third day in the hospital. It felt so much better to him |
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| Friday in the hospital |
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| Finally getting to come home. We missed you Wyatt!! |
The day Wyatt's life changed forever...
BEFORE SURGERY: |
| In the pre-op room getting all hooked up to his IV |
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| the last shot of Wyatt with two feet |
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Wyatt had to be at Cedars Sinai hospital at 5am so we left Pasadena with my mom and Wyatt's parents about 4:15am. We arrived right on time and were told to go up to the 7th floor to check in for his surgery. As soon as we go there I could see how nervous and real this was becoming for Wyatt. Wyatt doesn't like elevators and he actually took it up to the 7th floor with all of us. I was so proud of him! He said the worst part of the day was now over...riding in the elevator. We had to be seated and wait until Wyatt was called to get check in.
As we were sitting in the cold hospital I could tell Wyatt was starting to loose it. I kept holding his hand and kissing his cheek letting him know that everything was going to be alright and how much I love him. He asked if just he and I could have a minute to ourselves. So we tried finding a room and there was no luck so we sat in the hospital hall together and had a great talk just the two of us. He expressed how strong I had to be so that we can all get through this together. He then said a prayer so that we both could be more at peace with things. What an emotional day!
They called Wyatt's name and he walked for the last time on his own two feet back into the pre-op room. I was a mess! I couldn't believe this was really happening and to my husband! These things just don't happen all the time and why to my family? About 10 minutes went by and one of the workers at the hospital said that Wyatt is wanting to see his wife and luckily I was able to be with Wyatt in the pre-op room before he went into surgery. I couldn't help the tears falling down my face. I just couldn't believe that this really was happening to my husband. I was so nervous for him and nervous for the way this was going to change his life forever. He was so strong and he knew this is what had to happen in order to be cancer free and to be able to live a long life and to see his kids grow up. I watched them wheel Wyatt into the OR room and as I walked away I fell to the ground in tears. I tried pulling myself together but couldn't for along while just knowing what was now happening to my husband. My husband will no longer have 2 feet, 10 toes or 2 full legs. I was scared for him and scared for how he would react after the surgery was over.
I am so thankful that my mom was able to be there with me so I could cry on her shoulder while he was in surgery. The thoughts that were going through my head just wouldn't stop playing over and over. I was an emotional wreck. Why did this have to happen to him? I never imagined having a handicapped husband and I'm sure Wyatt never thought he would be either. How were the boys going to react when they see him for the first time after his surgery? Why him? Why us? About 2 hours went by which seemed like eternity and Dr. Menedez came out to the waiting room and let me know that the surgery went well and that I would be able to see Wyatt soon as the anesthesia wore off a bit.
Recovery was on the 8th floor so we headed up as soon as Dr. Menedez left and waited for the phone call letting me know it was ok for me to go back and see him. I remember telling my mom how nervous I was to go back. I didn't want to see my husband in pain and I didn't ever imagine my husband with out a foot.
As soon as I walked back into the recovery room I spotted Wyatt half asleep and out of it. I walked up to him and gave him a kiss and told him how much I love him. I asked him how he felt and he said that he was in a lot of pain. He mumbled to me while still drugged, "I'm an amputee, I'm a freaking amputee." He also told me that it felt like he needed to crack his toes and asked if I could find someone to go and find his foot for him and crack them. We got the pain management team on Wyatt right away because the pain was unbearable for him. After a few hours of him still waking up and figuring out his pain level he was moved into room 7119 and was greeted by many of his loved ones. His parents, my mom, Lisa, Nicole, Tori and myself. Later that day Ty and Jevin showed up as well to show Wyatt their love. Lisa, Nicole, Tori, Jessi and Kelly spoiled him so much! They brought him a basket full of all his favorite things...Magazines, Diet Dr. Pepper, Oreos, Nash Jersey, workout clothes, oranges, chocolate, candy gram...and tons more! They really love him!! I know he felt the love and appreciated all the support.
Wyatt stayed 3 nights in the hospital and came home Friday afternoon. He was kept busy with great friends and family who visited him during his stay. Thanks to everyone who came to see him. I know it meant a lot even if he did fall asleep while you were talking to him.
A big big thanks to Kelly, my amazing sister in law, who left her 4 kids and drove down with my mom to watch Crew, Hudson and Navy for us. They loved spending time with their aunt Kelly and still talk about all the fun things they did with you. You not only watched our kids, but you cleaned our house, cooked, did our laundry over and over again and helped out with Wyatt. You were too good to us! We miss you so much already and wish you guys lived down the street from us. We love you Kelly! Thanks a million!!
