Stacey Fisher Brain Tumor Fight

Please take a moment to open your hearts and minds to hear the impending medical journey of one of my near and dear friends, Stacey Fisher. Stacey and I have been friends all of our lives and I wanted to take this opportunity to start this fundraiser to allow an avenue of opportunity for those who care for her to assist with her medical expenses. Let me introduce her to those who don't know her and give detail to all concerned.

Dealing with persistent illness that has worsened over the span of twenty years, this single, 42-year-old mother of four has continually been met with misdiagnoses until February 21st, 2017 when MRI scans (at Tri-Star Medical with later referral to Vanderbilt Neurology) detected a grade III, secreting, macroadenoma, brain tumor that has been growing for at least twenty years. Results also concluded that the tumor has caused acromegaly, adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, enlarged thyroid with nodules, and potentially additional disorders unknown until further treatment is conducted. Over the past twenty years, Stacey has dealt with debilitating fatigue, chronic muscle, bone, and joint pain, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, and many more disease related symptoms as a result of this tumor. Symptoms worsening with time are horrible, chronic headaches, facial numbness, nerve pain, and blurred vision. Her risk of additional complications such as blindness, stroke, cancer, diabetes, enlarged heart and other organs, heart disease, or early death will increase dramatically if left untreated.

Because the tumor has invaded the cavernous sinus and encased the left carotid arteries and the left optic nerve, neurosurgeons at Vanderbilt deemed her condition inoperable. However, another referral by her diagnosing physician to the Cleveland Clinic, for a second opinion provided a promising plan of care. The Cleveland Clinic neurosurgeon prepared a four stage plan for treatment including: two brain surgeries, radiation and chemical treatment to control blood levels. Through this plan of treatment, the goal is remission, either chemically or completely on all biological levels.

Stacey’s first brain surgery, a craniotomy, is scheduled for May 8th, at the Cleveland Clinic to attempt to remove 70% of the tumor. After remaining in Cleveland for at least 19 days, she will have to return in four weeks for follow up and to plan the second surgery to remove the remaining 30%. Because of the involvement with the optic nerve and carotid arteries, it is too dangerous to remove tumors in these areas and the only means of eradicating the remaining tumor will be with radiation. Additionally, medications and monthly injections will be required to control remaining symptoms.

Due to this very rare, progressive disease, Stacey has been physically unable to work for a year, and returning to work will be indefinite for the foreseeable future. This along with her impending medical bills not guaranteed to be covered by insurance (Travel expenses already nearing over $4,000, estimated first year's medical expenses upwards of $700,000, and prescriptions needed throughout her lifetime reaching over $10,000 monthly) has left her very concerned about how to pay for her and her children's daily living and home expenses.

Stacey is a very strong and brave woman and a wonderful mother to Gavin, Savannah, Isabelle and JohnKelly (JK). She desires to do all that she can do to overcome this serious health battle that she is facing. I wish to ask you to help my dear, courageous friend, her children, and their extended family on her journey to recovery with this upcoming financial burden. Any amount possible will help this family and be greatly appreciated. With your help and kind thoughts and prayers, Stacey will beat this and be restored back to health.. and I know my friend well... She will overcome this and dedicate her help and support to others in the future diagnosed with this very rare condition. Thank you in advance for your compassion and consideration.