Tammy's journey to amputation & beyond

First and foremost, we cannot express enough our gratitude to all of you who have texted, called, visited and prayed for Tammy Cantu and continue to do so.

On Friday, July 1st Tammy’s life was turned completely upside down! She woke up that morning with severe leg pains and could barely move. She first called her brother Roy and he then immediately called 911 and met up with the paramedics at her house. After assessing her health, the paramedics thought it was a sciatica nerve issue. They advised that going to the hospital would only rack up more expenses, and they would simply direct her to a specialist on Monday. After receiving prescriptions of a steroid, muscle relaxer, and pain reducer, the pain, unfortunately, did not subside and only worsened as the day went on. Finally, around 6:30 that same evening, we called 911 again because the pain was unbearable and had her taken to the ER at HCA Houston Healthcare North Cypress where an MRI was performed. The MRI results showed something we could never have imagined: Tammy had numerous blood clots throughout her entire body, but the main concern was her left leg since she was having excruciating pain. The examining doctors at HCA decided Tammy would need specialists, so they immediately transferred her to HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center. That is where doctors performed the first of many emergency surgeries on her legs. After the first surgery on her left leg, the doctor informed Roy early Saturday morning that Tammy would possibly lose her leg since she had been without blood circulation for so many hours. The damage was too severe and probably would not ever be reversed.

Later that Saturday afternoon, Tammy noticed that she did not have any feeling in her right leg so this, unfortunately, resulted in her second emergency surgery. This surgery was to clear another blood clot and add a stent to her aorta because of another dangerous blood clot. That surgery was a success as they were able to get blood flow back to the right leg in a reasonable amount of time.

Then on Monday morning, Tammy underwent her third consecutive day of surgery, but this surgery, unfortunately, proved to be unsuccessful, and Tammy was given the devastating news that her left leg would have to be amputated. We are all absolutely devastated. Tammy has an extremely long and difficult road ahead of her, but it is not an impossible one, and with your support in any way possible, she can and will overcome this.

Tammy’s amputation surgery is scheduled for Friday, July 15th, at 1 pm.

Unfortunately, Tammy was laid off during Covid after eight years of employment and has no medical insurance. The medical bills will most likely be outrageous and difficult to maintain. Some of the most significant challenges will begin after Tammy gets her amputation. Tammy will have to attend physical therapy five times weekly and learn new movements with a prosthetic leg. As well as learn how to navigate her new life, affecting her quality of life as a mother, daughter, friend, and community advocate as a dog rescuer. But, most of all, she will face internal and mental battles as she adjusts and redefines her identity. We pray for Tammy and want to help her with this financial burden. Let us all come together to show Tammy our love and support. Anything you can donate for Tammy’s medical expenses and costs would be deeply appreciated.

Please continue to pray & please spread the word and share this campaign! God bless you!