For those who know my sister-in-law Vicki and my brother Nate, and for those who just want to help, this fundraiser is to help with the medical bills and extra expenses they are and will continue to experience. Vicki is currently unable to go to work and Nate is taking some time off while she goes through treatment.
Below is a little of their story, but you can follow on her Caring Bridge page for more updates.
Thank you for your prayers and support for this incredible family.
July 25, 2021
"In 2016/17, Vicki was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent three different surgeries in order to remove the cancer. The surgeries went very well and the doctors and we believed it was successful until two weeks ago when breast cancer cells were found in some fluid around Vicki's right lung. Vicki was having a difficult time breathing so she was admitted to the hospital and ended up having 1.5 liters drained from around her lung. A few days later when the test from the fluid they withdrew came back, it was positive for breast cancer. More tests were done, scans and pictures were taken, needles were inserted, Nate had to eat lousy hospital food (poor guy), and life was simply unpleasant. The source of the cancer cells was unknown, but it was clearly coming from somewhere within Vicki's body. The doctor's mentioned there was some medication she could take but because of her numbers it likely wouldn't have any effect. More test results were still coming so there was still hope.
On our way home from a doctor appointment about a week after the initial news, Vicki received a call from her Oncologist. Vicki was told she has 2-5 years left to live. Hearing what the doctor said was paralyzing. Trying to wrap our heads around what we just heard was temporarily impossible. The only thing going through my mind was that this isn't really happening.....how are we supposed to tell this to our girls? Brie and Ava know mommy has cancer again but they don't know anything beyond that at the moment. There are still more questions we have and still more information to find out. Even though the doctor gave us a timeframe of 2-5 years we are not willing to accept that. Vicki is stubborn (she will tell you the same thing), and she won't give up without a fight."
August 11, 2021
Vicki is back in the hospital this week with multiple complications and will most likely be there until mid next week.
