Support Recovery for Jacqueline after Spinal Tumor Surgery

I have been diagnosed with a myxopapillary ependymoma tumor in my spinal canal at the S1 level (sacrum area), that is causing sever spinal stenosis, which explains intermittent numbness in different areas of my limbs for the past year.

Those of you who have known me for a long time know that I previously had a myxopapillary ependymoma in L1-L4 removed in 2011. Since then, I get MRI's every couple years and unfortunately they found a new tumor this time.

My neurosurgeon, Dr. Musleh, who performed my first surgery will also be the one doing this surgery which is scheduled for October 1st.

He is hoping to be able to remove the entire tumor, but if any of the tumor is wrapped around major nerves that cannot be cut, then I may have to do radiation to try to get rid of the rest after I heal. So we are just praying that he is able to remove it all in the surgery!

I am going to work up until the Friday before my surgery, but will be out of work for 3 months after, returning in January. Ethan will be taking a couple weeks of unpaid leave from work to help me do basic things as I recover enough to do more on my own, and I will have my mom here for at least a month to help us out with everything, including the kids since I won't be able to pick up more than 5 lbs for about 2 months after.

This is very unexpected and going to impact us financially in a way we aren't prepared for since our income will be majorly impacted, despite all the help and support of family have for us during this crazy time.

Ethan will be taking unpaid leave for a couple weeks, along with the medical bills that will come after the surgery, we are scrambling to get any help we can to prepare for it all.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a planner and stress even when things do go as planned, especially with two young kids. We have exhausted all other options with help during this time, and financially we still need extra help to make sure we can pay our mortgage, and medical bills without stressing while I focus on healing.

If anything, please pray for the tumor to be fully removed and no radiation will be needed afterwards, and my healing goes well ♥️