Stand Strong for Stephanie
Donation protected
Stand Strong for Stephanie!
Let’s all pull together for Stephanie Kelley!
Our Redwood Inn family would appreciate any and all support for one of our own.
No gift is too small:-)
Stephanie has recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 cervical cancer that has progressed to other parts of her body. As a single mom of three great kids, she is facing the challenge of her life.
Please consider pitching in to help with funds to replace lost income, pay for school supplies and keep life as normal as possible for her and her young family.
What follows is the beginning of this story in her own words...
Many people have asked, so I’m going to do my best to explain what I know thus far.
Last Wednesday, I went to RediMed with abdominal pain/menstrual cramps. A few doctors looked into it, noting that my cervix was hard and abnormal. They called Women’s Health Advantage and got me an appointment, though they were nearing closing time. The doctor there took a quick look and immediately called in another doctor who confirmed what she was seeing: a mass on my cervix. She took tissue for a biopsy, though it was obvious what we were dealing with. She sent me for an ultrasound right away, followed by a trip to Lutheran Hospital for a c/t scan. She also called the Cancer Institute at Parkview North to schedule an appointment ASAP with the gynecological oncologist.
On July 3, I met my oncology team and the doctor confirmed what I already knew. I have cervical cancer which has spread to the surrounding lymph nodes. The team at the Cancer Institute has been excellent about expediting things and explaining things in a way I can understand. Today, I had an outpatient surgery to stage my cancer and see whether or not it had spread to my bladder/colon. Thank God, it has not. My cancer is stage 4. I’ll have a PET scan on Monday so that they can better determine a plan of treatment and get a better look at the nodules on my lungs (to see if they are or are not cancerous).
Surgery is not an option in my case. I’ll begin radiation as soon as possible, followed by chemo. I’m trying my best to remain positive, though my emotions seem to be up and down, depending on the moment. I appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers and I ask that you continue to keep my kids and my situation in your thoughts and prayers in the days/weeks to come. This isn’t a road we’ve traveled before and nothing is as terrifying as the unknown. I pray for peace and comfort for them through this scary time.
I never thought I’d be fighting this fight at 36, but here I am. I’m not fighting alone. I know you’re with me and I thank you for that: my strength, my team.
I’ll update with more information as I can.
Much love to all of you,
Stephanie
I wanted to add: I don’t care if you are young or old, be proactive. Get your yearly checkup, follow your instincts, trust your gut. You’re never too young or too healthy to end up here. This could be you. Please, take care of yourselves. Even when you feel great and you don’t see a need for that awkward, uncomfortable, annual pap, DO IT. Please, just do it.
Let’s all pull together for Stephanie Kelley!
Our Redwood Inn family would appreciate any and all support for one of our own.
No gift is too small:-)
Stephanie has recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 cervical cancer that has progressed to other parts of her body. As a single mom of three great kids, she is facing the challenge of her life.
Please consider pitching in to help with funds to replace lost income, pay for school supplies and keep life as normal as possible for her and her young family.
What follows is the beginning of this story in her own words...
Many people have asked, so I’m going to do my best to explain what I know thus far.
Last Wednesday, I went to RediMed with abdominal pain/menstrual cramps. A few doctors looked into it, noting that my cervix was hard and abnormal. They called Women’s Health Advantage and got me an appointment, though they were nearing closing time. The doctor there took a quick look and immediately called in another doctor who confirmed what she was seeing: a mass on my cervix. She took tissue for a biopsy, though it was obvious what we were dealing with. She sent me for an ultrasound right away, followed by a trip to Lutheran Hospital for a c/t scan. She also called the Cancer Institute at Parkview North to schedule an appointment ASAP with the gynecological oncologist.
On July 3, I met my oncology team and the doctor confirmed what I already knew. I have cervical cancer which has spread to the surrounding lymph nodes. The team at the Cancer Institute has been excellent about expediting things and explaining things in a way I can understand. Today, I had an outpatient surgery to stage my cancer and see whether or not it had spread to my bladder/colon. Thank God, it has not. My cancer is stage 4. I’ll have a PET scan on Monday so that they can better determine a plan of treatment and get a better look at the nodules on my lungs (to see if they are or are not cancerous).
Surgery is not an option in my case. I’ll begin radiation as soon as possible, followed by chemo. I’m trying my best to remain positive, though my emotions seem to be up and down, depending on the moment. I appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers and I ask that you continue to keep my kids and my situation in your thoughts and prayers in the days/weeks to come. This isn’t a road we’ve traveled before and nothing is as terrifying as the unknown. I pray for peace and comfort for them through this scary time.
I never thought I’d be fighting this fight at 36, but here I am. I’m not fighting alone. I know you’re with me and I thank you for that: my strength, my team.
I’ll update with more information as I can.
Much love to all of you,
Stephanie
I wanted to add: I don’t care if you are young or old, be proactive. Get your yearly checkup, follow your instincts, trust your gut. You’re never too young or too healthy to end up here. This could be you. Please, take care of yourselves. Even when you feel great and you don’t see a need for that awkward, uncomfortable, annual pap, DO IT. Please, just do it.
Organizer
Della Kirkman
Organizer
Fort Wayne, IN
