Tammy’s Story

Site created on April 19, 2018

At the first of the year, Tammy was experiencing back pain. Thinking it was just simply sore muscles or a pinched nerve she thought she would “tough it out” and deal with the pain. Over the course of a few months, the back pain was getting worse and worse so she went to the doctor to try to figure out what was wrong. Eventually, an X-ray was done and it was found that her L1 vertebra had a compound fracture. The doctors thought that it was strange that her vertebra was fractured because she hadn’t had any traumatic injury. More tests were needed and Tammy was admitted in to the hospital on Wednesday April 11th for her back pain as it was progressively getting worse. After multiple tests the doctors ended up finding a mass in her left lung on April 12th and did a biopsy. The results from that biopsy came back as inconclusive and decided to do a biopsy of her L1 vertebra.


On Wednesday, April 18th the results came back as lung cancer that has spread to her bone.


Tammy started 5 days worth of radiation on Wednesday, April 18th. As of Sunday, April 22nd, she finished her last round of radiation. Currently, the biopsy from her L1 vertebra is at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN to get a complete work up done so we are able figure out exactly what we are working with and to figure out what the next form of chemo will be done.


Once Tammy’s pain is under control, she will be able to go home.


Any and all prayers, positive thoughts, and well wishes are greatly appreciated. Thank you to everyone who had already shared their well wishes.

Newest Update

Thank You

Journal entry by Lauran Johnson —

Hey everyone! Now that the dust has started to settle a little bit here, I just wanted to jump on here one last time. 

Where do I even begin? The last ten months or so have been a roller coaster to say the least. We went through surgeries, treatments, had good news, had bad news, had bad days, and had good days. Through it all, we have had AMAZING support from our family, friends, and all of you. 

Going through something as earth shattering as cancer, can be hard. However, knowing that we had so many warriors praying, thinking, checking up on us, and just in general being there for us in what ever capacity, is truly humbling. I honestly don’t think we would have been able to handle any of the news or even the unfortunate outcome without the support from everyone. 

Seeing all of the love and support at mom’s visitation and funeral and all of the love and support we have received since mom passing, really does warm our hearts. 

Mom was truly a “life of the party”, kind hearted, spunky lady who touched many people’s life’s in ways that we are just now figuring out. Even though it is hard not having her here and that we miss her like crazy, we know that she isn’t in pain anymore. Knowing that gives us a little peace. But it is going to take time for us to start our new normal. Day by day we are getting there though. 

Long story short, we (dad, brother, and myself) would like to thank everyone for everything they have done. Whether it was making a meal, praying for us, sending flowers, visiting mom, sending a note or two, or simply letting us know that we were in your thoughts. It honestly and truly is humbling. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without you. 

Thank you, 
Collin, Lauran, & Eric 
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