Mom...Thank you so much for just being there for us. This is so hard and I couldn't have gotten through the worst part of this with out you. You are the best mom any girl could ask for. Thanks for sacrificing your time to be with our family. We love you so much and appreciate all you did for us. We are enjoying our pretty backyard everyday thanks to you!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Wyatt's "Foot loose" Party
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| We started the night off at Dinner in downtown LA at Pete's Cafe |
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| At the Conga Room at LA Live |
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| Love my handsome man |
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| love these girls. |
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| just dance! |
Wyatt's last request before he had his surgery was to go dancing. I'm not gonna lie...part of the reason why I fell in love with Wyatt was the fact that he was such a good dancer. So my friends planned this night just for Wyatt. Most of us met at our house and we carpooled down to Pete's cafe and had a yummy dinner and then drove on over to LA Live so we could go dance the night away at the Conga Room. We all had a blast and will never forget this fun memorable night. Wyatt has such great friends who are supporting him ever step of the way!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Surgery date
On Tuesday we met with Dr. Menedez again for another appointment to go over all of Wyatt's options one last time and to get our last few questions answered.
The appointment was at 10:15 and we were there right on time. Wyatt checked in and as he was checking in they told us that Navy wasn't allowed on the lower level where all the appointments were due to all the chemo and radiation going on. Since we were all the way in Beverly Hills I had no idea what to do with her. I thought Wyatt would just go to the appointment and I'd take Navy around LA and wait for Wyatt to be finished. But I really wanted to be there with Wyatt to show him my love and support. So I thought of two of my friends who live on the west side and gave them a call. Luckily one of them answered and willingly drove up to the hospital to get Navy and watch her until we were finished. Thank you so much Kate!! You saved our day!
While I was waiting for Kate, Wyatt was sent to X-ray to get another chest X-ray to be sure the cancer hasn't spread to his lungs. Then he was sent to the waiting area where I later met up with him waiting to be called back to be seen by Dr. Menedez. We didn't get called back into the room until about 12:15 and then the doctor didn't even come in until 1:30. They are still trying to get in the swing of things at the new hospital and all his patients got pushed back since his morning surgery was pushed back. He and all of his staff apologized over and over. It was a LONG depressing day!
Dr. Menedez came in and answered all of our questions. He stated to us again that if we want the lowest reoccurrence rate that we should go with amputation. With out hesitation Wyatt said to him, "Then lets do it." I asked him about misdiagnosis and he asked that I bring in the pathology report from Kaiser and hand deliver it the next day.
Surgery for amputation is scheduled on Tuesday September 25 at 8:30 am in Beverly Hills at Cedars Sinai Hospital. The days are going way too fast and as this day approches my stomach is in knots. I feel so bad for Wyatt and wish I could take this all away. No one should have to ever experience this.
I am still so impressed with Wyatt and his positive attitude about the whole situation. He has been such a trooper and hasn't let this get him down one bit. I pray the spirit will be with him and he may be comforted.
Thanks again to everyone who has gone out of their way to help our family during this difficult time. Everyone who has watched our children, took them to and from school, had play dates, brought us dinner, called or text to see how we are doing, cards, messages and so much more! Nothing you have done has gone un noticed! Thank you thank you! We don't know what we would do with out all of you. We feel so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful friends, family and ward members. We love you all!
The appointment was at 10:15 and we were there right on time. Wyatt checked in and as he was checking in they told us that Navy wasn't allowed on the lower level where all the appointments were due to all the chemo and radiation going on. Since we were all the way in Beverly Hills I had no idea what to do with her. I thought Wyatt would just go to the appointment and I'd take Navy around LA and wait for Wyatt to be finished. But I really wanted to be there with Wyatt to show him my love and support. So I thought of two of my friends who live on the west side and gave them a call. Luckily one of them answered and willingly drove up to the hospital to get Navy and watch her until we were finished. Thank you so much Kate!! You saved our day!
While I was waiting for Kate, Wyatt was sent to X-ray to get another chest X-ray to be sure the cancer hasn't spread to his lungs. Then he was sent to the waiting area where I later met up with him waiting to be called back to be seen by Dr. Menedez. We didn't get called back into the room until about 12:15 and then the doctor didn't even come in until 1:30. They are still trying to get in the swing of things at the new hospital and all his patients got pushed back since his morning surgery was pushed back. He and all of his staff apologized over and over. It was a LONG depressing day!
