Donate to Caroline's Lifesaving Cancer Treatment

On Thanksgiving Day, Caroline finished a 10-day antibiotic series that had been prescribed for what was thought to be a sinus infection. She had several lymph nodes on her neck that had been swollen and bothersome, and saw no improvement with the treatment.

At urgent care in OKC, she was encouraged to see a provider closer to home. Back in Wedowee on 11/30, she went to the emergency room where they conducted a CT and bloodwork, after which she was referred to oncology.

On 12/4, she saw an oncologist at Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton. He told us that, based on the CT and bloodwork results, he suspected lymphoma. She had a PET scan on 12/5 that showed concerns in her neck and chest. Her initial CT also showed a lesion on her lung.

On 12/12, Tanner performed a biopsy on a node in her neck. During her biopsy, the medical team noted her oxygen levels being low. There was discussion of admittance, but she was sent home afterward.

Her breathing difficulties and the pressure in her chest continued, and by the date of her follow-up oncology appointment on 12/18, she was unable to perform basic functions without losing all breath. Her oncologist sent her to the ER for testing to determine what was causing her respiratory distress. Another CT and ECHO later, we were informed that Caroline had fluid surrounding her heart and lungs. We also learned that the lesion on her lung had grown substantially and was not only wrapped around artery, but also pushing her trachea closed.

Tanner’s surgical team got her into the OR immediately to place a chest tube for the fluid around her heart, and the same evening came to the conclusion that they could not meet her medical needs at their facility. She was transferred to Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta in the wee hours of 12/19, where she was quickly put on ECMO to supply oxygen to her body and received an additional two chest tubes to alleviate the fluid from her lungs. The next day a tracheal stent was put in to reopen her airway.

Over the following days as she stabilized, they were able to bring her off of ECMO and remove the tube for her heart.

Pathology did not suggest lymphoma, but rather a kind of lung cancer, likely caused by a genetic mutation, as she is a non-smoker and only 28 years old. Further testing has been sent off to determine the genetic component, and the oncology team at Emory began her chemo treatment on 12/21 to stop the growth that has been found in both lungs and her neck. MRI gave us the relief of knowing her brain has no lesions on it.

She remained in Emory’s ICU until Christmas Day. She was transferred to Winship Tower Midtown, where she is currently under care. Pulmonology is monitoring the fluid still coming from her lungs, ensuring that she is safe to be discharged home, where she will continue with chemo every 3 weeks.

We are incredibly grateful to the medical communities that have used their knowledge and skill to treat and care for my sister. However, the cost of these lifesaving measures is a daunting reality for a young couple already navigating a severe illness. We deeply appreciate any contributions toward alleviating the financial stress surrounding this situation as they focus on healing.