Jennifer Costello's Recovery Fund
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Welcome to Jenn's page!
On Saturday May 31, my sister felt a typical belly cramp and didn't think much of it. After years of abdominal issues, a belly ache was part of her day-to-day routine. When the pain got significantly worse, she headed to the emergency room. 3 days went by. We didn't know much, other than her colon was obstructed.
On Tuesday June 3, doctors attempted to perform a colonoscopy and determine the problem. Though they were not able to get through the collapsed portion of her colon, they did rule out cancer. After 4 days with no answers, this was a huge relief for all of us.
On Wednesday June 4, our progress was abruptly halted.
The doctors changed their previous diagnosis. Jenn had a tumor on her colon and it was in fact cancer. How is this possible? She is so young. She is the healthy one. Our family was collectively terrified and frantic. It was an extremely rare case considering Jenn's age and lack of family history. Jenn's doctor said the tumor had been metastasizing for 7 to 10 years. He also said the youngest person he had ever seen with colon cancer was 37 and male. We could only do what the hospital told us to do - wait, wait, wait.
First it was pancreatitis.
Then it was a colon obstruction.
Then it was a collapsed colon.
Then it was cancer.
On Thursday June 5th, with tremendous help from Dr. Sunil, Jenn decided to forego treatment at Moffitt in Tampa. We had yet to get a confirmation on her room, and we were all anxious for progress. Dr. Sunil pulled all his strings and arranged an emergency surgery for Jenn at Physicians Regional Hospital in Naples, Florida.
Jenn arrived in Naples on Friday June 6th. She was quickly taken into surgery prep and finally taken to the OR at 4pm. We would not know the extent of the cancer -- what stage, where, will she need a colostomy bag, will she need chemo/radiation ??? -- until after the procedure.
We will not have the biopsy results for 3-4 days. Please continue to pray while we await the next step. We will share any progress to this page and on Facebook.
To those that know my sister - she is a true fighter in every sense of the word. She has been remarkably strong through the rollercoaster of disagnoses. Her courage has made us all better people. Jenn is our hero. God sure does have a funny way of getting her ready for nursing school in the fall.
We are establishing a fund to assist in some whopping medical bills and living costs while she is in recovery. She may not return to work for several months, as this type of procedure requires extremely careful rehabilitation and monitoring. She will need funds to help pay for rent, bills, her two pit bulls, nursing school fees, and medication amongst plenty more.
Thank you for visiting Jenn's page and showing your support for Jenn! We love you all and Jenn is extremely greatful for your thoughts and prayers.
All our love,
Jenn & Derek
Gerianne, John, Christine, Mike, Racquel, Joel, Ashley & Jackson Kathleen & Kelly White
Aunt Helen, Uncle Rip, Michelle, Mary, Ray & Angelica and all our extended family and many loving friends. You are a gift! Thank you!!!
On Saturday May 31, my sister felt a typical belly cramp and didn't think much of it. After years of abdominal issues, a belly ache was part of her day-to-day routine. When the pain got significantly worse, she headed to the emergency room. 3 days went by. We didn't know much, other than her colon was obstructed.
On Tuesday June 3, doctors attempted to perform a colonoscopy and determine the problem. Though they were not able to get through the collapsed portion of her colon, they did rule out cancer. After 4 days with no answers, this was a huge relief for all of us.
On Wednesday June 4, our progress was abruptly halted.
The doctors changed their previous diagnosis. Jenn had a tumor on her colon and it was in fact cancer. How is this possible? She is so young. She is the healthy one. Our family was collectively terrified and frantic. It was an extremely rare case considering Jenn's age and lack of family history. Jenn's doctor said the tumor had been metastasizing for 7 to 10 years. He also said the youngest person he had ever seen with colon cancer was 37 and male. We could only do what the hospital told us to do - wait, wait, wait.
First it was pancreatitis.
Then it was a colon obstruction.
Then it was a collapsed colon.
Then it was cancer.
On Thursday June 5th, with tremendous help from Dr. Sunil, Jenn decided to forego treatment at Moffitt in Tampa. We had yet to get a confirmation on her room, and we were all anxious for progress. Dr. Sunil pulled all his strings and arranged an emergency surgery for Jenn at Physicians Regional Hospital in Naples, Florida.
Jenn arrived in Naples on Friday June 6th. She was quickly taken into surgery prep and finally taken to the OR at 4pm. We would not know the extent of the cancer -- what stage, where, will she need a colostomy bag, will she need chemo/radiation ??? -- until after the procedure.
We will not have the biopsy results for 3-4 days. Please continue to pray while we await the next step. We will share any progress to this page and on Facebook.
To those that know my sister - she is a true fighter in every sense of the word. She has been remarkably strong through the rollercoaster of disagnoses. Her courage has made us all better people. Jenn is our hero. God sure does have a funny way of getting her ready for nursing school in the fall.
We are establishing a fund to assist in some whopping medical bills and living costs while she is in recovery. She may not return to work for several months, as this type of procedure requires extremely careful rehabilitation and monitoring. She will need funds to help pay for rent, bills, her two pit bulls, nursing school fees, and medication amongst plenty more.
Thank you for visiting Jenn's page and showing your support for Jenn! We love you all and Jenn is extremely greatful for your thoughts and prayers.
All our love,
Jenn & Derek
Gerianne, John, Christine, Mike, Racquel, Joel, Ashley & Jackson Kathleen & Kelly White
Aunt Helen, Uncle Rip, Michelle, Mary, Ray & Angelica and all our extended family and many loving friends. You are a gift! Thank you!!!
Organizer
Christine Costello
Organizer
Sarasota, FL
