What's up everyone. This year has been tough, and it's only a quarter of the way done. A few months ago we had our transfer date set for Baby #2 -> October 31st. We knew Cait had Stage 4 Endo from the IVF process beforehand, but severe abdominal pain a couple weeks before the transfer had Cait getting scanned. This is when they found she had a 10cm cyst and a 4cm cyst. After a round of medication that was supposed to reduce the size of the cysts, they actually grew to be 16 cm and 6 cm. Because of this she had surgery in January, where it was determined that Cait had Stage 1 High Grade Serous Carcinoma (Ovarian Cancer). Due to the nature of that surgery, a second surgery in February was necessary where further samples would be taken. The results from that surgery were not what we were hoping, or expected, as Cait was then diagnosed with Stage 3 High Grade Serous Carcinoma.
Cait has great attitude about beating this by keeping things positive, staying active, and continuing to be a great example of resilience for our daughter, Charlotte. We believe that everything happens for a reason, and we are excited to tell Charlie (and potential future children) about everything Cait was able to overcome and how to stare adversity in the face.
We have an unbelievable network of support, from both family and friends, and would like to thank those that know about the situation and have since provided all of the thoughts, prayers, flowers, gifts, etc.
We've never been the type of people to reach out for help (it's a character flaw), so we've decided to create shirts, to continue to spread awareness of this wretched disease, while also potentially helping out others impacted in the future. We, personally, will use only what is needed, in terms of treatment and potential travel for clinical trials, and not a cent more. Every other penny will be donated to Mandee's Lunchbox. We will continue to fundraise in different ways throughout this year, and in the future, while also taking part in a couple of OC runs and walks.
Once again thank you to everyone that has or will reach out. We appreciate every word more than you can believe. Fuck Cancer.
