Stage 4 Breast Cancer Battle
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For those of you who know my mother Gail, know her incredible strength. For those of you who are not familiar with her battle with breast cancer, here is a history of what she has had to overcome. She was diagnosed with breast cancer over 10 years ago and underwent a double mastectomy in 2003. She has had several surgeries following that diagnosis and currently has stage 4 breast cancer. It has spread to her lymph nodes, bones, and most recently her brain. She had five tumors in her brain and underwent brain surgery to remove two large tumors on June 27th 2014 at U of M where she has indefinite chemotherapy. Surgery went well at first. Two days later she was not responding to her neuro checks and was having difficulty breathing. After finding out there was a lot of swelling and fluid in her brain, they drilled a hole in her head to try and release some of the pressure. When that didn't work she was back in the operating room the following morning. She experienced a complication from surgery and the surgeon removed a blood clot.
Because of the complications she had from surgery, she was in the ICU and in the hospital longer then anticipated. Currently she is home and recovering. She is getting steadier on her feet, and she is improving daily. My step dad Aaron has been by her side since day one. He slept at the hospital and made sure she was well taken care of. Aaron also has cancer and the only income they have is from Social Security. It's difficult and sad to watch them struggle with getting their prescriptions, along with everyday expenses and bills that don't stop for cancer. Money is the last thing they should have to worry about. I know they would never ask anyone for help so I decided to take the initiative.
Throughout the years, not once has my mother complained or showed that she is in pain or hurting. She continues to help others while she can, as she always has. She is the kindest and strongest person I know. She touches everyone she meets with her sense of humor, and her love of life.
If there is one thing I know for sure, it's that life is short, and you should cherish every moment with your loved ones. Together, I'm hoping money is the last thing they will need to
worry about. Every little bit helps!
Because of the complications she had from surgery, she was in the ICU and in the hospital longer then anticipated. Currently she is home and recovering. She is getting steadier on her feet, and she is improving daily. My step dad Aaron has been by her side since day one. He slept at the hospital and made sure she was well taken care of. Aaron also has cancer and the only income they have is from Social Security. It's difficult and sad to watch them struggle with getting their prescriptions, along with everyday expenses and bills that don't stop for cancer. Money is the last thing they should have to worry about. I know they would never ask anyone for help so I decided to take the initiative.
Throughout the years, not once has my mother complained or showed that she is in pain or hurting. She continues to help others while she can, as she always has. She is the kindest and strongest person I know. She touches everyone she meets with her sense of humor, and her love of life.
If there is one thing I know for sure, it's that life is short, and you should cherish every moment with your loved ones. Together, I'm hoping money is the last thing they will need to
worry about. Every little bit helps!
Organizer
Michelle Woiler
Organizer
