In late November 2019 I was feeling quite sick; after doctor visits and a chest X-ray, I was diagnosed with an infection (no surprise) and pneumonia (unexpected). With treatment, I cleared the infection but was unable to fully get breathing back to full. This was just before COVID was well known, and before testing was available, so it is unclear whether this was or was not related.
In any case, various treatments and inhalers have been tried over the past two years, and none had a significant lasting effect. My problem was labelled “likely some type of asthma”. Two years is a long time to not really get to the core of an issue, and I should have been more aggressive to ask for another X-ray or other diagnostics… perhaps even another doctor.
In early October 2021, my husband was ill and hospitalized with pneumonia while working in Nevada. I spent time there caring for him, and as he recovered we went on a weekend drive to Mt. Charleston. While there overlooking the Las Vegas valley, I mentioned I was not feeling well, having a hard time breathing. A quick check of my oxygen level confirmed I was well below a “safe” level. With my ongoing challenge with being “breathless” after even mild activity, and wanting to check some other concerns, I went to a local walk-in clinic in late October.
The clinic visit started me on answers. With much compassion, the walk-in clinic doctor showed me the new chest X-ray and explained that most likely the “spots” all over my lungs in the image were indicating cancer. From late October to early December 2021 – in Nevada and then back home in Tennessee – I rushed through labs, imaging (X-ray, CT, PET, MRI), and exams. A biopsy to get tissue to identify the very specific type of lesion was done. The diagnosis was Stage IV colon cancer, metastasized with large lesions in my liver and lungs, plus “innumerable” smaller lesions covering all of my lungs. Also, for good measure, it appears that the cancer is causing anemia so my red blood cells capacity is thinning out, which limits how much oxygen can be carried, and makes my resting pulse (heart) run extra hard all the time – even though my now not-great lungs try to do their job.
Michael and I understand (and are learning more every day) what is ahead, and we are working that plan. Labs, infusions, diet changes, and tracking new and changing medications are a large part of most days. There is no intent, however, to relent on “solving” this.
My long-time friend, Meredith MaGuirk, will be managing this site, providing updates and handling any inbound questions. If there are any coordination of helps, gatherings, or similar outreaches, Meredith will be the “control tower”. I hope everyone will respect that I simply do not have the energy to handle all that, as so many of you are so kind and giving for the smallest of needs.
If anyone asks about me or has questions, please point them to this Caring Bridge page or Meredith who can be reached at familystvincent@gmail.com. Text messages of encouragement directly to me are also welcome at +1-310-893-3338, but nothing that expects answers.
Michael and I do not understand what God is doing here, but we trust him as we have through all the other challenges in our family over the years. Your encouragement and prayers are welcome as we now walk through this.
The Celebration of Life service for Elizabeth St. Vincent is just over a week away. The family welcomes those who loved and served with her, and those positively impacted by her giving spirit.
Where: Brentwood Baptist Church - Baskin Chapel, 7777 Concord Road, Brentwood, TN 37027 When: Saturday, April 22 at 10:00am Visitation with family to follow immediately after services at the church. Recommended parking is on the north side of the building (facing the street), and entering at Door B.
The family requests attendees not wear black, as this is a celebration of a life which shone into the community with joy and hope. Attendance in uniform for units/profession associated with her activities is welcome.
While we mourn her passing, we bear a positive witness to her impact and legacy.
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