Welcome to our CaringBridge site. We've created it to keep friends and family updated. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement during this time when it matters most.
Sunday March 20th, at 7 months pregnant, Apryl raced up 69 floors, or 1,131 steps, to reach the observation deck of the Columbia Tower in 16 minutes. Comments on Facebook ranged from "badass" to "you're my idol" to "inspiring".
Two days later, on March 22nd, Apryl was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. A rare and aggressive form of cancer.
http://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/ibc-fact-sheetThe purpose of this website is:
- To answer the questions everyone is asking, so that Peter and Apryl don't have to answer the same questions over and over again.
- To provide ways that you can assist, support, encourage and help Apryl and Peter through this process.
I, Christa Johnson (Peter's sister), will do my best to keep the journal up-to-date, along with the support of others.
To summarize the journey so far... About a month ago Apryl went to the doctor for some discomfort in her breast. As any woman who has been pregnant knows, there is a lot that goes on with "the ladies" when pregnant- so a diagnosis of an infection isn't uncommon. Apryl took a round of antibiotics, but when those didn't work she took a different type of antibiotics. At this point her breast was becoming more painful, swollen and red- which is when the medical professionals decided a biopsy was necessary. That biopsy was Friday March 18th, days later is when she received the diagnosis.
Thursday March 24th Apryl had an outpatient surgery done to put in a port through which the chemotherapy will be transferred.
http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/chemotherapy/process/howToday, March 24th, they will be meeting with an oncologist to determine the next steps.
Apryl may have IBC, but she's also the same woman who did the Big Climb 7 months pregnant, the same woman who has such a strong mind that when she sets a goal for herself- she achieves it. Apryl is going to continue to inspire and impress all of us, because she will kick this cancer in the ass.
