Lisa Watt’s fight- Stage 4 Large B Cell Lymphoma

UPDATE (3/17/24):

Lisa was originally biopsied and diagnosed with a massive Thymoma in her chest. Between Nov. 22 to Jan. 24th we had a total of 12 appointments with numerous oncologist and surgeons, being told chemo/radiation first followed by surgery- then we were told surgery first, then chemo/radiation. By Jan. 29th, moms condition had progressed to a point that she almost lost her life. She was admitted to Baptist East in Memphis and they preformed surgery on Feb. 1st- Feb. 2nd, to remove as much of the mass as they could. Surgery was extremely MAJOR, they had to open her sternum, and it took a total of 2 days. She suffered several post op complications during recovery, some of which will more than likely leave her permanently disabled. After having the tumor removed, pathology as well as hematology-oncology has confirmed a diagnosis of Stage 4 Primary Mediastinal Large B Cell Lymphoma. This is an EXTREMELY AGGRESSIVE form of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and it was crucial that she start chemo as soon as her body could withstand it. She spent a total of 30 straight nights at Baptist East in Memphis, the last 5 of those days she received her first round of EPOCH infusion. The current treatment plan is 6 cycles of chemo infusion- The chemo infusions are (5) days straight, receiving constant chemo infustions- she will have them every 3 weeks and will be admitted at Baptist East in Memphis for each cycle. She is still on oxygen at home and does require constant care. She has had several complications since returning home, resulting in her oncologist sending her to the hospital (4) separate times in the past 2 weeks and we do know two new masses have grown since her surgery. She will return to Baptist East tomorrow morning to be admitted for her 2nd round of (5) Day Infusion Chemo. We do ask that you please continue to keep her in your prayers through her journey. God Bless.

Hi, my name is Nicole Havas and I am fundraising for my parents, Rob and Lisa Watts.

With disbelief and sadness, we received the news that Mom has been diagnosed with thymoma cancer. This is a very rare form of cancer that occurs at a rate of only 1.5 cases for every million people each year in the United States. Hers in particular is a very LARGE tumor, that the surgeon described as a “very large coconut”. It is wrapped around her lungs (making it hard for her to breathe), wrapped around her esophagus (making it hard for her to eat and swallow), and wrapped around her aortic valve & heart (causing her chest pain).

This cancer has spread enough that it cannot be removed by surgery at this time. Her team of doctors suggests the cancer must be shrunk before surgery is done on the thymus. As of right now, her treatment plan consists of Radiation- 5 days a week, for 6 weeks. She will also receive chemotherapy during that time frame, then be reevaluated by the surgeon.

Because this cancer is so rare, the oncologist also suggest that We have a consultation at a larger cancer center to get their opinion on what exact chemotherapy regimens they recommend for her specific case. They would then send those recommendations back to Baptist, where she would then have her treatment. We are hoping and praying we can get in at Vanderbilt, or really anywhere for that matter, we will not turn down anyone who can get us in first!!

Mom being home and not able to work for over a month now has already created a huge financial stress in their home, and unfortunately, this is only the beginning of their battle. When someone needs to focus on their health and well-being, the last thing they need is financial stress. So, I am hoping this GoFund Me will help relieve at least a little bit of that burden and help them throughout this journey.

There’s a long, hard road ahead for her. However, I have never met a stronger person than this women I’m so lucky to call my mother, and I know if anyone can get through this, it’s her. She puts forth having the strength and courage of a superhero, but she needs our love and support more than ever right now.

If you are able to find a way to support Lisa & Rob during this battle, we would be ever so grateful. I can’t help but think this is the time for all the wonderful things they have done for others to come around and love them back.

Thank you for taking the time to read, please share if you can but most importantly, your continued prayers are most appreciated. ❤️