There were login issues to the previous LFEBridge and it has since been closed. We were encouraged to make a new one, so here it is: Our original post: Our sister Donna has received a terminal cancer diagnosis. Our family is heartbroken and we appreciate the love and support everyone has shown during this time. She is suffering from both bone and spinal cancer. She has another opinion this week and more scans to give us a better time frame and see if there are any treatment options that can be explored. Her specific diagnosis are: Spinal Metastasis and Osteosarcoma We will post an update with more information after her next appointment. Disability is going to take 8-12 months to kick in for her and we want to make sure she is comfortable financially. And so our mom doesn’t have to worry about the finances as well. Donna has moved back home and we want them both to have as little stress as possible so Donna can focus on spending time with everyone she loves. We know we are not at this point yet, but with it being a terminal diagnosis, we want to make sure the memorial costs are also covered so our mom doesn’t have to burden that. Donna wants to make sure everyone knows how grateful she is for all of the love and support she, and our family have received already during this time. She has amazing people in her life and we all are so appreciative already for that. The last update: I received my Dartmouth call and got to talk with the doctors and my advocate and ask questions as well. Essentially the initial diagnosis still stands and there are no new options. The tumor in my spine is growing at the rate they had anticipated and has not sped up any. The damage to surrounding muscle and tissue is as it was and won’t show more significant damage for another 6-10 months they said. Because of the location they are sticking with what they said initially in regards to treatment. Both radiation and surgery have a severely high rate of causing paralysis. My current doctors and the doctors they sent the scans to are in agreement that both radiation and surgery are not an option for me at this point. In regards to repeat scans I will go every two months, or if I experience any significant changes. I am able to drive and travel up until that 6-10 months hits and then that will be reevaluated. I can go every month if I want, but they and I agreed there is no reason to go more frequently if everything is staying on the same track in regards to the growth rates of the tumor. I can’t say enough how grateful my family and I are for how gracious and supportive everyone has been. My heart is so overwhelmed in the best way with how much love I’ve received during this time. I will never be able to thank everyone enough for what they have done for my family and I. I truly don’t know what I would’ve done if this had happened at any other point in my life. The amount of friendships, support and family I have in my life right now is truly incredible. I am so thankful for every single person I have close to me. And grateful for those friends of the past and family friends who have also been reaching out. Our small town community amazes me every time everyone pulls together, and I have no words for how amazing it’s been to be on the receiving end of that. Everyone’s words, thoughts, prayers and donations all mean so much. I do understand truly how hard this is for everyone to grasp, or (for a lack of a better term) “believe this” is happening. I know that I don’t “look sick” and probably won’t for at least a couple or few months. But this is real, and this is terminal. I’ve dealt with health issues my whole life and have been in pain 24/7 for as long as I can remember. I have always, and will continue to put on a brave face and push forward. I’ve been sick for a long time, and the severity of it will never change how strong I choose to be. I would rather cry because I’m laughing too hard, instead of just curling up in a ball and crying. Thank you again, from myself and my family to everyone. Venmo: donnajeanm
Artículos relacionados
