Christine (George) Humphrey

Hi My name is Bruce and I'm raising funds for Christine(George )Humphrey DHS alumni "73.

Hello Friends,

A dear friend of mine and DHS Alumni needs our help.

After a career of helping others in rehabilitation, Christine has been dealt a hand that does not seem fair, her determination and spirit will not let her fold.

She spent years as a PT in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, as well as running PT departments at various facilities. Her body was breaking down. The physical requirements forced her to” retire” early.

Like the many stories out there. She was let go before a retirement plan was activated. Got to love corporate!

Walking with crutches due to constant back pain, severe adult onset of lumbar scoliosis and a dislocating hip replacement. On various meds due to the constant pain, she looked into surgery.

After much research and second opinions, in March of 2021

a 12 hour surgery to decompress the nerves in the lumbar and thoracic spine was done.

10 days later there was to be a 2nd surgery to straighten the spine but developed blood clots in the right calf and left groin. Surgery was postponed for 6 months and had to be cleared by cardiology.

October of 2021 a 10-hour surgery was done to fuse and straighten the spine with rods, screws, hooks and wires. A back brace was to be worn when out of bed for 3 months. Eventually she no longer relied on pain meds for her back condition, which she had been on for years.

After a short-term rehab stay, returned home. After being home for a week, diagnosed with a fast-growing invasive breast cancer called triple negative breast cancer. She can’t catch a break!

Late December of 2021 started chemotherapy that would last for 3 months. In June 2022 underwent a partial mastectomy and reduction. After fully healing, marked, and started 4 weeks of radiation in September 2022.

A decision was made to wait until after the holidays to start the next treatment of an oral drug called Xeloda. Two weeks on and one week off for 6 months._After the start of this treatment she became ill with bronchitis and a sinus infection. Treatment was placed on hold until the middle of February 2023. Finished the first cycle and started the second one. Was taken to the emergency room with inability to walk due to severe shortness of breath. Admitted for 13 days and was diagnosed with Ventricular Tachycardia (V-Tech) which was caused by the Xoloda. Trial and error of cardiac meds was done and when completed she went back for short term rehab to gain strength.

After returning home for two days, the left total hip replacement dislocated. Taken to the ER hip placed back in the socket. Getting ready for discharge and hip dislocated again

Admitted to the hospital until an orthopedist could fit her with a brace. Two days later, the hip dislocated again with the brace on.

A total hip revision was done on May 17, 2023. (This was the second revision done to the left hip) The surgeon had hoped to just replace the plastic cup and resurface the the ball and it should be noninvasive to the bone and recovery would be easy. When the surgeon did the surgery, the hip was more damaged than thought so a full revision needed to be done which would be invasive to the bones and rehab will be much harder.

Back to rehab, then home therapy and then outpatient PT.

Hip has healed but is still being watched carefully by the surgeon.

Follow up with the cancer team. They are continuing to watch and perform testing as needed. With triple-negative breast cancer, they don't know what causes it so the oncologist cannot say that she is in remission or cancer-free. A tripple negative is also most likely to return within 5 years. They are monitoring a spot on the lung and right breast which is thought to be scar tissue. January 2024 will start IV treatment of meds 2x/year for 3 years to protect her bones.

Late August 2023, she started having difficulty driving due to right foot, at times, would be unresponsive when trying to brake. New MRI and X-rays done to the spine. The back surgeon is currently reviewing these tests. Awaiting an appointment in February 2024 for a driving evaluation and evaluation for hand controls in her car.

Christine is determined to live independently and stay in her condo in East Kingston NH. She exhibits an unwavering spirit and has a positive attitude. Support from family members, especially her daughter Jenn who lives in Beverly MA, her mother, and other family members have been critical.

She has been a prisoner in her own home because she cannot drive and must rely on others. Unable to drive since September of 2023.

As you can imagine there have been financial challenges and emotional ups and downs. Christine walks with crutches or a walker every day. Getting stronger day by day, one step at a time.

I volunteered to create a Go Fund Me Page any/all donations will be appreciated.

Funds are needed for vehicle hand controls and installation. Help get Christine on the road again.

Thank you.