Monday, January 22, 2007

Bad news travels in 3

There is truth to the saying that bad things come in waves of 3. The Ostroski household has definitely experienced that as of late.

Bad #1
During the pre-op appointment for Cecilia, the Dr informed us that if Celie's angle got any worse, we would have to do the whole surgery over again when she is 3. However, the surgery to have her hardware taken out went very well and she is re-cooping just fine. Thank goodness.

Bad #2
Kelly's dad has had some tests done regarding blockage to his heart. There is blockage to his RCA and some blockage to his main heart artery. The percentages are not known at this time, but Kelly plans on going to the Drs. appt with her dad and step mom to discuss all of the options ahead of them and what the treatment and next steps will be.

Bad #3
This is probably the most mind boggling one, at least to Kelly & Bob. Bob found out today that he has lost his job. Pfizer cut the entire Ann Arbor/Michigan work force. Bob will not know specifics until tomorrow, but he does know that there will be a small severance package offered after his final day. He will find out tomorrow what the plan is for his projects, etc.

Kelly & Bob are working on several game plans right now. Both of them would like to stay in the area. So, if anyone out there knows of any jobs for either Kelly or Bob, please contact them. Kelly is actively searching to return to the work force and Bob is contemplating going back to school to become a nurse or a pharmacist.

Bob and Kelly know that there are others that are going through difficult times as well. There are about 4,000 people in and around Ann Arbor that are very upset right now, plus there are friends of Kelly and Bob's that are going through difficult surgeries as well. Kelly and Bob are thinking of everyone at this time and hope that anyone that reads this will keep them and all of the others in their thoughts.

Everything happens for a reason. Hopefully, the reason will show itself to Kelly and Bob soon.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Cecilia Surgery Update

Yesterday, Bob, Kelly, Celie & Anna went for the pre-op appointment for Celie getting her hardware out. Since, they have waited for 4 hours in the past to be seen by the surgeon, Kelly & Bob decided that they would drive 2 cars and if Celie got unbearable, he would leave with the girls and Kelly would stay to meet with the surgeon.

They arrived early to get x-rays prior to their appointment and then headed to the Ortho department for their appointment. They were actually shown back on time and a nurse came in to give Celie a physical. After that, the surgeon came in and gave us her diagnosis of the x-rays. She said that the angle of the hip is now at 30 degrees. They really want it at 30 or BELOW. So, she said once the hardware comes out and if it starts to go up, then they will have to repeat the entire surgery over again. Of course, this news devastated Kelly & Bob. They were told that it was a possibility from the beginning, however, there were a million things that began swirling around in their heads. But, of course, they didn't think about all of the things until the doctor was long gone. So, Kelly & Bob have written their questions down and are posing them to friends and family members to see if they can some other guidance. Kelly has done a lot of research on the web but a lot of the information is generic and the other information is very technical. It does take a while to sort through it all.

So, next week, Celie will have her hardware taken out and we were told not to let her walk for 4 weeks. Yeah right, when Kelly & Bob asked how they were supposed to keep her from walking, the doctor said to strap her in a wheel chair. Kelly & Bob didn't think it was funny. Bob asked why not a cast? The Doctor said that she really didn't want to do that and Kelly & Bob really don't want that either. So, I guess it will be another time of trial and error and a lot of posting to Kelly's other blog.

Because of this whole experience, Kelly has started another blog - www.dealingwithddh.blogspot.com She will be posting more personal feelings, ideas, etc. about the whole experience. She has actually had some comments from others in similar situations. "I am surprised that other people are actually reading it. I just started it as a theraputic outlet for my frustration, but hopefully, it can help others," states Kelly.

Celie's procedure should only be an outpatient procedure, but that they did say that she may have to stay the night - that was a new thing for Bob and Kelly as well.

Kelly & Bob are trying to find someone to watch Anna for the day. They have a few leads. Anna is very easy and would be o.k. to take, but if they don't have to, they would rather not.

Please keep your fingers crossed for Celie.

Happy 2007!!

The Ostroski Family would like to extend their Holiday Season Greetings to all of you Online Observer readers. Kelly & Bob have been busy, like all of you, and spent the holiday season celebrating X-mas 4 different times. Celie finally got the hang of opening presents by the last gathering and really enjoys doing it now. Anna was just going with the flow. She wasn't really into the whole X-mas thing, but maybe next year will be a little more exciting for her.

Hopefully, 2007 will be a good year for all of you as well as some closures for the Ostroski's. Jan. 4th 2007 marked Kelly & Bob's 4 year anniversary. Cecilia will be getting rid of her hardware next week and the Ostroski's are planning many great vacations, gatherings, and parties with family and friends.

Happy 2007 from the Ostroski's to you!!