Three Month Oncologist Appointment

 Three month appointment--NED (No Evidence of Disease)!  Big relief after a few very difficult days worrying!

Daniel P. Uggetti 1956-2022

Dave's brother, Dan, passed away unexpectedly on June 10, 2022.  I got the news when I landed in Salt Lake City on my way to Butte.   Dave and Patrick had driven up earlier with the pugs.

Dave was Dan's legal guardian as Dan had some special needs.   He could live on his own, had held a job for many years and could function well, but there were a few things that he wasn't able to do on his own that required a guardian.  

When Dave's parents died, Dave and his sister, Donna, put their part of the inheritance into a Trust to make sure that Dan had what was needed.   I so admire that they both did this for their brother.   This kind of devotion to a sibling isn't seen that often.   

Dave handled issues with Dan and his usual calm and kind way.   Dan was living in a low income senior apartment that met his needs.  He had to pay for his rent, food, etc., but the trust took care of a cleaning lady, cable television and any other emergency needs that came up.

The Saturday before he died, Dave and Patrick took him out to dinner.   Dave was very worried about him as he was not doing well and had a hard time walking,   Dave tried to talk him into going to the doctor, but Dan refused.  Five days later he died.  Although it was sudden, it wasn't totally unexpected.   The cause of death was ruled a heart attack. 

 Their cousin, John, is a deacon at St Ann's Church  did the ceremony and he did a wonderful job.  Their cousin, Peggy, delivered the beautiful eulogy.

After the services, a reception was held at the McQueen Club.  Dave's dad (Pete) and uncle (Chuck) spent many nights at the McQueen Club.  It had been located in their neighborhood (McQueen) until about 1978 when the Anaconda Company needed the land for mining,  That is when the house we live in was moved from McQueen to where we are now.   The reception was attended by the large extended family and many friends of Dan's and the Uggettis.  It was very nice meal and get together.   I always meet so many people that have known Dave since he was a little kid.

Here is the obituary that was in the Montana Standard as well as a copy of the funeral card:

 

DANIEL PETE "PUMP' UGGETTI

May 20, 1956--June 10, 2022

Daniel Pete "Dan" Uggetti, known as Pumo or Pumi to many of his friends, passed away at home of natural causes on Thursday, June 10, 2022.  The son of Pete And Dorothy Uggetti, he was prematurely born in Butte on May 20, 1956.  The whole extended family was thrilled when he was able to come home about three months later.  Dan grew up in McQueen with his brother, David, and his sister, Donna.  With thier cousins in an adjoining duplex, the Uggettis were part of a tight knit community surrounded by their parents and grandparents.  Many relatives gathered at the Uggetti house for the annual July 4th picnic and no one left hungry.  The friends and neighbors of McQueen knew everyone so it was difficult to get away with many shenanigans.  Attending mass every Sunday was a big part of Dan's upbringing.  He attended St. Helena's in Meaderville then Holy Savior in McQueen.

When Dan was young, most weekends were spent helping his father, uncle, brother, and cousins work on whatever project the two Uggetti fathers decided was important.  He also spent many summer at the Patacini ranch helping work  never-ending chores with occasional trips to swim at Barkell Hot Springs after long days putting up hay.

Dan attended Butte Public Schools.   He was employed by the Anaconda Company, other construction companies and was a member of the Laborers Union.  He worked for Butte-Silver Bow County for many years, mostly at the Civic Center.

In 1978, as McQueen was slated to be mined by the ADM, the two Uggetti families had the duplex, built by Pete and Chuck, moved to the original Perelli homestead on Western Blvd.  Dan continued to live the next 40 years in the same house where he grew up.   Continental Gardens in Butte was his home for the last three years.

