Vicki Vaughn's Medical Expenses

In July 2022, my mom faced a sudden medical decline that led to a trip to the Emergency Room. She went into the hospital for one reason and left that evening finding out about other medical conditions no one was prepared for. X-rays had shown that she had a nodule on her right lung. One month later she had a biopsy scheduled to rule out lung cancer, during that procedure her lung collapsed, and she was hospitalized overnight for oxygen therapy to repair an acute pneumothorax. The next morning, she was discharged home as she met her baseline oxygenation. Two weeks after her biopsy we were told that the results were insufficient--to us this felt relieving not hearing the words "lung cancer", so we took a breath and ventured on.

In late October of 2022, my mom started to experience respiratory issues; this led to a follow-up with medical oncology and new MRI scans. By November, MRI scans indicated two new nodules on her left lung and mild growth of the nodule on her right lung. Having another lung biopsy was medically necessary as concerns for lung cancer were much greater. In late November my mom was scheduled for her second biopsy, this one resulted in a larger pneumothorax that required a chest tube and a 3-day hospital stay on our surgical care floor. On December 1st, 2022, my mom was diagnosed with progressive Stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer. This news was not something she, or our family was ready to hear. With support from her family and medical team, my mom underwent 6 weeks of aggressive radiation therapy.

By mid-February 2023, my mom completed radiation therapy and was later told she was in remission from her lung cancer as MRI scans showed only scar tissue and absence of nodules. We all felt on top of the world, and my mom felt like she had a new chance at life. It wasn't until late March after celebrating her 71st birthday that she had complaints of pain in her breast, she then noticed strange discoloration and a painful lump. We all held our breath with hopes that this could be a side effect of radiation. Recent studies show that the incidence of lung cancer spreading to the breast ranges from 0.2% to approximately 2.7% among reported clinical cases.

On March 31st my mom had a mammogram that led to another biopsy scheduled for April 3rd. This induced great fear, but we still held on to hope that we would not hear our worst fears. Yesterday, April 6th my mom received news that her biopsy is indicating the same cancer she had in her lungs. The feelings of fear, anger, and sadness rest heavy in our hearts as a family, but we are still doing what we can to remain positive and hopeful for my mom. Vicki is a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and so much more--she is truly a bright light in our family and our world feels so dim as she is facing the outcome of cancer. She has a large support system near and far, and we are all holding on to hope for better days.

My dad, Ron Vaughn has been her primary caregiver and provider as she is unable to work--this weighs so much stress on him financially and it is interfering with his ability to focus on her or his own health as he is working full time to make ends meet, as we all are. My father has been by her side through all health issues and has worked hard to support his family. My parents, nor myself, have ever been keen to reach out for help out of guilt and shame--but I am reaching out now. My mom should be focused on her health, but she's overwhelmed with her medical expenses and fears not being able to afford care as her insurance only provides so much assistance. I've been watching my dad bend over backwards to manage a living for them, and my only wish for them both is to one day wake up and not worry about what bill they owe and how much her next treatment will cost. These funds will go directly to her medical bills of past treatments, hospitalization expenses, and future medical treatments.

I plan to gather notes, messages, and words of hope to give to my parents when I hand them whatever funds I can raise for them. I want them to know how much hope is still existing in a world that feels really dark right now, all while giving them a chance to breath without financial stress. With that being said, they are not aware that I am making this fundraiser because seeking help financially is not something they are keen to. If donations cannot be made, sharing this is just as important to me. I am incredibly grateful for the support that we have received and the love everyone provides during such a difficult time. Please do not feel obligation to donate.

I cannot thank everyone enough for being a listening ear, and supportive friend.

Thank you,

Ginger