Amanda Russell_Gathering

Amanda has been battling a rare form of primary liver cancer called Fibrolamellar Hepactocellular Carcinoma (FHC) for nearly five years. On Friday July 25th 2014, Amanda went in for her 4 month follow up CT Scan. After her scan, we had an appointment to discuss the results. Our oncologist told us that things didn't look good. This is very difficult to write about. 

At Amanda's last scan in March, there was no sign of visible tumor. Since then, the cancer has kicked into overdrive. It has grown and spread. She now has approximately 14 tumors within both of her lungs and several clusters of tumors on her liver. In addition, there are more swollen lymph nodes near her previous surgery site. This is causing her back pain and the pain is daily. Among pain, Amanda fights with fatigue, chronic nausea, difficulty with digestion, depression, and anxiety. She has been told that this is what she can expect as her disease progresses. As you can imagine, we are heart broken. We can only begin to express the emotions we are experiencing; grief, pain, and most of all fear.

Currently there is no cure and surgery is no longer an option due to the extreme amount of tumors. The only option we have left is to get systemetic treatment. There are no traditional chemotheraphies that this rare cancer responds to. Amanda has joined a clinical trial in Boston in order to have a chance at saving her life.

This is where you all come in. We have set up this page to collect donations to make her life saving treatment happen. We can't do this without your help. The funds will go towards traveling expenses, parking, food, gas and lodging going to and from Boston, missed time from work; mortgage, medical costs not covered by insurance, just to name a few. 

We love Amanda very dearly and we can't imagine life without her. This is our only hope. Please help us.

Much love,

Amanda & Kelly

PS: If you would like to read about Amanda's five year fight, check out the update section.