Kathy Ormsby

This is Kathleen and Shannon (Kathy's oldest daughters) who are updating our mom's Caring Bridge website. Our awesome Aunt Annie helped us start this website to keep all of our friends and family updated on our mom's medical status.

Diagnosis

On December 8th, 2011 our mommy was diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma Non Small Cell Lung Cancer. The doctors assume that she has had it for 3-4 months. She had absolutely NO symptoms regarding her lungs. The lung cancer quickly metastasized to the brain creating several tumors which is what classified it as Stage IV Lung Cancer. The lung cancer has been asymptomatic, but the largest tumor in her brain is what left a peripheral deficit. The lung cancer is a complete shock considering she has always been a healthy life long non smoker. But despite the circumstances through all of this our mom is extremely positive!

How We Found Out

Even though there were no symptoms regarding the lungs, by Thanksgiving break she began feeling tired, getting head aches, & would forget things easily. She assumed that the head aches & exhaustion were brought on by stress or panic from the holidays coming up. She went to the doctor & was told to see a psychiatrist for anxiety. December 4th our mom was talking to an amazing family friend named Kim Richardson who is a Physical Therapist. Kim noticed that something was wrong when she saw our mom walking with a small limp and guarded gait. Thanks to Kim and her husband Dr. Jared Richardson, the next morning our mom was able to have an MRI and full body scan that showed brain tumors and a mass in the lung. After many prayers, the largest brain tumor was easily accessible and removed in a flawless brain surgery on December 8th.  After comparing the lung mass biopsy results with the brain tumor, her neurosurgeon told us that what's in her lung is the same cancer that's in her brain. Pathology results show that it started in the lung and then metastasized to the brain.

Determination

We have applied to both MD Anderson and UT Southwestern to have options for the chemo for her lung. Our doctor said the chemo cannot begin at the same time as the radiation, and the brain is the most important part right now. We will begin chemo after the radiation. She is immediately starting radiation at The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Fort Worth which is such a blessing because they were considering waiting until after the Christmas season. Even though our family's world has turned upside down, our mommy's BOUNDLESS optimism is truly inspiring to the whole family. She has heard many miraculous stories and we PRAY everyday (more like every second) that she will have one of her own! We have all the faith in the world that things will be okay according to God's plan! God has really really really helped us get through each day and we know He is always with us. With a lot of prayer and the best medical treatment possible, there is a fighting chance of beating this awful cancer. We have become close friends with all of our doctors and nurses. Our mom refuses to dwell in negativity because for her impossible is not an option. It will be a long road but she is determined, TOUGH as nails, and ready to fight.

We Can't Thank You Enough

We are beyond grateful for all of our AMAZING friends and family! The kindness our neighbors, family, and friends have shown is astonishing. You ALL have gone above and beyond for our family. The 25 foot "Welcome Home Kathy" banner, the "Kathy's Angel" sign outside, the delicious meals at our door every night, the gorgeous bouquets of flowers, the encouraging letters, the bundles of groceries, the prayers, & the comforting stories of hope have helped us more than you will ever know. With God and YOU ALL by our side, we have no doubt this is a mountain we CAN overcome.