TESSA’S STORY:  WALK WITH ME

Tessa, a single, loving, affectionate mother, raising 3 children alone, developed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2001.  She chose alternative treatment even though the doctor told her that, without chemo, she had 1 1/2 yrs to live.   But Tessa believed her quality of life would be better, & be lengthened without the chemo, enabling her to be with her 2 sons & daughter more.

Tessa consulted with her cousin & wife who agreed to raise her children.  She entrusted them with their lives in her will.  She called her father & I requesting that we move to CA to take care of her & the children.  We wasted no time.  The day after we moved in, Tessa was transported to ER.   

 

That was to be the first of many ER visits & hospital stays (3 months being the longest).  Tessa wanted to have in depth alternative treatment at Oasis of Hope Hospital. When we finally met a pulmonologist who was sensitive to her wishes, he brought in an oncologist,  & together they focused on physically helping Tessa’s wish come true.  Multiple times fluid filled each lobe of the lungs, each time they were drained.  Eventually the lung doctor, in separate procedures, sealed each lobe in an effort to prevent recurrence.  It was successful!  He was so encouraging, pleasant, & helpful (Tessa still bakes goodies for him at Christmastime).  The oncologist, caring & sensitive to her feelings (& still her doctor today),  presented options instead of chemo, like Rituxin therapy.

 

Meanwhile the 2 doctors, nurses, strangers, acquaintances, dear friends, relatives,  & family members blessed Tessa with meals, visits, a hand while walking or pushing the IV pole, many massages, smiles, encouragement, laughter, compassion, tears, outstretched arms, hugs, & kisses.   Some organized fundraisers, some gave monetary gifts.  People prayed.  Even whole churches prayed.  Tessa secured a personal loan.

 

One day, to reduce the need for oxygen during transport to Oasis, she agreed to Rituxin therapy & ONE, ONLY ONE, chemo treatment.  Her hair fell out—all of it!  She cried.  Many times Tessa cried,  praying that she would be able to see the children again, play with them, & watch them grow up.  That was what mattered.

Tessa (& I) spent 21 days at Oasis of Hope during Sept-Oct 2002.  It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but NOW SHE HOPES TO GO AGAIN. WITH YOUR HELP.    Will you walk with her?

 

Since 2003 Tessa has worked part time as a caregiver for Alzheimer, hospice, & MS clients.  Pay is low, but IT’S REWARDING TO HELP THOSE UNABLE TO HELP THEMSELVES.  She’s had time to:  devote to the children, be a Little League “Team Mom”, follow the children closely in school & in their sport endeavors, volunteer at Vacation Bible Schools & Sunday School.  With her  children, she’s volunteered in “soup kitchen/mission-like” settings, serving the hungry.  More recently she spiritually supported her Marine son serving in Afghanistan.  Now the daughter & both sons are in college.

 

In 2004, 2008, & 2012 treatments were needed.  Each time Rituxin was chosen because her insurance covered it, & it helped.  However, it always lowered her blood pressure too much, which proved risky.  A severe reaction to Rituxin sent her to ER March 2014.  But Tessa DID complete the therapy.  Then in August of the same year (2014), she took the treatment again.  It did little to reduce the size of more strategically located masses.  So THE RITUXIN IS NOW MORE RISKY & LESS EFFECTIVE FOR HER.

 

After recently noticing that masses on her neck are growing fast, SHE REQUESTED YET ONE MORE RITUXIN TREATMENT series, hoping to reduce their sizes & multiple others.  Although aware of risks, she is unwilling to accept more drug options.  TESSA CANNOT AFFORD the in-depth alternative treatments, even though THE FAST-GROWING MASSES OF CANCER CAUSE PRESSURE ON HER NECK, THROAT, & SKULL BASE, CAUSING LIGHTHEADEDNESS & PAIN.

 

TESSA ALSO NEEDS ROOT CANAL PROCEDURES & MERCURY FILLING REMOVAL to reduce the toxins accumulating in her already-compromised lymph system.

 

Money from this fund will be used for dental work & cancer treatment.

 

Can you help Tessa?

 Will you?

If you can, may the Lord guide you.

If you do, may the Lord richly bless you.

If you want to, but SIMPLY CANNOT, may the Lord  bless you more.

 

BUT PLEASE SHARE TESSA’S STORY & MY PLEA ON HER BEHALF.

 

THANK YOU