Penny Whitson
Donation protected
Penny's story:
Some of you I've told in person, some of you may have already heard. I think it's best to hear it from me.
I've been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
I've been having stomach issues since the summer, which I thought was acid reflux or Gerd. I really wish it was. I went to get checked out because everything I tried wasn't making it better. At this point I'm thankful for the pain because I wouldn't have known otherwise. This type of cancer is sneaky that way, and usually found due to something else.
I've had my biopsy done but there are still some more tests to be done to determine what "stage" I'm in. Not that it matters because I want it out and gone because I've still got children to raise and things to do. At this point, where the tumor is located it's inoperable, so most likely my treatment plan will be chemotherapy to shrink the tumor enough to operate or go away. It sounds like a tough road and will most likely suck.
If your initial reaction is what you can do to help, please start with good thoughts, prayers, good vibes, and pretty much anything positive. It would be appreciated and helpful beyond measure. I love you all.
Update:
After this what seems like a forever waiting period, things are going to be moving quite quickly. I am at a stage 3, which has more to do with the treatment plan than actual "cureability". The treatment plan is as before, chemotherapy to reduce the tumor and kill the cancer cells. I have the more common, less scary version and I will be going in every 2 weeks for treatment starting on the 13th. I have a tiny spot on my lumbar that they want to check out, so I have an MRI on Mon. It doesn't change my treatment plan though. After about a 3 month course, I'll have another CTscan to see how effective treatment has been. So that's the gist of it. The Chemo is fairly aggressive, the side effects mostly unpleasant. Everyone responds differently, so that's the part which is intimidating and scary for me.
Thank you for the love and support you have all shown for myself and family. It's made a huge difference! There really are no words to express my gratitude.
Donors don’t give to institutions. They invest in ideas and people in whom they believe. -G.T. Smith
How you can help:
Penny's friends are helping to fund raise money for her children to help help pay for some expenses after she is gone. Her daughter's Shelby and Marisa are in their mid twenties and from the Seattle area. They want to thank you for your continued support, it has meant so much! These young ladies will have legal guardianship of their younger siblings, Kael 12 yrs. and Jaise 11 yrs. They will be taking on the responsibility of raising these two great kids. We have a goal to help this family financially. There have been travel expenses, and there will be the expenses for Penny's service, in addition to the costs of raising two preteen children. Would you prayerfully consider helping Penny's children financially as they start a new phase of life? Your generosity will help take the financial stress off of these young ladies and give them the freedom they needs to focus on moving forward and raising their bother and sister without worrying about money. No donation is too small, every little bit helps and the need is urgent.
As Penny's children embark on this very unexpected journey, lets show them the power of community as we rally around them with our support.
Please consider sharing this gofundme link on your Facebook page.
https://www.gofundme.com/penny-whitson
Thank you!
Some of you I've told in person, some of you may have already heard. I think it's best to hear it from me.
I've been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
I've been having stomach issues since the summer, which I thought was acid reflux or Gerd. I really wish it was. I went to get checked out because everything I tried wasn't making it better. At this point I'm thankful for the pain because I wouldn't have known otherwise. This type of cancer is sneaky that way, and usually found due to something else.
I've had my biopsy done but there are still some more tests to be done to determine what "stage" I'm in. Not that it matters because I want it out and gone because I've still got children to raise and things to do. At this point, where the tumor is located it's inoperable, so most likely my treatment plan will be chemotherapy to shrink the tumor enough to operate or go away. It sounds like a tough road and will most likely suck.
If your initial reaction is what you can do to help, please start with good thoughts, prayers, good vibes, and pretty much anything positive. It would be appreciated and helpful beyond measure. I love you all.
Update:
After this what seems like a forever waiting period, things are going to be moving quite quickly. I am at a stage 3, which has more to do with the treatment plan than actual "cureability". The treatment plan is as before, chemotherapy to reduce the tumor and kill the cancer cells. I have the more common, less scary version and I will be going in every 2 weeks for treatment starting on the 13th. I have a tiny spot on my lumbar that they want to check out, so I have an MRI on Mon. It doesn't change my treatment plan though. After about a 3 month course, I'll have another CTscan to see how effective treatment has been. So that's the gist of it. The Chemo is fairly aggressive, the side effects mostly unpleasant. Everyone responds differently, so that's the part which is intimidating and scary for me.
Thank you for the love and support you have all shown for myself and family. It's made a huge difference! There really are no words to express my gratitude.
Donors don’t give to institutions. They invest in ideas and people in whom they believe. -G.T. Smith
How you can help:
Penny's friends are helping to fund raise money for her children to help help pay for some expenses after she is gone. Her daughter's Shelby and Marisa are in their mid twenties and from the Seattle area. They want to thank you for your continued support, it has meant so much! These young ladies will have legal guardianship of their younger siblings, Kael 12 yrs. and Jaise 11 yrs. They will be taking on the responsibility of raising these two great kids. We have a goal to help this family financially. There have been travel expenses, and there will be the expenses for Penny's service, in addition to the costs of raising two preteen children. Would you prayerfully consider helping Penny's children financially as they start a new phase of life? Your generosity will help take the financial stress off of these young ladies and give them the freedom they needs to focus on moving forward and raising their bother and sister without worrying about money. No donation is too small, every little bit helps and the need is urgent.
As Penny's children embark on this very unexpected journey, lets show them the power of community as we rally around them with our support.
Please consider sharing this gofundme link on your Facebook page.
https://www.gofundme.com/penny-whitson
Thank you!
Organizer and beneficiary
Shirley Perkins Trent
Organizer
Bigfork, MT
Marisa Blair
Beneficiary
Inspired to help? Start a fundraiser for someone you know
