Support Carrie's Fight Against Leukemia
Donation protected
Back in August, Carrie received the devastating news that she has leukemia. Since the diagnosis, it has been an extremely trying time as she navigates this new reality which shifts her role on the oncology unit at OHSU from therapist to patient. She has taken on these new challenges with grace and positivity and it would be so wonderful to provide her with some much needed support so she can focus all her energies on her continued treatment and recovery.
Here is her story she wanted to share with you all.
---
Dear friends and family,
In the middle of August I was diagnosed with AML: Acute Myloid Leukemia. A mass in my thigh and extreme pain took me to the emergency room on August 18th. After a blood test to determine a potential cause for my symptoms, I was subsequently diagnosed with blood cancer and admitted to the bone marrow transplant floor at Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital. Coincidentally, this is the floor that I worked on as an occupational therapist for the last seven months. The next day I started intensive chemotherapy, a 24/7 regime for 7 days, and remained in the hospital for continued treatment for 27 days.
This all happened so quickly and completely out of the blue! Except for the mass and pain in my leg, which developed overnight and continued to worsen over a matter of days, I felt healthy and well. AML is an aggressive form of leukemia, but it was caught early and my body has responded very well to this first stage of treatment.
Next steps include a return to the hospital for another round of chemotherapy, in preparation for a bone marrow transplant. The bone marrow transplant is slated for late November and I will be in the hospital for 5 weeks. Upon release, it is recommended that patients have 24/7 support for 3 months and I am planning to stay at my mother’s house. After this time, I plan to return to my home to complete my recover, regain my strength and endurance, and rebuild my life. My oncologist told me to expect extreme fatigue following the transplant and that it is unlikely that I will be able to return to work for a full year. I love my job and this news was and continues to be sobering.
I am hoping to raise $30,000 to cover medical expenses not covered by my health insurance, as well as funds to cover cost of living and mortgage payments while I am recovering and not able to work. It feels like a long road ahead and I am most grateful for all the love and caring that so many have extended during this difficult time.
I appreciate your support immensely.
Love,
Carrie
Here is her story she wanted to share with you all.
---
Dear friends and family,
In the middle of August I was diagnosed with AML: Acute Myloid Leukemia. A mass in my thigh and extreme pain took me to the emergency room on August 18th. After a blood test to determine a potential cause for my symptoms, I was subsequently diagnosed with blood cancer and admitted to the bone marrow transplant floor at Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital. Coincidentally, this is the floor that I worked on as an occupational therapist for the last seven months. The next day I started intensive chemotherapy, a 24/7 regime for 7 days, and remained in the hospital for continued treatment for 27 days.
This all happened so quickly and completely out of the blue! Except for the mass and pain in my leg, which developed overnight and continued to worsen over a matter of days, I felt healthy and well. AML is an aggressive form of leukemia, but it was caught early and my body has responded very well to this first stage of treatment.
Next steps include a return to the hospital for another round of chemotherapy, in preparation for a bone marrow transplant. The bone marrow transplant is slated for late November and I will be in the hospital for 5 weeks. Upon release, it is recommended that patients have 24/7 support for 3 months and I am planning to stay at my mother’s house. After this time, I plan to return to my home to complete my recover, regain my strength and endurance, and rebuild my life. My oncologist told me to expect extreme fatigue following the transplant and that it is unlikely that I will be able to return to work for a full year. I love my job and this news was and continues to be sobering.
I am hoping to raise $30,000 to cover medical expenses not covered by my health insurance, as well as funds to cover cost of living and mortgage payments while I am recovering and not able to work. It feels like a long road ahead and I am most grateful for all the love and caring that so many have extended during this difficult time.
I appreciate your support immensely.
Love,
Carrie
Organizer and beneficiary
Jen S
Organizer
Beaverton, OR
Carrie Birrer
Beneficiary