Main fundraiser photo

Trow Strong

Well 2018 was certainly a year. But to explain 2018, we have to back up to 2017.

In late September, Melissa found out she was pregnant. They were so excited for their family to grow. She began having stomach pain, and after several ER and doctor visits, she ended up being seen by a GI specialist. On November 17, 2017 Melissa was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. 

Throughout pregnancy, every two weeks she received chemotherapy. The Baby was heavily monitored and was always found to have a strong heartbeat and doing well. On May 15, 2018, their little lady was born. She came early, was tiny, but she is strong and she is tough. 

Once Olivia was born, Melissa and her medical team hit the ground running. Radiation and surgeries started. Radiation was tough, and she was exhausted. She tried to rest as much as she could, which was tough, especially with a newborn. 

October 12 was colon resection surgery. A foot of colon and 16 lymph nodes were removed and an ileostomy was placed. At the time Dr. Wilson was confident, and pathology, confirmed, Melissa was cancer free. 

Healing was slow, but going well. Visiting nurses were coming in to the house twice a week. They were happy with how everything was healing. Dr. Wilson was happy with how Melissa was doing post surgery. Tests were coming back great. Dr. Wilson was happy to schedule to reverse the ileostomy for December 28. Melissa wanted to be able to be home for Olivia's first Christmas. The end was in sight! 

On December 10, Melissa ended up in the ER with stabbing pain. After several tests,  it was confirmed there were two spots on Melissa's liver. The cancer is back and it has spread.

The most recent surgery was performed on January 17, 2019. This surgery removed the 2 known tumors on the liver along with a third that only became apparent between the time of the scan and surgery, as well as removal of the gallbladder. The ileostomy was also reversed during that surgery. It is unknown if chemo is a part of the post-operative plan,  but hopefully this will be the last cancer surgery other than removing the port!

The amount of support the Trow's have received has been overwhelming! They want to reiterate to all of you how grateful they are.  So many of you have been along the entire journey and so many more have increased support for this most recent surgery. The amount of love, support, checking in, help, gift cards, and everything else has just been Amazing. 

The Trows are still on the Journey to health and healing.  This page has been set up as an effort to coordinate your support since so many loved ones have asked what they can do, and how they can support.  We again want to say thank you! 

Melissa, Josh, Olivia and Java

For the latest updates please follow our caring bridge site: 
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/teamtrow/journal
Donate

Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $150 
    • 5 yrs
Donate

Organizer and beneficiary

Sarah Peterson
Organizer
Sunapee, NH
Josh Trow
Beneficiary

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.