3rd Time is a Charm- Kicking Cancer's Ass!
Donation protected
Hello Everyone!
As most of you remember, my sister, Amanda (LSHS people know her as Amanda Hackett), has been battling cancer for the last two years. Turns out she has a rare type of Hodgkins Lymphoma that grows rapidly. Faster than any of the treatments she has received can keep up.
After her first round of Chemo, she was told that the masses in her lungs had not stopped growing and that the next step was to try a round of radiation. She completed that in December of 2019. In March, she was rescanned and found out at that point that the cancer had continued to grow. The radiation slowed it down but it was still growing!
Her doctors were pretty stumped as they have not had a case where the reoccurrence was so rapid for the type of cancer that she has. The doctors explained her best course at this point would be to do a Stem Cell Transplant. In basic terms they want to blast her immune system and basically demolish it so that it can rebuild itself from scratch and hopefully rectify the growth of the cancer cells.
Prior to being ready for the transplant she had to start a stronger chemo, have several procedures/surgery to install ports (she had to also drain fluid surrounding her heart) and be rescanned. The doctors feared if the cancer keeps growing they weren't going to be able to complete the transplant collection and eventually the actual transplant. After finishing up chemo and completing her last scan before the next phase she was told they were successful in pushing her cancer into remission.
Today June 22nd, is her first day in the process of the transplant phase and her 30th Birthday, a huge milestone for her (all around)! Today, they start the extraction of the stem cells. Once they have collected enough over the next 3 days, they will be administering the medicine to begin the process of destroying her immune system and she will have another round of Chemo starting July 7th for about a week and then July 13th is her transplant day!
After her transplant she is only allowed to be around her doctors and one caretaker for a minimum of 30 days. They must stay no more than 30 minutes away from the hospital, typically they have a facility that they house patients in, however, due to COVID-19 the facility has been closed to new patients and they are required to find lodging and of course insurance does not cover this portion. Her facility recommends an apartment nearby also meant for patients.
This year has been extremely trying for her and her family not only, mentally, physically, emotionally but financially. Her husband, Reese, was working two jobs up until COVID and was recently furloughed. He will be with their two sons during the 30 day quarantine period. As we have said before it is always humbling and difficult to ask for help especially since this has been a financially trying time for many people. We appreciate any help that may be offered and we extremely appreciate that if you cannot donate that you can share!
The funds will be used mostly for Lodging, traveling, food and medical costs incurred during this time.
Take Care Everyone!
Co-organizers (2)
Umieko Lowe
Organizer
Lake Stevens, WA
Amanda Shelton
Beneficiary
Amanda Shelton
Co-organizer