Karen Soderlund Newmans Fight Against Colon Cancer

UPDATE December 31/2024

First of all Karen Lynn aka Kay would like to give her heartfelt thanks to all her friends and family for the support she was given during the past year while she fought cancer. It was not easy and although she did her best to share the ups and downs of her fight and to stay positive there were many days she would not have gotten through without all the kind words, private messages, meals, gifts and financial support.

On December 15 th she met with one of her Oncology surgeons and was told the tumor had completely disappeared and had responded positively to the Radiation and Chemotherapy treatments leaving behind a few polyps and an ulcer (sore). This was of course amazing news but as the doctor put it left her in an unusual position and a choice to make.

The choices were to opt for watch and wait which means for the next two years she would have to come in for a scope every 2 months and an MRI every 3-6months to see if the cancer would return in the same spot. They gave her an estimate of approximately 30% chance of it returning. The second choice is to have the surgery where they will take out the section of bowel where the ulcer remains as well as any polyps. This would happen 6- 8 weeks after her last chemo treatment which would bring us anywhere from end of January 2025-mid February 2025. She will be in hospital if all goes well 5-6 days, and have 6 weeks recovery at home. The surgeon would not know until during the surgery if she would need to have a temporary ileostomy (bm bag)

She has opted for the surgery at this time to insure in her mind that the cancer will not return (at least in the same spot)and has to make her final decision by January 15th.

As many of you know this whole ordeal really hit her hard financially. She spent any savings she had, had to go on medical EI (which ran out in mid december), applied for Disability benefits (which at this time has still not been approved), and was very grateful for the donations here and privately to help her make ends meet and not lose her apartment that she shares with her youngest while she is in college and working p/t. She is currently in talks to return to work in a modified basis(less hours) up until the time of surgery and continues to try to make extra dollars reselling. We understand this is a hard time for everyone but ask if you can or would like to support her through the surgery and recovery to please share this or donate what you can. Every dollar helps to ease her stress while she is on the road to a full recovery and NED status (No evidence of Disease). Thankyou for taking the time yet again to read, share and donate. Happy New Year and wishing health happiness and love for us all in 2025.

May 2024

Hello everyone, My name is Caitlin, and if you're reading this, chances are my Mom, Karen Lynn Soderlund, has brightened your life with her sparkle and positivity at some point. Karen Lynn has always been the type to speak her mind with a positive attitude. She's deeply involved in her community, always eager to lend a helping hand, whether in small gestures or big acts of kindness.

 Earlier this year, she began experiencing health complications, leading to a diagnosis of Stage 3 Colon Cancer after several tests.

 At 53 years old, Karen Lynn is a mother of four, works as a PSW, and has my youngest sister living with her. Unfortunately, she doesn't have benefits and is still awaiting approval for the Trillium Benefit.

 In the coming days, she'll begin six weeks of radiation, five days a week, alongside chemotherapy. The initial chemotherapy, crucial during radiation, isn't covered under OHIP due to her age. Following this, she'll have a month to recover before embarking on a more aggressive chemotherapy regimen, consisting of 5-6 rounds, three weeks on, three weeks off. The ultimate goal after this treatment phase is for the cancer to shrink enough to undergo surgery for removal.

 This journey is new and daunting for all of us, and we'll update this page as we go. I'm reaching out to our friends and family to come together, share, and donate to support Karen. Medical EI or ODSP won't cover her cost of living, let alone the medications she'll need during this time. Thank you for taking the time to read, share, and donate.

 We'll keep you updated as we navigate this journey