For Our Mom ~ Suzy Drayer DeChane

On August 1, 2011 began a series of upsetting events for our family. Our mom, Suzy went for a colonoscopy where doctors discovered a tumor nearly 2 inches in diameter or stage III. Already a 5-year Thyroid Cancer survivor Suzy began a series of treatments to shrink the tumor. 6 weeks of daily radiation treatments combined with chemotherapy successfully shrank the tumor to less than the size of a dime! It was difficult but our mom managed to keep working and maintained a positive attitude.

As Suzy’s treatments were winding down, we got news that a tumor was found in our grandfather, Fred Drayer’s kidney. Within a matter of a week it was biopsied and determined that the cancerous tumor had not spread. The doctors removed his kidney and thankfully he did not have to have any follow-up treatment. After a rough recovery period he is regaining his strength and feeling better every day.

Our mom's surgery to remove the affected area of the colon was scheduled for November 10, 2011. It was a major surgery where the doctors also removed her uterus and an ovary. She was given a temporary ileostomy. Thankfully the cancer had not spread to any other organs nor were any lymph nodes involved. After a week in the hospital she was sent home to heal.

Unfortunately that wasn’t the end of the bad news. Our Aunt Nicole was experiencing numbness in her legs and an MRI revealed a tumor pressing against her spine. On December 13th Aunt Nikki had surgery to remove the tumor. Miraculously she was up and about quickly and has recently returned to work.

We wish that was the end of our sad news. On November 10th our Uncle Rich, married to Mom's sister Michele passed away suddenly. It seems like tragedy affected everyone in the family.

As 2012 begins we are looking forward to less sadness. Our mom is currently undergoing 6 mos of follow-up chemotherapy. It’s exhausting but she continues to keep her spirits and determination high!

Despite having insurance, the uncovered expenses continue to accumulate. And once the chemo treatments are over and she is a little stronger she will have one last surgery to reverse the ileostomy….and unfortunately another period of disability. As a single working parent she does her best, but it's not enough.

We are asking for donations of any amount to assist our mom Suzy as she continues her battle against cancer. The outlook is good…..we know she can beat it!

Please help us to help her win the battle!

Thank you,

Victoria, Marissa and Marcus