Battling Breast Cancer With Leslie

Hello, My name is Mindy; as many of you know, Leslie and I have been BFFs since the 7th grade when she moved to Herington.

As some may know, Leslie has not had the best luck medically. I am going to start with the most recent events instead of diving into her deep history. Back In February, Leslie got real sick. (and when I say sick, Y'all, I ain't never been so scared in my life). She was diagnosed with an "unknown virus." I, to this day, believe it was COVID, but Covid was not an actual thing until March. She was in the hospital, with her liver trying to shut down, her potassium kept botting out, and so many other crazy wild symptoms.

Then in October, Leslie decided to go to the Dr. about her hip pain that she had been having for years. Not thinking anything of it other than the joys of getting old. That is when she found out that she needed a hip replacement like yesterday! So November of 2020, Leslie got herself a brand new titanium hip. Along with her fancy new hip, she found out that her spin is less than functional. When they looked at the hip, they found that her vertebrae, L3-S1 were bulging and had areas of torn Intervertebral Disc (that squishy stuff that's in between them) with many other issues. She was sent to one of the top Nuro Surgeons in Wichita, and they informed her surgery was not an option due to the severity of the damage to those vertebrae. Through this series of unfortunate events, she found out that she could no longer work and had no choice but to go on disability. If any of you know Leslie, you know this tore her apart. She was on top of her world, Working her dream job and building her dream life. And just like that, it's gone. And in its place came medical issues beyond belief!

Over the last seven months, her health has been steadily declining. These are just some of the issues she has been dealing with. Serious digestive issues, overactive thyroid, vitamin deficiency, colonoscopy, endoscopy, countless blood panels, and other lab work, Lymph node biopsy. It wasn't till then they finally referred her to the Dr.s that knew a little bit more at the Cancer Center of Kansas.

There she learned they suspected that she is suffering from multiple autoimmune diseases, one specifically being rare and potentially life-threatening, known as Castlemans Disease. The oncologists immediately recommend The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

Due to health issues, among other constraints, this travel is not immediately possible. Thankfully the Oncologist was able to send her pathology and bloodwork to the Mayo Clinic for them to review and confirm the Castlemans disease. Unfortunately, this disease often causes organ damage to the spleen and the liver, so a CT scan is scheduled to be performed on May 9th. On May 11th, she will be meeting with the Oncologist again; that is when she will get the results from her CT and the Mayo Clinic. They will also discuss their next step and get a game plan in motion. It is our understanding that the treatment for this disease is immuneo suppressants, steroids, and chemotherapy. As of right now they are trying to get her all taken care of at home where she is most comfortable, but there is a very good chance she will have to travel to the Mayo.

Either way, this goes; it is going to be a very long expensive, and stressful road for her. So I am reaching out asking all of you to help me help her. She is the most kindest, loving, and giving person I have ever known in my life. Even though this trial she is faced with would be so easy for some of us to just stop and say F* it, she does not. She never loses her soft words, she never leaves a complement unsaid, and she is always willing to go the mile to help those she loves. She keeps going even on the days she doesn't want to.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to read this, share this and or donate. You will never truly know the impact this will have, not only me but everyone affected by this.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!

Mindy Kirk

P.s If you wish to donate another way, please contact me. We will be happy to figure it out.