Band Together For Barbara
Donation protected
On December 17th, 2017 we received news that would change our lives forever. Our incredibly strong mother, Barbara Mielke was diagnosed with brain cancer. We were first told it was an Anaplastic Astrocytoma which is not the worst form but let's be honest, ALL cancer sucks.
Less than one month later, the tumor had rapidly grown and caused a seizure while Barbara was home alone. She arrived at the hospital in respiratory distress. That night, she was admitted into the Neuro-ICU and words can't describe how scared we all were. The steroids to reduce the swelling in her brain were so strong that they would ultimately lead to heart failure. The doctors knew the only option they had was to extract the tumor.
They told us it could be several months before our mom could speak again. After an excrutiating 12 long hours of brain surgery, we were able to see her. We couldn't believe it, Barbara was already talking!!! The next morning she was already awake and sitting in a chair reading when we walked in. Her quick recovery has proved to us that she is a strong willed woman and is determined to fight this battle. She was cleared from the Neuro-ICU less than a day after her surgery (which is absolutely incredible). They quickly transferred her into the acute rehabilitaion center and she was there for about a week. During her stay, she worked with physical and speech therapists until they cleared her to go home.
Laboratory results came back from the extracted tumor and this time Barbara was disgnosed with Glioblastoma. For anyone who doesn't know what that is, it is the most aggressive form of brain cancer. She is currently undergoing radiation and chemotherapy and doing really well. We never knew what bravery was until we saw it in our mother. She has been hitting the gym frequently and has an insane amount of energy!
Most of you know that our mom is a nurse. Barbara loves her job and can't wait to go back to do what she was does best; help other patients. She has been studying every day to try to get back to her normal self. In fact, she has already succeeded in passing a test to renew her license while undergoing treatment. She continues to amaze all of us! We are hopeful that she will be able to return to her position soon.
This came as a shock to all of us. Nobody is prepared for something like this. Unfortunately the medical expenses are extremely high and her being out of work for several months has not helped. Barbara loves her home and we would love nothing more than for her to be able to continue to live there as long as possible. We're asking for donations to help contribute to her bills so that she can remain in the comfort of her own home. Any amount helps, and donations can be made anonymously. No matter what you donate, be it $1 or $1,000, you will always hold a special place in our hearts for at least trying to help our mom. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she continues to find strength during her battle with cancer.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.
Less than one month later, the tumor had rapidly grown and caused a seizure while Barbara was home alone. She arrived at the hospital in respiratory distress. That night, she was admitted into the Neuro-ICU and words can't describe how scared we all were. The steroids to reduce the swelling in her brain were so strong that they would ultimately lead to heart failure. The doctors knew the only option they had was to extract the tumor.
They told us it could be several months before our mom could speak again. After an excrutiating 12 long hours of brain surgery, we were able to see her. We couldn't believe it, Barbara was already talking!!! The next morning she was already awake and sitting in a chair reading when we walked in. Her quick recovery has proved to us that she is a strong willed woman and is determined to fight this battle. She was cleared from the Neuro-ICU less than a day after her surgery (which is absolutely incredible). They quickly transferred her into the acute rehabilitaion center and she was there for about a week. During her stay, she worked with physical and speech therapists until they cleared her to go home.
Laboratory results came back from the extracted tumor and this time Barbara was disgnosed with Glioblastoma. For anyone who doesn't know what that is, it is the most aggressive form of brain cancer. She is currently undergoing radiation and chemotherapy and doing really well. We never knew what bravery was until we saw it in our mother. She has been hitting the gym frequently and has an insane amount of energy!
Most of you know that our mom is a nurse. Barbara loves her job and can't wait to go back to do what she was does best; help other patients. She has been studying every day to try to get back to her normal self. In fact, she has already succeeded in passing a test to renew her license while undergoing treatment. She continues to amaze all of us! We are hopeful that she will be able to return to her position soon.
This came as a shock to all of us. Nobody is prepared for something like this. Unfortunately the medical expenses are extremely high and her being out of work for several months has not helped. Barbara loves her home and we would love nothing more than for her to be able to continue to live there as long as possible. We're asking for donations to help contribute to her bills so that she can remain in the comfort of her own home. Any amount helps, and donations can be made anonymously. No matter what you donate, be it $1 or $1,000, you will always hold a special place in our hearts for at least trying to help our mom. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she continues to find strength during her battle with cancer.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.
Organizer
Krista Mielke
Organizer
Huntington Beach, CA
