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Help Amber Fight Cancer

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On March 28, 2014, Amber was diagnosed with a very rare form of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid cancer. This type of cancer accounts for only 3-4% of all thyroid cancers. By the time most people are diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer, they are already stage IV, as is the case with Amber. Because this cancer is so rare, and only a handful of doctors are experts in medullary thyroid cancer, Amber and her family decided it was in her best interest to go to MD Anderson in Houston to be seen by the top doctors in this field.
     On July 15, Amber underwent a 4-hour surgery, which included a thyroidectomy and bilateral neck dissection. The surgery was more extensive than the surgeon had anticipated. The cancer had escaped the lymph nodes and the surgeon had to work diligently to remove all traces of cancer in Amber’s neck.

     On top of all of this, Amber learned through a needle biopsy that the cancer has spread to her sternum. Unfortunately, medullary thyroid cancer does not respond to radioactive iodine therapy or traditional chemo like other types of thyroid cancer. They call this the "watch and wait" cancer. Amber will travel to MD Anderson 2-3 times a year for blood work, ultrasounds, CAT scans, and MRI’s to monitor the growth of the tumors and check for new ones. If the time comes and the tumors are growing rapidly, targeted therapy chemo drugs can be used to slow the growth. Radiation therapy is also an option for some types of tumors. Unfortunately, neither is a cure and Amber will live with this cancer for the rest of her life.
     As you can imagine, medical bills are piling up. Travel expenses and hotel accommodations are a definite part of their future. On top of all of this, Amber has had to take unpaid leave from work and has yet to return do to the extent of her surgery. Please consider making a contribution to support Amber, her husband Wayne, and their two young children as they travel down this unexpected path God has laid out for them. Above all, please pray for this family.

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Donations 

  • David & Leah
    • $25 
    • 9 yrs
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Organizer

Amber 'Ashlock' Cates
Organizer
Lubbock, TX

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