Sarah’s Story

Site created on March 27, 2021

Hey friends and family, 
As many of you know our sweet Sarah was diagnosed with a brain tumor on a Friday. Sarah has been suffering over the last year  or two with the occasional headache which progressed to the occasional migraine. The last few months Sarah’s health has really declined as she was having more frequent migraines, nausea, fatigue,  dizziness and what she called “ brain fog.” 
On Friday she was plagued with yet another migraine and we decided she needed to get to the ER as her primary continued to recommend only migraine medication that wasn’t working. 
Her friend Scott  took her to the ER and stayed with while she had further testing done, our family is so grateful that he was with her for the 12 hour ER day until my mom was able to get there.
The MRI showed  a pretty significant  brain tumor, about  (8cm).  They  believe her tumor is called a central neurocytoma based on the size and location. 


The plan for now is to have the tumor removed in the next few days. We are waiting a few days due to the head neurosurgeon Dr.  Vandergrift not being available until Monday.  We have heard from multiple doctors and a nurse  that Dr. Vandergrift is the best and has “magic hands”  which is why we are waiting for him to do the surgery. 
While we wait,  both our parents are able to be at her side  but no other visitors are allowed as they are only allowing 2 visitors without interchanging.  This part is hard as we want to be with our sister but grateful our parents can be there together . 
Sarah’s spirits and strength have not wavered a second through the last few days. She has been strong for us and strong for her friends and anxiously awaiting the surgery.  She has been loving all the pictures, texts, posts and our family  is so blessed to be rich in faith, family and friends.  
 
Thank you for the prayers, positive vibes and support, will update again when we know more. 


Molly 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Molly and Jerad Protaskey

Sarah is coming up on a year since her emergency brain surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. Sarah continues on her treatment path with 4 months left of oral chemotherapy.  She has been tolerating her chemo well with the exception of some fatigue. While living and working in Charleston she does virtual appointments with her doctors at Froedert and comes back to Wisconsin every couple months for an MRI and in-person consult with her treatment team. This past year has been a whirlwind for our family, most recently with our dad having open heart surgery to fix an aortic valve a few weeks ago. Once again our family has been supported and uplifted by so many of you and we are incredibly grateful for your thoughts and prayers. 

Sarah most certainly has been an inspiration in her mental toughness, continuing to take her treatment one day at a time, showing gratitude for the small things in life and undoubtedly has helped my dad is his recovery. Her next MRI will be around Easter, continued prayers for healing and strength are greatly appreciated. My family and I thank you all for everything and count our many blessings for we are fortunate to have you! May the season bring new blessings of hope, love, faith and good health to you all, happy Easter! 

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