Ashley's Cancer Recovery

Last summer, Ashley had a lump on her jawline biopsied and it came back positive for, at the time, 'low grade' salivary gland cancer. Trying to schedule surgery, insurance denied us a handful of times/places before we were finally put in touch with the incredible team of doctors, nurses, specialists, etc. at University of Chicago Medicine. However leading up to this, the tumor on her jaw grew considerably, and the cancer has spread to lungs, and is no longer 'low grade.' 

What we are dealing with is adenoid cystic carcinoma - ACC is a rare type of cancer that forms in glandular tissues most commonly in the head and neck, but it can also begin in other areas. 

On January 8th, her birthday, we had the tumor removed, a procedure that resulted in partial facial paralysis. As of Feb 28th, we completed 3 weeks of radiation on the face and neck region. 5 days a week in Chicago. Next is a lung biopsy, (March 6). We will know more about what's next soon, the hope is we get to avoid chemo for now and it hasn't grown too much, or at all. 

Throughout all this, Ashley has not been able to work. With this fundraiser, the money will be used to supplement income, put dents in the debt we've been working to pay off, and go towards the inevitable medical bills. 

Any shares and/or donations would mean the world to the both of us and our 6 kids. (5 cats, 1 human) 

I will update when we hear more and also to add links of things I am selling as well! 

Thanks again so much.

Mike and Ashley