Dan was the proud owner of a ski boat.  He loved taking friends and family to Lakeside or Canyon Ferry on a hot summer day to ride in his boat or ski.  After selling his boat, he still went to Canyon Ferry with his best friend, Randy Rodoni, whom Dan called "The Barber".  When he was younger, he had a great time camping riding his ATV, and motorcycle.  Over the years, Dan attended many rock concerts with his cousin, Jim Patacini.  The Doobie Brothers were among his favorite bands to follow.  Dan also enjoyed the swimming pools at the YMCA.  After retirement he enjoyed socializing at the casinos in Butte and occasionally won.  Dan rarely missed going to lunch at the Belmont Senior Center.  He always said how much he appreciated the services and great food that the staff of the Belmont provided and that you couldn't beat the price.

Dan loved almost all of his cars and trucks.  By far his favorites were his 55 Chevy truck that he bought from his father and his 79 Mercury Cougar that was brand new.  Most of his vehicles were always spotless.

Christmas was one of his favorite holidays.  He loved making povitica with his sister or Randy, which he enjoyed giving as gifts.  He also enjoyed making pasties with his mother many times throughout the year. Dan learned how to make Italian sausage with the "secret recipe" from his father and was delighted to show his brother-in-law how to do it.  Dan loved the NY Yankees and was delighted one year with a birthday present to watch the Yankees play the Mariners in Seattle.  Another favorite trip of his was to the Rose Bowl and Parade with his mom and brother.

Dan is survived by his immediate family David (Sheila), Donna (Bill Jackson), and Donna's children, Steven Jackson and Janine Jackson (John Ryan).  Dan enjoyed watching his niece and nephew grow as they spent many summers in Butte.  Also surviving are Aunts Darlene Patacini Hepola and Retha Sigman, numerous cousins, and many close friends.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Dorothy, grandparents, Minnie and Dominic Uggetti and Emsley, Jesse and Elsie Sigman, many aunts and uncles, Claude and Mildred Sigman, Loren Sigman, Pete Patacini, Margaret and Len Dobbins and Gene Beindreiff, Albina and Carmen Campanella, Lawrencina and Willi Barker, Chuck and Betty Uggetti, and Vicky and Don Renz.  He was also preceded in death by several cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Belmont Senior Center at 615 E. Mercury, Butte, MT, or a charity of your choice.

Friends may call on Friday, June 17, 2022, after 10:00 am in the Duggan Dolan Mortuary Chapel.  Funeral Services will be celebrated at 11:00 am.  A further celebration of Dan's life will be take place immediately following services at the Mortuary.  His ashes will be privately placed with his parents at Mountain View Cemetery.  Rest in peace, Dan.  You were a very special person and one of a kind.  Many thanks to Peggy Patacini Eggen and Steven Jackson for help with this obituary.

Dan's ashes were placed with his parents in the same vault.   They were able to fit them in and there will be a plaque put up next to the one for his parents.   We did this privately.

As I said, I have so much respect for Dave and Donna and what they did to ensure that Dan had a comfortable life!  They were both devoted to him and made sure that he was well taken care of!!

Good News and Sad News

Wednesday I had my scheduled PET Scan  to see how I am doing now that I have finished the last chemo treatment.  I think I have had every scan possible over the last nine months.  The PET Scan is very thorough and was done from the top of  my head to below my  knees.  I had one done in January and at that time I was completely clear. 

Needless to say, I was very nervous about the results.  Waiting for the results is extremely difficult.  

I was scheduled to fly to Butte on Thursday and I was very anxious to get up here.  Dave had driven earlier with the pugs and his golf clubs.   I think it was the longest we have been apart.  However, I had one more chemo. Judy stayed with  me and I made it through the rough days fairly well.

When I got to Salt Lake and turned on my phone, I had a bunch of messages.  Dave's brother, Dan, had passed away.   Although his health wasn't great, this was not expected. His sister found him and called Dave immediately.  Dave was Dan's guardian because he had some special needs.  However, he was able to live on his own.

Friday Dave and his sister had to make all of the funeral arrangements which took them all day. 

Late morning I received a phone call from Dr. Bhoola. He wanted me to know that my scan had come back and I am completely cancer free.  They are able to look at everything from the brain to the lower leg--every organ in between.  There is absolutely no cancer anywhere and everything looked really good.  Dr. Bhoola was very pleased and feels that I have responded extremely well to chemo.  He feels that I am going to be fine.  We didn't talk for long, he just wanted me to know the results and I am so grateful to him for that.  I have my regular appointment next Weds. where we will go over everything.

