Michelle's Cervical Cancer Return
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Hi, my name is Cheryl Grafentin Aggen. I am raising funds for my daughter, Michelle Grafentin.
Michelle is 34, celebrating her 35th birthday next month.
Since Michelle was little, she always wanted to be a mom. Career goals may have changed over the years, but never having kids. Until 2014. Until she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.
She tried the modified procedure first, to preserve her
child-bearing abilities, but that was unsuccessful. She had to have full hysterectomy. At the time, all of her margins looked good and her oncologist was happy with her surgical outcome and recovery. Her 1 year check up was good. Her check up in June appeared good. Unfortunately, in July she started having severe swelling in one of her legs and an unrelenting, 24/7 cramping from her lower back , through the buttocks to her knee. Lyphodema they thought. For the past two months she has spent at least 3 days a week seeing a lymphodema specialist, physical therapist and chiropractor. A CT scan and PET scan followed as no progress was being made, no relief from the pain.
Last Wednesday, September 14th, her oncologist reported her cancer has returned. It is inoperable. On Friday she had a surgical biopsy. This coming week she will get her treatment plan. Preliminary expectations are three rounds of chemo followed by 5 weeks of radiation.
Michelle began a new job last November. Although she is being treated wonderfully by her employer, there are only so many benefits. She is still paying on the medical bills from 2014 and her next round will take her into 2017 and a new billing year.
My husband and I, along with her dad, have been helping as much as we are able. This is getting beyond us. I am hoping to lessen some of the stress for her and would so greatly appreciate any help you can provide.
Thank you for taking the time to read her story. Double thanks to those of you who contribute. She really is the most wonderful person, always trying to help someone else. Please see it in your heart to help her.
Michelle is 34, celebrating her 35th birthday next month.
Since Michelle was little, she always wanted to be a mom. Career goals may have changed over the years, but never having kids. Until 2014. Until she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.
She tried the modified procedure first, to preserve her
child-bearing abilities, but that was unsuccessful. She had to have full hysterectomy. At the time, all of her margins looked good and her oncologist was happy with her surgical outcome and recovery. Her 1 year check up was good. Her check up in June appeared good. Unfortunately, in July she started having severe swelling in one of her legs and an unrelenting, 24/7 cramping from her lower back , through the buttocks to her knee. Lyphodema they thought. For the past two months she has spent at least 3 days a week seeing a lymphodema specialist, physical therapist and chiropractor. A CT scan and PET scan followed as no progress was being made, no relief from the pain.
Last Wednesday, September 14th, her oncologist reported her cancer has returned. It is inoperable. On Friday she had a surgical biopsy. This coming week she will get her treatment plan. Preliminary expectations are three rounds of chemo followed by 5 weeks of radiation.
Michelle began a new job last November. Although she is being treated wonderfully by her employer, there are only so many benefits. She is still paying on the medical bills from 2014 and her next round will take her into 2017 and a new billing year.
My husband and I, along with her dad, have been helping as much as we are able. This is getting beyond us. I am hoping to lessen some of the stress for her and would so greatly appreciate any help you can provide.
Thank you for taking the time to read her story. Double thanks to those of you who contribute. She really is the most wonderful person, always trying to help someone else. Please see it in your heart to help her.
Organizer
Cheryl Grafentin Aggen
Organizer
Omaha, NE