Monica Dodd and Family

UPDATE per Monica’s mom as of 4/2/23

It is with a heavy heart that I let you know Monica passed away last night at 8:35. I only find consolation in the fact that she is no longer in pain and is at peace. I put all of this in the hands of the Lord when she first got her diagnosis. He has a purpose far greater than we could ever imagine. We don't understand it and we aren't supposed to. I want all of us to celebrate her life and remember her in the way you knew her best. I could never have had a daughter any better than she was - her children couldn't have had any better mother, Jeff couldn't have had a better wife and Jason couldn't have had a better sister. Family meant everything to her. Thank you to all her friends and family who supported all of us through this journey. I will post details of arrangements as soon as I know them.

If you are able to donate for Monica and her family, it would be greatly appreciated.

Monica Dodd received some shocking and devastating news in August when she was diagnosed with Peritoneal Mesothelioma, a rare type of malignant cancer. Peritoneal Mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, the thin layer of tissue lining the abdomen, and is linked to asbestos exposure in the past. The abdominal fluid, or ascites, began increasing as did Monica's pain. It has also been determined that mesothelial cells were also found in the fluid in her lungs.

On Friday, September 2nd, she had a laparoscopic surgery to biopsy the abdominal areas and to investigate the extent of disease. After the pathology results came in, her team of doctors determined the next step will include chemotherapy beginning on September 13th. After two rounds of chemo, She will need cytoreductive surgery followed by HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy). Cancerous tumors are surgically removed, and then heated chemotherapy drugs are applied directly inside the abdomen to try to eliminate the remaining cancerous cells.

After the surgery, there will be more chemo treatments that follow.

As a 45-year-old mother of two beautiful children, Monica went from being and feeling healthy to being terrified, worried, and in pain in a matter of weeks. Her husband, parents, and family have been right by her side helping to care for her and her children. Monica and family are so grateful for your prayers, kind thoughts, and the outpouring of support.

Monica and Jeff had the difficult task of telling their children that Monica has cancer. For now, the kids know this as "Cancer" without knowing all of the details of the type and treatment. They are taking it one step at a time and focusing on positive thoughts.

Thank you all for your support and generosity.