Melissa’s Story

Site created on October 25, 2023

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In 2014, my wife, Melissa, was admitted to the emergency room with severe pain in her abdomen. A mass was discovered. The doctor felt surgery was the best option. After exploratory surgery, it was determined that she had endometriosis. The doctor performed a hysterectomy and felt that all was good. Now, last July, she was admitted to the hospital once again with severe pain in her abdomen. The doctor discovered that the endometriosis had grown Exponentially. She began an injection regimen of luperon to block the production of estrogen and hopefully shrink the mass. After 3 injections, the mass had not changed so the luperon was stopped and she was told to return if the pain returned. 

 Now, on October 9th of this year, Melissa was admitted to the hospital again for severe pain. The doctor discovered that the mass had grown even larger. It is now encompassing her abdominal aorta, her inferior vena cava and left ureter. It is also pressing on her left kidney. The doctor also discovered a large clot in her IVC. The doctor started blood thinners administered by injection into her stomach. The blood thinners then created a bleed in the mass so they were discontinued. 

 After an appointment today, Melissa was told that working was out of the question until the clot was taken care of. However, no one is quite sure how to proceed with this. She has an appointment with Mayo Clinic next week and we are hoping that they will have some kind of plan how best to deal with this clot. After that, they can begin to focus on the mass. 

 Until the clot is taken care of, she is out of work and bills are beginning to mount. Any help is greatly appreciated. Prayers are appreciated for a full recovery.

Newest Update

April 15, 2024

Journal entry by Dean Peterson —

To all of you who have been following Melissa’s story, we appreciate your patience for this update. 

 It’s been an interesting journey so far and it looks like it’s not about to end anytime soon. 

 During her last CT scan, a 2.5cm nodule was found near her right clavicle. To play it safe, the doctor opted for a biopsy. That was performed last week. On Friday, we received the results of the biopsy. It is cancer. They are not going to try to remove it surgically due to the fact that it may spread more. We have an appointment with oncology early next month. It sounds like they are going to go with chemotherapy and closely monitor the progress.
 

 Obviously, Melissa is very scared and nervous but Is staying strong and confident. We once again are asking for prayers and good thoughts for yet another hiccup in her life. As always, I want to thank you all for your prayers and support. I will continue to update when possible. Thank you all again.

Read More of the journal titled "April 15, 2024"
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