Monica Gilmartin

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The Discovery:
It was the Friday of Labor Day weekend and everyone was headed up to the cottage for the last hurrah of Summer. However we found ourselves in the hospital for the weekend surrounding Mom with so many questions left unanswered.  After hundreds of tests and weeks of waiting for results, the dreaded word that has now become reality revealed itself…Liver Cancer. A 10cm mass of Liver Cancer. Mom and Dad went to countless specialists for opinions in multiple locations and found comfort in the plan of a Doctor in Wisconsin.

The Plan:
Y-90 – Chemo – Surgery

Y-90: Is a unique interventional radiology treatment, provided on an outpatient basis. This procedure delivers much higher doses of radiation in small beads directly to the tumor.

Y-90 Goal: Reverse the progression and achieve shrinkage of the tumor without adverse events.

Y-90 #1 – 10.20.17 Monica’s First Round: Success! She went in for her first of 2 rounds of Y-90. After the procedure extreme tiredness and much needed recovery and rest is on the schedule.

Y-90 #2 – 12.04.17 Unfortunately there was a malfunction within the process causing the beads failing to disburse.  This means the procedure will be rescheduled and hopes to get on the calendar before the end of 2017

Chemo – 1.02.18 - The start of 12 weeks of chemo 

Surgery – TBD based on progress. 


UPDATE:  1.11.18 - Mom suffered from a severe stroke.  This is a very unfortunately set back to the original plan we had in place.  She was just starting to conquer the chemo and now we are on a different yet to be determined path. Despite the devastation Mom continues to stay positive and her mind is still present and her 1 line jokes chime into the conversations.  

Overall:
Her positive attitude continues to prevail with Dad’s daily support, strong will and faith they make a fantastic team.  Monica, John and our family cannot THANK YOU enough for the absolutely amazing generosity and support they have received.  From new friends to old, family and neighbors the amount of cards, thoughtful gifts and food brought to the cottage is truly beautiful and appreciated, we cannot thank you enough for this. Please continue to keep Monica in your prayers.



The Cottage Address:
Monica & John Gilmartin
W5183 Bayshore Drive
Elkhorn, WI 53121