Kicking Cancer's Ass

We found out my mom had cancer after a colonoscopy she had done May 15th. The Doctor called me immediately after to tell me, and he also told her, although she was still out of it from being medicated. He said he expedited scans and testing and we should expect a call the following Monday or Tuesday. 

Thursday came with no call, once she followed up with the Doctor, she got a call a few moments later saying her scan was scheduled for June 18th, almost an entire month after her colonoscopy. After talking with her cousin who had strongly urged her to go to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, she called and they scheduled her May 28th and 29th for scans and tests. 

We drove 9 hours there with her, Mom, me, my husband, our 6 year old, and 7 month old, because we absolutely were not going to let her go through this alone. Every single specialist, nurse, np, and doctor we met was exceptional. She was scheduled to have her port installed June 11th at Columbus Regional, and because of the Mayo Team, she was receiving her first round of Chemo June 17th. The same week Columbus said they could do her very first scan. 

She had Chemo, Phosphorus infusions, and steroid infusions, as well as various medications to help with sleeping, nausea, constipation, and pain. Needless to say, she has been through a lot. And it's not over.

At our midway scan at Mayo in August, we learned that her tumor has not grown and cancer has not spread. But because there was not any substantial reaction to the chemo, they stopped her chemo and moved up her surgery to September 8th. She will complete Radiation treatment for 5 days the week prior, and we are expecting her to be in the hospital for 2-3 days. We are expecting around 6 weeks of recovery time total. 

So far, with the help of our friends and family we have been able to help her with the Medical bills she has gotten so far, which is over $3,000, and help with lodging and food while in Rochester. But we are not out of the woods. She has pushed her self to work through her chemo treatments this whole time. While in recovery, she will be using FMLA unpaid time,  and will need help with future medical bills, house payment, car note, and utilities. 

She would never ask help. She is one of the most independent, strong, thoughtful women I know. She would never hesitate to give her last dollar to anyone, and she always sees the best in everyone. So give whatever you can, and send her some love by clicking "support" to show her you are following along our journey. 

Ways you can make her life easier: Send her a lovely message, or snapchat, Share this link and let your friends know what she means to you. Donate if you can. Participate in one of our other Fundraisers, Charity Garage sale (Aug 1st), Carwash (Sep 4th, Al's Paint and Body Shop), Drive thru Fish Fry and 50/50 drawing (Indiana Memorial Trafalgar), and online auction (tbd). <3 ,3 

#IllBeThereForYou