Katie's Fight Against Lymphoma

Hi everyone! As many of you already know, Katie was officially diagnosed with Primary Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphoma last month. A mass was discovered in Katie’s chest in June following her gallbladder removal surgery. Since discovery, it was in Katie’s best interest to take her care to Northwestern Memorial in Chicago. The team down there has been awesome, and outcomes are looking very positive!

Their journey so far has been crazy to say the least. It has been a full-time job for Katie just to schedule her treatment which has included multiple scans, blood draws, surgeries, and countless appointments. With the need for chemotherapy starting this August, Katie has had to undergo fertility preservation treatment to help increase the likelihood of having more beautiful children in the future once treatment is complete.

They are very fortunate to have a wonderful support system in Chicago as well as Milwaukee to help care for Katie and their 5-month-old daughter Anja. Treatment for Katie has been and will continue to be in Chicago. Their home base has shifted from being at their house in Milwaukee to Katie’s parents house outside of Chicago. Due to the type of cancer, the chemotherapy regimen for Katie will be done in three week cycles for six rounds total. The first five days of each cycle, Katie is required to be inpatient at Northwestern. The following week due to the effects of the chemo treatment as well as the threat of developing a fever (which requires Katie to be admitted to the hospital), Katie will remain in Illinois. Week three of each cycle Katie hopes to be back home in Milwaukee. Mitch will be going back and forth each week to be with Katie and help support her in her fight.

Raising a newborn, chemo, and losing your hair are all things most of us do not have to think about, especially at such a young age. Katie loves her job but isn’t able to work like she was before. To help ease the financial burden, this fund is being set up help pay for:

-Fertility preservation (unfortunately not covered by insurance).

-Medical expenses

-Travel/parking expenses

⁃Other unexpected expenses as they develop during this trying time

Katie and Mitch are truly touched and grateful for all of the support and care that has been shown over the last few months.

For care updates on Katie, visit https://www.caringbridge.org/public/katiegroth