Support Amanda
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When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. Isaiah 43:2. This is a verse that is special to Amanda, especially during this time. She repeats it multiple times a day to remind her that no matter what she is going through, God is with her.
Amanda started out the summer excited about graduating from her DNP program (to be a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner) in a year, having a little time to relax between semesters, and working extra in Kidney Dialysis. Never in her wildest dreams did she think her summer would end up like this!
Timeline of what has happened so far:
May 26 - Amanda went to see an OB/GYN due to abnormal bleeding. At that time a routine physical was done which was normal so the decision was made to come back for a transvaginal ultrasound to confirm what was most likely polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
June 7 - After seeing multiple abnormalities on the transvaginal ultrasound including a thickened uterine lining and cysts on both ovaries (very large cysts on the left), an endometrial biopsy and CA 125 lab test were completed. The CA 125 is an ovarian cancer tumor marker and thankfully came back within normal ranges. The biopsy results were initially inconclusive and after consult with Mayo Clinic it was determined to be complex atypical hyperplasia. Complex atypical hyperplasia is abnormal cells of the uterine lining that can become cancer if not taken care of. It was decided that an exploratory laparoscopy, D&C, and ovarian cyst removal was the next step.
June 23 - The D&C provided a larger, more complete sample of the uterine lining and was sent to pathology. The cysts on the left ovary were too large to save the ovary, so it was removed. A biopsy was done of the cyst on the right ovary. Due to the abnormalities of her case and per her doctor in Aberdeen she was referred to Dr. Rojas, a gynecology oncologist, in Sioux Falls for further management.
July 8 – Dr. Rojas’ entire team was very thorough and reviewed Amanda’s entire case with her to ensure they had all of the correct information. While speaking with Dr. Rojas it felt that he and Amanda were on two different pages and it was revealed that Amanda has uterine cancer. This diagnosis had come back from the D&C she had done in June but the results were never shared with her in their entirety. After discussing some of the options, he recommended that she see Dr. Von Wald, a reproductive endocrinologist at Sanford to discuss fertility options. This is because the most common and safest treatment of uterine cancer is to do a total hysterectomy and remove both ovaries. Dr. Rojas also wanted to review all of the pathology from St. Luke’s and discuss her case in the tumor conference that occurs once a month with his partners. At the tumor conference they discuss unique cases, which Amanda falls into as most women diagnosed with uterine cancer are postmenopausal and Amanda is only 30.
July 26 - Amanda met with Dr. Von Wald for the first time. They discussed all the fertility options, drew labs, and obtained a transvaginal ultrasound. She also had an MRI that day to monitor cancer invasion into other tissues.
July 28 - Dr. Rojas and Amanda met via teleconference and he said the MRI showed that there is not invasion of the cancer into other tissues or organs. Leading them to feel that it is likely a grade 1 cancer that is contained to the uterus.
July 29 - Amanda met with Dr. McHale, a hematologist, because previously she had been diagnosed with a clotting disorder. A clotting disorder would have increased her likelihood of getting a blood clot during fertility treatments. Fortunately Dr. McHale ruled out the clotting disorder. After meeting with Dr. McHale she met with Dr. Von Wald again. It was decided to proceed with egg retrieval and freezing at this time and then she will have a hysterectomy a couple of weeks following the egg retrieval. Due to her diagnosis of cancer, she is at an increased risk of getting a blood clot, so she will need to do Lovenox shots with her fertility injections.
What is coming up:
Fertility injections, egg retrieval & freezing - The ovary stimulation portion of the egg retrieval process will take 2-3 weeks. Amanda will receive two fertility injections and one Lovenox shot per day. The medications cost $2,500-5,000 and the rest of the fertility process totals over $9,000. Luckily Amanda qualified for the LIVESTRONG Fertility program and all of her fertility medications are covered and she is able to receive a discounted price on the remaining fertility services. That being said, the remaining balance is due upfront, prior to the egg retrieval in a few short weeks. Even with the discounted price, she will likely be facing over $5,000 for fertility costs alone because South Dakota is not mandated to cover fertility treatments, even in a situation such as this.
Hysterectomy - A hysterectomy will occur a couple of weeks following the egg retrieval, likely the end of August or beginning weeks of September. The only curative measure for uterine cancer is to remove the uterus. It is also recommended to remove both ovaries. However, Dr. Rojas will examine the remaining right ovary during surgery and if it appears okay, he will not remove it to prevent her from going immediately into menopause at age 30. Following her hysterectomy she will be admitted to the hospital in Sioux Falls for at least one day and will then have at least 6-8 weeks off of work. The need for radiation and/or chemotherapy will be determined based upon what her uterus looks like during surgery. In true Amanda fashion, she has been able to find a couple positives about the time she will have off work: cheering for the Cubs, Packers, and Blackhawks with minimal interruptions! Her Netflix account will get a good workout as well!
Follow up appointments - Multiple trips have already been made to Sioux Falls, with numerous trips needed in the coming weeks and months.
How you can help:
The first and most important way that you can help is to pray for Amanda during this time. Pray for peace during this difficult time, wisdom in all the decisions that need to be made, and strength to get through all of this.
You can also give financially to help offset the medical expenses that have already accrued and will continue to accumulate.
Romans 8:28 says that God works all things for the good of those who love Him. While it’s hard to see the good in this situation, Amanda knows that God is using this for her good and His glory. Thank you so much for your support of Amanda in all of this! She and her kitty, Olive appreciate it!