I was so excited but it was so hard because of what Dave was dealing with.  But we made it through it and today was a very good day!

June 5--National Cancer Survivor Day

Today is National Cancer Survivor Day.   I think I can count myself in this group at this point.  I finished my last chemo two weeks ago tomorrow--May 23.   That concludes all of the treatment that has been recommended for me.   I started the treatment journey with the hysterectomy and then had three chemo treatments three weeks apart.  I then made the decision to try radiation even though Dr. Bhoola felt I didn't need to do it.  That decision on my part contributed to the sickest I have ever been in my life.   Radiation was certainly not for me as it caused a lot of inflammation in my intestines that became life threatening.  I did make it through 14 radiation treatments and three brachytherapy treatments.  Had to take a bit of a rest before finishing the final three chemo treatments.

BUT I MADE IT!!!  The last three chemos I finally figured out how to stay in front of the bad days so they weren't awful.  I am actua  lly feeling quite good two weeks out and hoping that my strength will start to come back sooner rather than later.

This week will bring the PET Scan on Wednesday that will determine if there is any cancer anywhere.  The last one that I got in December, I was completely cancer free.  That was only after three chemos.   Am I worried?  I have to say "yes" but I am also positive and hopeful that the results will be the same.   

I have a ticket to fly to Butte on Thursday and will do my appointment with Dr. Bhoola over the phone.   

If everything is clear, I will be checked every three months to make sure that it hasn't returned somewhere else.  I have thought a lot about this and have decided the only thing I have any control over is taking care of myself and living each day to the fullest and I will be doing that for sure!!!

Of course, my sense of humor has gotten me through a lot of this even on the bad days.   When I went in for bloodwork prior to my last chemo, I was very worried about having to postpone the chemo because that had happened the treatment before because of low platelets.  I waited for my results and all was good.   I sent a text to the family to let them know the news.   My text read, "I passed!"   After I sent it, I realized that I did pass the blood test but that was probably not the best choice of words!!!

TO BE CONTINUED!........................................

Energy

 

Every time I write about having the energy to do something and then I do it, it seems that I then have a few days where my energy is "GONE!"  To say it has been frustrating is an understatement.  I hate being dependent on anyone and I want to be able to do just menial things around the house.  Someone posted this in a group that I belong to and it says it all!  It came at exactly the time I needed it and truly put the lack of energy into perspective for me.  

Yesterday and today were two of those days.  I could hardly do anything and was zapped.  My one goal was to make the Governing Board meeting tonight, which I did.  It took everything I had to get dressed up, put on make up and wear my wig--but I made it.

So this saying really meant a lot to me for what it says and that is all I am going to say about it!!!!!!!

TO BE CONTINUED...................................!

Countdown!

The past few days I have been feeling good and have regained a bit of  strength.  I have been able to do a few things without being totally wiped out.  

Monday I got my nails and toes done and then we went out to dinner with some friends that Dave has made golfing.  It never ceases to amaze me how easily he makes friends.  We had a nice dinner and I enjoyed his friends.  They live here in the winter and Bozeman in the summer.

Tuesday I went to our board policy meeting which is held during the day.  It was good to be able  to think about something other than this journey.  I never thought many years ago that I would ever enjoy policy, but I do!

Later that afternoon, I went to a birthday HH for one of my dear friends, Kathy.  She turned 60 and it was so nice for me to get out with some of the wonderful teachers I worked with at Gilbert El.  I haven't been able to attend anything for such a long time.   It was refreshing.

Last night I made chicken enchiladas ALL BY MYSELF and cleaned up the kitchen.   That is also something that has happened very often the past several months.  For some reason, I was really hungry last night which is another thing that hasn't happened much.  I definitely over did it!!  But one day is okay.

