Roxanne Paulson

Thank you for taking time out of your day to read Roxy’s story! Over one month’s time, Roxy had been experiencing headaches which began to intensify, then experiencing fatigue and some confusion. On August 23, 2018, she went to the ER with a painful “10” migraine! The hospital completed a CT Scan where the test showed a mass on her brain. Immediately, she was transferred to St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. After several tests and assessments, they confirmed that she had a golf ball sized tumor on the right side of her brain. Over the next several days, extreme fatigue settled in, and this was concerning to the neurology team. The decision was made to then transfer Roxy to ICU for further evaluation and treatment. It was determined that her sodium level had dropped (due to the tumor) causing the extreme fatigue. On Monday, August 27th, she underwent six hours of brain surgery where they removed the tumor. Roxy came out of surgery with an amazing spirit and a positive flow of energy! She was laughing and sharing life stories with hospital staff, family and friends. One of her physician’s even commented on how she had never had a patient come out of brain surgery so delightful! We have all been amazed with her positive attitude, bravery and comical spirit. As always, she continues to make everyone in the room smile and laugh!
 
Several days later we received the news that no one wants to hear. At the young age of 56, the tumor removed from Roxy's brain is Cancer. The diagnosis is Glioblastoma (grade IV), which represents only 2% of cancers diagnosed in the United States. This type of cancer has cells that aggressively infiltrate and hide in healthy brain tissue, making complete removal impossible. Those factors make this type of tumor not curable. This type of tumor will try to regrow, but chemo and radiation therapy is the most effective way to limit and slow the growth. Roxy will now undergo an intense round of chemotherapy and radiation, combined with a combination of therapy, as she battles this cancer!
 
Despite the devastating news and several painful situations, Roxy is courageously fighting this disease with determination and grace! She inspires so many with such an optimistic attitude. Her strength is amazing and she has left us speechless by her profound bravery. Unfortunately, at this time Roxy is not able to return to work as she begins her treatment, thus, making it difficult to live on one income with no pay and increasing medical bills. Due to the financial hardship, the proceeds from your donation will benefit this incredible family with their medical expenses along with providing Roxy with the care needed to continue her fight against cancer.
 
We want to help this family and support them through this very difficult time! We are calling this rally “Radiant Roxy”. Roxy is a ray of sunshine, kind-hearted, positive, delightful and can easily bring a smile to your face. That is, Radiant Roxy!  Please join us as we open our hearts to help this amazing family who is bound for a long journey. 

For more information and to see Roxy's progress, please visit her Caring Bridge site at:

www.caringbridge.org/visit/roxannepaulson