Erin’s Journey

To friends and family of Erin Swelnis:

Many of you are aware of Erin’s recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. For those that were not aware, it’s been a very short journey for her. She went to the Dr for what seemed to be gall stone pain on October 18th. Scans showed that there were in fact gall stones, but also lesions on her pancreas and liver. An MRI the following week confirmed it was pancreatic cancer and that it had metastasized to the liver. Soon after that, she went to MD Anderson for a biopsy which would hopefully lead to a treatment plan. Before the results were even in she was admitted to the hospital for a saddle pulmonary embolism. That required surgery, then days later she experienced complications with heart failure to the right side of her heart. Lots of medication later and there was improvement. A vegetation developed on one of the left heart valves. Doctors were unsure of what it was so they treated it as an infection with antibiotics. It was determined the cause was not infectious. Cardiology can't determine what it is without an invasive procedure that she likely wouldn't tolerate well. As if that weren't enough, one of her liver enzymes (bilirubin) began to rise and that eventually lead to another procedure to place a stent in her bile duct. This helped at first and she was able to begin intensive chemotherapy. Unfortunately, her bilirubin levels climbed again. The stent that had been placed was failing. There were no viable options to correct that. Her oncologist then told her that with her bilirubin being so high, further chemo would be dangerous. It was then determined that further treatment would provide no benefit, and would likely be harmful.

Faced with all of this, Erin then made the very brave, and difficult, choice to leave the hospital and go home on hospice care to continue fighting her battle there. She is currently comfortable at home, surrounded by her girls, Bobby, her beloved animals and her loving family.

No one is ever truly prepared for this type of medical emergency or the expenses that come with it. Erin has not been able to work since October. Bobby continues to work as many of his shifts her in Fort Worth and Austin as possible.

This fundraiser has been created to give friends and family a way to practically support the family by taking some of the financial burdens off their shoulders. Maddie and KK are both home for the holidays to spend this time with Erin and to help with her care at home. Her father, Joe lives in Kentucky but has also traveled back and forth to be with Erin and the family during this time as he is able. This is something we can do for them right now; we can remove the concern about day to day needs and expenses. All contributions will go toward medical and living expenses to sustain them during this season, allowing them to focus on what is most important.