Help Ciarra Overcome Sarcoma Cancer

Hi there. My name is Paige. My younger sister, Ciarra, was recently diagnosed with a very rare soft tissue sarcoma. Sarcomas make up 1% of all cancers. Getting a cancer diagnosis at 27 years old is something no one expects or plans for, but my sister is showing so much courage, wisdom, and faith in her situation - despite how scary and uncertain it feels.

I think it helps to hear a little backstory on the situation, so let me explain. In July 2023, Ciarra noticed a small bump on her collarbone. It was painless, and she thought it might resolve on its own, so she left it alone. Four months later, she went to her doctor to get it checked because she noticed another bump in the same spot. Both pea-sized. Her doctor said it was probably a lymph node or lipoma and did not show much concern. She sent her for an ultrasound and x-ray, which came back indeterminate. She was told to wait and watch for changes... There is some comfort in that when you're trusting your doctor. She quieted her own concerns and believed her doctor - that it was fine and to wait and watch. Life goes on, and she had been busy. It took a backseat in her mind. It was still there. She was used to it being there.

Jump forward to October 2024, the lump could now be seen and had grown into a true mass with strange features. Still painless but now coupled with other suspicious symptoms like intensifying night sweats, exhaustion, and battling common illnesses with great difficulty (i.e., hospitalized two times for two separate illnesses over the course of a couple of months). Ciarra knew something was wrong and kept pushing for further tests and answers despite feeling pretty dismissed by doctors. Her final ultrasound came back indeterminate for malignancy, and she was referred to a surgeon for an excisional biopsy. Again, the surgeon was unsure if this needed to be removed because on paper she is a 20-something, "apparently healthy" girl - he totally expected it was a non-cancerous fatty lump... Ciarra said, I want it out! He agreed to take it out but again, didn't think it was serious. December 12th, 2024 - results are in. It is cancer. A rare cancer, which is probably why it was so hard to get a diagnosis and was almost missed (again). The surgeon was completely shocked. He was very impressed with Ciarra's ability to advocate for herself and push for more. We all were and are.

Now here we are in January. Her first appointment with oncology was today. Extremely thankful to be close and connected with the University of Michigan. Her oncologist explained a general outlook of treatment - surgery. He explained that this type of cancer is locally aggressive and can commonly reoccur. The goal at this time is to perform a wide excision surgery and have the clearest margins possible. Since I've been learning more about this specific cancer and the way it is treated, I gather that it is very "touch and go." Ideally, one singular surgery is performed, he is able to get clear margins, he closes her, and she recovers over the next couple of months. However, he did make it known that multiple surgeries are required at times, and they may need to return to the site to continue removing until clear margins are achieved. He alluded to that being a potential possibility in her case. What I am trying to say here is, we really don't know exactly what this will all look like.

We don't know exactly how much work she will need to miss, and how many surgeries, other treatments, or tests will need to be performed. What we do know is that she will be having the surgery this month - we just have to stay as present as possible and go from there. The doctor will have more to say after he gets in there and sees what he is working with.

With all of this comes very extensive medical bills and time away from work to recover and focus on healing. I have set the goal at 10k because that seems like a good start, but I honestly don't know what this will look like long-term. Insurance only covers so much as we are all aware. I do not want her worried about this - it is the last thing she should be worried about right now. If you feel moved to donate, we would be so appreciative and grateful. Anything helps relieve some of the financial burden. If you are more comfortable donating privately offline, please reach out to me (Paige). If you can't donate but wouldn't mind sharing, please, please do. I will try to keep everyone updated (with what Ciarra is comfortable with) as everything progresses. Please pray for her spirit, and her physical and mental strength as she goes through the hardest time in her life.

So to anyone still reading this - thank you so much. Thank you for caring about my sweet sister's experience and her well-being. Having a strong support system is everything when you are fighting for your life and your health. Ciarra feels so thankful for the love, generosity, and kindness she has already been receiving. Sharing her experience and her journey is not easy; it is actually pretty scary, and I'm sure it leaves her feeling quite exposed. But she is being so brave, and she is hoping that her vulnerability can humanize her experience and help other people advocate for themselves too. Trust your gut.

With love and gratitude,

Paige

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14