Hope For Sherree

Sherree Weaver Fisher was diagnosed with a rare pulmonary neuroendocrine  tumor (NET) cancer in 2014.  Doctors have described hers as a "complicated case" involving extensive research, medical appointments, tests, medications and procedures.  This type of cancer doesn't respond to traditional chemo or radiation which has led to numerous treatments trying to slow the growth and alleviate the pain.  Her left lung was removed to eliminate the primary tumor at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Oregon, but unfortunately the cancer had metastasized to her bones.  The lytic tumors destroy the bone, cause finite fractures and create an insurmountable level of nerve and muscle pain.  The procedures to help with the pain, including radiation treatments at Cyberknife Radio Surgery in Spokane Washington and a nerve block CT guided cordotomy at OHSU, have not provided the pain relief as hoped.  She underwent surgery in September of 2016 to insert a metal rod in her femur to reinforce the 50% bone loss caused by the tumors.  Two vertebrae were injected with cement to reinforce the bone loss on another trip to OHSU.  The cancer continues to grow and has spread to her liver and remaining lung. Sherree continues to face these challenges with faith, strength and courage.  

The FDA recently approved  Polypeptide Receptor Radiation Treatments ( LU-177) for NET cancer for other primary tumor sites, not pulmonary.  The pulmonary treatment in the US is only available in Texas due to the Texas Right To Try Law.  Sherree recently made the trip to the Excel Diagnostic Nuclear Oncology Center in Houston, Texas to receive a Gallium 68 PET/CT Scan where it was determined that she would be a candidate for this treatment.  Due to the treatment not being FDA approved for pulmonary tumors her insurance will not cover the cost.  Sherree will need four infusions in Houston, Texas at six - nine week intervals.  The infusions are each $8,000 with four trips requiring airfare from Lewiston to Houston, separate bedroom & bath for a few days because of the radiation infusions, food, and a rental car for Sherree and a companion.  The first trip will require a ten day stay to allow for numerous tests before the 1st infusion on May 3. The next three trips will each require a three to five day stay. These expenses for treatment will total around $50,000.  

Sherree has been reluctant to accept financial help, and in fact, continued to work despite the pain and fatigue.  However, due to her health issues she has been forced to cut her work hours to part time during recent months.  But now financial help is needed to be able to proceed with this necessary treatment. We, Sherree's friends and loved ones, ask that you keep Sherree and her family in your thoughts and prayers.  And we also ask that you please help us with the immediate need to raise funds to cover the cost for this treatment.  We welcome and appreciate any donations.  Every amount donated matters and is appreciated.  The Hope For Sherree is that this treatment will reduce the size of the tumors, relieve the pain, and extend Sherree's life while waiting and hoping for a cure.

 An account has been set up at Potlatch #1 Federal Credit Union for those who prefer to donate directly.  Donations may be deposited at any P1FCU branch or mailed to P1FCU, PO Box 897, Lewiston ID 83501.  Checks should be made payable to the Sherree Fisher Donation Account.

Donations may also be accepted through the Rita Foundation www.ritafoundationhouston.org , by clicking on donate (top right) To pay by credit card scroll down to "Donate in someone's name".  To pay by check scroll down to "Donate by check".  Please make check payable to Rita Foundation and put Sherree Fisher's name on your "For" line.  100% of the donated money goes to Sherree if it is processed through P1FCU or the Rita Foundation.