Hello! Thank you for taking the time to stop by. I am going to tell our story chronologically, so bear with me if it seems like I’m jumping around. Also of note – this will get quite lengthy, so feel free to scroll to the bottom (in bold) if you want to see the “what” of this page. The next few paragraphs are the “why”.
Our story begins in the fall of 2022. My wife, Carissa, had endured several months of lower back pain and sciatica. After failing a physical therapy exam, she decided to consult a neurologist to seek answers. MRIs showed a benign tumor growing in her sacrum. The doctor felt like surgery was out of the question and that it would be best to treat her with a pain management team, diet, and exercise. After several months with no improvement, she returned to see her general doctor to update her and discuss possibly obtaining a second opinion. At this appointment, a lump was found in her breast.
The next several weeks, in April of 2023, were a whirlwind. Results came back conclusively that she had breast cancer. At this point, a treatment plan for breast cancer became the priority. Her breast surgeon could not have been kinder, and a plan was developed quickly. Surgery for her Stage 2 cancer would take place at the end of May.
The surgery went well. However, after discovering that cancer had spread to a lymph node, Carissa would need to return a few weeks later for a lymph node dissection. Then, she could finally begin the first of her 6 rounds of chemo. This presented new challenges for our family, and the support we received from those around us was very moving. Her last treatment came at the end of November. Reconstruction surgery was scheduled for the end of 2023.
The day of Carissa’s reconstruction surgery could not be described any other way than a series of events directed by God. As we were greeted and walked from the hospital entrance to the surgical waiting room, the kindest woman took the time to talk to Carissa about how she was feeling. It was obvious that she was confused about how slowly she was moving considering the reason for our visit. Before leaving us in the waiting room, she let us know that she would be back. She returned quickly and began asking questions, to which Carissa shared the entire above story, including the original back pain.
This saint then told us that before we left, she would have us lined up with a neurologist who would take care of her. What a wave of emotion as we finally felt like one thing was winding down and now we could face something 18 months in the making. We knew that we could contact the doctor and set an appointment for as soon as we could following her recovery from this 3rd surgery in 7 months.
A new neurosurgeon meant new MRIs. Once we met with him, he instantly had good news by saying that without a doubt, he could perform a surgery that would bring her comfort. However, he also wanted to refer us to a colleague of his. Little did we know how big of an impact this next appointment would bring.
After quite a while of asking questions about Carissa’s past, patiently listening to every little detail and often asking follow-up questions, we went through everything and a few physical exams were given. We had the next diagnosis – Multiple Sclerosis. The doctor suggested going ahead with the back surgery to remove her tumor, as her chemotherapy actually caused the MS to go into hibernation and it would not worsen in the coming months.
Surgery #4 in May of 2024 – this would prove to be the biggest surgery of all and take the longest to recover. It was a 360 surgery that would remove a tumor as well as replace several ruptured discs. Surgery went well, but we would spend the next 4 days in ICU as Carissa recovered enough to return home.
After being home for a little longer than 6 weeks, we were able to return to the neurologist that diagnosed MS and begin that road. We found out that there were several different “types” of MS, with Carissa having Remitting Relapsing. We have been able to start a medication that we pray will keep further damage to her nervous system from occurring.
NOW – what is this all about? I have to do something. Those of you who know me know that I am not one to just sit around. I have decided to raise funds with 3 goals in mind: 1) raise money to donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 2) raise money to donate to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and 3) raise money to help offset the continued cost of treatment that we are facing.
This Sunday, 6/22, I will begin an 83-mile trek with some family and friends on Segment 1 of the North Colorado Trail. It should take us just over a week to accomplish this task. I’ve always been intrigued by those that march for awareness for different causes, and now is my chance to do the same. I am hoping that I am able to reach (and SURPASS!!!) the goal of $10/mile – $830.
We hope that you know how greatly we appreciate everything that our loved ones have done for us the past few years. This is going to be an ongoing battle that we are ready to fight. Please pass this along, should you feel moved to do so.
