I can’t believe I’m saying this. I’m still in total shock almost two weeks after receiving a devastating diagnosis.

I have been seeking answers to what seemed to be extreme PCOS/PMOS symptoms for several months now. Bloodwork all returned in range time after time but I kept feeling worse. Then kind followers started messaging with concerns of my thyroid seeming enlarged. Ultrasounds, biopsies, and more labs were added to my appointments.

The first report said “well we just recommend this next step to everyone.”

The next said “ok this is atypical but unlikely to be a concern and your risk is under 30%.”

Then it was “well actually you did test positive for these four markers but the chance of anything malignant is still 80%.”

And finally, “I’m so sorry to inform you that you do in fact have cancer.”

Fortunately, the primary surgery is covered by health insurance.

Unfortunately, I anticipated an uneventful year as far as my own medical care goes, so my self-employment (iykyk) deductible reflects.

$10,000

In all of this coordination I have found a significant source of hope. My primary endocrine surgeon completed most of their training in areas of the country that are integrating regenerative medicine at a much faster rate than here in my hometown of Madison, WI. They have taken it upon themselves to gather all available peer reviewed documentation and compared today’s gold standard to tomorrow’s.

This is a huge relief!

I’ve experienced the secondhand side effects of chemotherapy and radiation through immediate family members. I’ve also faced the reality of treatment plans that aren’t created to be as aggressive as the cancer itself—primarily due to the limitations placed on the available modalities for concern of tolerance within the body.

So when I emphasized the importance of my health in relation to my baby, I couldn’t believe that my doctor asked if I was familiar with stem cells. Stem cells?! Yes actually, and I have a fabulous clinic that I believe would be eager to work collaboratively!

So I contacted Lydia’s stem cell clinic and informed them of the situation. And to my surprise, they already have a cancer protocol! They employ different products than my daughter has received. Immunotherapy, NK cells, and MUSE cells are used in a specific combination alongside other supportive treatments to maximize patient success.

$32,000

I’m also preparing for a number of costly arrangements in order to maintain my daughter’s ongoing high needs supports.

In true double edged sword fashion, the interventions we’ve worked so hard to participate in over the past 1.5 years have effectively removed her ‘medical necessity’ that would qualify her for in-home nursing. The brain damage remains. The diagnoses remain. But her hospitalization risk or alternate medical equipment does not.

So far this has been okay. Tiring, of course. Isolating even. But Lydia’s ability to live comfortably was not dependent on outside support. And good thing because outside support is not something we have in any sort of abundance. But now I’m preparing for 2 to 4 weeks of around the clock post-op recovery followed by several weeks of restrictions. I’m very nervous for this aspect. I’m more worried about Lydia’s help than I am about my own CANCER, surgery, or regenerative treatments. I suppose that’s the mom in me.

$28,000

And finally, I’ve mapped out one last troubling point. My limited ability to work over the next several months is threatening to interrupt Lydia’s therapies.

Her Dezawa MUSE cell treatments will remain intact thanks to her incredible opportunity through MuseCell Innovations. I also have part of our schedule paid in advance. But the rest? Well, it’s less certain.

$20,000

As many of you already know, it’s just Lydia and I. This isn’t a position I planned to be in on any front. But it’s what I’m working with.

I need your help. I’m scared for Lydia. I’m scared for me. And I’m even a little (ok, a lot) scared for the families that I’ve been helping through my platforms.

And because I’ve seen firsthand the power of the internet, I’m also requesting the following connections:

* traveling caregivers/nurses interested in temporary placement both in Wisconsin and Mexico

* High level therapies experienced in severe neurological damage (cerebral palsy +)

* cancer survivor stories

With love and many thanks from Alexa & Lydia

@adventures.of.mommy