Hope and Healing for Kari
Donation protected
In August 2019, Kari noted a lump in her right breast. She notified her doctor and after having a mammogram and ultrasound, she was confirmed to have a breast tumor. This was then followed by a biopsy and results came back with indications of possible cancer. Kari was then urgently referred to a top surgical breast oncologist at OU medical center for surgery to remove the tumor.
On September 30, 2019, Kari had a right breast resection with tumor excision. Mid procedure, the surgeon also noted an additional, previously undetected tumor on her right chest wall. The initial results were inconclusive and the tissue from the biopsy was then sent to several top pathology labs across the nation. After several weeks of waiting, biopsy results were received. The initial breast tumor was negative but the incidentally discovered chest wall tumor was confirmed to be a rare tumor called Atypical Epithelioid Spindle Cell Sarcoma tumor (Less than 50 people in the US have been diagnosed with this type of tumor) and was classified as on the line of benign and cancerous.
She was told it was critical to maintain routine 4 month scans as this type of tumor has an 80% chance of reoccurrence within the first 3 years following surgery, and is likely more aggressive if it returns. Kari’s first post-operative scan was clear but her next scan in May revealed she had a new tumor in the same general area and was already 3 times the size as the first tumor. This tumor is wrapped around one of her ribs and sits against her right lung. She is now scheduled for surgery on June 15th with a thoracic surgeon. This will be a very invasive, complex surgery for Kari and will require an extended time off of work. She will have a long, tough recovery with a minimum recovery time of at least 8 weeks. This surgery will include collapsing her right lung, removal of at least a portion of 1 rib and possibly 2 ribs. Her ribs will then be reconstructed with mesh that will help protect her lung. She will likely be in the Intensive Care Unit for at least 2 days and if things go well, she will be on a regular hospital floor for 2-3 days. Unfortunately, due to COVID19, no visitors are allowed while she’s hospitalized.
The good news is that Kari’s surgeon is very optimistic that he can remove the entire tumor and has hopes that she won’t require any additional post-operative treatments.
We are asking for any donations to help go toward Kari’s medical bills as well as rent and utilities during her extended time off work. Kari is resilient and strong and we have faith that she will make it through this. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support during this time!
On September 30, 2019, Kari had a right breast resection with tumor excision. Mid procedure, the surgeon also noted an additional, previously undetected tumor on her right chest wall. The initial results were inconclusive and the tissue from the biopsy was then sent to several top pathology labs across the nation. After several weeks of waiting, biopsy results were received. The initial breast tumor was negative but the incidentally discovered chest wall tumor was confirmed to be a rare tumor called Atypical Epithelioid Spindle Cell Sarcoma tumor (Less than 50 people in the US have been diagnosed with this type of tumor) and was classified as on the line of benign and cancerous.
She was told it was critical to maintain routine 4 month scans as this type of tumor has an 80% chance of reoccurrence within the first 3 years following surgery, and is likely more aggressive if it returns. Kari’s first post-operative scan was clear but her next scan in May revealed she had a new tumor in the same general area and was already 3 times the size as the first tumor. This tumor is wrapped around one of her ribs and sits against her right lung. She is now scheduled for surgery on June 15th with a thoracic surgeon. This will be a very invasive, complex surgery for Kari and will require an extended time off of work. She will have a long, tough recovery with a minimum recovery time of at least 8 weeks. This surgery will include collapsing her right lung, removal of at least a portion of 1 rib and possibly 2 ribs. Her ribs will then be reconstructed with mesh that will help protect her lung. She will likely be in the Intensive Care Unit for at least 2 days and if things go well, she will be on a regular hospital floor for 2-3 days. Unfortunately, due to COVID19, no visitors are allowed while she’s hospitalized.
The good news is that Kari’s surgeon is very optimistic that he can remove the entire tumor and has hopes that she won’t require any additional post-operative treatments.
We are asking for any donations to help go toward Kari’s medical bills as well as rent and utilities during her extended time off work. Kari is resilient and strong and we have faith that she will make it through this. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support during this time!
Fundraising team (3)
Kami Riley
Organizer
Norman, OK
Curtis Robertson
Beneficiary
Kaci Wright
Team member
Shelbi Armendariz
Team member
