I've been recently diagnosed with a Carotid body paraganglioma tumor in my neck.

It's been there for years, specifically the last couple of years growing much larger.

These tumors are very rare and unique. I've heard it's 1/2 out of a million for a paraganglioma. I am the 3% having one on my carotid.

It is not benign or malignant as all neuroendocrine tumors are considered pre-cancerous and can metastasize.

It can be a DNA mutation that causes NET tumors.

My surgery will be December 2nd with Dr. Thomas Park and Dr. Jon Young. I picked these amazing surgeons and have worked around them for many years. Luckily, with my OR experience, I am able to choose the staff for my procedure.

I will stay in the ICU 1-2 days following my tumor removal and, of course, longer if there are any complications.

You can see in the CT scan the size.

December will be tough, I will not have a full paycheck at all in December until Disability kicks in, which takes 3-4 weeks minimum. There's a 7-day wait period before you can even apply. I will need lots of help getting through Christmas.

Truly, anything helps! I don't want my kiddos to not enjoy the holidays due to my inability to work.

I am taking a couple months off to recover.