Dr. Menedez came in and answered all of our questions. He stated to us again that if we want the lowest reoccurrence rate that we should go with amputation. With out hesitation Wyatt said to him, "Then lets do it." I asked him about misdiagnosis and he asked that I bring in the pathology report from Kaiser and hand deliver it the next day.
Surgery for amputation is scheduled on Tuesday September 25 at 8:30 am in Beverly Hills at Cedars Sinai Hospital. The days are going way too fast and as this day approches my stomach is in knots. I feel so bad for Wyatt and wish I could take this all away. No one should have to ever experience this.
I am still so impressed with Wyatt and his positive attitude about the whole situation. He has been such a trooper and hasn't let this get him down one bit. I pray the spirit will be with him and he may be comforted.
Thanks again to everyone who has gone out of their way to help our family during this difficult time. Everyone who has watched our children, took them to and from school, had play dates, brought us dinner, called or text to see how we are doing, cards, messages and so much more! Nothing you have done has gone un noticed! Thank you thank you! We don't know what we would do with out all of you. We feel so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful friends, family and ward members. We love you all!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Second Opinion
Today we met with Dr. Menedez at the Dr.'s of USC hospital in East LA for another opinion. Immediately when Wyatt and I sat down we both looked at each other and agreed that this place already felt so much better than Kaiser.
We filled out lots of paperwork and as we sat and waited to be called back into an exam room we both noticed a lady sitting by us with just one leg. Wyatt asked her, "How long have you been on crutches?" And she responded, "A long time." She had her full leg amputated all the way up to her hip. I immediately felt grateful that Wyatt's was a below the knee amputation and knew things could be way way worse.
They called Wyatt back and we already liked this place so much better. It was much more inviting and the exam room had a huge window in it unlike the dungeon at Kaiser. Once in the exam room the nurse went over all of Wyatt's paperwork, took his vitals and sent in a resident doctor to go over things with us as well before Dr. Menedez came in.
Dr. Menedez came in our room and was very professional and to the point with everything. He gave us three opitions:
1. "The gold standard" - Below the knee amputation. The reason why he likes this option is because it has a very low chance of reoccurrence. 00001% chance of reoccuring.
2. Cyberknife- The CyberKnife is a frameless robotic radiosurgery system used for treating benign tumors, malignant tumors. The CyberKnife system is a method of delivering radiotherapy, with the intention of targeting treatment more accurately than standard radiotherapy. The two main elements of the CyberKnife are (1) the radiation produced from a small linear particle accelerator and (2) a robotic arm which allows the energy to be directed at any part of the body from any direction. However, the reoccurrence rate is approximately 10%
3.Cryosurgery- is the application of extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue. Liquid nitrogen is usually used to freeze the tissues at the cellular level. The procedure is used often because of its efficacy and low rates of side effects.
We went over every option in detail with Dr. Menedez and felt good about now having some options. But we came out of the appointment feeling more confused and frustrated. Wyatt even asked the doctor what he would do. He told us he can't answer that. He just kept saying, "The gold standard is amputation and has the lowest reoccurrence rate."
We both felt right about using Dr. Menedez for Wyatt's surgery. He is a very intelligent man and very very well known. Wyatt also liked the fact that If he does go with amputation that in surgery he will fit him with a temporary prosthetic and then just 6 weeks later he can get his permanent prosthetic. With Kaiser he wasn't going to have any temporary and would have to wait 3 whole months to be fitted for his prosthetic.
Since Dr. Menedez is currently in the process of moving from USC to Cedars Sinai all of his scheduling is a little crazy right now and he is also no longer scheduling surgery at USC. So now we are just waiting, praying, fasting and praying some more to know what route Wyatt should take.
Wyatt is meeting with another doctor on Monday at the City of Hope for a third opinion. Thanks again for all the sweet messages, texts, calls, cards, meals and prayers. Nothing goes un noticed! Sorry if we haven't returned everyones calls....it's been pretty crazy around here. Just know we appreciate it all!
We filled out lots of paperwork and as we sat and waited to be called back into an exam room we both noticed a lady sitting by us with just one leg. Wyatt asked her, "How long have you been on crutches?" And she responded, "A long time." She had her full leg amputated all the way up to her hip. I immediately felt grateful that Wyatt's was a below the knee amputation and knew things could be way way worse.
They called Wyatt back and we already liked this place so much better. It was much more inviting and the exam room had a huge window in it unlike the dungeon at Kaiser. Once in the exam room the nurse went over all of Wyatt's paperwork, took his vitals and sent in a resident doctor to go over things with us as well before Dr. Menedez came in.
