Sierra's Journey: Surgery and Strength

As most of you know by now my sister from another mister is going through some serious medical stuff this year and is actually going in tomorrow for a major surgery. As of now bcbs isnt covering most of her medical expenses. This is a huge stress to her in addition to having to take time off from work because of the surgery. This gofundme is to help alleviate some of the stress from the medical bills, and time she will be out of work. Anything helps even if its just keeping her in your prayers and sending positive healing vibes to her.

This is a note from her mother thats a little more detailed:

Hello friends,

I have remained quite private on social media about a serious issue my girl, Sierra, is facing. With a very dangerous surgery scheduled for next Monday, she would now like to welcome prayers, positive vibes, and any messages of encouragement.

Back in January, just two days after Randy and I visited Sierra, she received news that a softball sized tumor was on her ovary. In February, I went down for the surgery in Orlando. We were told that they were able to take the entire tumor and ovary, and that they believed it was not cancerous (which was later confirmed with pathology). We thought we were out of the woods. However, the next morning while staying with her during her recuperation, she opened her health portal and we got an unbelievable shock. Her portal had a report of a pre-surgical chest x-ray that revealed a 6 cm tumor growing out of the spine, into 2 ribs, protruding into the lungs and heart, and wrapped around the aorta. There was a note on the portal that a special meeting of physicians had to be held to clear her for the surgery the day before - none of which was mentioned to either of us before or after the surgery! While we were reading this, expletives flying in disbelief, her phone rang and it was the hospital “informing” her of the problem and the need to schedule several more tests and scans. Having had melanoma in 2006 - more tests than normal are needed. After several CT scans, MRI’s, labs, etc.- many of which were not covered by insurance- a meeting was scheduled to discuss a plan of action. Now into March, we met with a thoracic surgeon on a Monday who said that he was planning to do the part of the surgery that would remove the tumor from her aorta and heart region. He said we would then have to meet with an orthopedic surgeon who would do the other portion of the surgery. We met with this surgeon that Thursday, and he said he would remove part of the spine, part of 2 ribs, and replace them with a newer form of metal. He told us that he and the other surgeon’s plan had to go before the hospital’s tumor board- which only meets once a month - they just met 2 days prior- so we would have to wait another month. Now at the end of April, the tumor board finally convened and a meeting was held (I attended by phone) wherein we were told that the hospital would not approve the surgery due to the incredible risk. Obviously, there is a risk of paralysis when cutting so close to the spinal nerves, and cutting around the aorta presents an even greater risk. So they gave us a couple referrals to cancer centers that might take us on. Back to square one. But, Sierra (being the amazingly strong person she is) got on this immediately and found a center in Tampa that would take her on. She sent all her records and she then met with them (me on conference call again), and the surgeon said he is willing to do the procedure. He is hoping he can do the procedure without having to remove the part of her spine the tumor originated in. He is also hoping the surgery can be done robotically. In the event of complications, he will have to open her up surgically- as planned by the previous surgeons. He will send samples of the tumor to pathology for final diagnostics.

Mom note - I can’t begin to express in words how mind blown I am by my girl’s strength. As any parent who has been through something like this knows- hearing your spirited 37 year old tell you of her funeral wishes while she also navigates the nightmare of nonstop appointments, insurance issues, etc. not to mention that this causes severe bone pain and shortness of breath- - it’s surreal to say the least. But, through all of this she has not only kept it together, she has gotten promoted at her job and better yet- she got married! She and Justin had a beautiful lake/forest ceremony. I am so grateful that she found someone with not only a deep love for her, but an incredible sense of strength and dedication. The journey ahead will be long, the struggle will be great, and the financial burden may well outlive all of us. I remember Beth telling me that she had gone through months of her cancer journey without shedding a tear, and it was being jerked around by Blue Cross’s refusal to pay that eventually made her break down. But, as most that know us understand - we have had wonderful role models for facing such struggles with humor and strength - and Sierra has taken that attribute to an unbelievable new level. There are no words to describe how proud I am of her.

We are so grateful for the family members and close friends that have been keeping us in your thoughts and prayers, and certainly appreciate all that anyone has to offer. If anyone would like her address, feel free to message me. Thank you for the love.