Christine Fights Cancer (Again)
Donation protected
Hello, world. My name is Christine and I was diagnosed with Medullary Metastatic Thyroid Cancer, Stage 3, last year at age 29 after an episode where I lost all function in my arms and legs and was placed in the ICU for evaluation. We did a battery of tests and they showed large calcified nodes in my neck region.
I had my first initial FNA biopsy in October of 2017 showing 10-15 tumors in my neck and lymph nodes testing positive for Cancer.
I then underwent heart studies, multiple MRIs, ultrasounds and CT Scans, and genetic testing. Due to the size of my tumors and pressure on my arteries causing the fainting episodes, I was scheduled for emergency surgery a few days later.
We thought all was well until one of my vocal cords became paralyzed and I lost my ability to speak for some time. I am currently working with a speech pathologist to regain the full range of my voice, as I am also a trained opera singer and can no longer sing.
Shortly after surgery, I began to have significant fainting episodes again, some lasting more than two hours. Additional tests were done and it was revealed that I now may have some neurological issues and I also suffered a heart attack some time in late January/Mid February.
All of my chest x-rays and heart ultrasounds showed a perfectly functioning organ, so a PET scan was ordered, more tests and ultrasounds, and they discovered significant tumors in my shoulders, new growth in my neck, my jaw, and the back of my head, most pressing on my internal and external Carotid arteries. My medical team believes the heart attack was due to the sheer stress of the Cancer on my system and the pressure from some of these large tumors.
During this time they also discovered my kidneys beginning to fail and my liver showing significantly reduced function.
I have just been scheduled for emergency surgery on 3/14/18 and have underwent additional testing, blood draws, hospital stays, etc in preparation for a full neck dissection. Hey, I’m gonna look like the Black Hand from The Godfather!
I was working for my dream employer and had to stop work due to the sheer loss of physical ability to function. My partner and friends have had to cook, clean, and help me shower on my hardest days (just the boyfriend, I don’t love my friends THAT much.) I have been exceptionally private about this, as Cancer robs you of your dignity and ability to feel normal.
As you can see from the photos, I look a lot different in just a few months time. I did *not* want to start a campaign as I’m not fond of receiving charity, but losing health coverage and the ability to work has left me in a position where the offers from friends and family are finally making some sense. I’m stubborn, okay? This is all very de-humanizing and embarrassing.
Every penny received will be going towards my rather astronomical surgery bills, my radiation therapy, medications, and dialysis if needed. I believe my bills are now somewhere in the 70-90k range.
I’m used to taking care of myself, but at this point I am considered far away from remission and recovery, so I actually do need help.
I’m including photos of my current medication routine, the tumors removed (NSFW warning!) and the progression of my appearance during hospital stays. Goodbye hair, I will miss you.
Thank you, I love all of you, and please PLEASE consider getting routine cancer screenings. Just your loving words give me the wherewithal to pull myself out of bed and try to face another day.
I had my first initial FNA biopsy in October of 2017 showing 10-15 tumors in my neck and lymph nodes testing positive for Cancer.
I then underwent heart studies, multiple MRIs, ultrasounds and CT Scans, and genetic testing. Due to the size of my tumors and pressure on my arteries causing the fainting episodes, I was scheduled for emergency surgery a few days later.
We thought all was well until one of my vocal cords became paralyzed and I lost my ability to speak for some time. I am currently working with a speech pathologist to regain the full range of my voice, as I am also a trained opera singer and can no longer sing.
Shortly after surgery, I began to have significant fainting episodes again, some lasting more than two hours. Additional tests were done and it was revealed that I now may have some neurological issues and I also suffered a heart attack some time in late January/Mid February.
All of my chest x-rays and heart ultrasounds showed a perfectly functioning organ, so a PET scan was ordered, more tests and ultrasounds, and they discovered significant tumors in my shoulders, new growth in my neck, my jaw, and the back of my head, most pressing on my internal and external Carotid arteries. My medical team believes the heart attack was due to the sheer stress of the Cancer on my system and the pressure from some of these large tumors.
During this time they also discovered my kidneys beginning to fail and my liver showing significantly reduced function.
I have just been scheduled for emergency surgery on 3/14/18 and have underwent additional testing, blood draws, hospital stays, etc in preparation for a full neck dissection. Hey, I’m gonna look like the Black Hand from The Godfather!
I was working for my dream employer and had to stop work due to the sheer loss of physical ability to function. My partner and friends have had to cook, clean, and help me shower on my hardest days (just the boyfriend, I don’t love my friends THAT much.) I have been exceptionally private about this, as Cancer robs you of your dignity and ability to feel normal.
As you can see from the photos, I look a lot different in just a few months time. I did *not* want to start a campaign as I’m not fond of receiving charity, but losing health coverage and the ability to work has left me in a position where the offers from friends and family are finally making some sense. I’m stubborn, okay? This is all very de-humanizing and embarrassing.
Every penny received will be going towards my rather astronomical surgery bills, my radiation therapy, medications, and dialysis if needed. I believe my bills are now somewhere in the 70-90k range.
I’m used to taking care of myself, but at this point I am considered far away from remission and recovery, so I actually do need help.
I’m including photos of my current medication routine, the tumors removed (NSFW warning!) and the progression of my appearance during hospital stays. Goodbye hair, I will miss you.
Thank you, I love all of you, and please PLEASE consider getting routine cancer screenings. Just your loving words give me the wherewithal to pull myself out of bed and try to face another day.
Organizer
Christine Constant
Organizer
Portland, OR
