Lisa Greene 2005

Our dear Lisa has had Lupus for 6 years. She was diagnosed in 1999. She took medication daily to control her symptoms. She suffered from joint & leg pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue. About a year after she was diagnosed she had a 'flare up' where her symptoms worsened and she was off work a couple of months. Feb. 2005 Lisa had the been sick with a stomach virus. Afterwards she continued to be light headed and dizzy. She even had some double vision. Her rheumatologist scheduled a MRI March 5 2005. She was admitted to St. Mary's that day for inflammation (vasculitis) of the brain. That weekend she was given a burst of IV steroids. She was then given chemo drugs (cytoxin) to suppress her immunity. Lupus is an auto immune disease in which the immunity is dysfunctional. It sees the body as foreign object (ex: bacteria and viruses) and it develops antibodies to fight its own body. Lisa got worse instead of getting better. On March 14, they did a 2nd MRI. It revealed strokes mainly on the brainstem. They transferred her to the Neuro ICU. They were worried they would have to put her on a ventilator. At that time she was unable to talk, she could move her head slightly and could move her left hand. On March 23, they did a 3rd MRI. It revealed progression of her strokes. The medications were not working. On Easter, March 27, 2005, she was transferred to St. Marys of Mayo in Rochester. There she was given many tests and they found out that clots were the cause of her strokes. Now she is on blood thinners. Because Lisa cannot swallow, she has a trach and PEG-in her stomach for tube feeding. Lisa was @ Mayo for 3 weeks. They are still not sure what caused the clots. April 18, 2005 Lisa returned to Duluth. She is now @ Bayshore Nursing Facility. She has a long road of rehabilitation ahead of her. She is already stronger and has even started to talk a little bit. She is an inspiration to all us. She is a true example of how strength and faith can perform miracles. Feel free to look at the old journals, sign the guest book (she is read them daily), and take a look at the photos. She has a benefit at Mr. D's Sunday, June 5. The Avon fundraiser is due April 25. There also is a benefit account for Lisa Greene at Wells Fargo for those who would just like to donate. Continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers. We appreciate everyones support and prayers.
Love, The Greenes & Winkleskys

Journal

Sunday, January 4, 2009 10:37 PM CST

Happy New Year Dear Lisa, wonderful family and friends--can you all believe it - 2009 is finally here--and we are soooo grateful for our Lisa who is our miracle girl and it was four years ago March 2005 that Lisa had her stroke and we are blessed that she is with us to share her life each and every day and we will continue to share in this new year of 2009. Talked to Lisa this evening after the Vikings game--
:{ -- and we reviewed the past week to remember the best we can--and gosh am I running late --almost 11pm--this is what it is like in retirement--days are longer than ever and soooo full--so will get busy before I fall asleep--

Monday, December 29, 2008--Lisa off to Bayshore on the Stride bus for her therapy session with PCA Mary.
She said all her exercises on the machines went well. Mom & dad went Christmas shopping for grandkids in the Cities, Seth, Blaine & Bryson who are coming up to celebrate on New Year's--they are in Disney World until tomorrow. Mom Sandy stopped by her work to turn in key, drop a BD gift off for Kim Rendulich-coworker and to wish everyone a Happy New Year. After shopping Mom & Dad went to dear friend Judy Anderson's mom Margaret Black's funeral at 2pm. Mom's first job in the mail room for the County was with Judy. After mom back home busy wrapping presents.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008--Lisa's day of rest with PCA Rachel. Mom & Dad did some more shopping and dropped by a new kitty cube house for Lisa & Butch's other cat--we got one for one of the cat's -so now they are both happy. Also picked up a BD cake for the twins. Lisa said Rachel made hot dogs and macaroni & cheese for supper. Relaxed in the evening and watched TV. Teresa called--they made it home safely from Orlando--only 3 hrs sleep--they might not come home until New Year's Day. Mom got wrapping all done for Teresa's family's Christmas celebration and the twins-Blaine & Bryson's BD celebration--they are 6 yrs old today.

