Susan’s Story

Site created on July 1, 2018

Whoever has spent any time in the company of Susan knows what a truly remarkable person she is. She spends every day of her life making sure those around her feel God’s love. She is always the first person to offer to help others around her out.  Susan is an incredible wife to Rodney, mother and mother-in-law to Joshua & Jessica, Noah & Kayleigh, Elijah, and John, and grandmother to Cooper.

Susan’s cancer journey began in August 2015, with the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Susan had been feeling uncomfortable and was getting sick, so she decided to visit the doctor. It was found that Susan had large masses on both ovaries, as well as in her abdomen. Surgery was completed and Susan then began her first round of chemotherapy. As expected, Susan experienced many side effects of the chemotherapy, but she relentlessly continued to pray and stay positive. In February 2016, after attacking the cancer for several months, Susan’s cancer numbers were considered low enough to no longer treat with chemotherapy. This meant that Susan could begin to figure out her new “normal” and what that meant for every day life. Up until this time, Susan has maintained a relatively healthy life, and had never worried about how her health might affect her on a daily basis. However, she had many things to look forward to during this time such as the wedding of one of her sons and the birth of her first grandchild. Susan went back to showering the greater Toledo area with bagels and God’s presence.  

In July 2017, Susan began to feel some of the same symptoms that she had originally felt, and it was revealed that the cancer had significantly spread with masses throughout her abdomen. It was a scary time for Susan and her family, as they got a taste of the true battle that was ahead of them. Susan was not eligible for surgery, as it was too widely spread through her abdomen and would not be safe or effective. She was also not a candidate for radiation therapy. Through the guidance of her doctors, Susan began another chemotherapy regimen that was a different combination than the first round. It was during this time that Susan was told the cancer would never truly go away, and that the goal would be to shrink or maintain the size of the masses, and keep them from spreading to the vital organs. Her body responded nicely to the therapy after several months, and she was able to eventually transition to oral chemotherapy. This helped her maintain a more “normal” lifestyle without having to go to the hospital every week for treatment. Susan enjoyed being able to travel to Columbus to visit her son in college, as well as watch her youngest son graduate from high school.

In June 2018, like previous times, Susan could tell that something was not right with her body. After a few tests, it was discovered that not only was the cancer throughout her entire abdomen, there was also a new large mass in her pelvis. Susan’s cancer was found to be gaining ground quickly. It was decided that she would start a new round of chemotherapy to keep the masses now found on her organs, from overtaking them. While Susan is saddened by the news, she knows she is ready for this fight. With God and her family by her side every step of the way; she will begin her chemotherapy at the end of July. 

Susan’s positivity is greatly encouraged by kind words and prayers from those around her. With all her loved ones and friends spread throughout the country, it has begun to be a daunting task for her to inform everyone each time there is an update to her health. Her family will be using this site to keep all of her prayer warriors and friends up to date with her battle. Please feel free to comment with words of support and encouragement for her to read along the way.

Newest Update

Got Blood?

Journal entry by Kayleigh Lucas —

Hi Everyone-
It's been about while since we've done an update on Susan, but we wanted to make sure everyone was on the same page, as well as challenge everyone to a task!

Susan has been getting IV chemo for a while now, which definitely has been more difficult on her body than her previous oral medications. Throughout the treatments however, Susan has been blessed with less pain and being able to keep up with the regular routine of life for the most part. Her chemo routine currently is three weeks of chemo, and then one week of rest. Susan has been able to visit family during her weeks of rest, as well as work. It has been her continued prayer that even if the cancer doesn't go away, her pain will stay at bay and her life minimally affected. While her cancer numbers continue to be on the upward trend, Susan's spirits remain high, she is positive this journey will not only bring her closer to God, but those around her as well. 

Recently during her treatments, it has been noted that her blood work has been on the downward trend, with her hemoglobin and platelets falling greatly. Unfortunately, these components are what give Susan the energy needed to carry out her every day life. Due to this, Susan is getting a blood transfusion tomorrow in hopes that her body will respond positively and her energy will be back up. Susan is very excited about this because she has had great results during previous treatments and this will set her up nicely going into her week off where she plans to travel to Boston for a family trip.

Susan would like to thank all of you who routinely give blood...by doing that, you're giving people life and helping them. As simple of a task as it is, it changes the world for Susan and gives her life and energy when she is feeling so low. If you're not a donor, or it's been a very long time since you've donated, we challenge you to sign up for a blood drive or contact your local blood donation center to see how you can help out. Everyone always asks what they can do to help, and this is something that not only helps Susan, but also helps others in the same situation. If you're unable to donate for whatever reason, we ask that you join Susan and her family in continued prayer that treatment is effective and she is able to live her life to the fullest. And as always, whenever you see the color teal lift up Susan's name!
#tealtuesday #susansencouragers
Read More of the journal titled "Got Blood?"
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Susan Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Susan's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Leave a comment of support for Susan

Did you know? A quick comment, no matter the situation (positive or negative), can boost morale by 28.2%.

Comments Hide comments

Load more comments
Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser
Support Links
Helpful Requests
Go to Ways to Help
SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top