MelissaBautistasFight

We would like to share an update with you all. Last month, Melissa had two biopsies performed on her thyroid because the oncology team found a nodule on her left side of her thyroid. The two biopsies did come back "atypical" which means the testing couldn't determine if it was cancerous.

It was suggested that the second biopsy would be forwarded to genetic testing. The genetic testing is not covered by Melissa's medical insurance. With the money that you donated went towards cost for the genetic testing. We received the results and it is less than 1% that the thyroid nodule could be malignant. Thank you Lord for such great news.

The anticipation and wait for the results have been nerve racking for us as a family because we know that Melissa has gone through so much in the last 3 months. 

We are now certain that Melissa can now concentrate in recovery from Endometrial Cancer and focus on getting back to some normalcy. We continue to pray for her bi-yearly testing, but we can say that Melissa is now in remission and on the road to recovery. 

Melissa's complete hysterectomy changed at the age of 27 has changed her life in so many ways and has changed our lives as a family. We sometimes over look on the important things in life because we are so busy in focusing on other things that don't really matter. Life can be all good and in a moment that can all change. 

Your presence in our lives have been such a blessing. I can't imagine how far Melissa has come along. Your thoughts and prayers have given us the strength to see through this chapter in Melissa's life. We are so grateful for you all who donated which helped so much with the medical expenses accrued throughout this time. 

The total of amount of medical procedures, tests, surgeries, office visits, lab work within 6 months were close to $283,000. With Melissa''s insurance paid a good portion, but the 20% balance is still remaining. Your generous donation in the past has helped Melissa so very much. Melissa is not ready to return back to work just yet but will be returning back as soon as she receive clearance on her mental evaluation.

Melissa's only sister, Kaylie, has helped her through her recovery while home for college and will be returning back to Southern California in August. Her sister Melissa means the whole world to her. Kaylie and all the cousins had a little celebration - to celebrate the GIFT OF LIFE. Melissa has been given a second chance to live life to the fullest. One thing Melissa has taught us is that we never know what life can bring, but always live life everyday like it's your last.

Please consider another donation on whatever you can. Every dollar helps in reducing Melissa's balance that is left. We thank you all so very much for becoming part of Melissa's tribe of warriors who will fight with her. Please continue to pray that she will retain her remission. We love you all so very much!

We thought that Melissa was over the hump to recovery. Unfortunately, there was a a nodule found on the left side of her thyroid. It did show in her PET Scan as cancerous, but an Endocrinologist was referred to further look into this.

A biopsy was performed on Melissa's thyroid which came back "atypical". "Atypical" means that they couldn't  classify it as cancerous or not. It was recommended for a second biopsy. This biopsy was performed last week and the results were still "atypical".

At this point her biopsy was forward to genetic testing to fully determine if it is cancerous or not. If it is cancerous, the plan is to remove Melissa's thyroid and be on permanent medication. If the result is negative, close monitoring would be in place every 3 or 6 months. The results of genetic testing will be 3-4 weeks. 

Please continue to pray for Melissa. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers for her.

Melissa is now recovering well from a complete hysterectomy with both ovaries and uterus removed. Melissa's pathology report states that her tumor is classified as Grade 2 and Cancer is Stage 1. No further treatment is required at this time. Which is great news that there will be no need for radiation and chemotherapy. Her oncologist obygyn surgeon is optimistic that she was able to remove all cancer cells with a total of 9 lymph nodes that looked somewhat abnormal. Currently, Melissa is still on biweekly iron infusions to still bring her hemoglobin numbers up to normal. It's taking a while, but numbers look like it's going in the right direction.

Now that her ovaries and uterus is completely removed, she is now in complete menopause. Her obgyn oncologist put Melissa on Estrogen so that she can still receive hormones which is still needed for her heart and bones since she is still very young to be on menopause. 

**NOT OUT OF THE WOODS YET**

Unfortunately, we received news that her PET Scan prior to surgery revealed a 2cm nodule on Melissa's thyroid. On the scan, this nodule did not come up as as cancerous. So Melissa was referred to an Endcrinologist to further look into this nodule on her thyroid. Melissa's thyroid numbers look normal, but a biopsy was performed. The results showed as "atypical" which means that they can not tell if it it cancerous or not. It was told to Melissa that they can do genetic testing that can really determine if it's cancerous BUT because the testing is outsourced to 3rd party, it will not be covered under Melissa's insurance and it will cost $9500 out of pocket.

The Endocrinologist recommended a 2nd biopsy to be performed the 4th week of May, which is coming up soon. If the results show "atypical" again, they will determine if Melissa's thyroid will need to be removed to avoid any other cancer forming. If her thyroid will be removed, Melissa will be on lifetime medication to assist with her metabolism which will be lost if her thyroid is removed..

We continue to pray for continue recovery .Please share Melissa's link since we are still paying ongoing medical bills. We anticipate additional medical treatment for her thyroid. Please include Melissa in your daily prayers that she will push through a new way of living through cancer.