Wednesday, December 31, 2008--New Years Eve Day--Lisa had here scheduled therapy at Bayshore with PCA Mary--went fine. They stayed home for New Year's Eve. Butch made steaks under the broiler and shrimp scampi for a special supper. Mom got the driveway shoveled for a space for Teresa & family coming this evening--they decided to come up today instead of tomorrow. Mom ordered 9 pizzas for New Year's Day - Christmas and BDay celebrations tomorrow with family. Teresa & Bryan and the boys arrived about 7:30. Mom had a pot of chili waiting for them for late supper. We opened Christmas gifts from Mom & Dad. We stayed up until midnight and celebrated welcoming in 2009. Called Lisa & Butch and she stayed up to celebrate too. She said she went to bed at 12:05.

Thursday, January 1, 2009--Happy New Year!!!!! The best in the new year. Mom & Teresa went and picked up the pizzas for 2pm. We had twins 6th BD celebration with pizza/cake and ice cream. Lisa, Butch & Mom Jeep and Erik & Danyel and Hailey & Cayden, Uncle Bob & Aunt Bev and Jennine & Jordy & Raynah came to celebrate. Mom Jeep is leaving her dog, Angel, with Mom & Dad today--she is going to Texas for a month. She is such a good pup-a jack russell. We had a great time. Lisa & Teresa & Mom got to play our favorite game of scrabble--Teresa & Bryan bought Lisa a new fancy game. Guys watched lots of football too. Cassie had to work today at the Gap at the Mall of America--but came home after work--got home about 10 pm. Willie had to work and couldn't make it home.

Friday, January 2, 2009--Lisa off to therapy at Bayshore with PCA Mary. Butch had to work today too. Mom & Teresa went to get the stuff Lisa had ordered for Mom's retirement party tomorrow-Sat. Dad Gary and Bryan watched more Bowl football. Lisa & Butch & Cassie relaxed and watched movies in the evening.

Saturday, January 3, 2009--Mom & Teresa brought the stuff down to Harrison Community Club early in morning to set up for retirement party at 3pm. Lots of snow predicted--mom was praying that it would stop --- and it did--snowed from 12:30 to 1:30--and didn't start until party ended. Party was huge success--tons of food - the kids did great- Lisa & Butch & Teresa & Bryan did the meat/cheese/vegie trays and rolls & Erik & Danyel did meatballs/chicken wings/and cakes and Chet & Allison did the punch & pop. Many people brought food to share too. Uncle Mel entertained with singing and playing guitar--and a highlight was Lisa and Butch singing a duet--If I had a Million Dollars--they were wonderful--made Mom Sandy cry. The kids enjoyed playing the Wii--we brought a TV & the game--and the little ones danced and danced. We had 140 people--it was a great time and Mom Sandy is so grateful to her most wonderful kids for putting in on and for all the dear family and friends who attended. It did start snowing alot after the party and Cassie headed back to the Cities - landed in the ditch with the slippery highways--did get pulled out and got home safely. Teresa & family also left and had to drive 50 miles per hour--saw cars in the ditches too--they got to Cities at 10pm and had to attend a 40th BD celebration for Teresa's friend Dene'. Only stopped in to drop off presents. They made it home safely too. Was so great having them all home.

Sunday, January 4, 2009--woke up to lots of snow again--about 6 inches--but 2 foot drifts. Mom Sandy shoveled for an hour-8:30 to 9:30 to get out for church. Lisa slept in.
Mom & Dad picked up treats--had no coffee hour after church but had to set up for a 2pm funeral at church--Mom Sandy's first funeral to help with after retirement--which we know will be the first of many. The church was full--over 200 people--we served, cleaned up--home at 4pm. Long day--came home and shoveled 2 more hours. Lisa & Butch watched Vikings play today--and lost--bummer--they are now out of the playoffs. Lisa talked to Cassie today- all is well. Mom talked to Teresa - they went snowboarding today--first time for Teresa--what a gal. They had a good time and were going to Aunt Lois' for supper.

There you have it--the first week into 2009--again wishing you all a very happy and blessed 2009.

Love & friends always,

The Greene & Winklesky Families

Read Journal History

Links:

www.lupus.org   lupus website
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials   tutorials on diseases