Debbi started getting attacks where she was short of breath, and after a mountain of tests, was diagnosed with heart failure. The cause was a mystery to the Medical Professionals treating her. They eliminated all known other causes of heart failure and contributed her condition to an unknown source, figuring that she had most likely contracted a virus earlier in the year that attacked her heart and did permanent damage. The doctors were hopeful that she would bounce back as she is a healthy young adult. She was treated with many drugs, put on a very restricted diet, and was at home until recently.

Debbi was again admitted into the hospital having extreme difficulty breathing and maintaining any lifestyle. They found she had pneumonia, treated her, and had that under control. They have been fairly successful in pulling off fluids from around her heart, which makes it easier for her to breathe. There are an abundant number of steps she will need to follow before a clear treatment path is decided on. Her heart has permanent unrecoverable damage. It is likely that the worst case, most evasive treatment, although risky, is the great hope and promise of Debbi receiving a heart transplant, which would be her only chance at being "cured".

The doctors found today, during a heart biopsy, that Debbi has present and abnormal protein. Key test results were received yesterday that indeed proved that Debbi has Cardiac amyloidosis - proteins in the heart that are not curable. This protein will remove her from being a candidate for a heart transplant.  Without that lifesaving measure, Debbi will not be able to recover from her heart failure. Debbi's treatment turned from preventive/curable to palliative. It has now been discovered that these 'abnormal proteins' have entered other viable organs, eating through her pancreas and into her liver. She has been fighting hard to remain positive and energized. But it is indeed a blow. Debbi seemed, oddly enough, at a resolved peace. Her children are coping about as well as one could expect given the circumstance...

It is with deep pain and a broken heart that I share this current update. Today was a very difficult day for Debbi and her children. A care conference was held for an open discussion with her children and doctors about how long she will be with us.  She is in unbelievable mental and emotional pain.  Every day she is tortured by the inevitability of her mortality.  The palliative care will be moving forward and she will begin receiving limited to no medicine to keep her in her current condition. She will not be suffering as the hospital will make sure for the next week or so that they accommodate her to be as comfortable as possible while she readies herself to move on. 

Sarah, Debbi, Melissa and My Godson, Eric... 10-15-2010