Help support Nicole Webb and her family!

Health update as of 8/19 (long post):

7/25-8/2: labs, visited my oncologist, pet scan, and 1 round of Plasmapheresis. During the visit with my oncologist @ Barnes, he shared that I have 2 antibodies. One of the antibodies has no cure or medication for it and could reject my donors cells. The day of completing the plasmapheresis, I get a call from my oncologists nurse explaining that I won’t have to do the plasmapheresis the rest of the week because the antibody that had no cure or would reject my donor cells “disappeared”…. The nurse said that he has never seen anything like it (in my mind I’m thinking it’s all Gods work right there)!

8/2- is the day of admission at Barnes. Once Gary and I got settled in my room, I started chemotherapy right away. The IV chemotherapy lasted from 8/2-8/5. Then from 8/5-8/8 I began intensive total body radiation aka TBI) 2x per day.

8/8- right after my last radiation treatment @ 6pm, around 7:30pm was the time they transferred the bone cells. Crazy part was it took 6 hours to collect dads cells and then it only took 5 minutes to transfer to me…

I will say my emotions were through the roof. Looking over at Dad and seeing how selfless he is to save my life. My mom who has been doing so much trying to take care of Dad and our sweet boys Austin and Cosmo. My husband has been my rock and always there to remind of the things I need to do to get better. I love you babe♥️

8/9- the day after the bone marrow transplant, my body took a big hit. Fevers between 102-103, chills, diarrhea, vomiting constantly, loss of appetite, mouth sores. Having the mouth sores and mucousititis makes it hard to talk, eat and drink certain things. I developed 3 infections which I have been on antibiotics for. The fatigue takes a toll over my whole body. I can’t walk for too long, I still try to go as far as I am able. Swollen feet and legs. Memory loss occasionally. This process has been very difficult and emotional not just because of the diagnosis but because I witness those who love me hurting. I love to bring joy to others and be helpful in any way possible, and not being able to do that hurts a bit. Listening to our 10 year old say “mommy I wish you were never sick. I prayed for you Mommy…” ooh my heart and sunshine. He’s my wild child, keeps me in a better mindset with all of this stuff.

God has been guiding us, and providing what we needed through prayer. I am also thankful he has touched many of your hearts in helping us financially. The prayers, phone calls, text messages from our church family, our work family, family and friends, Austin’s teachers, I could keep going. Thank you so much from Gary, Austin, Cosmo and I for just being there the best way you can or are able.

Previous update: Since April, Nicole’s health issues have been stacking, one on top of the other, with ever-escalating health symptoms. Her job as an employment counselor and in the past as a fitness instructor has been enormously impacted. What began as a cellulitis diagnosis, soon turned into a continued battle with a rare disorder that doctors weren’t comfortable treating. Next came a diagnosis of Venous insufficiency, followed by pericarditis (fluid around the heart), pneumonia, a pleural effusion, and allergies. Her symptoms included debilitating joint pain, chills, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, coughing, and whole-body itching. In November, she began having more bad days than good. After seven different visits and stays in the hospital with a barrage of physical symptoms compounding her ability to function, and the constant tests and doctor’s appointments; she went to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis to seek more clarification. After repeating all of the tests she had undergone in Springfield, in addition to a bone marrow biopsy and speaking with three doctors; she finally received the unfortunate results… a word no one wants to hear. A rare blood cancer called Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML). She will have more tests and appointments to figure out the stage and the treatment plan for her cancer diagnosis.

All of this has taken a toll on her family. She has missed so much work and her husband is on Family Medical Leave to help her navigate this new diagnosis. Their medical bills have buried them in debt for the foreseeable future, possibly the rest of their lives. Luckily, her faith has sustained her along with her supportive husband, family and church. (She relies on the following Bible Verse to help her through this: I Corinthians 13:4-7)

What can you do to help? Please consider donating to my friend and coworker! Donations you make will help the Webb family to cover the many expenses they have and will continue to incur:

Medical bills from her various trips to the hospital and her stays in the hospital

Ongoing medical support while she continues to fight these cancers

Support for the family’s lost wages from their combined FMLA absences.

Thank you for any help or support you can provide.