Faithfully Fighting Cancer with Susie
Donation protected
Anybody who knows our dear mom, Sue, knows that she is a loving mother, loyal friend, and faithful woman of God who works diligently to provide for her family. She is devoted to caring for her son and our brother, Cody, who has special needs with Down Syndrome. She has worked as a waitress for many years in a diner in Houston, PA (Shelley’s Pike Inn). She has always been the kind of person to give her all. If you tell her you like something in her house or jewelry she’s wearing, she says, "You can have it." She also gives a helping hand, financial support, and a listening ear to anybody who is in need. She is not one to ask for help from others, but she is in a season of need at this time.
In the beginning of June 2019, Sue noticed back pain after moving furniture in her home, and she assumed it was a back strain. She tried several treatments from her doctor, physical therapy, and visited a Chiropractor, and nothing relieved her pain. After several weeks of severe pain and sleepless nights, she requested an ultrasound from her doctor. That same night she was called with the results and told to go directly to the emergency department for further evaluation and treatment. She was found to have obstructing masses on both ovaries causing large amounts of fluid to back up around her kidneys, which explained her back pain. She then had stents placed to help her kidneys drain normally into her bladder. Once her back pain was relieved, she started noticing the unrelenting pain and pressure in her abdomen. She was admitted back into the hospital at her first outpatient follow up due to severe pain. Further scans revealed lymph node involvement throughout her abdomen, chest, and under her arms. Malignancy was suspected, however the signs of widespread disease put any plans for surgery (and relief of pain) on hold until a primary diagnosis was confirmed. The following week lymph nodes under each arm were biopsied. Results returned on July 30, 2019, and our mom was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. She's getting back from her 3rd hospital admission in the last 4 weeks where she was found to have blood clots in her legs and is now being treated with a blood thinner. During that stay they found that her internal stents were no longer working, and she had to have external tubes placed from her kidneys to allow them to drain properly. She will begin chemotherapy next week. The plan is for her to get 3 to 4 rounds then scans will be rechecked. Once there is a good response and lymph nodes start to clear, plans for surgery can begin.
At this time, her debilitating pain and continuous pain regimen keeps her from working, driving, cooking, and all the other things she normally does to take care of herself and her family. She’s unable to lie down and has to sleep sitting up on the couch. She’s unable to stand up straight. She has no disability benefits from her job, and medical bills will soon start accumulating. All this to say that fervent prayer and support are necessary and greatly appreciated. We also know that the Lord will continue to provide for mom and her family. We pray that, if you feel led to do so, you will please consider making a donation to help relieve the financial burden that comes with this type of disability. She is the primary source of income for her family and the primary care taker for Cody. We pray that her loving community will join together in honor of her support.
Her faith is strong, unwavering, and we believe our God can and will bring complete healing to her body. So many people have joined us in prayer and we encourage everyone reading this to please help amplify our prayers to Jesus who continues to carry her and the rest of us through this trying time.
Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:19-20
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all that He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
In the beginning of June 2019, Sue noticed back pain after moving furniture in her home, and she assumed it was a back strain. She tried several treatments from her doctor, physical therapy, and visited a Chiropractor, and nothing relieved her pain. After several weeks of severe pain and sleepless nights, she requested an ultrasound from her doctor. That same night she was called with the results and told to go directly to the emergency department for further evaluation and treatment. She was found to have obstructing masses on both ovaries causing large amounts of fluid to back up around her kidneys, which explained her back pain. She then had stents placed to help her kidneys drain normally into her bladder. Once her back pain was relieved, she started noticing the unrelenting pain and pressure in her abdomen. She was admitted back into the hospital at her first outpatient follow up due to severe pain. Further scans revealed lymph node involvement throughout her abdomen, chest, and under her arms. Malignancy was suspected, however the signs of widespread disease put any plans for surgery (and relief of pain) on hold until a primary diagnosis was confirmed. The following week lymph nodes under each arm were biopsied. Results returned on July 30, 2019, and our mom was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. She's getting back from her 3rd hospital admission in the last 4 weeks where she was found to have blood clots in her legs and is now being treated with a blood thinner. During that stay they found that her internal stents were no longer working, and she had to have external tubes placed from her kidneys to allow them to drain properly. She will begin chemotherapy next week. The plan is for her to get 3 to 4 rounds then scans will be rechecked. Once there is a good response and lymph nodes start to clear, plans for surgery can begin.
At this time, her debilitating pain and continuous pain regimen keeps her from working, driving, cooking, and all the other things she normally does to take care of herself and her family. She’s unable to lie down and has to sleep sitting up on the couch. She’s unable to stand up straight. She has no disability benefits from her job, and medical bills will soon start accumulating. All this to say that fervent prayer and support are necessary and greatly appreciated. We also know that the Lord will continue to provide for mom and her family. We pray that, if you feel led to do so, you will please consider making a donation to help relieve the financial burden that comes with this type of disability. She is the primary source of income for her family and the primary care taker for Cody. We pray that her loving community will join together in honor of her support.
Her faith is strong, unwavering, and we believe our God can and will bring complete healing to her body. So many people have joined us in prayer and we encourage everyone reading this to please help amplify our prayers to Jesus who continues to carry her and the rest of us through this trying time.
Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:19-20
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all that He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Fundraising team (3)
Shayna Mikec
Organizer
Washington, PA
Brittany Griffin
Team member
Shauna Foster
Team member
