Tracy Root Brain Cancer Fundraiser
Donation protected
We are reaching out on behalf Tracy (Florie) Root and here is our side of her story.
In 2003 Tracy (Florie) Root found out she had a mass on her brain that the Doctors were hesitant to even call a tumor. This was found because Tracy had been living with headaches every day for a few years at this point. The mass was closely monitored over the years and not a real cause for alarm but in 2012 it grew.
In January 2013 she was diagnosed with an Oligo astrocytoma (Brain Tumor) on her brain stem which pretty much makes it inoperable. An Oligo astrocytoma is a mixed glioma composed of cells that resemble two different kinds of brain cells known as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Brain stem gliomas arise in the brain stem, which controls many vital functions, such as body temperature, blood pressure, breathing, hunger and thirst. The brain stem also serves to transmit all the signals to the body from the brain. The brain stem is in the lowest part of the brain, and connects the brain and spinal cord.
A plan was made to deal with what the mass had now become. From Feb of 2013 till Feb 2014 Tracy took chemo pills while still helping her husband with daily chores, raising her daughter, going to work, all while dealing with daily headaches and kept a positive outlook. She was told the chemo would probably not shrink the tumor it would just hopefully stop it from growing. The tumor shrunk 20+%! Once done with the chemo Tracy went for her checkups and everything was looking good.
In Sept 2016 she found out the tumor has grown back to its original size. A new plan was needed. This time it is not just chemo. Radiation was added as well. Starting Oct 2016 she underwent radiation and chemo 5 days a week for 6 weeks and will continue just the chemo for another 6 months.
This time while Tracy is a trooper fighting brain cancer on this treatment was a new experience. It was extremely more physically and emotionally exhausting. The radiation caused her hair to fall out mostly on the left side and made her much more nauseous and tired than the chemo in 2013. She also had more sad/angry days (who doesn’t deserve to lose it once in a while dealing with something like this). She still got out of bed every day to do what needed to be done. We are just completely blown away and amazed at her inner strength.
As this is emotionally, mentally and physically taxing for all 3 of them Jon has been the best and most supportive husband. He completely does whatever he can to help her when she needs it. He is her rock and safety net when she needs to break down a little. Having such a great husband stand by her makes this a little easier for her.
Watching our dearest friend go through this and knowing there is nothing we can do to help is extremely frustrating. We decided we would reach out on her behalf as this was the only way we could try to make her life a little easier and show our support. There are still medical bills from the original chemo treatment and now more will be piling up as this goes on as there is no cure.
The world would be a much sadder place without Tracy in it and we cannot bear to see this amazing person struggle. What are friends and family for if not to help love and support you through the roughest times in your life!
Thank you for your love and support,
Crystal and Misty
In 2003 Tracy (Florie) Root found out she had a mass on her brain that the Doctors were hesitant to even call a tumor. This was found because Tracy had been living with headaches every day for a few years at this point. The mass was closely monitored over the years and not a real cause for alarm but in 2012 it grew.
In January 2013 she was diagnosed with an Oligo astrocytoma (Brain Tumor) on her brain stem which pretty much makes it inoperable. An Oligo astrocytoma is a mixed glioma composed of cells that resemble two different kinds of brain cells known as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Brain stem gliomas arise in the brain stem, which controls many vital functions, such as body temperature, blood pressure, breathing, hunger and thirst. The brain stem also serves to transmit all the signals to the body from the brain. The brain stem is in the lowest part of the brain, and connects the brain and spinal cord.
A plan was made to deal with what the mass had now become. From Feb of 2013 till Feb 2014 Tracy took chemo pills while still helping her husband with daily chores, raising her daughter, going to work, all while dealing with daily headaches and kept a positive outlook. She was told the chemo would probably not shrink the tumor it would just hopefully stop it from growing. The tumor shrunk 20+%! Once done with the chemo Tracy went for her checkups and everything was looking good.
In Sept 2016 she found out the tumor has grown back to its original size. A new plan was needed. This time it is not just chemo. Radiation was added as well. Starting Oct 2016 she underwent radiation and chemo 5 days a week for 6 weeks and will continue just the chemo for another 6 months.
This time while Tracy is a trooper fighting brain cancer on this treatment was a new experience. It was extremely more physically and emotionally exhausting. The radiation caused her hair to fall out mostly on the left side and made her much more nauseous and tired than the chemo in 2013. She also had more sad/angry days (who doesn’t deserve to lose it once in a while dealing with something like this). She still got out of bed every day to do what needed to be done. We are just completely blown away and amazed at her inner strength.
As this is emotionally, mentally and physically taxing for all 3 of them Jon has been the best and most supportive husband. He completely does whatever he can to help her when she needs it. He is her rock and safety net when she needs to break down a little. Having such a great husband stand by her makes this a little easier for her.
Watching our dearest friend go through this and knowing there is nothing we can do to help is extremely frustrating. We decided we would reach out on her behalf as this was the only way we could try to make her life a little easier and show our support. There are still medical bills from the original chemo treatment and now more will be piling up as this goes on as there is no cure.
The world would be a much sadder place without Tracy in it and we cannot bear to see this amazing person struggle. What are friends and family for if not to help love and support you through the roughest times in your life!
Thank you for your love and support,
Crystal and Misty
Organizer and beneficiary
Crystal Flesher Seeman
Organizer
Kansas City, MO
Tracy Root
Beneficiary
