Tricia Whearty

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. 


Over the past few weeks, Tricia has been experiencing shortness of breath.  Her symptoms worsened, so we took a trip to our local Urgent Care where a chest x-ray revealed a mass in Tricia’s chest.  From there, we were sent to INOVA Fairfax hospital where further tests confirmed the mass and located it within the chest cavity, but not in the lung.  This tumor is pressing on her lung and heart, which is what is causing the shortness of breath.

Tricia spent the next two days in the hospital undergoing numerous tests.  She was discharged on Tuesday, May 22nd with a tentative diagnosis from the radiologist of a Malignant Thymoma.  Malignant Thymoma is a tumor of the thymus.  The thymus is a small organ that lies in the upper chest under the breastbone and is part of the lymph system.  It makes white blood cells, called lymphocytes, that protect the body against infections.

This tentative diagnosis is based on the original opinion of the radiologist and not on the biopsy results.  We won’t have those results until next week, likely when we meet with the surgeon.  While the doctors seem confident that the tumor is malignant, it is possible that it will be benign. 

Either way, the tumor has to come out and a major surgery will be required.   We’ll find out those details on the 30th, as well.  Hopefully, if the tumor is in early stage 1 or 2, then surgery will be all that’s needed, and Tricia will be back on her feet in time to enjoy summer before it ends.  If the tumor is in later stages, and we pray that it will be in an early stage, we will cross that bridge when we come to it.

Tricia has an appointment with her surgeon next Wednesday, May 30th.  In that appointment, we’ll get the biopsy results back and discuss the details/schedule of the surgery. 

In the meantime, Tricia is resting at home and dealing with the discomfort of labored breathing.  We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support.  We know that with Tricia’s strength and the support and prayers from all of you, this tumor – whatever it may be- doesn’t stand a chance!

We thank you for the kindness you’ve shown to her and to us, and for all of the prayers, emails, texts and calls.  They truly do provide comfort in this uncertain time.  Please keep them coming!

We will use CaringBridge to provide updates on Tricia’s health.  If help should be needed down the road, we will also use this site to request assistance.  Karen Swope, a friend and fellow UltiPeep (co-worker for those friends who do not work for Ultimate Software) has graciously agreed to help us administer the site.   Feel free to reach out to Karen with any questions about logistics if and when tasks are added.  You can reach Karen at Karen_swope@ultimatesoftware.com (mailto:Karen_swope@ultimatesoftware.com)).   

We are so blessed to have you all in our lives.  Thank you for being here with us during this time.

Love, Tricia & Andrew

Andrew – 703-517-1636 or Andrew.whearty@gmail.com (mailto:Andrew.whearty@gmail.com)