Lynette’s Story

Site created on January 19, 2019

We have been blessed with so many wonderful people offering support and asking for updates, we have decided to start reporting Lynette's progress here.  For those that do not know the full story, here's a (not-so) brief recap...

In July of 2018, biopsies of tumors in the left breast (2) and lymph node (1) determined Lynette had stage III Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC).  I imagine most people, like myself, have never heard of that specific subtype of breast cancer, so here is a definition from breastcancer.org:

"Triple-negative breast cancer is cancer that tests negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and excess HER2 protein.

These results mean the growth of the cancer is not fueled by the hormones estrogen and progesterone, or by the HER2 protein. So, triple-negative breast cancer does not respond to hormonal therapy medicines or medicines that target HER2 protein receptors. Still, other medicines are used to successfully treat triple-negative breast cancer."

As it turns out, this form of cancer is more aggressive and may not respond as well to traditional forms of chemotherapy.  

Soon after diagnosis, Lynette began a 20-week chemotherapy regimen with a planned bilateral mastectomy to follow.  The first 4 treatments of AC were given every other week, and the initial response was outstanding!  Tumors began to shrink, and Lynette was doing quite well physically.  She began the school year, and all-in-all, things were looking pretty good.  

Unfortunately, results started to level off.  After 4 AC treatments, there was a planned change to a weekly dosage of paclitaxel.  This drug did not seem to produce the same positive results. Shrinking of tumors slowed, and Lynette began to see more chemo side effects.  Eventually an additional drug, carboplatin, was added every third week.  This additional drug took an even a greater toll on white blood cell counts and ended Lynette's ability to teach in 2018.

During chemo, based on information gathered from genetic testing, the surgeon recommended a change from a bilateral to single mastectomy.  After some initial hesitation, Lynette accepted that recommendation, and surgery was tentatively set for January 9.  

At the conclusion of chemo, an MRI showed treatment had successfully shrunk the tumors; however, it also revealed a spot in the lungs disappeared.  Previously, it was unclear if the spot was scar tissue or cancer.  Although not confirmed, it is likely the spot was cancerous since it responded to chemo as well.

Just days before surgery, on January 5, Lynette started experiencing numbness on the left side of her body while attending one of Peyton's basketball games.  The numbness quickly turned into uncontrollable spasms, which resulted in a trip to the emergency room.  A brain CT scan revealed something unusual and a follow up MRI was taken on Tuesday, just 2 days before surgery.  The MRI revealed 8-9 small spots in her brain.  This was devastating news as it confirmed the breast cancer had metastasized.  Surgery was canceled.

The one thing we've learned during this ordeal is don't Google stuff.  In this case, Googling "metastasized triple negative breast cancer" is absolutely terrifying!!  The days following this discovery were excruciating.  After some debate over where to go and what to do, Lynette decided to go with her oncologist's recommendation of Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.  After pulling some strings, he was able to get her in to see a TNBC specialist.  

On the way to Seattle, we stopped in Lewiston to pick up the results of yet another set of tests.  Lynette bravely opened the report and began reading.  Expecting the worst, we were elated to find no further spread of cancer to other organs or bones.  The good news continued when, through a bit of luck (and perhaps the result of a prayer or two), Lynette was also able to schedule an additional appointment with a previously unavailable radiation oncologist as well.  

The appointment turned out to be extremely positive.  After meeting with 2 doctors, we walked away with hope.  Although "mets" cannot be cured, which we knew going in, it can be successfully managed with a goal of "No Evidence of Disease" (NED).  

 

We’ll continue to provide updates through this site.  Thank you to the countless people that have provided encouragement, prepared meals, offered prayers, and donated money.  Your love and support have been a tremendous source of strength to us all throughout this ordeal.

 

-- Chris



Newest Update

Memories and poetry to share from Sunday

Journal entry by Christopher Merry —

For those in attendance at Sunday's celebration, you likely heard Jen Runia's touching poem she delivered.  I thought it would be nice to include it here for those that did not have a chance to attend.  In addition, Bonnie Wright had asked to share a story after the next viewing of the video.  Unfortunately, that viewing never happened, so I wanted to share her story here as well.

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From Bonnie Wright...

Good Afternoon,

I spoke to Chris this week concerning pictures and during the course of the conversation, he asked me if I would like to speak.  I told him although I usually have plenty to say, and husband can verify that, I was sure I just couldn't...But all week I have been hearing that still small voice reminding me that all those years, young Lynette was almost like family, and if she could find the strength and determination to fight cancer, surelyl I could find the courage to share a fond memory.  So I am going to tell you about a time that showed Lynette's optimistic spirit even as a very little girl.

At the time, we were living in close proximity to the Dobson and Fish homes, and our combined 8 lilttle girls shared a common play area.  Hardlly a day went by that the girls weren't visiting back and forth between the houses or playing outside.  Over the years, they became almost like sisters.

This memory is of the time that Lynette and Michelle needed to have their tonsils removed.  We assumed we would not be able to see them for a few days.  You can imagine my surprise when I heard a light tap on our door the very next day, and I opened it to find a tiny Lynette on our front step holding, of all things, a large bag of potato chips.  I said, "Well Lynette, didn't you have your surgery?"  She didn't speak, but she nodded her head up and down affirming that she had indeed come from the hospital.  I said, "But surely you are not going to eat potato chips yet are you?"  She still did not speak but continued to nod her head up and down indicating that she was going to eat chips soon.  I said, "Well you can set them down if you want to visit."  With that thought, Lynette clutched the bag tightly to her body and tenaciously shook her head side to side.  She just knew that at any time she would be able to enjoy her wonderful treat.  Of course, we soon found out that little Lynette had slipped out of her own house, chips and all, to show our family what a strong and brave big girl she was!

We saw that well rooted spirit of optimism play out many times over the years, as we watched Lynette participate in track, volleyball, 4-H, FHA, and many other school and church activities.  We were proud to see her grow into a lovely young woman and successful teacher, with a wonderful family of her own, and the resolve to live each day to the fullest.

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By Jen Runia

She was like a candle
consuming herself
to light the way for others...
She was a teacher- a daughter- a sister...
She was a blessed and beloved mother.
BRILLIANT as the sun and BEAUTIFUL
like a midsummer’s night
even in our darkest hours...
she was WARMTH and she was LIGHT.
She didn’t hide it under a bushel and she never let satan blow it out -
and though she left us far too soon
she left us without a doubt...
That SHE WAS A WARRIOR- and advocate- a courageous, compassionate
LION-HEARTED FIGHTER
And the only reason
she ever dimmed her light was to let
OTHERS SHINE THEIRS A LITTLE BRIGHTER
I Love YOU Lynette Dobson💖
Shine Bright Tonight Orofino
Read More of the journal titled "Memories and poetry to share from Sunday"
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