First post:
Mar 28, 2019 Latest post:
Mar 15, 2024
Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place.
My story begins on Thursday, March 21, 2019 when I was feeling very out of breath after very little exertion. I was going to drive my son, Kevin, to work and had to sit in my van for a while just to try and catch my breath. Of course this made me anxious which didn't help my breathing; thus it becomes a vicious cycle between trying to breathe and panicking because I was so out of breath. I did drive Kevin to work and even went shopping for a few groceries (he works at Wal-Mart) but again experienced another episode of feeling short of breath. I returned home and had my daughter, Maria (home on Spring break) take me to urgent care. I was thinking I had a respiratory infection or perhaps pneumonia but never dreamed I would end up going to Fairview Southdale Hospital and be admitted until they could figure out what was going on. Initially they thought I may have a pulmonary embolism (lung clot) but they ruled that out, as well as ruling out any other blood clots. I was checked by a pulmonary and ENT (Ear nose throat) specialist, had cardiac tests , many CT scans and blood work. The scan of my lungs showed innumerable nodules, swollen lymph nodes and a large tumor next to my trachea or airway ( right paratracheal mass) They also found nodules in several bones, throughout my liver and other suspicious organ lesions. I had a biopsy taken from my liver and was discharged to home after being in the hospital for 3 days. On Wednesday , March 27th I had an appointment with an oncologist and the results of my biopsy confirmed "stage 4 adenocarcinoma" or non-small cell lung cancer. In case you're wondering, I have never smoked nor was I exposed to second hand smoke in my home. This means my primary tumor or cancer started in the lungs and then has spread to many other areas. This, of course, is very bad. BUT, I will not give up hope as I am a strong believer in God and the power of prayer! I have seen amazing miracles throughout my life and I ask that you journey with me in praying for a miracle of healing. With God , anything is possible!
My family appreciates your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
