Support Glenda’s Fight Against Cancer

Update 08/30:

Been a while but here we go- After completing her radiation treatments and four round of chemo, my mom had more scans done that showed that the tumors in her lung and lymph node are gone ;

however, they discovered 8 small tumors in her brain. The good news is that they caught them while they were still tiny and started her on brain radiation treatments right away. She finished those up yesterday, so now she's focusing on resting and getting her strength back. She also begins preventative chemo immunotherapy soon to hopefully keep the

cancer away for as long as we can. Still so thankful for your love, prayers, and emotional & financial support!

Update 06/05:

Radiation and 2/4 rounds of chemo complete. The last round was a bit rough and was postponed due to fever and a pretty gnarly, full-body chemo rash. Benadryl has been added to her list of IV fluids on chemo days and aside from causing extremely restless legs, it appears to have helped with the other symptoms and allows us to continue with the current treatment plan.

Even though radiation is over, the side effects are in full force. The doctor said she could begin experiencing these symptoms as late as two weeks after her last treatment and they could last up to 6-8 weeks. She is having a really hard time swallowing (even just water), has a pretty good cough, and is very fatigued. The good news is that it isn’t all for nothing and her tumor is about 80% reduced now.

Chemo round 3 starts on 6/20. While she remains in pretty good spirits, your kind words, prayers, and many forms of support are still welcome and appreciated. Bills continue to come in and are definitely an area of concern, but also hope and pray for peace and healing, as it is a tough battle for her not only physically, but also mentally. I know when Covid closed schools and put me out of work for a few months, I almost went stir-crazy, so I cannot imagine how difficult a situation like this truly is for her. Those who know her know that she has always been independent, self-sufficient, and hard working. Her job means a lot to her, so it had been difficult for her to encounter and accept the limitations of her condition. I just ask that you continue to reach out with your kind words and support as you are able to help keep her spirits up.

You are all so wonderful and, again, I thank you for everything.

Original post: About a month ago, my mother, Glenda Russow, was diagnosed with small cell carcinoma (lung cancer). If you’ve ever met her, you know that she is a fighter and has every intention of kicking it’s butt as quickly as she can. Thankfully the doctors have the same plan with a fairly aggressive combination of chemotherapy and radiation which started last week. Radiation is taking place twice a day every day and she is scheduled for three more rounds of chemotherapy: each one lasting for three days in a row, with 21 days in between each round. With the majority of this fight still ahead of her, I am asking for your support to help alleviate a bit of her stress. Her treatment schedule combined with a series of physical symptoms (low sodium, extreme fatigue and muscle weakness, etc.) has left her unable to work, so it is my hope that we can provide her with at least a slight sense if relief during such an overwhelming time. We appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and support as we navigate the months to come. If you do feel inclined to contribute financially, your donation will help cover the cost of gas while commuting for treatments and hospital bills (as bills have already begun to arrive) as well as groceries, medications, and her bills at home as she is still physically unable to work.

Thank you in advance for your support. ❤️