Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place.
This journey involving Shandy's cancer diagnosis began on Christmas day when she went to ER thinking she was dealing with possible appendicitis. After a few tests, the CT scan verified that there was a mass on her liver. Since we were in Minnesota visiting family for the holidays, we were able to get into Children's Hospital in Minneapolis the next day for more tests and the following day she had a biopsy done. Within 24 hours it was confirmed that the tumor was cancerous and a week later it was diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of liver cancer that is usually associated with hepatitis or cirrhosis, of which she tested negative for both. They're still unsure how she got this form of cancer, but the tests confirmed that the cancer originated in her liver and didn’t spread anywhere else in her body.
With the excellent care offered at Children’s Hospital and close proximity to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, we decided that Minnesota would be the best place for Shandy to receive treatment. Scott was able to get time off from work to stay with her in Minnesota for her treatment and appointments. Danita went back to Colorado with Evan so he could continue school and she could go back to work.
Shandy started chemotherapy at Children's Hospital. Her treatment program consists of 6 rounds of chemo, each round lasting 3 weeks. During each round she is in the hospital for the first 3 days and then is able to stay at her Grandma Char’s house, where Scott grew up, the rest of the time. The second week of each chemo cycle has been the most challenging because that’s when her white and red blood cell counts drop, she loses energy, and doesn’t have much of an appetite. Then during the third week the blood cell count goes back up.
In the meantime Shandy was able to connect with specialists at the Mayo Clinic where they confirmed the type of cancer and approved of the chemo treatment she is on. For her case she is getting approved for a liver transplant and they are looking into the possibility of surgically removing the cancer. At this point they haven't specifically decided which is the best choice for her treatment plan, but going through the approval process for a liver transplant keeps all options open.
For Shandy’s second round of chemo she was able to go back to Colorado for a short visit during the third week when her blood cell count went back up. Her school had an amazing fundraiser to help raise money to use toward purchasing a wig and paying for travel. It was a nice break for her to reconnect with friends, get back to the mountains of Colorado, and see some blue skies again.
After her third round of chemo, a follow up scan was done to confirm that the chemotherapy is working to reduce the amount of cancer in her liver. There is also a blood test that is done called an AFP blood test that increases with the presence of liver cancer. Her initial AFP count was at 1.2 million and the last test showed that it was down to 66,000.
Shandy is currently finishing her fourth round of chemo and was able to come back to Colorado again to visit for a whole week. When she returns to Minnesota she will go to the Mayo Clinic for a surgical procedure called embolization, where they block the blood supply to the tumor to help it shrink faster. Follow up visits after the procedure will determine the next step in her treatment plan.
We have been so pleased with the care Shandy has been receiving at Children’s Hospital and the Mayo Clinic. Every step of the way they have been collaborating together to determine the best possible solution for her treatment plan.
We appreciate your support, gifts, prayers and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Shandy Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Shandy's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
