Ali’s Story

Site created on July 3, 2018

Thanks so much for being here.  It has been a pretty crazy month.  In short, after a plethora of tests and Dr. appointments, I will be one of the many warriors  fighting breast cancer- with the intent of kicking its ass!  Thanks to all who have been checking on John, Peter, Charlie, and me this past few weeks - its been tough and far from the fun we thought we'd be having this summer.  Those that have been helping my kids have some fun while John and I are at all these appointments/tests, I am forever grateful.   Peter and Charlie know about my diagnosis and protocol.  As questions come up, we answer as simply and honestly as we can.  There are no real answers and so many unknowns.  
 It is what it is guys, I am a healthy person.  I do believe that with the support of my amazing family and friends, and the amazing medical team in place- we are going to knock this out.  I am not good at asking for help or accepting it when offered, neither is John.  This experience is sure to help us grow in those areas:).   
My characteristics:  HER2positive, Estrogen 1%, they are calling this Estrogen negative.  Progesterone negative.  Protocol: Chemo, surgery, radiation, continue Herception/Pergetta until July 9, 2019.  Cocktail: Taxotere, Carboplatinum, Herception, Pergetta.  As of now, 7/3/19 I have the Bone/CT scan Thursday,  then start chemo on July 9- six rounds every 3 weeks.  Oh ya, the breast cancer is in my left breast, 2cm.  I have 8 lymph nodes on the left impacted.  No stage has been given, probably 2 or 3.  
So, welcome to our CaringBridge website. I know this is a lot of info and pretty shocking at that.  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.

Newest Update

"…When that fog horn blows I will be coming home. Yeah, when that fog horn blows, I wanna hear it. I don't have to fear it."

Journal entry by ali lasell —

"... And I wanna rock your gypsy soul
Just like way back in the days of old
Then magnificently we will float
Into the mystic…"

Into the Mystic by Van Morrison

Hello Family and Friends,

On November 10, 2023, our beloved Ali Lasell passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family.

Ali’s cancer journey began in 2018 with a diagnosis of HER-2 positive breast cancer, which
metastasized to her brain in late 2020, in the form of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. Propelled by a strong desire to help her family adjust to a “new normal” and to see her boys Peter and Charlie grow, Ali beat incredible odds and gained three additional and meaningful years to her life.

In spite of her diagnosis, Ali didn’t stop living, having fun and finding joy. She approached her life with the same zest as always, often saying, “let’s just have fun!” And fun she continued to have, watching the boys grow into men (Charlie’s grown 3 to 4 inches in the past 3 months and Peter can vote!), learning to fly fish with her family, watching the boys play on their sports teams, walking the ditch trail and later the mall, listening to her music, tending to her bee hives and dahlias, sitting in her back yard, and enjoying John, the boys, her family, and her many, many friends.

Ali was deeply grateful for her abundant life. She would want you all to know that. She felt
lucky and very loved, as her friends and family showered her with hugs, notes, phone calls,
food, and visits, throughout her journey.

Ali approached her final days with grace, her signature humor, gratitude, and a sense of love. She was grateful for her extra time here on earth, and for the ability to see her kids grow up.

And now Ali is cancer free, how great is that! Heaven has gained an angel in the form of Miss Frizzle and the stars will shine brighter because of her.

As Ali said in an earlier post, “That’s it for now. Life is great guys/I’m a lucky chica!”

Hold on to your halos guys! Alicita is in the house!

We are planning a Celebration of Ali's beautiful life in January. Details coming soon.

Read More of the journal titled ""…When that fog horn blows I will be coming home. Yeah, when that fog horn blows, I wanna hear it. I don't have to fear it.""
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