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Blake Shumway is a great family man, friend and the ultimate BYU Cougars fan. He has been very supportive and served many of us over the years, and now is our chance to return a portion of that generous spirit.
Recently, Blake was diagnosed with cancer and his family is facing a difficult, but promising treatment plan, with medical expenses beyond their insurance coverage.
If you are able, please donate to this fund to help offset those bills and provide much-appreciated moral support.
Below is an update from Blake's wife Catherine that provides more details of what they are up against in the coming months:
October 25, 2016
Hello Family and Friends,
...we really wanted you to be aware of a new development in our life. Feel free to call with any questions or concerns.
Tomorrow marks the one month mark since Blake's initial surgery to remove the mysterious growth in his neck. Fast forward to today's Dr. visit with the oncologist surgeon and we have learned so much during this journey and finally have some answers to our questions.
First, surgery is officially scheduled for November 15 at which time they will perform a Neck Dissection ... a scary sounding term which basically means the Dr. will clean up the original area from the first surgery and remove all existing lymph nodes from that region (approximately 20-60) and ensure that there won't be any remaining cancer tentacles. Ironically the body has over 1,000 lymph nodes so Blake will still be properly equipped to combat infections as they arise. A drainage tube will be inserted in his neck for about a week to remove excess fluid from the area as it heals.
Second, a punch excision was performed on the top of his head to remove a mole of concern. We should know by next week if this specific mole was the point of origin of the cancer or if it just a discolored mole that is non-cancerous. Additional surgery on his head will be needed if the mole turns out to be cancerous and they will do that on the same day if needed.
So there you have it ... we are glad to have some key questions answered and the beginning of a solid treatment plan. After the surgery the Dr. will lay out additional options to ensure we clear Blake's body of the cancer. Things mentioned as part of the prognosis were immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and/or possible radiation depending on what they find during the surgery.
We are encouraged with the diagnosis and are eager to get things underway. Thank you so much for your faith and prayers. It has lifted our spirits and has helped us through some tough days as so many unknowns have occupied our thoughts.
Life is good! Go Team Blake!!!
Recently, Blake was diagnosed with cancer and his family is facing a difficult, but promising treatment plan, with medical expenses beyond their insurance coverage.
If you are able, please donate to this fund to help offset those bills and provide much-appreciated moral support.
Below is an update from Blake's wife Catherine that provides more details of what they are up against in the coming months:
October 25, 2016
Hello Family and Friends,
...we really wanted you to be aware of a new development in our life. Feel free to call with any questions or concerns.
Tomorrow marks the one month mark since Blake's initial surgery to remove the mysterious growth in his neck. Fast forward to today's Dr. visit with the oncologist surgeon and we have learned so much during this journey and finally have some answers to our questions.
First, surgery is officially scheduled for November 15 at which time they will perform a Neck Dissection ... a scary sounding term which basically means the Dr. will clean up the original area from the first surgery and remove all existing lymph nodes from that region (approximately 20-60) and ensure that there won't be any remaining cancer tentacles. Ironically the body has over 1,000 lymph nodes so Blake will still be properly equipped to combat infections as they arise. A drainage tube will be inserted in his neck for about a week to remove excess fluid from the area as it heals.
Second, a punch excision was performed on the top of his head to remove a mole of concern. We should know by next week if this specific mole was the point of origin of the cancer or if it just a discolored mole that is non-cancerous. Additional surgery on his head will be needed if the mole turns out to be cancerous and they will do that on the same day if needed.
So there you have it ... we are glad to have some key questions answered and the beginning of a solid treatment plan. After the surgery the Dr. will lay out additional options to ensure we clear Blake's body of the cancer. Things mentioned as part of the prognosis were immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and/or possible radiation depending on what they find during the surgery.
We are encouraged with the diagnosis and are eager to get things underway. Thank you so much for your faith and prayers. It has lifted our spirits and has helped us through some tough days as so many unknowns have occupied our thoughts.
Life is good! Go Team Blake!!!