Rally for Heather Meaux Carnahan Recovery Journey

Heather Meaux Carnahan

Support for My Mom’s Recovery

Update: 03/29

My mom had to go back to the emergency room again today because she was coughing up blood. She’s not clear to go back to work. She’ll have to go get additional testing on Tuesday. They did a chest X-ray and then a chest CT scan. All they could tell from that is she now have a dark mass in the second lobe of her right lung.

On March 10, my mom suddenly began coughing up blood. After an urgent doctor’s visit, a chest X-ray and bloodwork were done. While she waited for the results, her symptoms seemed to ease. But by Wednesday, she was coughing up blood clots.

A CT scan on Thursday revealed a rare congenital lung condition called interlobar pulmonary sequestration, where abnormal blood vessels formed in her lung. Left untreated, that could rupture. She was immediately admitted to the ER, moved to ICU, and then to the cardiovascular unit.

On Friday, doctors performed a procedure to cauterize the bleeding vessels. The next day, she underwent surgery to remove the lower third of her lung. Complications led to a partially collapsed lung, requiring additional chest tubes and a prolonged hospital stay.

My mom has been advised to take at least 30 days off work to recover. Unfortunately, she doesn’t qualify for Medicaid, and her employer’s insurance is unaffordable. We’re hoping to raise funds to help cover her rent, utilities, groceries, and mounting medical bills.

Any amount you can give would be deeply appreciated. If you’re unable to donate, your thoughts and prayers mean the world to us.

Thank you for your kindness and support.