Sue’s Story

Site created on June 14, 2020

Welcome to the CaringBridge website. Scott and I are using this to keep family and friends updated in one place.  We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

I respectfully ask that you refrain from posting things to FaceBook or other social media regarding this.  Also for the first several weeks after the surgery, please refrain from calling or texting me or Scott,  as we simply will not be able to respond to everyone - that is why we have established this site.   We appreciate your understanding of these requests.

I had been experiencing some abdominal discomfort for a few weeks and Scott noticed the last week of May my skin was beginning to turn a yellowish color (jaundiced).  On June 3rd, I went in to see what was causing these issues, and they did blood work, an ultrasound and a CT scan.  The CT scan showed a growth they thought may be cancer.  On June 5th, I had an ERCP and EUS procedure done at Mayo Clinic in Eau Claire.  They placed stents in my bile duct and pancreatic duct, and took 3 biopsies of the tumor.  The next week we met with a Mayo surgeon in Rochester, MN.  The result of those procedures was a malignant tumor located either in the head of the pancreas or the duodenum (they're not sure of the exact location yet).  Good news so far is there  appears to be no sign of it spreading yet, and it is not huge - but they won't know the full scope until they do surgery.  The doctors have told me I am in very good health (except the cancer), so hopefully that will help me as I recover from the surgery and deal with any future treatments.  
 
Scott and I feel very fortunate that we are within the Mayo Clinic network here in Menomonie WI.  I am scheduled for a Whipple procedure to remove the tumor, gallbladder, duodenum, head of the pancreas, and part of my stomach.  Then the  pancreas, stomach and bile duct are sewn back into the intestines.  As you can tell, this is a major surgery.  I have joked that 'I guess God just wants some of my parts back'...  
 
The surgery is scheduled for June 26th at Mayo Clinic Hospital - Methodist Campus in Rochester, MN - a top rated facility in the US with experts for this type of procedure.   I will be in ICU for 1-2 days, then stay in the hospital for about 2 weeks, and continue to recover at home for a couple of months.  Due to COVID-19, Scott will be the only person allowed to visit me in Rochester.  We are very hopeful we have caught the cancer before it metastasized as most of these tumors do. 

I am asking for your prayers as I face the toughest challenge of my life.  I have a very strong faith, my soulmate and husband Scott to help me through this, my loving children Amber and Michael, my dear Mom, my sister Carol who is always there for me, and a wonderful support group in you, my family and friends.  After the surgery, Scott will be providing journal updates on a weekly basis as best he can.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Scott & Sue Dehne

It is with the deepest sadness imaginable on this earth that I must tell you that Sue passed away (actually was born to eternal life).   She died Thursday 11/11 at about 2:00am very peacefully in her sleep.  Michael and I were both sleeping in the family room, he in the lazy boy, and me on the sofa, taking turns waking and checking on her as her breathing had become quite rapid and shallow.  Sue was in the family room in a hospital bed so we were all together.  She had only been in the hospital bed a couple of days - so strong right to the end.   It was my turn to check her at 2:30.  I woke up 15 minutes before my alarm went off so I checked her at 2:15 - she was gone.  The expression on her face was relaxed and peaceful which was a big relief.  She had told me many times, "I hope I am able to go in my sleep without any pain" - and I think that is how she went.  I awakened Michael and Carol and we were all able to hold her and say our final good byes.   Amber was also able to visit with us on Mon-Tue-Wed before she passed on Thur morning giving all of us some very powerful family time together.

I knew this was going to hurt but I had no idea how deeply.  The emptiness left by her passing is overwhelming.  I know I (we) must first experience the pain of the loss before we can begin to rebuild.  I understand that eventually this void will begin to be filled with the happy memories we shared and the hectic business of everyday life - but it's an awfully big hole right now.

I would like to ask those who know Sue's mom, Eleanor, please do NOT say anything to her about Sue's passing.  She is suffering from advanced dementia and we, as well as her care providers, feel it would not be good for her to be told about this situation.  Thank you for your understanding.

Again, I would like to thank all of you for sharing this devastating journey with Sue and I.  Your thoughts, prayers, and supportive comments have provided strength for both of us.  Knowing that people care helps - so thank you, most sincerely, thank you.

There is a visitation on Thurs 11/18 from 4pm-7pm at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home located at 100 Lake Pointe Drive in Oshkosh. 

On Friday 11/19 there will be a viewing from 10am-11am followed by the funeral service from 11am-12pm, then a luncheon immediately after the funeral all taking place at Saint Raphael's Catholic Church, 830 S. Westhaven Drive in Oshkosh.

This is a link to be able to live stream the funeral service at St. Raphael's if you are unable to attend:   https://youtu.be/lmyWWhp-ElY

This is a link to a tribute that Michael, Amber, and I wrote.  It includes a page for leaving a message if you'd like:  https://gb774.app.goo.gl/dbZd7 

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