Cathy Szudy

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Cathy recently experienced a headache behind her right eye, followed by problems with depth perception on her left side and found herself bumping into things despite her vision feeling normal to her.  On Wednesday 1/18/2017 A CT scan showed a mass in her right parietal lobe. An MRI was then performed. We learned at two neurosurgeon appointments the next day that based on the MRI imaging it is a 7-8 cm Glioblastoma. This is a highly aggressive, incurable malignant tumor, the goal is to slow progression. On Wednesday 1/25/17 Cathy will undergo a craniotomy and gross resection of the tumor at UW Hospital. The mass will then be sent to pathology and a treatment plan and confirmed diagnosis will be based on those results. She will potentially have chemo, radiation or both with potential for clinical trails due to Glioblastoma being an area of research at UW.  After surgery she will spend at least one day at in the Neuro ICU and another 1-3 days hospitalized. Upon discharge she will either return to our home (Valerie and Kevin) or a rehab facility if it is deemed necessary.  It is expected that the deficits she has currently with depth perception are irreversible. 
Cathy is doing well over all. Of course she is very stressed, worried and overwhelmed with the unknowns. She greatly appreciates everyone's thoughts, prayers, comments and well wishes.
Cathy has been of service to others and a priceless asset to the Madison childbearing and breastfeeding community through being a selfless mother to 6 grown kids, (almost) 15 grandkids, and many years as an RN, CNM and of course an IBCLC. She has helped countless moms and babies with pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and has a special passion for connecting with Mothers who have experienced loss. We know all the lives she has touched and goodwill she has bestowed upon others will in turn come back and carry her through surgery and treatment.