Bridget Boothe's Cancer Journey

Message from Bridget:

First off, I want to say thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart. I did not expect such an outpouring of love and support and you all have no idea how much that means to me and how grateful I am for each and every one of you for your shares and very generous donations.

On January 24, 2023 I was diagnosed with (CML) Chronic Myeloid Leukemia a rare form of blood cancer . My life is changed forever. Thankfully, CML can be managed but it can not be cured. This is a disease I will learn to live with and be treated for indefinitely.

Since this started I have been in the ER 3x, had to have fluids at the cancer center. I see my oncologist every 2 weeks , I had a bone marrow biopsy and aspiration on February 17, 2023 , started very expensive treatments on February 7th.

A family with lots of bills, and now medical bills rolling in indefinitely, I am asking for your help. I hope to be able to afford the best care so I can be here for my husband, an kids and family a long time. I also hope to not put any financial burden on my loved ones because I was diagnosed with cancer.

The medication I am on, Sprycel, is a very strong drug developed to target the specific cancer cells at a molecular level that cause the type of leukemia that I have. I am currently on one of the highest doses available (there is only one higher dose, which is rarely prescribed) because the doctors feel that it will help me achieve a stronger and deeper response that will hopefully allow me to live a long time without my cancer progressing to a more aggressive stage.

My very 1st oncologist appointment Dr. Sheela believed I had a rare form of blood cancer, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia because of prior testing from my family doctor . She told me they were going to send my blood out to be tested and that the results should be back in 2 weeks. I cried for three days thinking I was going to leave my husband and kids, and family .

Forgive me if I’ve been less responsive and harder to connect with. I am going through different emotions and it’s frustrating and upsetting when all I want is to be a normal 33-year-old and a healthy wife, mom, and daughter Also, with all of these doctor’s appointments and procedures, comes more medical bills. It's a lot to take in. My insurance isn't wanting to cooperate so right now I owe close to $18,000 just in medical bills from December til now, I have applied for Medicaid and I am waiting for a response back from the department of social services to let me know if I qualify for Medicaid.

Thank you for your continued support in prayer, positive thoughts, sending love, and of course your generous donations and shares. We love you all.

Thank you for reading my story and helping us stay afloat during this difficult time.

#BootheStrongLeukemiaWarrior

#leukemiawarrior

#cmlife

I am Lisa Boothe and Bridget is my son’s wife. I’ve started this Go Fund Me account in the hopes of helping with Bridget’s medicine, medical care, and travel to and from the drs.

What is Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)? CML is a cancer of the white blood cells. In CML blast cells or immature white blood cells form and multiply uncontrollably. They crowd out all of the other types of necessary blood cells. CML is caused by a genetic mutation. Doctors do not know what causes the initial mutation. There are three phases of CML: Chronic, Accelerated, and Blastic. Bridget is currently in the chronic stage but that could change with the bone marrow biopsy. Her survival depends on the phase/stage, age, overall health, platelet counts, whether her spleen is enlarged and the amount of bone marrow damage she has from the leukemia. Having said that Bridget's outlook is optimistic and we hope the medicine she is taking will begin to move her numbers to a point where her illness is not as serious or is more controlled.

If you would like to assist with their financial burden any donation would be greatly appreciated. All funds raised will go directly to Bridget's medical expenses including medicine, hospital and doctor visits, travel to and from the cancer center or other doctor or hospital.

On behalf of Bridget, Cole, and her family we appreciate the outpouring of love, prayers and support shown over the past few weeks and in the future.