Debbi Bifulco Update

[WAB]

Debbi asked that I keep all her online buds up to speed.  Can't imagine how much more difficult it would have been had you all not been there for her.  We arrived in NYC yesterday afternoon with her folks and had a nice dinner with one of Debbi's friends.  Off to the hotel and in bed early enough to watch some mindless American Idol.  Not much sleep happening, so we both drifted in and out until about 5am.  Found ourselves at NYU at 6am - would have been there sooner, but I think I was slowing Debbi down a little.  Not sure her feet actually touched the ground - to say the least, Debbi was anxious to throw down with "Ethel" once and for all.

She was (is) in great spirits and only wanted the admitting process to go quicker.  After about 230 trips to the bathroom and a visit from many nurses, doctors, etc... we were all pretty much in waiting mode.  Because this is a teaching hospital, many very young people in scrubs were schooling by the OR room, which is close to where we were in a side room, anxiously awaiting their next real cool experience.  I'm sure that they were all very good doctors, but as an old, married guy, my perspective is a lttle off.

Debbi was then escorted, on foot, towards the very "ER-like" metal OR doors.  Not sure, but it appeared that the nurse was having a hard time keeping up with her.  Although we watched her walk away, we could see she had a lot to say to the nurse that was al least a good two steps behind her -

Debbi boldly walked into the ER at about 8:30am (EST) and we don't expect to hear anything until noon or 1pm.  I'll keep responding to this string periodically.  Thank you all for your support and well wishes.

WAB

[ppearl214]

thank you, thank you W, so very much for this update!!!  That's our girl... walked in by her own accord, head held high! Good for her!  Cheering her on and will sit tight for the updates. Now, W, you need to take care of yourself in the meantime. Maybe a little bite for lunch, a walk outside (we know its a nice one here today on the "good" side of the NE Coast)... and most of all (but difficult to do), try to relax.  We know she's in fab hands there and am throwing in healing wishes, huggles for wellness and feeling lots of good vibes to help the cause (as well as pirate socks... not sure if she told you about that yet).

Hang in there... will check back for updates.

Yeppers, that's our girl.... so dang proud of her!
Phyl

[Kaybo]

Willie~
Thanks for the update -- I have been praying for you guys all morning.  I have always said that I had the easy part...I just laid there...it was my family and friends who had it so rough waiting (at least you don't have a 14 hour wait like mine did!).  I know you will keep us posted.  My sweet hubby would tell you to just remember that this whole AN thing takes time and to be PATIENT for the long haul!! 

Stil praying,
Kl

[jtd71465]

Willie-

She is in great hands.  I look forward to speaking with her next week. 


Joe-

[LADavid]

Thanks for the update Willie.  Sounds like Debbi went in with the right attitude.  She'll do great.  It won't be long now before she's back in ICU and looking for ice chips.  Tell her we all said hi.

My prayers are with you.

David

[wendysig]

Willie - Although Debbii and i just recently met on this site, I want to send along my good wishes to both of you.  She is one of the firtst people I "spoke to" here and was very kind and helpful.  I'll be thinking of both of  you today.  Thanks for the update.

Wendy

[Mary 117]

I'm thinking of Debbie and sending lots of postive energy your way. She sounds strong and determined and thats a great attitude to have. Thanks for the updates.

Have strength!
Mary

[nyartist]

Willi

thanks for the update. My honey Nancy is due in for surgery this coming Monday with the same doctors and the same place. We are looking at one more MRI reading tomorrow before deciding what to do. We are particularly interested in how well Debbi does. I'm sure she'll do great and will be fine!

[Pooter]

Thanks for the update, Willi.  I've been thinking about Debbi and her surgery all day.  Mine is next Thursday.  She's the first in a line of 5-6 of us that are having treatments (surgery or otherwise) over the next 10 days or so.  I'm not surprised she was beating everyone to the OR. 

When you see her and talk to her, give her our best...

Regards,

Brian

[lori67]

Willi -

Thanks for the updates on Debbi.  We are all thinking about her and sending good vibes her way!  And yours too!

Tell her hello - from a fellow Jersey girl!

Lori

[leapyrtwins]

Willie -

I echo the sentiments of everyone else here.  Thanks for taking the time to update us - we look forward to more updates - and please tell Debbie she is in our thoughts.

We are all hoping for the best,

Jan

[WAB]

Willie here again at 5:40pm.  Debbi is out of surgery and currently in Recovery until about 6pm.  Her surgery took approx 5.5 hours.  We were able to see her for a couple of minutes, but expect to see more of her once they release her to NICU where she'll stay for at least a day before transitioning to her room.  Dr. G suggested she most likely will go home either Saturday or Sunday.

Although I don't know how much she'll remember, she was aware of everything.  She had head pain and some in her stomach as well.  Although as recently a this week, there was some brief discussion around having retro sig instead of Translab, but she stayed the course with Translab.  Dr. G. suggested afterwards that it was the right decision based on what they found.  He was able to get most of the tumor out and only left a little on the facial nerve.  Dr. G. didn't believe at this point that there was anything to be concerned about in terms of it coming back as a result of this decision and this is what Debbi would have wanted as well.

Debbi has some minor numbness on her right side, but Dr. G believes it should go away in 4-5 months as the nerve monitoring proved that she had a good signal throughout the nerve.  She's able to close her eye and will no doubt get much better as the swelling goes down.

I'm sure Debbi will want to get online just as soon as she can and fill you all in on everything.  I'll share with her all your best wishes - it will mean so much to her as it does to all of us.

Thank you all again.
WAB 

[Tamara]

Thanks for posting - Debbi was in my thoughts and prayers too today.  Just got your update as I was posting...Yay Debbi!

Hugs,
Tamara

[AJ]

Way to go Debbi!  So glad to hear that all went well without complications.  Wishing you a speedy recovery, but don't rush it 

Thanks to your hubby, for keeping us updated.

[LADavid]

Yea Debbi!  You did it.  Welcome to the postie side of the world.  On to a speedy and a healthy recovery  And thank you Willie for the update.

And Melissa, Brian, Kimberly, and Tammera (did I miss anyone?) --  Debbi just kicked off the month with success.  Follow her lead and you'll all be fine.

David