Jess's Cancer Journey
Donation protected
About 3.5 weeks ago, Jess found an enlarged lymph node in her neck that didn’t seem right. Thankfully, she went right to her doctor to get it checked. After many tests and appointments, last week, she was diagnosed with a type of salivary gland cancer called adenocarcinoma NOS (not otherwise specified). This means they could not figure out exactly the kind of tumor or grade or stage of it. The tumor is in the parotid gland and in the lymph node under her neck.
Treatment will be surgery today at IU Health University hospital by Dr. Michael Moore, a specialist called an otolaryngologist (head and neck surgeon). Surgery should take about 6 hours with meticulous dissection of the nerves and small blood vessels around the gland. Goals will be to remove the entire right parotid gland and tumor as well as levels 1-4 lymph nodes on the right side.
After 6 weeks of surgery recovery, she will undergo 6 weeks of radiation. Dr Moore has also mentioned the possibility of adding chemotherapy during this time if she can be a part of a clinical trial. She was not excited about that at first but if it is the better chance of getting this cancer out and it staying gone then she is all for it!
On a very positive note, her PET scan did not show any spread of the cancer from the original location. This kind of tumor can spread to the lung, liver or bones. We are praising Jesus that the cancer had not spread and is treatable!
I am starting this fundraiser to raise funds to help lessen the burden of the medical costs that come with cancer. Surgery, hospital stays, medical devices to help with recovery, radiation, doctor appointments, etc, etc, etc. This doesn't even include the cost of the medical treatment she has had(and is still having) for her Thoracic Outlet Syndrome! I am hoping that with some medical debt relief, she can focus on treatment and conquering this awful disease!
Note from Jess: We know God has a plan, even if we don’t understand it. Thank you SO MUCH for all the support you all have offered since the diagnosis. Her family has felt the love with the prayers, meals, flowers, rides, cards, house cleanings, lawn mowing, etc!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, we have the best family, friends and church and school families. We will do our best to update. Thank you for caring.
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Treatment will be surgery today at IU Health University hospital by Dr. Michael Moore, a specialist called an otolaryngologist (head and neck surgeon). Surgery should take about 6 hours with meticulous dissection of the nerves and small blood vessels around the gland. Goals will be to remove the entire right parotid gland and tumor as well as levels 1-4 lymph nodes on the right side.
After 6 weeks of surgery recovery, she will undergo 6 weeks of radiation. Dr Moore has also mentioned the possibility of adding chemotherapy during this time if she can be a part of a clinical trial. She was not excited about that at first but if it is the better chance of getting this cancer out and it staying gone then she is all for it!
On a very positive note, her PET scan did not show any spread of the cancer from the original location. This kind of tumor can spread to the lung, liver or bones. We are praising Jesus that the cancer had not spread and is treatable!
I am starting this fundraiser to raise funds to help lessen the burden of the medical costs that come with cancer. Surgery, hospital stays, medical devices to help with recovery, radiation, doctor appointments, etc, etc, etc. This doesn't even include the cost of the medical treatment she has had(and is still having) for her Thoracic Outlet Syndrome! I am hoping that with some medical debt relief, she can focus on treatment and conquering this awful disease!
Note from Jess: We know God has a plan, even if we don’t understand it. Thank you SO MUCH for all the support you all have offered since the diagnosis. Her family has felt the love with the prayers, meals, flowers, rides, cards, house cleanings, lawn mowing, etc!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, we have the best family, friends and church and school families. We will do our best to update. Thank you for caring.
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Organizer and beneficiary
Elizabeth Hackman Billerman
Organizer
Indianapolis, IN
Jessica Dagley
Beneficiary