Caitlin’s Story

Site created on March 29, 2021

Friends and family,


My wife Caitlin Gross was recently diagnosed with Lymphoma (specifically Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder). PTLD is cancer resulting from a previous organ transplant. Due to an extremely rare and hereditary disease called Mucin-1, Caitlin received a kidney from a local friend and hero (Tori Drum) in 2014. Along with Mucin-1, PTLD is extremely rare and affects ~3% of organ transplanted patients. Unfortunately, Caitlin is one of the rare 3%. Caitlin has been through a lot in her life and this new hurdle is going to be the toughest. When she beats Lymphoma eventually she will need another kidney somewhere down the road so her fight to stay healthy is not over. 


For those who do not know my wife Caitlin, she is an extremely busy military mom of three girls Claire (16), Emily (11), and Natalie (9). Caitlin loves to stay active by working out daily (she's a beast), coaching Emily and Natalie's soccer teams, loves gooey brownies, is a UFC superfan, and enjoys doing anything active with the family. Caitlin truly is one of the hardest working and selfless people that I know and I am so lucky to have her. 


I made this CaringBridge site as a focal point to communicate, update friends, family, and anyone who is interested in following Caitlin's progress as she beats cancer. Please share this link with anyone who knows Caitlin to give her words of encouragement and I will update it to keep everyone informed of her fight. Thank you all so much for the thoughts and prayers for Caitlin as she beats this!


Brandon Gross
(210)383-3236
grossbrandon@gmail.com


PTLD info:
https://www.oncolink.org/cancers/lymphomas/post-transplant-lymphoproliferative-disorders-ptld#:~:text=Post%2Dtransplant%20lymphoproliferative%20disorders%20(PTLD)%20are%20a%20type%20of,most%20common%20post%2Dtransplant%20cancers.

Mucin-1 information:
https://www.wakehealth.edu/Condition/m/Mucin-1-Kidney-Disease

Newest Update

Journal entry by Caitlin Gross

Life at home has been filled with normal daily activities; like family time, exercising, and chores, but also filled with some fun!  The family and I went peach picking at a local farm and treated ourselves with the farm's homemade ice cream.  We enjoyed most of the peaches but used a good amount of them in a peach and blueberry cobbler and shared it with some dear friends.  A few Sundays back, my family and I took advantage of a beautiful day and went on a bike ride at Tobacco Road trail.  We took a few breaks and I held up the rear, but all and all we rode a total of 20 miles! We also had a small outside get-together with Brandon's side of the family to celebrate my father-in-law and brother-in-law's birthdays. Emily and Natalie had their swim team championship last Saturday and swam their little hearts out. Needless to say, I've been really enjoying the last few weeks at home.    
Thursday, July 22nd, I had my 4th chemo cycle.  I felt particularly tired after this treatment and slept for 17.5 hours!  This cycle hit me hard with some nasty side effects and I spent several days glued to the couch. I was admitted to UNC on Wednesday due to my symptoms.  A CT scan showed that I had inflammation in my small bowel, near my surgical site, and my colon.  I've been given lots of fluids and closely monitored for another bowel obstruction but so far my nausea and pain have decreased and I hope to be discharged on Sunday. My next chemo cycle is on August 11th. 
Just wanted to update those who follow my story.  I've attached a few pictures of our fun family adventures! The last picture is of me during my last chemo session. I'm wrapped in the quilt my mom made me, isn't she talented?!  
 
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Caitlin Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Caitlin's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Comments Hide comments

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top