Help Sheila Kick Cancers butt!!!

Hey Family and Friends,

This is Amber Castleman, Dennis and Sheila's oldest (and perhaps awesomest child ;) )

As some of you may know, our sweet Mama was diagnosed with breast cancer last month. The last 30 days have been a whirlwind of doctor's appointments, testing, and so much praying. Although Mama hasn't shared this news with a lot of people, she has appreciated all of the love and support she has received so far.

As the surgery nears, she and Dad have done a wonderful job planning and preparing for this fight. But it's not a fight anyone should fight alone.

You may not know it by just chatting with her. But our Mama is already an amazing warrior!! Throughout our entire childhood, she battled with seizures, finally having brain surgery in May of 2014 to remove a part of her brain which would stop the seizures. It did exactly that, but taking that part of her brain, which in part controls your emotional responses, was very difficult for a long time. It took a lot of work and patience on her and Dad's part to relearn that control. But of course she did, she's a rockstar!!

Then, July of last year, shortly after moving into their new home, Mom fell down a step and broke her tibia and fibula. She had surgery the following day, where they placed 1 plate and 11 screws. Once again, she was dealt a hand she had no control over. And yet again, she overcame.

As things were just getting back to some semblance of normal, in early February Mom felt a lump in her right breast. She quickly scheduled an appointment to see the Dr. Over the next few weeks she had many tests performed. As each test came back, the reality that cancer was a very likely possiblity began to dawn on us. On February 18th, we received her biopsy results confirming our fears. Mama does have breast cancer. Specifically, she has stage 2, grade 3 HR positive, HER2 negative invasive ductal carcinoma.

On Wednesday, the 23rd, she will have a double mastectomy. During the surgery they will remove her gateway lymph node for testing.

We are waiting for the genetics testing and the lymph node testing to determine whether chemo will be needed. Without chemo, the doctor said we can expect this process to take approximately 6 months ( more if chemo is involved). During this time she will be unable to work for an extended period.

That's where you come in. Our Mama is one of the strongest, bravest people we know, but having your love, prayers and support will not only encourage her through her journey but will help ease their financial burden. I know there are so many lives that my Mama and Daddy have blessed in some way. I want to say thank you in advance, for every single donation made. We know that God is providing and we are thankful for His goodness.

Whether you are able to give financially or not, we covet your prayers!!

Please be praying with us for strength for Mama, wisdom and guidance for every person on her medical team, and that God would help us to rest in His peace, knowing that He is in control and has a plan. We are so thankful for such an amazing community that is surrounding our Mama during this time.

We will be setting up a meal train for Mom and Dad once they are home from surgery. I'll share that info soon!

Once again, thank you! For any financial support you can provide, for your sweet words, love and most importantly for your prayers.