I am Roxanna's friend Jeanie. She, Chris and her family have asked me to help with the sharing of what her health journey has been. The first thing she wants everyone to know is that she loves you all so very much!! She truly does! In many conversations she has expressed her concerns that the news of her health will bring people down. She does not want this... it is hard to hear of a loved ones challenges, but she wants you to remember the happy times you have shared with her. The future joys she will yet share with you.
She wants to now share what has been happening over the last year. Her biggest worry in sharing was the many questions people would ask... the questioning is the hardest thing for her. She hopes the questions can be answered here and that further communication with each of you will be of love, support and memories shared!
Roxanna's Journey: Friday September 16, 2016 Biopsy results showed positive for cancer.
Monday September 26, 2016 Roxanna underwent surgery and a confirmed diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer was given, stage 3 C1, grade 3. During surgery she had a full hysterectomy, 26 lymph nodes were removed, 4 of the 26 were malignant. Bottom line is all visible cancer was removed. She decided after some research to go with Cancer Centers of America where she has found comfort and care that has gone beyond her hopes. Roxanna underwent chemo therapy for 18 weeks, followed by 5 weeks of radiation and finally 3 sessions of Brachytherapy, once each week for 3 weeks. Chemo began Nov 9, 2016 finishing all the above May 30, 2017.
On July 22 while vacationing in Key West, Florida with Abigial and Chris, Roxanna began to experience some dizziness and balance issues which developed into headaches. When they returned July 24, 2017 an MRI of the head revealed 2 tumors (one the size of a small egg and another much smaller in its shadow). Both were located in the lower, back portion of the head just above the neck.
Now dealing with a different part of the body, she has opted to be treated at the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) and to continue consulting with the endometrial cancer Dr at CTCA. Doctors and surgeons caring for Roxanna are, Surgeon Steven Brem, Neuro-oncologist is Dr. Goldie Kurtz, both from HUP and Dr Justin Chura at CTCA; the 3 are collaborating on her care.
July 26, 2017 Roxanna had brain surgery at HUP to remove the 2 tumors. Pathology confirmed that the endometrial cancer had metastasized to the brain. Apparently, this only happens in less than 1% of patients with endometrial cancer . So this is a unique situation.
Roxanna has undergone 2 more brain surgeries; one to place a shunt to help alleviate the swelling, the second was to do a revision, as the first placement was not working properly. She further underwent 6 more days of radiation treatment to the area of the head where the tumors were found.
Currently, Roxanna is on a daily regimen of Megace, a hormone therapy. She has a follow-up MRI scheduled in November and a follow-up P.E.T. CT scan in December. Genomic testing of the cancer has indicated a particular immunotherapy regimen that may be effective for Roxanna if the Megace doesn't provide the desired result.
Roxanna is asking for your prayers and happy thoughts! Miracles happen every day... and she is hopeful for just that. She loves her Heavenly Father, and her brother Jesus Christ and she has great faith in them to care for her.
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