Bonnie Plein

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This story is being written by Bonnie's oldest daughter Gwen


Approximately 4 years ago my mom was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).  This disease causes the lungs to scar over a period of time, resulting in the capacity to breathe to decrease.  2 years ago she went to see an IPF pulmonary specialist at the Mayo Clinic in MN.   At this time she was put on a fibroid medication.   This medication was new on the market and approved for IPF treatment and was shown to slow the progression of the disease.  A baseline was done of her lungs (CAT scan and various types of breathing tests) to determine the progression over time.


Once going on this medication, it gave my parents another 2 years to winter in Port Aransas on Mustang Island in TX.  They absolutely fell in love with this little island over 10 years ago.  Unfortunately this island suffered catastrophic damage last year due to Hurricane Harvey.  My parents were able to see firsthand the strength and tenacity of the Port Aransas residents in rebuilding the island they love to call home for 6 months out of the year.

They left Port A at the end of April and started making their way to back to Mayo Clinic for her early May appointment.  Breathing tests were done, walking tests were done and in the end, she was finally and thankfully prescribed oxygen.  We were all relieved.  The meeting with the doctor didn't go as well but we expected that because of her declining health.


A couple of weeks ago I asked my mom about setting a site up so we can keep everyone updated.  She told me not until she has to go to the hospital.  Fast forward to......


......  Saturday, May 26th - my mom was taken by ambulance to the hospital in Park Falls because she had a hard time breathing.  She is still there and will probably be there for a few more days if not the rest of the week.   She is accepting visitors but we are limiting the visits and number of people in her room because she does need her rest as well so she can come home.  And we fully expect her to come home.


I, along with my brother Ed and my sister Deb will keep this site updated as often as we can or when there is something new to report.   And we hope to keep this site updated for a very long time to come!


Choose to make it a great day, each and every day!