My mom, Debbie, was recently diagnosed with an aggressive oral cancer. The last few months have been difficult trying to navigate through the medical options, insurance roadblocks, and prepare for the tough road ahead. 

The plan is for her to undergo a 7-10 hour surgery on May 13 where they will remove the tumor from her tongue, and reconstruct with a vessel, tissue and skin graft from other parts of her body. If all goes as planned, she will recover in the ICU, then a hospital/rehab facility, then she will be moving in with us for as long as needed to help with her aftercare and healing. 

Furthermore, at her cardiologist appointment last week, the EKG showed a heart issue that will unfortunately have to wait to be addressed until her surgery is over because the removal of the cancer cannot be pushed out any further. 

It will be a rough recovery and she will need speech, eating, and general physical therapy when healed, but we know she is strong and she has an amazing support system. 

The financial burden has already begun and will continue for an unknown length of time. We assume it will continue at least through the remainder of this year. Debbie has already missed a significant amount of work. It is unknown when she will be able to return to her job. Her health insurance has not covered as much as she had hoped and we continue to navigate that challenge. When she moves in with us, we will need professional in-home care. 

My mom is not one to ever ask for help. She has always been the one taking care of others, and would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. Whether you are able to help and support her through positive thoughts or prayers, a card, or a small donation to help cover her care and bills, we would be very grateful.