Helping Debbie's Medical Expenses

Our Mom’s Story

In early 2018, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in her right breast, underwent a lumpectomy and completed radiation. In November of the same year, she was hit with another diagnosis- uterine cancer that had metastasized to the ovary and surrounding lymph nodes. She underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy the day after Thanksgiving. Six weeks later she celebrated my wedding. In January 2019, she began longer rounds of chemotherapy and radiation therapy which ended in June. She dealt with the usual side effects including hair loss, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. However, she also developed severe lymphedema and peripheral neuropathy in her legs. The lymphedema led to mobility issues and a constant level of pain. Despite everything, she had continued working at her job, having my dad drive and drop her off 5 days a week.

The cancer was dormant for a while, but in July 2021, a suspicious lymph node popped up and the oncology team recommended 4 weeks of radiation. The lymph node was in an area that was impossible to biopsy. She wanted the treatment and wanted to be done with it. She completed her treatment in September.

On October 2nd, she celebrated her grandson’s first birthday party and was able to walk and hold him. After that day, everything went downhill fast. She started complaining about increased fatigue and muscle weakness.

October 8th marked the start of her first hospital visit. She was admitted for high blood sugars (in the 450s) and decreased mobility due to increased lymphedema swelling. She began insulin treatment in the hospital and saw physical therapy for mobility issues. While in the hospital, she started to become confused. On Thursday 10/14, she was discharged from the hospital and into a skilled nursing facility to help with her lymphedema and mobility. She was there a week when they noticed her heart rate was in the 150s and not coming down. Back to the hospital she went.

She was admitted to a new hospital 10/22 for a heart arrythmia and placed in the intensive care unit. They tried 3 different IV medications to lower her heart rate with no success. On Monday the 25th, the performed a cardioversion to slow down her heart and “shock” it into a normal rhythm. The procedure worked and she was discharged back into the rehab center on November 1st.

The confusion persisted in the rehab facility. On a prior CT scan of the chest, they had noticed a lung nodule they also wanted to investigate. None of these could be followed up on however, because on November 7th, we found ourselves once again in the hospital.

Mom currently has a serious staphinfection. She had surgery on November 8th to clean out the infection, we are awaiting biopsy results to determine how deep the infection went.

Which brings us to today. Still in the hospital. Still confused. She went from being an independent lady working a full-time job to a 2-person total assist patient bouncing between the hospital and rehab facility.

Multiple ambulance rides. Multiple doctors, therapists, procedures, medications, etc. Multiple new diagnosis.

We’re praying for her comfort and peace. She’s 64 years old. She’s been married to her husband, John, for 39 years. She has two daughters and a 1-year-old grandson. She hasn’t even gotten to retire and enjoy her later years.

I’m asking for any donation that would help with her medical care expenses during this trying time. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and please keep our mom in your thoughts and prayers.

-Megan