As many of you already know, our mother developed an aggressive cancer of the blood called Multiple Myeloma a couple of years ago.
The cancer aggressively eats away at her bones, which is initially how it was discovered. One day, out of the blue, her back began hurting and shortly after she was unable to even get out of bed. Through this issue, it was eventually found that the debillitating back pain was in fact due to the cancer. She was then rushed into immediate surgery for a serious double spinal fusion.
From the point the back pain begun, our mother's journey has been an uphill battle beginning with a plasma transfusion, followed by multiple rounds of chemotherapy treatments.
The chemotherapy regimens have held the cancer at bay for periods of time, but the Multiple Myeloma cancer's aggressiveness has ultimately outpaced every chemo regimen so far.
Just this month of May the entire family was frightened when she was hospitalized because the current chemo was not working effective. Luckily, Stephen (oldest son) noticed her symptoms that went beyond typically reactions to chemo and got her into the doctor. From there she was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment, which involved filtering the cancer proteins and excess calcium (caused by the cancer) from her blood, a transfusion, and finally starting a new, stronger chemo regimen.
She has been a trooper throughout this entire process, and remained positive and resilient. It is an amazing feat, especially with the financial hardship that has come from the inability to work. And unfortunately, us kids are still getting through school and not in the workforce yet. There has been great support shown by the entire family and it has been sincerely appreciated.
She requested that we create a donation fund on her behalf to possibly help alleviate some of the burden. We though we'd do one better and create a CaringBridge page to journal path and progress from here out, which includes a Donation link to GoFundMe.
Our family has great hope for our Mom's future and are surrounding her with love and affection. We are all doing the best we can and truly appreciate all of the help!
CaringBridge is a nonprofit social network dedicated to helping family and friends communicate with and support loved ones during a health journey. Learn more about CaringBridge.
