Peaceful times

I saw Dawn yesterday and she was doing the best I've seen her after a surgery.  She ate a little and would make humorous comments from time to time.  She slept and was quite peaceful and comfortable most of the time I was there.  Her knee looks good and they check to see if the blood is flowing well every so often....so far so good.  I'm sure she is currently planning her escape!

Surgery update

Dawn came out of surgery around midnight last night.  She was doing well, but was up most of the night.  The next couple days are usually a struggle with pain, discomfort, etc.  I am going to see her tomorrow and I will update you all on her progress.  Keep her in your thoughts and have a nice holiday.

Xmas Eve

Sorry I have not been keeping up with the blog. Nichole has been doing a great job keeping the Care Page updated so you can always check there. Here is the latest info that Nichole posted on the Care Page. Happy Holidays to all!!!

Hello!
I just wanted to let everyone know that Dawn's next surgery is scheduled for Christmas Eve. She picked this day because it was the earliest they could get her in and I think she just wants to get it over with.
I asked her last Saturday - Dawn, you don't care that it's on Christmas Eve? And she said "No." So, Santa will have to make a special stop for Dawn.
The good news is that this should be her last surgery, which is more than exciting. And as soon as she heals from this surgery, she can start practicing how to walk on her prosthetic legs. She told me she is tired of sitting! I can't blame her!
As soon as I hear that she's out of surgery next week, I will send a new update.
I know Dawn's family and friends want to send an extra thank you for all of the support everyone has shown throughout this year. The letters, emails, donations, and prayers have helped more than you will know. So, a big thank you to all of you!

Another Surgery

Dawn had a surgery yesterday so that the doctor could clean up some spots on her knee and fit her for a new brace.

She came out okay and was in recovery yesterday evening and she sounded like she was doing well. Nicole said that she received an email from Dawn and she seemed to be in good spirits.

I spent the afternoon with her on Saturday and although she knew she had the surgery on Monday, she was in good spirits and being the Dawn we all know and love.

Unfortunately, we thought this would be the last surgery for her, but she will have one more after this. And then, it will be time to celebrate!

Sorry I have not been keeping up to date with the blog, but Cole is doing a great job keeping up with the CarePages. I will see Dawn on Thursday and I will let you all know how she is doing.

(thanks Coley for the update entry!)

Dawn came out of surgery last night around 9pm. She is doing good and is currently in the burn unit at University of Chicago. The surgery went well, however the doctor said that her knee cap was broken. She had a fall about a month ago and we are thinking this must have been the cause of the broken knee cap. Unfortunately, she will have to have another surgery to reconstruct her knee. This is difficult news because I know these setbacks are very frustrating for Dawn.

Dawn will need a lot of positive energy and good thoughts sent her way. Keep her in your thoughts and I will keep you all posted.

A small step back

Hello everyone!  Sorry I have not been keeping up with the updates, but hopefully you have been reading the CarePages because Coley has been doing a great job.  Last Tuesday, Dawn and I went to see Dr. Gottlieb because her other knee was not looking good.  It was then that he informed us that she would have to have surgery.  It's crazy, because the knee she was having trouble with a couple of months ago was just about healed and then the other knee started to get infected.  So she went in for surgery today around 2pm at University of Chicago and it will take about 5 hours.  Let's keep Dawn in our thoughts and hope for a quick recovery so she can start her therapy on her leg prosthesis.  She has been so remarkable and has come so far. We'll be thinking of you D, STAY STRONG! 

La vida

Dawn has been spending her days at her apartment in the North side of chicago.  She attends outpatient physical and occupational therapy at RIC.  We just went to the doctor the other day and he said her knee is looking better.  He took some samples to be sent to the lab and has not completely ruled out surgery, but is optimistic that it will heal on its own.  Once the lab results are back and everything looks good, she will be able to start therapy using her leg prosthetics.  She uses her arm prosthetics to do daily activities such as picking up the phone and eating and will continue to practice using them to perfect these activities.  She is constantly surrounded by friends, family and her boyfriend Scott, who has been amazing throughout all of this.  She continues to be an inspiration for all of us and is very optimistic.  We are always laughing as we adventure through this journey and learn new things.  Humor is our sanity!  She is living life as before...shopping, dining out, going to the movies, playing with her nieces and nephew and hanging out with friends and family.  Life is good and as she gains more independence it will only get better!