Pam & Brandon: Pam's Appendiceal Cancer Journey

Hello All,

My daughter, Pamela Salewski, and her husband, Brandon Salewski, have been married for 13 years and in love for 15 years. They have shared a fairy-tale romance and a life full of friends, family, travel with their two Shiba Inu dogs, Kelsey and Kayden.

Unfortunately, this year has been an incredibly difficult year for them. After losing her father in April and her sister-in-law in July, Pamela and Brandon experienced a devastating miscarriage in October. As painful as it was, we believe the pregnancy was a blessing in disguise and a miracle. It led to the discovery of fluid and growths in Pamela's abdomen, necessitating a potentially life-saving biopsy.

During the biopsy, the surgical oncologist discovered a tumor on her appendix and performed an appendectomy. The biopsy confirmed our worst fear: appendiceal cancer (cancer of the appendix). This is an extremely rare and challenging cancer. However, Pamela is ready to live up to her childhood nickname, the Boxing Kangaroo, as she prepares to fight for her life and kick cancer's butt!

The next steps of the journey will be intense, including a 12 - 14 hour, open-abdominal "debulking" / "cytoreductive" surgery with Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy ("HIPEC") treatment. This surgery needs to happen ASAP and we expect a long healing process including a potential range of 2 to 12 weeks anticipated in the hospital with at least 2 - 5 days in ICU. In addition to the initial medical expenses and partial loss of income, there will be ongoing medical treaments (i.e. physical therapy) and testing needs going forward.

I am asking for any help you can provide to assist Pamela and Brandon with their medical, household and incidental expenses for the long road ahead. We all appreciate the outpouring of support during this difficult time. Thank you!