How We Got Here...

For those who don't know, early last year my mom was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate (Mouth/Throat Cancer). Shortly after that George (her husband) was laid off. Last spring she went through seven weeks of radiation which damaged her saliva glands, taste buds, and mucous membranes but didn't touch the cancer. Last July she went through a 12 hour surgery to "remove" the cancer and replace the soft palate with skin from her arm (they call it a flap). In the fall George found another job, mom had a laser touch up and in December was deemed cancer free and ready for a few months recovery.

In January, mom's health was improving but George's company was bought out and he was laid off again. They decided to relocate to Cincinnati and moved in with Heather and I, and George found another job. Then, of course, mom's cancer came back (Stage 4). Having already been through radiation and a major surgery the only feasible option left was chemotherapy which she's been going through the past few weeks and the doctor is recommending 4 months worth. George's new job requires them to move off COBRA insurance and move to his company's health care plan which has extremely high deductibles which the doctors tell us they'll easily hit within a couple weeks of changing insurance.

We're starting this site to of course keep everyone updated on her progress, but also to provide a place to receive donations since many of you have asked us where to give.

Thanks for any and all assistance and thoughts and prayers, follow this blog and stay tuned for updates.