Hi Friends and Family,
Monday Gabriele was discharged from Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles after nearly seven weeks save for a brief two-day break that resulted in her being readmitted two days after her previous discharge. She underwent a 12-hour Whipple procedure two weeks ago which involved removing a portion of her tumor-infested small intestine, gall bladder, a portion of her pancreas, and then reattaching all her parts.
She is doing relatively well, taking oral fluids, intravenous nutrition, and direct intestinal tube feeding. She is walking, doing muscle strengthening and even a little work on her computer. Her pain is controlled with oral narcotics and a Fentanyl patch.
Once she recovers from this surgical procedure, the metastatic liver tumor will be addressed, using one of several options including radioactive pellets, radiation, high temperature therapy, liquid nitrogen therapy, and/or surgical excision. She will also receive more chemotherapy at some point.
She is touched by everyone's well-wishes, prayers, and positive energy. We look forward to being with you when she recovers.
Love, Richard
Gabriele Rico is an inspiring teacher, in my case of German and English, whose wit and charm and appreciation of life transformed her high school classes into transformative experiences that offered me support and guidance in college and beyond. I was not the brightest bulb in the room by a long shot, but she never penalized me or others for that. That she went on to the university level and became a famed and cherished mentor and inspiration to so many around the world was no surprise to me. It just confirms what I sensed way back, that she possesses a peculiar and wonderful genius.
ReplyDeleteSo I join many others, I am sure, in fervently wishing her a return to health.