Thank you for following our sister's journey. As most of you already know, Julie has been diagnosed with colon and liver cancer. The diagnosis was made by an ER doctor at St. Al's in Boise, Idaho on Friday, July 6th. Julie had not been feeling well for months, but because she lacks health insurance, was not able to get the medical testing she desperately needed. Finally, she drove herself to the ER after a long day of stomach cramping and weeks of liquid dieting due to her stomach upset. She gave the ER staff her list of symptoms and firmly requested blood work and CT scan. Her initial requests were rebuffed, but we all know Mama Julie does not take 'no' for an answer. Thank goodness. She convinced the ER doctor that she was in the process of applying for every form of financial assistance to offset the cost of testing, and he reluctantly agreed to the CT scan. You can imagine his utter shock and devastation when her greatest fears were realized - I'm sure it's not every day that an ER doc delivers such dismal findings - but we are so thankful he agreed to the testing.
Within days of her ER visit, Julie was scheduled for a colonoscopy and liver biopsy in order to stage the cancers. During the colonoscopy doctors revealed that the tumor surrounding her colon was so encompassing she was at immediate risk for an obstruction. Doctors were not able to complete the colonoscopy because the tumor constricted the process and it could not physically be completed. Additionally, the liver biopsy was put on hold. Surgery to remove the tumor became first priority. Exactly one week from the initial ER diagnosis, Julie was prepped for surgery to remove the tumor constricting her colon.
Thankfully, the surgery went well. They were able to remove the tumor and do a liver biopsy at the same time. A week after the surgery was performed Julie was sent home from the hospital. She still feels horrible, and was beyond frustrated to learn that 'laparoscopic assisted left colon resection' is an excruciatingly painful procedure from which to recover. :( The liver biopsy results were as expected, she has liver cancer. Duh.
She has her first MSTI (Mountain States Tumor Institute) meeting on Tuesday, July 31st. It is at this appointment that her oncologist will outline treatment recommendations. We are eager to finally get this treatment ball rolling.
We will continue to use this blog to update her progress. As you can imagine, Julie's financial situation is dismal, but could be much much worse. She is in the process of applying for disability, but it is a lengthy process (2-3 months before benefits become available.) As her sisters, we are banding together to make sure that first and foremost, her basic needs are being met. Through the gracious assistance of family and others, Julie's food and shelter are being paid for. However, her monthly utilities, car insurance, and teenager maintenance x 2 is draining her bank account. It may seem insignificant to some, but maintaining simple comforts and conveniences is one of our financial goals. We are virtually powerless against this disease, but we can fight to make this journey as safe and comforting as possible for Julie and her children. Mason just graduated from summer school today and will be a freshman at Fairmont in the fall and Caitlin will be a senior at Capital. Austin works full time and is living with friends, but contemplating moving back in with his dad.
Thank you so much for supporting and loving our sister and her family. We are overcome and comforted by your love and strength. If you care to make a donation, the money collected will be put directly toward maintaining a sense of normalcy in the lives of Julie, Austin, Caitlin, and Mason Gauby. We are brainstorming fundraising ideas and will keep you posted. If you have fundraising ideas of your own, please feel free to share your ideas w/ myself, Megan, or Allison.
With love,
jen luchini
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