Mechelle's Mighty Fight

As we end 2023 and enter 2024, The Nuspliger family is feeling extremely blessed to have had another year of experiencing all that life has had to offer. We rang in the New Year as a family and were reminded that if we have nothing else, we will always have each other. We know the Good Lord gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers, and we are starting 2024 with a pretty tough battle.

In early December, Mechelle went to the DR to have a lump in her breast examined. Biopsies of the large mass in her breast and the presence of cancer in her lymph nodes have confirmed a diagnosis of Stage 3 HER2+ Metastatic Breast Cancer. An MRI scan this week has also revealed some tiny modules on the lungs. These are not confirmed to be cancerous and could just be scar tissue, so they are not a huge concern yet, but doctors will continue to monitor as she progresses through treatment. Mechelle has had some issues with weakness in her leg over the last several months that may be unrelated to the cancer but remains unexplained. Because of the leg issue, the aggressive nature of the cancer, and the HER2+, doctors are ordering a precautionary brain scan as well.

As of now, Mechelle is scheduled to begin chemotherapy Tuesday, January 9 in attempt to reduce the size of the tumor in her breast and make it operable. She will be taking 4 chemo meds once every 3 weeks for 6 cycles. At that point, doctors will do another scan to re-evaluate the modules on the lungs and the tumor in the breast. If the tumor is operable, they will do surgery and begin radiation. If not, they will consider additional rounds of chemo. Due to the medications, doctors are also requiring her to establish routine visits for heart ultrasounds with a cardiologist.

If you know Mechelle, you know she has the sweetest soul but is also a force to reckon with. If you don't know her, take our word for it. As a mother of 10 and grandmother of 12 (nope, not a typo), all she has ever known is loving and supporting those around her. Mechelle has a heart of gold and would give a stranger the shirt off of her back and her last bite. She could spend hours talking to anyone (friend or foe) and is always running around with a smile on her face. Mechelle has overcome so much in life thus far and always takes challenges head on. If there is a will, there is a way, and that lady HAS WILL! We can all attest that her love of family, friends, and life, and her resiliency have helped her move mountains and will continue to do so.

This battle has already proven to be a challenge emotionally, physically, and financially, and this is just the beginning. As many of you know, Mechelle lost her husband in 2007, and has been living on a single income, working two jobs for the majority of the time since. She has already depleted the majority of her PTO with one employer and has been informed that she can no longer work her other job due to risk of infection accompanying the chemo. Each of her 5,398,903 children (kidding, kind of) are on rotation, taking time off to attend appointments and be there for her.

As Mechelle, her immediate family, and her medical support teams navigate this difficult time, we graciously ask that her extended family and friends send lots of love, hope, and well-wishes. We believe in the power of positivity and prayer, which we need your help in driving! We have also set up a GoFundMe account to help alleviate some of the burden of bills and medical costs that are already piling up. This will allow Mechelle and her family to focus more on her treatment, rehab, and healing.

We are only asking for prayers, positive thoughts and warm wishes, but if anyone would like to make a financial contribution of any kind, we would be so grateful. Also, if you know Mechelle, YOU KNOW SHE IS PISSSSSED THAT WE EVEN STARTED THIS… Sorry, not sorry Ma!

Much love from the Nuspliger NutHouse!