Amanda started out the summer excited about graduating from her DNP program (to be a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner) in a year, having a little time to relax between semesters, and working extra in Kidney Dialysis. Never in her wildest dreams did she think her summer would end up like this!
Timeline of what has happened so far:
May 26 - Amanda went to see an OB/GYN due to abnormal bleeding. At that time a routine physical was done which was normal so the decision was made to come back for a transvaginal ultrasound to confirm what was most likely polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
June 7 - After seeing multiple abnormalities on the transvaginal ultrasound including a thickened uterine lining and cysts on both ovaries (very large cysts on the left), an endometrial biopsy and CA 125 lab test were completed. The CA 125 is an ovarian cancer tumor marker and thankfully came back within normal ranges. The biopsy results were initially inconclusive and after consult with Mayo Clinic it was determined to be complex atypical hyperplasia. Complex atypical hyperplasia is abnormal cells of the uterine lining that can become cancer if not taken care of. It was decided that an exploratory laparoscopy, D&C, and ovarian cyst removal was the next step.
June 23 - The D&C provided a larger, more complete sample of the uterine lining and was sent to pathology. The cysts on the left ovary were too large to save the ovary, so it was removed. A biopsy was done of the cyst on the right ovary. Due to the abnormalities of her case and per her doctor in Aberdeen she was referred to Dr. Rojas, a gynecology oncologist, in Sioux Falls for further management.
July 8 – Dr. Rojas’ entire team was very thorough and reviewed Amanda’s entire case with her to ensure they had all of the correct information. While speaking with Dr. Rojas it felt that he and Amanda were on two different pages and it was revealed that Amanda has uterine cancer. This diagnosis had come back from the D&C she had done in June but the results were never shared with her in their entirety. After discussing some of the options, he recommended that she see Dr. Von Wald, a reproductive endocrinologist at Sanford to discuss fertility options. This is because the most common and safest treatment of uterine cancer is to do a total hysterectomy and remove both ovaries. Dr. Rojas also wanted to review all of the pathology from St. Luke’s and discuss her case in the tumor conference that occurs once a month with his partners. At the tumor conference they discuss unique cases, which Amanda falls into as most women diagnosed with uterine cancer are postmenopausal and Amanda is only 30.
July 26 - Amanda met with Dr. Von Wald for the first time. They discussed all the fertility options, drew labs, and obtained a transvaginal ultrasound. She also had an MRI that day to monitor cancer invasion into other tissues.
July 28 - Dr. Rojas and Amanda met via teleconference and he said the MRI showed that there is not invasion of the cancer into other tissues or organs. Leading them to feel that it is likely a grade 1 cancer that is contained to the uterus.
July 29 - Amanda met with Dr. McHale, a hematologist, because previously she had been diagnosed with a clotting disorder. A clotting disorder would have increased her likelihood of getting a blood clot during fertility treatments. Fortunately Dr. McHale ruled out the clotting disorder. After meeting with Dr. McHale she met with Dr. Von Wald again. It was decided to proceed with egg retrieval and freezing at this time and then she will have a hysterectomy a couple of weeks following the egg retrieval. Due to her diagnosis of cancer, she is at an increased risk of getting a blood clot, so she will need to do Lovenox shots with her fertility injections.
What is coming up:
Fertility injections, egg retrieval & freezing - The ovary stimulation portion of the egg retrieval process will take 2-3 weeks. Amanda will receive two fertility injections and one Lovenox shot per day. The medications cost $2,500-5,000 and the rest of the fertility process totals over $9,000. Luckily Amanda qualified for the LIVESTRONG Fertility program and all of her fertility medications are covered and she is able to receive a discounted price on the remaining fertility services. That being said, the remaining balance is due upfront, prior to the egg retrieval in a few short weeks. Even with the discounted price, she will likely be facing over $5,000 for fertility costs alone because South Dakota is not mandated to cover fertility treatments, even in a situation such as this.
Hysterectomy - A hysterectomy will occur a couple of weeks following the egg retrieval, likely the end of August or beginning weeks of September. The only curative measure for uterine cancer is to remove the uterus. It is also recommended to remove both ovaries. However, Dr. Rojas will examine the remaining right ovary during surgery and if it appears okay, he will not remove it to prevent her from going immediately into menopause at age 30. Following her hysterectomy she will be admitted to the hospital in Sioux Falls for at least one day and will then have at least 6-8 weeks off of work. The need for radiation and/or chemotherapy will be determined based upon what her uterus looks like during surgery. In true Amanda fashion, she has been able to find a couple positives about the time she will have off work: cheering for the Cubs, Packers, and Blackhawks with minimal interruptions! Her Netflix account will get a good workout as well!
Follow up appointments - Multiple trips have already been made to Sioux Falls, with numerous trips needed in the coming weeks and months.
How you can help:
The first and most important way that you can help is to pray for Amanda during this time. Pray for peace during this difficult time, wisdom in all the decisions that need to be made, and strength to get through all of this.
You can also give financially to help offset the medical expenses that have already accrued and will continue to accumulate.
Romans 8:28 says that God works all things for the good of those who love Him. While it’s hard to see the good in this situation, Amanda knows that God is using this for her good and His glory. Thank you so much for your support of Amanda in all of this! She and her kitty, Olive appreciate it!
Organiser and beneficiary
Bethany Brooks
Organiser
Aberdeen, SD
Amanda Banker
Beneficiary