In August 2019, Tammy was dealing with major leg cramping, twitching and the inability to flex her left foot. Tammy had her first Neurology appointment with Dr. Sean Christianson on October 2, 2019 and after many questions and screening from the Doctor, his first diagnosis was Neuropathy on the side of her left knee so an EMG of her left leg was scheduled. An EMG was performed and it was determined that Tammy had dead nerves on the side of her left leg so the Doctor scheduled an MRI of her lower spine that same day thinking she had a pinched nerve in her spine causing the dead nerves and would need back surgery. After the Doctor read the MRI and discovered the MRI was clear, he became more concerned about the dead nerves and completed more EMG along with bloodwork. After testing 32 nerves it was determined Tammy had 20 dead nerves in her body.
It was at the end of this day, October 18, 2019 the Doctor was sincere and saddened to tell Tammy that he thought she had ALS “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”. An additional MRI was scheduled on November 1st for her upper spine to make sure there was not pinched nerves in the upper spine. Dr. Christianson recommended she have a second opinion on this diagnosis so he referred her on to Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic sent Tammy a letter saying they were full and she was going to be on a waiting list. A waiting list was not good enough for friends and family so contacts were made and Tammy had three appointments with three different clinics within two weeks.
Tammy spent the week of December 2nd in Rochester for a second opinion. An EMG was completed and it was confirmed that there were dead nerves in her body. The next day an MRI with contrast was completed and Tammy received a call that they wanted to do a lumbar puncture and additional blood work. After all the pokes and bloodwork, Dr. Milone confirmed the ALS diagnosis.
Tammy has two amazing daughters and was recently married in April of 2018, which added two more amazing children as well a soon to be daughter in law. Tammy has a mom who has always been there for her and a brother and sister in law who gave her two beautiful nieces. Tammy lost her father 20 years ago to a stroke; however, marriage gave her a wonderful set of parents. Tammy now has “sisters” with her new family.
On February 8th, please join us for the Marler Family Benefit. Tickets are being presold for the benefit and there will be a Taco Bar, and entertainment will be provided from Keyed In Dueling Pianos. Along with supper and the musical entertainment, there will be a live and silent auction as well. If you are unable to attend the benefit and would like to help out the Marler family donations can be dropped off at Gate City Bank in Jamestown under the Marler Family Benefit.
