Help & Healing For Carol
Donation protected
On behalf of our dear mother, Carol Russell-Johnson, we are starting a “GoFundMe” page to help support her long road of cancer treatment in hopes for recovery. Read on for more details...
Mom's Story - Message from Carol
On February 15, 2019, I was snow blowing the end of the driveway, when I hit a big ice patch left by the city snow plow. My snow blower jumped back and hit me in my right side and bruised a couple ribs. I went to work that Monday feeling pretty good until after I ate. I got home after work that night and threw up. I worked two more days but couldn't stop throwing up. I went and had an x-ray taken, no ribs were broken, but the muscles were injured more from the dry heaves. After getting a couple chiropractic adjustments and being told to watch my color I went home. That night I had a super high temp and turned jaundice . So that morning I called my daughter and she took me to the clinic. The doctor sent me to the ER, then they did an ultrasound and found my gallbladder was full of stones and some lodged in the branch to my liver. So they sent me to the St. Cloud hospital. They did surgery in the morning and found my gallbladder had exploded and that there was a cancerous growth in the main branch to the liver and not stones.
After eleven days in the hospital, lots of tests and fluids I came home to rest and recover. I then saw the oncologist and he said I have Cholangiocarcinoma, a very rare and fast moving cancer. So I will start chemo after a port is put in and MRI & PET scan is done. I have been having a lot of trouble keeping food down for nourishment and strength. The bills are piling up because I haven't worked since February 20, 2019. So I am asking for your prayers and help with any money you can give. Thank you for your kindness.
God Bless you all! - Carol Russell-Johnson
About Cholangiocarcinoma
Carol has stage 4 Cholangiocarcinoma, it is a rare but aggressive type of cancer. Cholangiocarcinoma is the medical term sometimes used for bile duct cancer. In most cases, there are no signs of bile duct cancer until it reaches the later stages, when symptoms can include: jaundice – yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. In early stage bile duct cancer, a cure may be possible by removing the affected part of the bile duct and gallbladder, and usually some of the liver or pancreas. A cure is unlikely to be possible in more advanced cancer, but stenting, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery can help relieve the symptoms.
A Message From Her Family
Before this our mom was a fun, loving, independent and energetic person. Unfortunately this has taken a toll on her, she has been ill, not eating much and not getting out to do the things she loves (though she seems to keep in good spirits through it all and of course still fun and loving). It is very hard to see her in this state and to know that the extensive treatment she will be going through will only make her be less active. It is hard to comprehend possibly losing her at such a young age.
She has two cats, four daughters, several grandchildren, a brother, sisters, and friends who love her dearly. Lots of prayers and help with her finances will help take some burden off her mind so she can focus more on healing. She will be going through lots of chemo and radiation in the near future - surgery is not an option for her due to the stage she is at.
Your support is needed to help as soon as possible with medical expenses not covered by insurance. No amount is too small. Your help is truly appreciated by all of us who love and admire Carol!
God Bless you and THANK YOU!
Mom's Story - Message from Carol
On February 15, 2019, I was snow blowing the end of the driveway, when I hit a big ice patch left by the city snow plow. My snow blower jumped back and hit me in my right side and bruised a couple ribs. I went to work that Monday feeling pretty good until after I ate. I got home after work that night and threw up. I worked two more days but couldn't stop throwing up. I went and had an x-ray taken, no ribs were broken, but the muscles were injured more from the dry heaves. After getting a couple chiropractic adjustments and being told to watch my color I went home. That night I had a super high temp and turned jaundice . So that morning I called my daughter and she took me to the clinic. The doctor sent me to the ER, then they did an ultrasound and found my gallbladder was full of stones and some lodged in the branch to my liver. So they sent me to the St. Cloud hospital. They did surgery in the morning and found my gallbladder had exploded and that there was a cancerous growth in the main branch to the liver and not stones.
After eleven days in the hospital, lots of tests and fluids I came home to rest and recover. I then saw the oncologist and he said I have Cholangiocarcinoma, a very rare and fast moving cancer. So I will start chemo after a port is put in and MRI & PET scan is done. I have been having a lot of trouble keeping food down for nourishment and strength. The bills are piling up because I haven't worked since February 20, 2019. So I am asking for your prayers and help with any money you can give. Thank you for your kindness.
God Bless you all! - Carol Russell-Johnson
About Cholangiocarcinoma
Carol has stage 4 Cholangiocarcinoma, it is a rare but aggressive type of cancer. Cholangiocarcinoma is the medical term sometimes used for bile duct cancer. In most cases, there are no signs of bile duct cancer until it reaches the later stages, when symptoms can include: jaundice – yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. In early stage bile duct cancer, a cure may be possible by removing the affected part of the bile duct and gallbladder, and usually some of the liver or pancreas. A cure is unlikely to be possible in more advanced cancer, but stenting, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery can help relieve the symptoms.
A Message From Her Family
Before this our mom was a fun, loving, independent and energetic person. Unfortunately this has taken a toll on her, she has been ill, not eating much and not getting out to do the things she loves (though she seems to keep in good spirits through it all and of course still fun and loving). It is very hard to see her in this state and to know that the extensive treatment she will be going through will only make her be less active. It is hard to comprehend possibly losing her at such a young age.
She has two cats, four daughters, several grandchildren, a brother, sisters, and friends who love her dearly. Lots of prayers and help with her finances will help take some burden off her mind so she can focus more on healing. She will be going through lots of chemo and radiation in the near future - surgery is not an option for her due to the stage she is at.
Your support is needed to help as soon as possible with medical expenses not covered by insurance. No amount is too small. Your help is truly appreciated by all of us who love and admire Carol!
God Bless you and THANK YOU!
Organizer
Sherrie Matlock
Organizer
Brainerd, MN
