Ellen’s Story

Site created on May 27, 2020


Thank you for joining the ElleStrong CaringBridge!
Today, we begin our journey. 

It has been a few weeks since the first news that Ellen had abdominal pain.  The doctors at the Cleveland Clinic ER said gallstones, pancreas, masses on the pancreas, and through much testing, she was finally cleared of all of those things and diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. 

We have created this CaringBridge website for Ellen that will give all of her friends and family one centralized, private place to share health updates and tune into areas of need like meals, dog care, transportation, and much more.  Please keep prayers and inspirational texts and posts coming, and use this site as a great "stress-free" way to keep everyone informed without overwhelming the family.

On this site, get acquainted with the following tabs: Ways to Help, Well Wishes AND How you can show your support through the Planner.

Elle has been referring to her support team as “My Army” and she coined the phrase #ElleStrong.

So, Enlist NOW in the ElleStrong ARMY and help us stand with Ellen Chaney as she goes to WAR with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Maureen Hegedus

Two things to celebrate in the last two days: Ellen's Birthday and Ellen's news that she is in REMISSION!

Listed below is a journal entry written by Ellen:

On May 13, 2020, three words changed my life and the lives of all my loved ones: "You have Cancer."

On February 16, 2021, three words hit me with overwhelming emotion: "You're in REMISSION!"

Saturday, I had my Petscan to get the results of my Chemo treatments and the 28 rounds of radiation that I had back in December.  The radiation needed a full 8 weeks to process. Yesterday, I received the news that Dr. Mendpara's plan was successful.

My heart stopped when I saw who was calling. I was hesitant to even answer the phone. Colton was napping next to me in bed. I closed my eyes and clasped his hand and answered. It was Chris, Dr. Mendpara's clinical nurse. She was crying. She could barely tell me.  I was in shock! Flooded with gratitude. When I hung up, I woke Colton. I had to say it out loud before I could even call Kevin or Caroline. I needed it to feel real.

I have had the outmost trust in Dr. Mendpara since day one. He is my lead oncologist at UH and a brilliant man. I am so thankful for him and his entire staff.

My journey will not stop here. My work is not complete. My fight is not over! The team will continue my IVIG and Chemo treatments- perhaps as long as two years, but only every 6 weeks as a preventative. They will continue to monitor me. I will continue to work on getting my legs stronger, getting my endurance back, and trying to regain "Normal."

I could not have done this without the love and support of my family, my therapist, my close friends, and my Medina community. The past 9 months has blessed me more than I could have ever imagined.

My trust in Jesus helped me get through the sleepless nights, the many treatments, and the countless hours of PE. So many prayers were said, and HE HEARD US.  Our savior never took his eyes off me! Even on the days I was mad at him and questioned why he could allow this to happen to me, he was there. Reassuring me and my Faith in HIM. I leaned on him and trusted in him.

Today, I woke over-flowing with gratitude and promise. I will continue this fight and together we will win!

I love you all!

Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God: I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

 

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