Ashley Pace Medical Expenses

February 18th, 2023 started out beautiful...  It was a sunny day in Green Bay Wisconsin.  Guys were going up north "shed hunting" while the girls were having a “Mother / Daughter” day… Ashley, Tia and I all met for coffee and then went to Market on Military.  On the way home Ashley had mentioned that she was going to call on Monday to get into a GI doctor, as she has been experiencing some stomach issues since November 2022.  Within a 1/2 hour of dropping Ashley off, I called her because I had forgotten to tell her something earlier. She answered the phone bawling!!! I asked what was wrong and she said “Mom - my stomach hurts so bad I can barely stand up!” I told her that I was on my way there and for her to get her shoes on - I would stay and watch the kids while Brandon, her husband, brought her to Urgent Care.  I arrived and she was leaning over the counter and could not stand up straight.  She asked that I bring her in, and we immediately left. We arrived at the hospital, they took some blood work… came in and said they would like to get a CT scan of her belly area.  They came with the results - her liver was full of cysts with one being “extremely alarming” - 7 cm x 10 cm (softball size)! They then took more blood work and said they would like to get an MRI.  After the MRI they again took more blood work.  The doctor had said they were not exactly sure what it was, but they would like to get a biopsy scheduled ASAP and that doctors would call her first thing Monday to schedule.  The doctor said it could be fluid buildup, it could be pus, it could be protein build up, it could be cancer, it could be hepatitis, etc… Not to worry and to go home and enjoy the rest of the weekend. 

Monday morning came and Ashley’s phone was flooded with phone calls from doctors.  She scheduled a biopsy for Wednesday February 22.   The biopsy went fine, and we would know the results in 2-5 business days. Since the biopsy her liver has been very "angry" and causing much more pain than she was previously having.  She was not allowed to take any pain pills, Tylenol, etc due to the risk of her liver bleeding. 

On Friday February 24, Ashley received a phone call from the hospital, thinking it would be her biopsy results. When she answered the phone, they announced themselves as the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center and they were calling to set up an appointment!!!! She asked them what the results were, and the nurse didn’t know and asked, “how much do you know?” She knew NOTHING at this point but could assume by the phone call it wasn’t good! The following Monday Ashley met with Vince Lombardi Cancer Center, and they indeed confirmed what we all never thought we would hear - she has Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma)! They scheduled her for endoscopic ultrasound and a colonoscopy for Wednesday, March 1st - at that time, little did she know that her sister (& best friend) would be scheduling to be induced that same day.  The colonoscopy came back clean however the scope did show a couple small spots on her pancreas and they took a biopsy.  On Friday March 3rd, Ashley met with her doctor and was told that there are active cancer cells on her pancreas, and they were sending the results off for further review and to see if the cancer had spread or if it was a different kind of cancer.  At this appointment, she also was told that she would be on chemo the rest of her life and that may only be a couple years…. 

We are currently waiting for the pancreas results to come back to see if it is the same cancer or different.  We are praying it is a different kind of cancer for different treatment options that would be available.  

On Thursday March 9th, Ashley got her port put in and will begin her first round of Chemo on Wednesday March 15th. 

Monday March 13th, Ashley met with a liver transplant specialist from Milwaukee. 

After many discussions Ashley has decided to get a second opinion and her files have all been sent to Mayo Clinic.   

Anyone that knows Ashley knows that she is a very caring, healthy young lady!  She eats healthy, drinks water - rarely drinks soda and has an occasional cocktail if out to dinner.  Why / How does our ASHLEY have cancer?!?  

We have started this GoFundMe page to help Ashley & Brandon with all of these unexpected medical expenses they are about to endure thru this journey.  We have plans to have a benefit in the future.  

For any questions, to see how you can help or donations to be sent directly to the bank (to avoid convenience fees) please contact us at:   [email redacted] 

As I keep telling Ashley "Since the day you were born, you have been the bravest, strongest, most Strong Willed, bullheaded little lady - now is the time to let all those qualities shine!  Cancer doesn't know it but it Messed with the Wrong Girl!"  She WILL kick it's Ass! 

Ashley is not only my daughter, but she is also the most amazing wife to her soul mate - Brandon, the best mother of my 2 beautiful grandkids, an amazing sister (and best friend) to Tia and truly one of MY absolute best friends for the past 33 years.  Ashley is not just a great person to her family but to all in her circle and even to strangers.  Ashley is that person that would truly do ANYTHING for ANYONE! 

The past 3 1/2 weeks have been an emotional roller coaster for Ashley & our family.  We all believe in the good Lord and have Faith that Ashley will pull thru this.  Please keep Ashley, her family and our whole family, as well as her medical team in your thoughts & prayers.  It's going to be a long, bumpy road but she will fight with all she has! 

Between Tia (Ashley's sister) and I we will continue with updates on her Caring bridge page.  

Thank you for following her journey and sending continued love & prayers.   

Paula Shefchik (Ashley’s Mother)