As most everyone knows now, my mom went in for a CT for what she and her doctor assumed was another kidney stone. My mom has struggled with a kidney disorder for over 30 years that results in a lot of kidney stones, infections, testing, and hospitalization. This time, my mom said she felt different. She had been feeling extremely fatigued since February and noticed some other changes. Her CT showed an 8cm malignant tumor on her right kidney!
This past Monday, June 2nd, mom had an Open Radical Nephrectomy with Robotic Assistance at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Metro Detroit. The time from her diagnosis to surgery was 29 days as her doctor made her a priority patient—something we are eternally grateful for!
If you know my mom, then you know she is a crazy, hilarious, smart, sweet, and kind woman. You also know her as the most selfless person you have ever met. Mom loves to help everyone and everything before she helps herself! Whether it is taking in a rehabbed cat, helping the homeless, at the animal shelter, or the food pantry, she loves volunteering. If you are the lucky Girl Scout, then you know she is buying at least 20 boxes of cookies because the Girl Scouts is her number one non-profit!
We are not sure how long she will be out of work recovering from her surgery. It could be a month, maybe two. She is making progress and went for a car ride today. We should know by the end of June if she carries any of the mutated genes that lead to kidney cancer. If she does, she will undergo immunosuppressive therapy for 12-18 months. I know she is worried about expenses and medical bills, when all we want as a family is for her recovery and get back to her shenanigans. Our family is helping, and my mom has moved out here to stay with us until she can go back to work. She also had wedding events that she had to back out of, which I know hurts her heart!
I’m returning to college soon, and I want to help my mom as best I can. I am trying to raise monies for her to offset her living expenses and medical bills. Despite having health coverage with Blue Cross, she has already started receiving bills from the doctors and hospitals treating her cancer. Please don’t feel obligated to donate. Even if saying a prayer is how you can help, please do so!
Thank you all so much for your calls, texts, cards, and gifts! My mom appreciates every single person standing with her!
Kae
