Pam DeBruin

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

For those unaware Pam (my mom), was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer on July 28, 2015 after a routine colonoscopy.  At only 50 years young and in excellent health this came as a complete shock.  Our life has never been the same since that day but one thing's for sure, Pam is our hero.  After the initial diagnosis we were told surgery would not be an option and a short life expectancy, 2 years on average, was given.  Feeling defeated, Pam turned to the one thing that has always been stable in her life, her faith.  She held tight to hope and knew that with God's help a miracle would be possible.  Fast forward to today, Pam has outlived what doctors thought was ever possible and has successfully completed over 75 rounds of chemotherapy.  This number is unheard of in the oncology world and we are amazed everyday that her tiny body has SO much fight!  On January 9th, 2018, Pam had a CT scan and that same week a PET scan which revealed the tumor in her pelvis grew but other areas were stable.  This meant the chemo was no longer working and other treatment options would need to be looked at if at all possible.  Pam decided to get a second opinion at one of the best cancer facilities in the state, UW Carbone Cancer Center in Madison.  Upon visiting with the oncologist, Dr. Lubner, he decided to present her case in front of the oncology board that following week.  As we anxiously awaited to hear the news we stormed the heavens with prayer and our prayers were answered.  The oncology board and surgeons said they were super excited to go big and remove ALL the remaining cancer!  This was something we thought we would never hear, we were getting our miracle.  We understand the risks associated with this major surgery and the high possibility of the cancer coming back but all Pam has wanted from the beginning is a chance to fight this cancer till the end.  We are overjoyed and so thankful for this opportunity and know it would not be possible without all the endless prayers and support these past few years.  So thank you from the bottom of our hearts for every prayer, card, phone call, and hug...we couldn't have got this far without you!  

We decided to create this CaringBridge site now as we prepare for surgery taking place tomorrow, February 15th in Madison.  We will post updates here for all friends and family and appreciate all the love and prayers!  Never lose hope, with God all things are possible.