Rochelle needs us
Donation protected
I have known Rochelle for over 20 years. She saved my life while swimming off the coast in Mexico. I’m showing my gratitude and love. She needs your help.
Rochelle was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer a few months ago. Her surgeon said, “It’s a good Cancer. You are young and healthy and your prognosis is very good, We don’t need to rush your surgery”
Rochelle underwent what was supposed to be a thyroidectomy (removal of her entire Thyroid and any surrounding suspicious nodules) The surgery was supposed to be 4-5 hours and when the surgeon came into the waiting room to talk with me and Rochelle’s sister after 3 hours we knew the surgery didn’t go as planned. They removed only 1/2 of Rochelle’s Thyroid and the cancerous nodules on one side. They also removed 10 lymph nodes in Rochelle’s neck. The concern was the cancer had spread and wrapped around the nerve that controls breathing and speaking. They stopped the surgery before removing her entire thyroid because if permanent damage was done while dissecting and removing the cancer around the nerve she would need a permanent tracheotomy to breathe and speak. They recommended healing and a second surgery to remove the rest of her thyroid and cancer.
She is not able to work or teach now. The test of her laryngal nerve on the side that underwent the surgery showed that the nerve was paralyzed. This results in the feeling of not being able to catch her breath at times. Speaking, laughing and doing both while walking results in the terrifying feeling of not being able to breathe.
She is remaining optimistic and determined. Without income from her full time job and regular teaching jobs there is stress from the costs of co pays for medical bills, the upcoming hospital bills, speech therapy sessions and costs of medications and the healthiest of food to speed her bodies healing before her next surgery. Her goal is to teach again and continue to make and show her art. She needs you. I need you to help with donations and positive thoughts equal to the love and support she’s shown all of us.
Sending big love and gratitude from my dearest friend and her family.
We choose to swim and get through this riptide. We did it once alone. This time we are asking for your help.
Thank you.
With love, gratitude and respect.
Caroline
Rochelle was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer a few months ago. Her surgeon said, “It’s a good Cancer. You are young and healthy and your prognosis is very good, We don’t need to rush your surgery”
Rochelle underwent what was supposed to be a thyroidectomy (removal of her entire Thyroid and any surrounding suspicious nodules) The surgery was supposed to be 4-5 hours and when the surgeon came into the waiting room to talk with me and Rochelle’s sister after 3 hours we knew the surgery didn’t go as planned. They removed only 1/2 of Rochelle’s Thyroid and the cancerous nodules on one side. They also removed 10 lymph nodes in Rochelle’s neck. The concern was the cancer had spread and wrapped around the nerve that controls breathing and speaking. They stopped the surgery before removing her entire thyroid because if permanent damage was done while dissecting and removing the cancer around the nerve she would need a permanent tracheotomy to breathe and speak. They recommended healing and a second surgery to remove the rest of her thyroid and cancer.
She is not able to work or teach now. The test of her laryngal nerve on the side that underwent the surgery showed that the nerve was paralyzed. This results in the feeling of not being able to catch her breath at times. Speaking, laughing and doing both while walking results in the terrifying feeling of not being able to breathe.
She is remaining optimistic and determined. Without income from her full time job and regular teaching jobs there is stress from the costs of co pays for medical bills, the upcoming hospital bills, speech therapy sessions and costs of medications and the healthiest of food to speed her bodies healing before her next surgery. Her goal is to teach again and continue to make and show her art. She needs you. I need you to help with donations and positive thoughts equal to the love and support she’s shown all of us.
Sending big love and gratitude from my dearest friend and her family.
We choose to swim and get through this riptide. We did it once alone. This time we are asking for your help.
Thank you.
With love, gratitude and respect.
Caroline
Organizer and beneficiary
Caroline McColl
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
Rochelle Botello
Beneficiary