Dr. Menedez came in our room and was very professional and to the point with everything. He gave us three opitions:
1. "The gold standard" - Below the knee amputation. The reason why he likes this option is because it has a very low chance of reoccurrence. 00001% chance of reoccuring.
2. Cyberknife- The CyberKnife is a frameless robotic radiosurgery system used for treating benign tumors, malignant tumors. The CyberKnife system is a method of delivering radiotherapy, with the intention of targeting treatment more accurately than standard radiotherapy. The two main elements of the CyberKnife are (1) the radiation produced from a small linear particle accelerator and (2) a robotic arm which allows the energy to be directed at any part of the body from any direction. However, the reoccurrence rate is approximately 10%
3.Cryosurgery- is the application of extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue. Liquid nitrogen is usually used to freeze the tissues at the cellular level. The procedure is used often because of its efficacy and low rates of side effects.
We went over every option in detail with Dr. Menedez and felt good about now having some options. But we came out of the appointment feeling more confused and frustrated. Wyatt even asked the doctor what he would do. He told us he can't answer that. He just kept saying, "The gold standard is amputation and has the lowest reoccurrence rate."
We both felt right about using Dr. Menedez for Wyatt's surgery. He is a very intelligent man and very very well known. Wyatt also liked the fact that If he does go with amputation that in surgery he will fit him with a temporary prosthetic and then just 6 weeks later he can get his permanent prosthetic. With Kaiser he wasn't going to have any temporary and would have to wait 3 whole months to be fitted for his prosthetic.
Since Dr. Menedez is currently in the process of moving from USC to Cedars Sinai all of his scheduling is a little crazy right now and he is also no longer scheduling surgery at USC. So now we are just waiting, praying, fasting and praying some more to know what route Wyatt should take.
Wyatt is meeting with another doctor on Monday at the City of Hope for a third opinion. Thanks again for all the sweet messages, texts, calls, cards, meals and prayers. Nothing goes un noticed! Sorry if we haven't returned everyones calls....it's been pretty crazy around here. Just know we appreciate it all!
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Kaiser Doctor Pre-Op
On Tuesday at 1pm Wyatt and I met with Dr. Helmstedter at Kaiser Permenente to discuss again what he already went over with Wyatt since I wasn't at the last appointment. I wanted to hear everything for myself out of the doctors mouth and wanted my huge list of questions answered on why my husbands leg had to be amputated.
On the drive to the hospital our car was pretty quiet. We were both nervous even though we already knew what the outcome was. I just don't think either of us wanted to hear it again. I think we just wanted his cancer to magically disappear and be the end of this. I couldn't help but keep asking Heavenly Father, "Why?" This isn't fair. We don't deserve this....As soon as we parked the pit in my stomach started again and I could see the fear in Wyatt's face. I felt awful for him. I wish I could take this pain he is going through away. He has so much on his plate right now with dental school, being a husband, father and provider. Just give him a break!
I hate the feeling of hospitals. It was cold, quiet and lonesome feeling. I sat down with Navy while Wyatt checked himself in with the Secretary. He came over to sit down with us after he was all checked in and wanted us to move over in the corner. These days whatever Wyatt wants, Wyatt gets. So we moved and waited for his name to be called by a nurse. When Wyatt's nervous he has to be busy...so he was on his phone, taking pics of Navy and playing with her like crazy to keep his mind off things for the moment.
Finally, what seemed like eternity we heard "Wyatt Dannels" and walked back to one of the rooms. The rooms at Kaiser are the worst! So cold and uninviting, tiny, silent and no windows. What better place to tell you that you have cancer and need a below the knee amputation i guess. The nurse first took Wyatt's vitals and then shortly after Dr. Helmstedter came in our room. He looks and talks exactly like Woody Harrison. Very nice doctor but I had a hard time liking him just because of the bad news he had delivered to my husband the week before. He pretty much went over everything again about Wyatt's best options to get rid of his cancer, Chondrosarcoma. The best option is a below the knee amputation and i kept trying to get him to give us any other options and there was nothing. I sat there in shock because at this point it became really really real to me. I had been in denial that my husband was going to have to get his leg amputated. Why? Why him? He is totally healthy and now this...
We came into the appointment with a list of questions....
1. Recovery after Surgery? 2-3 days in the hospital and 1-2 weeks home from school.
2. How soon can he get his prosthetic? 3 months after surgery
3. When does his therapy start? Right away
4. How long is the surgery? 1-2 hours
5. Will he be in a wheelchair or crutches? Crutches...no wheelchair
After all of our questions were answered Wyatt told the doctor to set his surgery date for amputation on September 12. I was sick to my stomach and couldn't believe all of this was really happening. I was trying to hold my composure through our whole meeting but the tears were still flowing. Why is this all happening? It's just not fair.
