On October 2, 2025, my mom Gaye went to a general surgeon's office for a localized anesthetic procedure to remove what we thought was a lipoma. On October 21, we got the call with pathology results. The supposed lipoma was actually a malignant cancerous tumor known as a chordoma. This is a very rare cancer, one in a million, that affects only 300 Americans per year. Upon diagnosis, we were referred to Vanderbilt, where we were introduced to an amazing team of doctors, including a neurosurgeon, an orthopedic oncology surgeon, and a colorectal oncology surgeon, and a plastic surgeon.

After 5 weeks of radiation, on 3/18/26, Mom had a 9 hour surgery to remove the tumor. They removed her coccyx and 4 vertebrae of her sacrum, S2-S5, along with the entirety of the tumor. Thank God, they were able to achieve negative margins! She will now be monitored by her orthopedic oncologist at Vanderbilt with regular scans to be sure it doesn't come back.

We spent a week in the hospital and three weeks in inpatient rehab before being released home. The recovery has been rough, and is still ongoing. She's progressing well, though, and we're so very grateful!

I've extended my leave from work to continue supporting Mom at home as she builds up her strength and mobility. The worst is over, the cancerous tumor is GONE, but we still have expenses and more upcoming follow-ups with her doctors. Your help is so very appreciated beyond words.