On Sunday May 13,2018 life was normal for a beautiful Mother's Day !
We celebrated and life seemed grand.
The following day a persistent sharp pain led Vaughan to ER.
Within hours news of a lung metastatic cancer sent shock and disbelief to all who learned about this.
A tumour larger than his heart. No one was more shocked than Vaughan ! News like this consumes your every waking moment.
What do you mean ? How can this be ? Cancer back after 17 years and a two year battle in 2001 -2002.
In 2002 a large tumour was removed from the left leg and clear margins achieved. Ten years of Dr.appointments , scans and x-rays resulted in success. Vaughan was then told to go and enjoy his life because all was good.
Seventeen years later cancer returns to his lung and threatens the very breath he breathes.
Where to from here ? Chemo therapy, radiation, immunotherapy and surgery . The tumour must shrink 50-60% before surgery can take place. It all sounds like a plan that simply unfolds without a hitch unless you are the patient or the caregivers. What most don't know is the burdens of chemo therapy on the body . Three months into chemo Vaughan has experienced several setbacks that have been extremely challenging .
This road resembles a marathon with many curves, valleys and a Mt. Everest climb times two. The medical team is outstanding as well as family and friends who have been a huge encouragement.
Dependence on the faith and the right decisions by the Dr.s is vital for health to be restored.
In 2001 vacation was cut short when Vaughan experienced severe pain in his left leg. A synovial sarcoma tumour larger than a man's hand was discovered in the adductor muscle above the knee. Surgery was complicated however successful .
After 20 months of recovery Vaughan slowly resumed to a new normal . Vaughan is grateful for the quality of life he has enjoyed the past 17 years and gives credit to the amazing medical team who cared for him.
T o d a y is a b r a n d n e w c h a l l e n g e !
Yes a challenge bigger than ever imagined and life as normal is put on hold for a lengthy period of time. The Surgeon describes Vaughan's surgery as " a very big surgery. " Preparing for immune re building pre and post surgery involve treatments and travel expenses that are extensive and expensive. This is the reason for the go fund me page . Many have asked how they can help and this go fund me page will help to take care of the many additional costs associated with therapies and treatments to rebuild Vaughan's body.
Love, Support and Prayer make this a joint effort to help Vaughan reach the finish line to a victorious recovery.
Many thanks for all those who have been supportive in numerous ways in lightening the load.
THANKS ! for Caring and Sharing the Story : www.myunexpectedjourney.ca
U P D A T E : July 17/2019 ( 14 Months - Post Diagnosis )
A very long and courageous battle for Vaughan and new treatments that are in the field of Immunotherapy was done in January 2019. Billions of Cells were infused to influence the cancer killing ability of his body's own immune system. This type of treatment is unpredictable on how long it can positively effect the patient. In fact some patients do not respond at all. Vaughan got a good response for the first couple months however 4 months post treatment more tumour growth was discovered .
For those of you not understanding this type of treatment it is encouraging and yet discouraging all at the same time to have such a great opportunity with this treatment but then to realize you have to go through this again and not knowing the outcome. Vaughan is now in final preparation of the second infusion in early August. He will be several weeks in Toronto for this treatment.
Normal living is almost a faded memory some days. Our goal is to be able to see this tumour disappear ! How and When we do not know but are trusting in the LORD to help Vaughan beat this horrible cancer that professionals call " Incurable " yes in the eyes of man it is in that category but that does not mean it has to stay there.
SEE MOST RECENT UPDATES to cover the journey the past couple weeks.
You all have made a difference. Vaughan is a blessing to our family.
Those of you who know him are also blessed !
Thank you all for your Prayers, Love and Support.
Jocelyn Killam ( Mom )