CARRIE STRONG BENEFIT

On August 22 2015 Carrie Poor went to Beverly Hospital Emergency because of swelling throughout her body and shortness of breath. They admitted her to the CCU, feeling she was in heart failure.  After 6 units of blood, blood work, Ultarsound, Xray, CT's, and biopsies, Carrie was informed she had MRSA and Cancer.  They continued to treat the MRSA with antibiotics until she was able to be transferred to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston on Labor Day. After more transfusions, antibiotics, blood work, biopsy, CT's and MRI's it was determined that Carrie had an unidentifiable cancer that was mimicking Basal Cell. The cancer was so progressed that it was attacking her right shoulder and arm muscles, joints and bones. Carrie was told that her best chance to be cancer free was to amputate her right arm and remove everything to do with the shoulder. Carrie went into surgery with her positive attitude and being thankful that she was still alive.  On September 30th, Carrie underwent a 9+ hour surgery.  In the true Carrie fashion she rebounded from surgery well and was discharged to go home on October 10th.  Since Carrie has been home, she has amazed her doctors, therapists, friends and family.  She is one determined and inspiring woman.  Carrie is learning how to accomplish everyday tasks with her left hand, things we do without thinking and take for granted.  She will need to learn to write, shower, dress, apply makeup and of course pedicures.  Amazingly, Carrie has already mastered several of them.  But Carrie's battle is far from over.  She will need to have radiation treatment every day for 5-6 weeks and undergo 2 additional surgeries.  Carrie is a true fighter and will kick Cancer's ass!