Strength for Steph
Donation protected
The beginning of 2015 was like no other for Stephanie and Adam Sawyer. They were planning their 40th birthday celebrations along with a 10/10/10 vow renewal of their marriage. At the beginning of January, Stephanie's biggest dilemma was whether she was going to buy a new dress for the vow renewal or wear the original. By the end of the month, Stephanie's concerns changed drastically.
Mid-January Stephanie started experiencing severe pains in her stomach that kept her from performing every day tasks, including going to work and caring for her two furbabies, Daisy and Rosie. The last week of January things took a turn for the worse when Stephanie underwent a CT scan that revealed a 5-inch mass on her liver. This took place after multiple visits to the hospital for unbearable pain and various exams. Doctors suspected that it was cancer, but on February 6th our worst nightmares were confirmed. Stephanie was diagnosed with inoperable stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) that had metastasized to other parts of the body less than a month after experiencing symptoms. This type of cancer is extremely rare and only 2,000-3,000 people in the United States develop bile duct cancer each year. The average age of people diagnosed with this disease is 70. At this time she was told that she had 3-6 months to live, and at the most 9-12 months with extensive chemotherapy.
Four days later Stephanie underwent multiple procedures not only to find the origin of the cancer but to also put a stent in her liver. The origin was not able to be found during the procedure, but it was apparent that the cancer was very aggressive and spreading rapidly. At the time of her departure from the surgery it seemed as if everything went well. The next day, however, Stephanie was rushed to the hospital by ambulance when she was not able to move her body. That day we were informed that her liver had ruptured due to complications from the stent being put in place. Stephanie had to undergo multiple blood transfusions and was battling for her life. After a week in the ICU they were able to stop the bleeding and transfer her to the facility where she could begin chemotherapy.
On Friday February 20th Stephanie received her portacath so that she could begin chemotherapy the following day. Ideally, Stephanie and Adam did not want to begin chemo while she was feeling so weak. However, the doctors stressed that time is of the essence. Since then, Stephanie's treatment has been an uphill battle. Not only has she had to deal with all of the side effects of chemotherapy, she's also encountered multiple blood clots. The cancer has continued to spread to nearby organs like the lymph nodes and lungs, and the prognosis has changed to a maximum of 6 months-even with extensive chemotherapy.
Stephanie is taking life day-by-day with the help of her loving husband and family. She attempted to be cared for in the peace of her home, but that was short-lived due to the severity and complexity of her cancer. Stephanie is now back in the hospital indefinitely.
On Thursday March 19th, Stephanie will be turning 40. At such a young age with so much ahead of her, it's hard to believe that this is truly happening to such an amazing person. Stephanie is the most selfless and positive individual that could ever exist. She finds a silver lining in every situation, and constantly reminds those who worry that "this too shall pass." Even in her current situation, Stephanie remains peaceful and positive with the most radiant smile.
Because of Stephanie's situation, Adam is not able to work and spends 100% of his time at the hospital supporting his wife. In an attempt to minimize financial burden, they have sold one of their vehicles and are in the process of preparing to sell their home. Medical bills are numerous and their two furbabies are still at home hoping for their mom's return. We made this page to ask for support. If you aren't able to make a donation, please share Stephanie's story and spread the hope.
We would also like to thank everyone who has reached out to us with caring words. It means a lot in this very sad time. Please be understanding that we are still trying to wrap our minds around what is happening as this has all happened in such a short period of time. Your prayers do not go unnoticed. Many have reached out to find out what's going on, and we will use this page to keep everyone updated.
Mid-January Stephanie started experiencing severe pains in her stomach that kept her from performing every day tasks, including going to work and caring for her two furbabies, Daisy and Rosie. The last week of January things took a turn for the worse when Stephanie underwent a CT scan that revealed a 5-inch mass on her liver. This took place after multiple visits to the hospital for unbearable pain and various exams. Doctors suspected that it was cancer, but on February 6th our worst nightmares were confirmed. Stephanie was diagnosed with inoperable stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) that had metastasized to other parts of the body less than a month after experiencing symptoms. This type of cancer is extremely rare and only 2,000-3,000 people in the United States develop bile duct cancer each year. The average age of people diagnosed with this disease is 70. At this time she was told that she had 3-6 months to live, and at the most 9-12 months with extensive chemotherapy.
Four days later Stephanie underwent multiple procedures not only to find the origin of the cancer but to also put a stent in her liver. The origin was not able to be found during the procedure, but it was apparent that the cancer was very aggressive and spreading rapidly. At the time of her departure from the surgery it seemed as if everything went well. The next day, however, Stephanie was rushed to the hospital by ambulance when she was not able to move her body. That day we were informed that her liver had ruptured due to complications from the stent being put in place. Stephanie had to undergo multiple blood transfusions and was battling for her life. After a week in the ICU they were able to stop the bleeding and transfer her to the facility where she could begin chemotherapy.
On Friday February 20th Stephanie received her portacath so that she could begin chemotherapy the following day. Ideally, Stephanie and Adam did not want to begin chemo while she was feeling so weak. However, the doctors stressed that time is of the essence. Since then, Stephanie's treatment has been an uphill battle. Not only has she had to deal with all of the side effects of chemotherapy, she's also encountered multiple blood clots. The cancer has continued to spread to nearby organs like the lymph nodes and lungs, and the prognosis has changed to a maximum of 6 months-even with extensive chemotherapy.
Stephanie is taking life day-by-day with the help of her loving husband and family. She attempted to be cared for in the peace of her home, but that was short-lived due to the severity and complexity of her cancer. Stephanie is now back in the hospital indefinitely.
On Thursday March 19th, Stephanie will be turning 40. At such a young age with so much ahead of her, it's hard to believe that this is truly happening to such an amazing person. Stephanie is the most selfless and positive individual that could ever exist. She finds a silver lining in every situation, and constantly reminds those who worry that "this too shall pass." Even in her current situation, Stephanie remains peaceful and positive with the most radiant smile.
Because of Stephanie's situation, Adam is not able to work and spends 100% of his time at the hospital supporting his wife. In an attempt to minimize financial burden, they have sold one of their vehicles and are in the process of preparing to sell their home. Medical bills are numerous and their two furbabies are still at home hoping for their mom's return. We made this page to ask for support. If you aren't able to make a donation, please share Stephanie's story and spread the hope.
We would also like to thank everyone who has reached out to us with caring words. It means a lot in this very sad time. Please be understanding that we are still trying to wrap our minds around what is happening as this has all happened in such a short period of time. Your prayers do not go unnoticed. Many have reached out to find out what's going on, and we will use this page to keep everyone updated.
Organizer
Kealey Snow
Organizer
San Diego, CA