Caring for Courtney During Her Battle with Cancer
With a heavy heart, we'd like to share some unfortunate news. Our beautiful daughter and dear friend Courtney who is 20 years old was recently diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. For those of you who know Courtney, you know what an extraordinary human being she is. She is a young, cheerful young lady who is full of life and loves her family and friends more than anything. She is headed into a battle that no 20 year old should ever have to endure.
Courtney was a healthy 20 year old living her best life when one day she noticed a growth on her neck. It caused her so much pain, she couldn't move her head. She knew something was wrong, but she was a healthy, vibrant, and active 20 year old. A cancer diagnosis was the furthest thing from her mind.
The next thing she knew, she was being admitted to the hospital on July 30th and after several tests, the terrifying news came. She was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma on August 5th.
She is currently undergoing intense chemotherapy which will last for 21 days for the first cycle. She will continue this grueling treatment for 6-8 months in the hopes of beating the cancer. As we all know what chemo does to a person's body, Courtney is already battling those side effects. She is feeling very ill and is trying to keep food down to keep her strength and help her body fight this disease. Courtney is a strong and determined young lady who is fighting this battle with everything she has. She is determined to kick cancers butt!
Since she was diagnosed and admitted into the hospital, she has met with the oncologist multiple times, has had the first of many biopsies, copious amounts of blood work, has discussed possible next steps with a fertility doctor, has had a lymph node biopsy, CT scan, echo-cardiogram, PET scan, and has many more treatments ahead of her.
This shocking and difficult time has put an emotional and financial strain on Courtney and her family. Due to her diagnosis she will be temporarily out of work as she will put all of her energy into fighting cancer and healing her body.
We are asking during this vulnerable time in her life that we all rally behind her as she takes on this fight. Medical costs can be devastating and can cause severe hardship. Courtney's medical bills are already flooding in, not to mention the stress of everyday finances as well. A little goes a long way and anything can help alleviate the stress of monetary issues.
We thank you endlessly for your love, prayers and support. We will update you on her progress in coming weeks.
#kickcancersbutt
#fightlikeagirl
#wevegotthis
