Welcome to Gayle’s Caring Bridge website! Gayle was recently diagnosed with Stage IV neck cancer and is undergoing treatment from late January to early March at The University of Washington Medical Center.
Her family created this site as a way to keep friends and family updated in one place, and so that people can learn of specific prayer requests and ways to help. We hope to lift her up in every way possible throughout this journey so her energy can be spent healing. Her family has also created a gofundme campaign, found on the “Ways to Help” page of this site, to help cover the cost of medical expenses.
A bit of history: After nearly a year of oral pain and plenty of visits to various doctors, a small ulcer was finally found on the back of Gayle's tongue. This is where the cancer was initially found. Gayle had the tumor surgically removed at The University of Washington Medical Center in early December. This was a major surgery as the tumor took up about half of her tongue and required that tissue be used from her forearm to reconstruct the tongue. Cancer was also found in the lymph nodes close to her clavicle, so the surgeon removed those. Gayle spent December and January, healing from this surgery, and healing remarkably well. She is working hard to learn to use her tongue again to talk clearly and eat, and is also working to ensure the wound on her arm heals. Although it appears as though the cancerous tissue has been removed, her cancer has shown a tendency to "be on the move" so Gayle is undergoing radiation and chemotherapy, hoping for total cure.
Gayle has felt overwhelmed and humbled by the love and support from friends and family. The word “love” seems to come up daily in her personal bible studies. This verse from John 15: 12-13 sums up the kind of love she is experiencing from you all: “This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends.” She is experiencing God’s perfect love through you.
I am thankful that I can keep everyone posted on my progress and write through the highs and lows of my healing journey through CaringBridge. It is always encouraging to know I am not alone.
This last pet scan showed some progression on a spot that has been monitored every 4 months. I plan to increase the frequency of one of the infusions since two years ago the scans improved after 100% dosage but then cut back to 50% to manage the side effects that occurred. Things remained stable until this last scan. We will continue on waiting to qualify for trials that could be more effective, but always aware that we need to balance side effects with quality of life.
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