Michelle Faeth

Welcome to my CaringBridge website. I am using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. I appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.  
In January 2017, it was discovered that I had leiomyosarcoma, a cancerous tumor of smooth muscle tissue.  It was attached to my large intestine. The tumor and a chunk of intestine were successfully removed, and a later CT scan in March showed no new growths.
I began suspecting something wasn't right in May, and requested another CT scan.  Sure enough, four new tumors had taken hold. The largest and most serious is on my left kidney and ureter.  I've have surgery to install a stent and a drainage system to keep the kidney functioning despite the tumor's growth. 
I began chemotherapy on June 1.  After three treatments I lost most of my hair and sense of taste.  I also requested another CT scan to see if the tumors were shrinking.  Bad news, they are growing, and now there are six.  
Today, July 13, I met with my Stanford oncologist who specializes in sarcomas.  We will try another mix of two chemo drugs to try to slow the growth of these tumors.  I'll have another CT scan after two rounds of treatment to see if they are working.
I am blessed to have so many good friends and neighbors who have provided rides to appointments, meals, good company, positive encouragement, yard work, and so much more.  I am doing whatever I can to help myself heal and return to the classroom for my 7th and 8th graders.  Feel free to post suggestions, positive thoughts, jokes, and Netflix recommendations.  Anything helps!