<div>If you know Macey, then you know she is so kind hearted, she is quick to help out a friend, loves big, and she is always just purely herself. She has gone through very tough times, but you would never know it.
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<div>A little of Macey’s story. Macey’s life turned upside down starting around October of last year (2023). Her body was going through a lot, and she was in and out of the doctors office once a week, but answers were very scarce. Fast forward to July of this year, when that answer was found. After being seen in the ER and being told she had pneumonia, she was sent to a pulmonologist, who unfortunately had to tell her that it was in fact not pneumonia, but a mass, and that the mass was cancerous. The word that’s all around us, but no one imagines will actually happen to them. Cancer. All of the issues her body was suffering through the past year now had an answer. The cause was cancer. Macey was diagnosed on July 8, 2024 with Stage 2B Atypical Lung Cancer. This cancer is so rare for her age group, that she is one of two people in the country that have been diagnosed with it. She started chemotherapy and immunotherapy right away. The plan was and still is to shrink the tumor enough to be able to have it surgically removed. As of today, Macey is now Stage 3 and the tumor has grown in size on her lung, and the cancer has metastasized to her liver and four lymph nodes.
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<div>She fights to survive everyday. That’s who she is - a fighter. She does not show her true battle physically, mentally, or financially. She has not asked for any help for herself. Some have stepped in to help her financially, and for that, we are truly thankful. But the fact is that she has not been able to have a job since her diagnosis in July. No job means no income. Rent, electricity, groceries, expenses for treatment, all of her medical bills… to name a few things that she should not have to worry about while she is fighting for her life. I am asking that our family and friends and even friends of friends step in to help Macey not be so burdened financially. She is such a giving person and has such a caring nature, and she is the first one to be there when someone is in need. Let’s do the same for her!! No donation is too small, and every donation will be accepted with the deepest of thank yous. If you cannot donate, we ask that you share this page with your friends and family, and of course to please keep Macey in your prayers.
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<div>We need prayers, we need hope, we need her to kick cancers ass! Her fight is our fight too. #MaceyStrong
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<div>An update on Macey as of 12-7-24: The cancer cells on her liver have now formed a mass. As of right now, the mass is small in size, but it is a tumor. They have also found cancer cells in her skin cells. She will have another full body scan next week to see if there has been any other growth or spreading. We continue to ask for prayers for Macey for healing and strength. I’m also asking for prayers for Nathaniel, my parents, and my brother who are standing tall by her side, and for our family and Macey’s doctors. This is tough on her physically and mentally, but Macey has stayed very positive through all of this so far. She believes that this is not the end for her and we stand with her on that. I know she is immensely thankful for all of the love, support, care packages, and donations she has been receiving.
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<div>An update on Macey as of 12-30-24: I had a big appointment today, so I figured it was time for an update.
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<div>The last few months have been rough to say the least, and I’m still so beyond thankful for all the love surrounding me!
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<div>Unfortunately since my last update, my cancer has continued to metastasize to other places in my body and my main tumor has grown. I entered a medical trial through Vanderbilt and we unfortunately didn’t get the response there that we had hoped for. All of that being said, I’m almost to my max on the amount of time I can be on my chemo treatment plan. My doctors have decided to move my date forward to next Monday, January 6th. I will be taking exactly a month off and then will begin my next treatment plan on February 6th. I have new doctors on my team and they’re working on exactly what my next step is and will be bringing me options in the next few weeks.
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<div>I ask for prayers for my doctors to find the right path for me. Today’s news was not what we wanted to hear, but I’m taking it in strides and staying positive that my doctors will figure it out. Thank you all again for everything! Here are some pictures of my life lately ❣️ the good times ❣️
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<div>An update on Macey as of 2-20-25: Macey started back her treatment on February 7th, so I thought it was a good time for an update. Part of her pre-treatment appointment was a scan that unfortunately showed more spreading in her hip and lung areas.
