On March 10th, my Mom, Michele went in for a sinus surgery to remove what we
believed to be a massive infection, but we
found out from that procedure, it was
much more than that. After many tests
over the past few weeks (Biopsies with
second opinion, MRI, PET scan, labwork),
we have received the official diagnosis of
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, an
EXTREMELY rare cancer that is aggressive and will require an extensive treatment
plan. The first procedure only removed a
portion of the massive tumor so another
"de-bulking" surgery is planned with
Moffitt Cancer Center and a referral is
being made for specialized proton
radiation therapy and chemotherapy at
Shands in Jacksonville. 

The tumor has involved the left sinonasal
cavity, the orbit bone, the palate (mouth),
and the root of 2 cranial nerves making it
a localized stage IV . Thankfully there is no
spread to other areas of the body!

Financially this will take a lot of resources
to maintain her home in Titusville, fund at
least one extended stay in Jacksonville
for multiple weeks, travel costs for
appointments and of course medical
expenses. During the process working full
time will not be possible and even with
disability insurances and health insurance
these needs are abundant.

We're reaching out to friends & family for 
help in this time.  We highly appreciate any
help you're willing or able to give in this
time to get through this. 

Much love,
Victoria

ACC INFORMATION:
https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/5743/adenoid-cystic-carcinoma#diseaseOverviewSection

Updates between March and May are posted :)

On May 20, Mom had an endoscopy done because her PET scan had a slight glow by the stomach that we needed to evaluate. Expecting something simple like gastritis, we were a bit blindsided to hear that he found a tumor in her stomach. On May 26, we found out officially that that tumor was Adenocarcinoma, a SECOND primary cancer! It's NOT Mets, but it is cancer. (Small wins in those terms.) Treatment for the sinus cancer must be completed before starting treatment for the stomach. Unfortunately, this elongated the treatment plan and a longer need in place. We will keep you all updated! ❤️