The last hurdle, Proton Radiation Therapy!

Hi my name is Ashley Salazar and this spring I found out I had a brain tumor, vestibular Schwannoma, that grew so big it caused hydrocephalus and affected my ability to function.

On May 9th I was admitted to Overlake hospital when the tumor was discovered. On May 11th I had my first craniotomy. They got about 25-50% of my tumor. They said it was very sticky and quite a complicated case. I lost my hearing in my left ear and facial paralysis set it. On May 15th I had a VP shunt placed in my skull to drain excess fluid to my stomach. I had a CT scan to check the function of my shunt and they found I was having an acute pulmonary embolism. I was put on blood thinners and sent home after staying for 10 days.

Fast forward to July, I started having concerning symptoms again and a CT revealed my tumor had grown. Not only had it grown, but it was bigger than when we found it on May 9th. I had another emergency craniotomy on July 21st. They got 90% of my tumor. I woke up with the inability to swallow or speak above a whisper. Recovery was extra hard, but I’m so much better now.

My latest MRI shows no growth of the residual tumor. The oncologist shared that I have the most aggressive Vestibular Schwanomma she’s ever seen. She took my MRI results to a tumor board to create a care plan. They decided it would be best to do 6 weeks of Proton Therapy instead of Gamma knife.

Im feeling amazing. I want to jump into work full time, but this radiation will take up my life for 6 weeks, Monday-Friday. I won’t be able to work until it’s finished and I recover from any symptoms.

That leads me to this go fund me. I need help maintaining bills during the next 1-2 months that arent covered by local resources. My rent, utilities, and food needs are covered. Leaving me with minimum credit card payments, car insurance, our ymca membership, my phone bill, our internet, and most importantly the cost of gas getting to Seattle and home 5 days a week. I also need an oil change.

Any left over funds will go towards my daughter’s birthday, November 3rd, and Christmas. I’ve been reaching out to resources for potential holiday help as I’m going to be doing radiation through thanksgiving and early December.

I appreciate any and all help. Thank you.

Ashley & Amaiya