Cassandra Fontana

I am putting this together for my mother. She has dedicated her whole life to children. At almost 40yrs old we are losing my Down’s syndrome sister to Cancer. The last update from two weeks ago, since she has progressed downwards. Time doesn’t seem to be on our side. I just want to help make it easier on my mother who hasn’t been to work because she has devoted every moment to Cassie. Unfortunately the bills don’t stop. Here’s that update:

Cassie Update:

I don't even know where to start this post so bear with me if I seem scattered. As you know Cassie completed 6 inpatient chemo treatments of Carboplatin followed by 6 of Taxol for her first recurrence of her ovarian cancer. Problem is she had metastasis to her inguinal lymph nodes....followed by skin metastasis to her left abdomen, groin, and thigh. The chemo worked on the insides and we were doing 30 treatments of radiation to her affected area. After that we were to start on home chemo maintenance of only 2 pills a day of Lymparza. Well, we got through 26 of them...

Last Wed at radiation during transfer to the table she passed out. She has fallen 3 times previously and the doctor ran a stat CT scan which revealed at least 16 cancer lesions in her brain. 9 in the cerebellum and 7 in the frontal parietal regions. (I'm sorry for those that are not medical but I have a lot of med friends on here...bear with me). Since there was swelling on the brain, we started her on Decadron 4mg three times a day for three days....then to drop to twice a day....Friday night she had a very bad seizure as I was transferring her off the toilet with loss of bowel etc.

Sunday she had 8 seizures....honestly it was so sad to see her go through it. Thankfully family had come here and I had help to get her through it. Talking to a nurse friend that is the director of hospice told me to double her Decadron til I could reach someone.

On Monday, I went to see the scan for myself...it was horrid...they are everywhere. Due to seizures, she started her on Keppra....I really hope it works! Talked at great length with the physician and she offered radiation to her brain but one of the side effects is seizures itself as that is exactly what I am trying to stop. The radiation would buy her 3 months. It also would make her extremely weak for about 8 weeks.....and take her hair away again...hardly worth it for an extra 3 months.....not to mention the face mask and tying her down so she can't move. I love her hair is growing back in and she has eyelashes and eyebrows again. Petty I know, but it brings her back to me the way she was....

Yesterday we took a family trip to the Columbia Zoo.....she had 5 seizures yesterday but we made it....and have a beautiful memory and a great family pic from it! I'm sure you've seen some already but will try to get some more posted. Thanks to my daughter in law....although feeding the giraffes was closed, she went and told them and they opened just for Cassie....We had to support her arm but she was able to feed "Charlie" tons of lettuce and enjoyed it immensely!!

Soooooo.....tomorrow we will be admitted to hospice (in our home)......For now, I am taking her to see her beloved Dr. Puls for the last time.....Will catch up with you all later.

Please pray for my family for strength....I know where Cassie is going with no doubts.....Love to you all.....

Thank you all for considering our family in these tough times.