Support for Amy (Jaeger) Davis and Family

Amy's cancer journey began in August of 2018 with a breast cancer diagnosis. A couple of months later, it was discovered that she also had thyroid cancer. Because of this new finding, her team of doctors ordered genetic testing which revealed a rare genetic gene mutation called ATM. This makes her, and now other members of her family, more likely to develop certain kinds of cancer (like 60% greater chance!). As you can imagine, it was devastating news. Chemotherapy and radioactive iodine treatments quickly began. In February 2019, Amy had a double mastectomy, thyroidectomy, and removal of her affected lymph nodes in both areas. Lastly, came radiation. Amy went into remission in May of 2019. We were so thankful for this second chance and the incredible support from family and friends.

Unfortunately, 3 years later, here we are again . . . recurrence.

In late July (after clear scans every few months prior) Amy went into urgent care with abdominal pain. After a CT scan, it was discovered that the cancer has metastasized. It is now detected in her ribs, vertebral column, liver, skull, neck, and pelvis.

Amy had her infusion port placed and her first chemotherapy treatment on Monday 8/21. Amy’s treatment schedule is 1 day a week for 3 weeks, followed by 1 week off (1 cycle). She will go through 2-3 cycles before she is re-scanned to check the efficacy of that chemo. If it’s working, then she continues on with the same chemotherapy drug. If the current chemotherapy drug isn’t working, then a new chemotherapy drug(s) will be used. This approach makes it hard to determine how long treatment will go, leading us to understand it as indefinite.

Prior to the start of chemotherapy, Amy’s bloodwork revealed that her immune system was very likely weakened by radiation treatments. If needed, Amy will need to receive blood/platelet(s) transfusion(s), & antibiotics to help prevent infections.

Because of the current bloodwork results, Amy’s Oncologist has also ordered a lumbar puncture to make sure there is no cancer detected within her cerebral spinal fluid.

Amy also had MRIs of her neck, thoracic, and lumbar spine. The MRIs showed no infiltration or compression of the spinal cord; however, the lumbar MRI did reveal a L1 vertebral compression fracture, likely due to the cancer weakening that vertebrae. A procedure to stabilize this fracture will be scheduled in the near future.

~ As you can imagine, this is an extremely tough journey for her and her family. This is why we are now asking for your help financially. Dale is finding it very difficult to work during these days of blow after blow and is already on his 4th week of 5 weeks of PTO, so it's weighing heavy on his and Amy's minds. Even with family there to help cover, at this time, he just can't shut his mind off with so much changing daily. Money . . . the necessary evil. With Amy in so much discomfort and needing to take heavy medications for the pain, she is not able to drive and needs help doing many things in their 2 story home. This is a very tough road and one we very much need Dale to be on, at home, with Amy. These donations will help bring relief to their monthly bills and expenses.

If you'd like to follow her journey, here is her Caring Bridge site.

https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amyjdavis

Amy, Dale, Syd and their families Thank You so much!