Caroline’s Story

Site created on September 1, 2019


UPDATE:  Thanks to an incredible team at Huntsman, the many heartfelt prayers, and Caroline's upbeat, positive nature . . . exactly one year after her initial diagnosis, Caroline's body shows absolutely no active signs of cancer!!  It's truly been a miracle and we can't thank you enough for your support and love.  I'm keeping her "story" here on this webpage, so we can remember the reality of cancer and the miracle that prevailed for our daughter.

As many of you know, our sweet Caroline has been diagnosed with a very rare, fast growing  cancer that began in the cervix and has spread into the lymph nodes in her abdomen/pelvic area, as well as a bone in that same area.  On July 25th, we received the results of an initial cervical biopsy, and although fearful, we were feeling confident that this early stage cancer could easily be treated and she would finish her last semester at USU in Logan, with a minor surgery and possibly chemotherapy. However, a PET/CT scan was needed to determine if the mass was localized, and rule out the very rare prospect that it could have spread.   "Shocking" is the only word that comes close to describing the range of emotions we experienced when hearing the results of her scan (August 13th), which indicated that the cancer was metastatic.   We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, faith, support and encouragement from so many of our friends, family, and even strangers.

Caroline is now living with us and finished her degree online while undergoing treatments at The Huntsman Cancer Institute. She is blessed with a compassionate, knowledgeable and wise team of doctors, residents and nurses who are over her care.  We recognize the Lord's tender mercies each day and Caroline is embracing the love, prayers and HUGS of so many who adore her.  In October she finished the first six week cycle of radiation and chemotherapy, as well as three internal radiation/brachytherapy treatments, and because she responded so well to the first round of aggressive treatments she was able to enjoy the holiday season without chemotherapy.  Furthermore, thanks to a miracle scan in January she received another gift of three months off treatments.  Her next scan is April 22, 2020 and we are hoping for another blessing of a clean scan. 

We are using this website to keep family and friends updated and will post often.  We know Caroline's positivity, her good health, young age, faith, strength and determination  will help see her through this difficult process.  Please join the ARMY of dear ones who are praying for our Caroline!

Newest Update

Journal entry by Julie Cantera

Well friends and family, tomorrow marks one year since receiving the distressing call from Caroline's oncologist, the call where we learned she was in the "fight for her life."  I'll never forget that day, sitting right here at this desk, prepared to write a simple plan to tackle what we thought was stage one cervical cancer.  We have truly witnessed a miracle and this will be my last update on this page unless something new arises, but for now, Caroline's body is completely free of any signs of cancer.  She is strong, she is powerful, and she is moving forward with her life.  It seems a bit like a dream now, and we have made it out on the other side, despite almost every indication that an alternate plan was ahead for her.

After Caroline's clean scan in April, she jumped into a busy summer filled with camping and backpacking trips, daily tennis coaching, and family gatherings.  Nothing could slow our girl down (not even Covid) and she continued to live the mantra given to her by Dr. Anna Beck: "Live your life and keep planning your future."  And that is what she did!  One year ago, we set the goal that she would be strong enough to finish classes and graduate from Utah State.  Not only did she accomplish graduation (Cum Laude), but she was accepted into four different PT schools and just this past weekend moved to Flagstaff, AZ to begin their physical therapy program.  Today is actually her first day of grad school, and I couldn't conjure up a better way to celebrate this one year mark.

She did it, but she couldn't have done it without YOU . . . I'm sending out a virtual HUG to each of you so you know of our deepest gratitude and love for all you have done for Caroline and our family.  We truly felt of your prayers, your goodness, your love, and your compassion.  It will be an experience we will never forget and we hope we live our lives in such a way that we daily "pay it forward" to those most in need. 

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