Michael and I had the most blessed, Fairytale Wedding on 2-12-22! 

      Now fast forward.......The last few weeks have been a nightmare!  Michael has been doctoring for several months. There were many unresolved answers, related to his symptoms, and on the Thurs before Easter (Holy Thursday), his progressed and after a doctor visit and ER visit, further testing was recommended. This  led us to Rochester for extensive testing the following Monday.......The next day we experienced the difficult meeting  with a Oncology Doctors, as Michael was diagnosed with progressive throat cancer. We know God is with us during this very, very difficult time.!!! 

   Chemotherapy was initiated last Thursday.  I asked Michael after his first Chemo treatment, how he felt from the day before starting chemo.   I used the Rating of 1 through 10, with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best. Michael  said the day before he felt like a 2.  After his first round of chemo, he felt like a 7! 

      Michael did very well at first.  After chemo, Michael went down hill fast. By Friday morning, we were back in the ER , in Waukon at V.M.H.  I`m very thankful for this small town hospital, and for all the staff that worked with Michael on that day, as they all paid attention to details with compassion and skill!   

      It was determined that Michael needed to be seen at the ER at St. Mary's in Rochester, and he traveled by ambulance.  In order to protect his airway, and In light of the tumors, a very difficult, decision had to be made, to undergo a surgical procedure, so  a tracheostomy was performed, and this  led to an over night stay in the ICU, and then he transferred to a regular floor, on day 2, and yet back to ICU by late morning of day 3, due to cardiac issues.  Day 4,  he is stable and his heart is in regular rhythm, so he will transfer back to a general floor.. musical beds!  ...Needless to say Michael continues to show patience and grace through these very trying times...Michael displays an optismitic attitude and his strong faith as not waivered.!!!

     We have witnessed his smiling eyes, his playful and joking character... Michael is more worried about me than himself. I want to thank everyone for the care here from all staff! Thank you for the prayers and the continued prayers,  for a miracle for Michael.

     If you believe in the power of prayer? Could you take a few seconds and pray for Michael.?

All we can do, at these times, is pray for each other...

     As my sister Teresa and I heard during the sermon, at Mass  in the chapel here at St. Mary's yesterday... "If God is for us, nothing can be against us". AMEN!!

     As we shared this with Michael he pointed to his God! During his stay here, his Doctors and Nurses are amazed at his Postive Attitude and his Optistic outlook of all that he is going through!!!

Thank you for your prayers and kindess... Take Care! May God bless you always!