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This fundraiser has been created by Traci's extended family with the permission of both her and her amazing husband, Troy. Several weeks ago my cousin, Traci went into to the hospital for a routine surgery to have a hysterectomy due to very large and rapidly growing unwanted fibroids. It’s the most common reason women have a hysterectomy and generally once it gets removed, you recover for a few weeks and moves on with life. She figured it would be a simple eviction process, but to her surprise 5 days after her surgery Traci found out that her fibroids turned out to be leiomyosarcoma which is a very rare cancer that occurs in one out of SIX MILLION women. Traci has been so positive and jokes that she is a very lucky girl and with those odd's she should likely play the lotto.
The good news is the pathology report showed that sarcoma was removed intact and follow up CT scans show no evidence of spreading. Hallelujah! The bad news is that Leiomyosarcoma is a very aggressive form of cancer and likes to come back typically in the lungs or liver, in addition, the 5-year survival rate is only 50% with patients whose tumor is confined to the uterus. Since it is so rare most oncologists don't know how to treat it, hence the poor statistics, but the good news is they were able with her doctors help get an a referral to the best hospital not only in the United States but, in the world who specialize in her rare cancer & it is located in Houston Texas, it is the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. They have been leaders not just this year, but over 30 years, which is amazing! Hearing all of that is still very scary as a patient and to us her family, but we are so grateful they are only a flight a way for her to get treatment.
Traci and Troy spent the entire week last week in Houston seeing specialists and repeating tests. The great news is that her scans are still clear, but it was made very clear to both Traci and Troy that her one best shot at keeping Leiomyosarcoma away is to immediately begin intense chemotherapy. No sooner did her and Troy return back to the Gulf Shores, she repacked her bag the same day and headed back to Houston for 3 weeks. Fortunately, she is not alone, and our Aunt Jan immediately offered to be her caretaker and companion and flew in to Texas from California. Troy has stayed behind to take care of their adorable children, Lauren and Jack. It was important their routine was not disrupted & we want to make sure they continue to thrive. We want to thank everyone locally who has offered to help with childcare & meals so Troy can focus on the children & Traci.
Earlier this week, Traci checked in with Dr. Ratan who is the premier oncologist on the Sarcoma team at MD Anderson. He sees patients with uterine Leiomyosarcoma 2-3 times a week, and for a rare cancer that speaks volume.
Tuesday, she had her port inserted and yesterday she has her first round of chemo. It has been a whirlwind past few weeks scary, hopeful, emotional to say the least. Today she had her 2nd.
I have created this GoFundMe on her and her family's behalf as her medical and travel expenses are beginning to add up quicker than they ever imagined. She also was under the impression after these next three weeks that her future treatments would likely be able to occur in Mobile, AL, but just found out that she will need to travel back every 6 weeks for additional scans throughout the 18 weeks of chemo, then every 3 months for 2 years, every 4 months for 2 years and on the 5th year once every six months. After she hits her 5 yr mark once a year for life she will need to return. While she is in Texas they have rented an Air B & B because they found it was less expensive than a hotel and within walking distance to the the hospital. When she is feeling well enough to walk, they will uber to the hospital. If you are a friend or family member who has alot of United miles are you are willing to help them please contact one of us.
We are hopeful that she will be able to get her chemo close to home, but the additional travel came to everyone as a surprise. Although completely necessary. If you are not able to contribute financially and have miles on united airlines that you would be willing to donate please contact me.
Traci and Troy are such amazing people and always doing things for others and could use all of your love and support right now. If you are in a position where you are bless right now and are able to pay it forward it would be greatly appreciated. The last thing during this difficult time that they need to worry about is how they are going to be able to afford her treatment.
If you cant help financially as with the holidays its a hard time, please send Traci your prayers & share this post . We would be forever grateful!
The good news is the pathology report showed that sarcoma was removed intact and follow up CT scans show no evidence of spreading. Hallelujah! The bad news is that Leiomyosarcoma is a very aggressive form of cancer and likes to come back typically in the lungs or liver, in addition, the 5-year survival rate is only 50% with patients whose tumor is confined to the uterus. Since it is so rare most oncologists don't know how to treat it, hence the poor statistics, but the good news is they were able with her doctors help get an a referral to the best hospital not only in the United States but, in the world who specialize in her rare cancer & it is located in Houston Texas, it is the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. They have been leaders not just this year, but over 30 years, which is amazing! Hearing all of that is still very scary as a patient and to us her family, but we are so grateful they are only a flight a way for her to get treatment.
Traci and Troy spent the entire week last week in Houston seeing specialists and repeating tests. The great news is that her scans are still clear, but it was made very clear to both Traci and Troy that her one best shot at keeping Leiomyosarcoma away is to immediately begin intense chemotherapy. No sooner did her and Troy return back to the Gulf Shores, she repacked her bag the same day and headed back to Houston for 3 weeks. Fortunately, she is not alone, and our Aunt Jan immediately offered to be her caretaker and companion and flew in to Texas from California. Troy has stayed behind to take care of their adorable children, Lauren and Jack. It was important their routine was not disrupted & we want to make sure they continue to thrive. We want to thank everyone locally who has offered to help with childcare & meals so Troy can focus on the children & Traci.
Earlier this week, Traci checked in with Dr. Ratan who is the premier oncologist on the Sarcoma team at MD Anderson. He sees patients with uterine Leiomyosarcoma 2-3 times a week, and for a rare cancer that speaks volume.
Tuesday, she had her port inserted and yesterday she has her first round of chemo. It has been a whirlwind past few weeks scary, hopeful, emotional to say the least. Today she had her 2nd.
I have created this GoFundMe on her and her family's behalf as her medical and travel expenses are beginning to add up quicker than they ever imagined. She also was under the impression after these next three weeks that her future treatments would likely be able to occur in Mobile, AL, but just found out that she will need to travel back every 6 weeks for additional scans throughout the 18 weeks of chemo, then every 3 months for 2 years, every 4 months for 2 years and on the 5th year once every six months. After she hits her 5 yr mark once a year for life she will need to return. While she is in Texas they have rented an Air B & B because they found it was less expensive than a hotel and within walking distance to the the hospital. When she is feeling well enough to walk, they will uber to the hospital. If you are a friend or family member who has alot of United miles are you are willing to help them please contact one of us.
We are hopeful that she will be able to get her chemo close to home, but the additional travel came to everyone as a surprise. Although completely necessary. If you are not able to contribute financially and have miles on united airlines that you would be willing to donate please contact me.
Traci and Troy are such amazing people and always doing things for others and could use all of your love and support right now. If you are in a position where you are bless right now and are able to pay it forward it would be greatly appreciated. The last thing during this difficult time that they need to worry about is how they are going to be able to afford her treatment.
If you cant help financially as with the holidays its a hard time, please send Traci your prayers & share this post . We would be forever grateful!