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<div>Macey’s doctors put together a 4 month plan for her that includes chemotherapy, radiation, and two medical trials. She started the first trial on February 14th. The doctors placed Brachytherapy (internal radiation) inside Macey’s chest and hip area. They were cautious doing this as her body is very weak, but they believe at this point the radiation is necessary. Macey is home resting, and we are so thankful that she is able to be home at this time.
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<div>Macey has her first scan since starting this trial round tomorrow (Friday), and we are asking for prayers that we finally see something helping her! For those of you that don’t know, Macey fell and broke her pelvis while we were on a trip during her treatment break, so the decision will also be made if surgery is needed to help her pelvis heal. I know that she is very anxious about it, so we are also asking for prayers that her pelvis is healing on its own and surgery is not needed!
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<div>Macey said two weeks in and she already notices the severe differences in this round of treatment, so to her that has to mean it’s working.
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<div>Macey’s strength and resilience continue to amaze me each day. We are so thankful for every prayer, text, card, and donation! I am sharing the GoFundMe again as Macey’s treatment expenses are continuing to grow beyond anything she could imagine. She would never ask for help, so I want to make sure she doesn’t have to. We appreciate everything that all of our friends and family have done and continue to do - even if you cannot donate, then please share and please please pray! ❤️️
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<div>An update on Macey as of 4/7/25:
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<div>Last week, Macey was having pain in her chest. Her doctor found a hernia in her chest likely caused by coughing. On Friday, she had a procedure to remove the hernia. It could not stay in due to its location and problems it was creating. The doctors had to cut Macey’s chest open. She is home now recovering and says she is doing alright, just very sore.
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<div>Also on Friday, Macey had another scan. The scan showed another lymph node infected and showed signs of cancer metastasizing to her intestines.
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<div>Macey was on a medical trial drug that ended two weeks ago, and thankfully she was accepted into phase 2 of the trial, which starts this week. Her doctors are very hopeful that this trial drug is what caused her spreading to slow down.
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<div>Per her doctors, surgery is still not an option due to Macey’s heart and other factors. They do not believe Macey would survive a surgery at this time. So we are praying the chemo and medical trials will keep working!
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<div>These medical trials are not covered by insurance. So a big thank you to everyone who has donated, because the trials have been covered by the GoFundMe so far! However, they are very expensive along with the rest of Macey’s treatments and wellbeing.
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<div>We ask you again to please donate if you can or if you feel led to and to please keep sharing Macey’s story!
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<div>Please continue to pray for Macey and her doctors. Things have been extra rough lately for her, and we are all trying to be strong for her. Prayers for strength, understanding, and to kick this cancer’s ass!
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<div>Update on Macey as of 8/18/25:
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<div>     (From Macey) On August 8th, I completed another round of chemotherapy, radiation, and two trial drugs. Consequently, I’m officially on a chemo break! The main goal of this break is to strengthen my body and prepare it for surgery, which involves removing lymph nodes and to work on my pelvis(Yes, it is still broken) To achieve this, I must pass a heart stress test, and all my necessary blood pressure readings and blood work must align. Unfortunately, last week, my blood pressure was excessively high, preventing me from undergoing the heart test. While discussing this, I mentioned a persistent pain and numbness in my left arm. My doctors are now concerned that my heart may be experiencing issues, likely due to the immense stress my body is putting on it. On the 20th, I’ll return for extensive testing on my heart. If they find nothing (which is our fervent hope), they’ll proceed with the surgery.
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<div>      Since my last update, I’ve experienced spreading, but there were instances when the spreading seemed to slow down, and a few scans revealed no spreading at all. We’re holding onto that positive sign.
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<div>    I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been accepted into a third round of this trial medication. The goal is to resume all treatments on October 1st, provided that I’m able to undergo surgery. If not, my treatment plan will be adjusted accordingly.
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<div>    This journey has been incredibly challenging, but I’m so blessed to have such supportive people in my corner. The only thing I can do is keep going, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. 
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Help Macey Dukes Battle Stage 3 Lung Cancer

Help Macey Dukes Battle Stage 3 Lung Cancer

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