The doctor sent us up to meet with the Anesthesiologist for pre-op for his surgery and as we were waiting in line to check in I looked down at the papers in Wyatt's hands and saw "below the knee amputation" in the doctors handwriting and I lost it. I had to walk away from Wyatt to try to pull myself together. I didn't want him to see me so sad when he has been so positive and strong through this whole situation. I just didn't want my husband to have to go through this. No one should have to loose their leg to cancer.
We decided not to wait to talk to the Anesthesiologist since they informed us it was going to be over an hour and Wyatt re-scheduled closer to his surgery date. We left the hospital for Disneyland where Wyatt's parents, sister Randee and her family and Crew and Hudson were to meet up with them for the rest of the evening.
Our next appointment is on Thursday at 10 am with Dr. Menendez at USC for a second opinion.
Thanks again for all the heart felt phone calls, texts, messages and cards. We appreciate all the love and support we continue to feel during this very hard time in our family's life. We continue to lean on the spirit to guide us in the right direction.
On the drive to the hospital our car was pretty quiet. We were both nervous even though we already knew what the outcome was. I just don't think either of us wanted to hear it again. I think we just wanted his cancer to magically disappear and be the end of this. I couldn't help but keep asking Heavenly Father, "Why?" This isn't fair. We don't deserve this....As soon as we parked the pit in my stomach started again and I could see the fear in Wyatt's face. I felt awful for him. I wish I could take this pain he is going through away. He has so much on his plate right now with dental school, being a husband, father and provider. Just give him a break!
I hate the feeling of hospitals. It was cold, quiet and lonesome feeling. I sat down with Navy while Wyatt checked himself in with the Secretary. He came over to sit down with us after he was all checked in and wanted us to move over in the corner. These days whatever Wyatt wants, Wyatt gets. So we moved and waited for his name to be called by a nurse. When Wyatt's nervous he has to be busy...so he was on his phone, taking pics of Navy and playing with her like crazy to keep his mind off things for the moment.
Finally, what seemed like eternity we heard "Wyatt Dannels" and walked back to one of the rooms. The rooms at Kaiser are the worst! So cold and uninviting, tiny, silent and no windows. What better place to tell you that you have cancer and need a below the knee amputation i guess. The nurse first took Wyatt's vitals and then shortly after Dr. Helmstedter came in our room. He looks and talks exactly like Woody Harrison. Very nice doctor but I had a hard time liking him just because of the bad news he had delivered to my husband the week before. He pretty much went over everything again about Wyatt's best options to get rid of his cancer, Chondrosarcoma. The best option is a below the knee amputation and i kept trying to get him to give us any other options and there was nothing. I sat there in shock because at this point it became really really real to me. I had been in denial that my husband was going to have to get his leg amputated. Why? Why him? He is totally healthy and now this...
We came into the appointment with a list of questions....
1. Recovery after Surgery? 2-3 days in the hospital and 1-2 weeks home from school.
2. How soon can he get his prosthetic? 3 months after surgery
3. When does his therapy start? Right away
4. How long is the surgery? 1-2 hours
5. Will he be in a wheelchair or crutches? Crutches...no wheelchair
After all of our questions were answered Wyatt told the doctor to set his surgery date for amputation on September 12. I was sick to my stomach and couldn't believe all of this was really happening. I was trying to hold my composure through our whole meeting but the tears were still flowing. Why is this all happening? It's just not fair.
The doctor sent us up to meet with the Anesthesiologist for pre-op for his surgery and as we were waiting in line to check in I looked down at the papers in Wyatt's hands and saw "below the knee amputation" in the doctors handwriting and I lost it. I had to walk away from Wyatt to try to pull myself together. I didn't want him to see me so sad when he has been so positive and strong through this whole situation. I just didn't want my husband to have to go through this. No one should have to loose their leg to cancer.
We decided not to wait to talk to the Anesthesiologist since they informed us it was going to be over an hour and Wyatt re-scheduled closer to his surgery date. We left the hospital for Disneyland where Wyatt's parents, sister Randee and her family and Crew and Hudson were to meet up with them for the rest of the evening.
Our next appointment is on Thursday at 10 am with Dr. Menendez at USC for a second opinion.
Thanks again for all the heart felt phone calls, texts, messages and cards. We appreciate all the love and support we continue to feel during this very hard time in our family's life. We continue to lean on the spirit to guide us in the right direction.
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