Wanda Haack

We wanted to create this Caring Bridge site to keep family and friends up to date on Wanda's health as she continues to fight. Wanda was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in October of 2015. With my grandpa Ron's permission I am creating this site, he has asked that there be no visitors, as grandma is very tired and is requiring extra care. Please no drop ins, and no meals brought to the house. 
September 2015 Wanda had a routine chest CT to screen for lung cancer done in Bemidji, the scan had shown a mass. Both Wanda and Ron decided to get a second opinion and chose to doctor in Rochester, a decision they have both been very happy with.  A Bronchoscopy was done in October for a diagnosis with results of small cell lung cancer. A PET scan was then done to determine treatment which then showed skeletal metastasis. Wanda went through 6 cycles of Chemotherapy between the months of October through March. In that time she had lost her hair and had other side effects associated with Chemo. 
In May at a follow up appointment the re-evaluation showed a new onset of brain metastases. 10 treatments of radiation were done which finished the beginning of June. Follow up observation appointments were done in July, August and October. In the follow up scans there were no major changes, there had been plans to be a part of an experiment for small cell cancer in the future. 
The beginning of December Wanda had noticed vision changes and some difficulty walking, an unplanned trip to Rochester was made to get some answers. They discovered more metastases to the brain causing some edema. Further scans gave a diagnosis of extensive stage small cell lung cancer to the brain, bone and liver. With the results both Wanda and Ron have decided to go ahead with treatment hoping for the best outcome. There is a 20% chance the chemotherapy will help and there is no plan for radiation for the mets to the brain, more harm than good would be done. She is receiving a steroid for her brain to help with the swelling. If the chemo does not help they have given a timeline of two weeks to a month. Wanda received 3 chemo treatments this past week, with follow up appointments planned the beginning of January.
 At this time Wanda is using a wheel chair to get around with her balance and vision not being very well. Her memory has been affected, along with sometimes finding her words. She is aware of everything going on and is going to continue her fight. We ask that you respect Ron's wishes, we hope this information reaches Wanda's friends and family who have not been updated about the recent changes. 
Thank you, 
Victoria (grand daughter)
I plan on updating the site daily, grandpa is doing an amazing job caring for grandma. The entire family is helping and we are all taking things one day at a time.