Jill's Medical Fund
My daughter, Jill, initially saw a doctor with symptoms of hearing loss, memory loss, and numbness of the tongue on the left side. The doctor ordered a CT scan which was denied by insurance.
On June 18th, 2015, when Jill was driving home, her face felt numb on the left side prompting her to visit the ER. After a long night and an MRI, the ER doctor told her the diagnosis of a brain tumor called a "Vestibular Schwannoma" or "Acoustic Neuroma". She was told that she would need surgery to remove it. This was a complete shock. Jill took two weeks to process what was happening and to research her condition.
Jill's tumor measured 2.0cm at diagnosis and pushed into the brain stem. Doctors had her on watch and wait to have a repeat MRI in April 2017. Increasing symptoms of imbalance, falls, tripping, anxiety, headaches, ear and head fullness, and dizziness prompted Jill to call her doctor. Another MRI was ordered and her tumor had grown from 2.0cm to 2.8 cm in nine months. The decision was made to schedule surgery as soon as possible.
Jill had surgery on Feburary 21st, 2017 at Parkland Hospitial in Dallas, Texas. The doctors removed 93% of the tumor during a 12-hour surgery. A small piece of the tumor was left because the nerve it was attached to was very fragile and doctors could have lost the nerve in surgery, leaving her face paralyzed on one side. If there is any regrowth, she will have to endure a second procedure called "Gamma Knife" or "Cyber Knife", which is targeted radiation to destroy and remaining tumor. The cost of this is anywhere from $25,000 to $70,000 depending on the treatment needed. Jill has an appointment for a post operative MRI on June 5th 2017 to check for regrowth. She will also have her hearing tested and options for hearing aids discussed at that time. This cost of hearing aids are estimated at $8,000.
Transportation to and from UTSW in Dallas for appointments, surgery, and overnight stays has been expensive. The surgery is estimated to be $100,000. Insurance will cover one surgeon. The cost of nerve monitoring and the second surgeon are not determined at this time.
Jill and her two children have been living with her parents because she is unemployable at this time and needs help. She is going to start driving her son to school, 27 miles from home one way, and does not know what to expect. Her symptoms at this time include single sided deafness, imbalance, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Possible complications she could run into are cerebral spinal fluid leak, meningitis, and tumor regrowth. She has strict limitations including bending over, both heavy and light lifting, cooking, cleaning, and driving. Additionally, Jill has degenerative cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis which limits her physically.
She loves her previous job of veternary technician. She loves animals and had been a veternary technician for 18 years. This was her most gainful employment and would love to continue this. However, she cannot participate due to physical demands of the job. It seems every time Jill starts to get ahead of things, she gets knocked down, most recently by health issues. Setback is an understatement.
Expenses include medical bills, gas, and parking for multiple trips to UTSW, along with supporting two children. Living quarters at her parents' home is very cramped (three rooms) and she would like to move into a home or apartment where she and her children would all have their own bed to sleep in.
We are taking one day at a time. The last thing we want her to think about at this time are the bills piling up. We are hoping and praying that Jill will soon be healthy enough to have a job and her own space for her and her two children. She has a huge heart, full of compassion and always goes out of her way to help others. Despite all the obstacles she faces, she is always smiling. She expects nothing, and never wants to ask for help. Its time she is helped.
Thank you for your help and prayers.