After dinner, I had a bit of a meltdown but tried to get myself together quickly.  I was reflecting as to why this happened and I think it is because I am down to a little over a week for my last treatment.  Don't get me wrong, I am very much  looking forward to getting the last chemo done.   I then have to wait about three weeks and get the PET Scan which will tell whether or not all of the cancer is gone.  The one I had in December showed absolutely know cancer and at that time, I had only three chemo treatments.   Since then, I have had two more chemo treatments, 14 radiation treatments and then three brachytherapy treatments.

My last chemo is scheduled for Monday, May 23.  I get bloodwork done next Friday to determine if I can have the chemo as scheduled.   I am hoping that everything will be okay.

While reflecting, I think it hit me that I am down to the wire and then find out if all of the treatment has worked.   I feel positive that it has.  However with cancer, one always has to understand that it  can return somewhere else.    That is why it is so important to "live one day  at a time."  That is easier said than done.

As with every "pity party" that I have had, I tend to get over them fairly quickly.  I can't say that I am not nervous about the next several weeks.   I also know that my body is going to take some time to recover from the ordeal that I have been through.   I just have to make sure that when I am feeling good that I don't overdo it.   That will be hard for me!!

So the countdown begins..........

TO BE CONTINUED.....................!

CHEMO #5

Had a little setback for my fifth chemo treatment.  When I went to get bloodwork done, my platelets were too low.  They were at 82,000 and needed to be 130,000.   There was nothing I could do about it because it is one of the side effects of chemo.  However for two days I tried to eat as good as I could, and that in itself was a real treat!  I went back two days later and still couldn't pass the muster as they only went up to 85,000.  I was originally scheduled for April 27 but it didn't happen.   

Thursday night before I had to go in for bloodwork again,  I decided to try my old standby--Mary's beans--tostados to see if that would do any good (even though I was told it didn't matter).  So Friday morning I went in and GUESS WHAT??  The platelets had gone up to 135,000 in just two days.  So I was scheduled for last Monday, May 2nd.

Previously, all of the treatments had been on a Wednesday and my "tough" days were Saturday and Sunday.   So having it on Monday would probably mean that Thursday and Friday would be the tough days.   And they were but they have been the easiest ones so far.  After five times, I finally figured out how to stay ahead of the discomfort I had previously.  I took my pain meds every six hours and drank prune juice every day!  So I didn't have any of the pain and other problems as in the past.  For the first time I truly experienced "chemo fog."  I don't even know how to explain it, but for two days I was totally out of it.  I could hardly type, couldn't make a decision, tried to order food for Mother's Day and put in the wrong date--all of the things I normally have no issues with became a huge deal!  Needless to say, I would rather be in a fog than in pain!!  The fog lasted a little over two days!!

Today is Mother's Day.   I finally got the food order straight from Buca and we will be eating around 5:00.  I feel very good other than the lack of energy that has been consistent throughout this whole journey!  

When I hear others stories, I consider myself fortunate that I haven't had to deal with what others  go through!   

The problem with this setback is that it probably means I won't be able to participate in any graduations this year, which makes me sad.  It is because if my next chemo is on schedule, my "fog" days are on graduation night.   I am scheduled for Mesquite High and the current class graduating were in kindergarten my last year as principal at Gilbert El.   I have loved being able to say  when I am presenting the graduates that I gave a number of the students their kindergarten diplomas!  But there is nothing I can do about it.

I am trying to eat well, drink plenty of water and do everything so that I don't get pushed back again.  I am scheduled for the sixth and last chemo on Monday, May 23 if my bloodwork is okay.  I have a PET Scan scheduled for June 8th to determine how successful the treatment has been.  So far, all of my scans have been clear and I continue to be positive that this will be the outcome.   I didn't have to reschedule the scan, which is good news as I have an airplane ticket to go to Butte on June 9th.   Dave is planning on driving up before with our pugs and then I will fly.  My appointment with Dr. Bhoola will be done over the phone or on zoom. 

I am thankful for all of the help I have received--it has been hard for me to rely on others for basic needs! As I have said before, I am not a very "patient" patient!  I am looking forward to the final treatment and regaining my strength and getting back to "normal!"

TO BE CONTINUED.................!!