2/17 update:

Cancer update

I am elated to share a current cancer update with everyone.
 

In November, a CT scan showed my liver and lung tumors had grown to the largest size they have ever been. My liver function labs were wildly elevated. My cancer protein lab was in the 200’s. (Normal is less than 3). I was at my lowest mentally and emotionally. I trudged through 7 more rounds of chemotherapy and had my repeat imaging last week
 

Every single one of my tumors shrank.

Every 👏🏼 Single 👏🏼 One 👏🏼.  My CEA is now under 3. My liver function labs have mostly returned to normal as well. Some of my tumors have shrank by 50%. For my number driven followers, here’s a break down of my liver tumors sizes

5.3 x 4.3 cm previously 8.9 x 8.5 cm.

1.7 x 1.4 cm previously 4.5 x 3.3 cm.

1.9 x 2.0 cm previously 3.3 x 2.7 cm.

1.3 x 0.8 cm previously 2.2 x 1.5 cm.

I am so thrilled with how my body has been responding to this new treatment.  It makes the day to day struggles worth every second. This is a major win for me!

I want to thank everyone who has kept me in their thoughts, addressed me in their prayers and added me to prayer chains, sent me great vibes & good juju, or just reached out to check on me. You’re my village and I couldn’t do it with everyone’s support.
 

7/29 update: 

Well. I can’t help but feel I jinxed myself with my last update.

I had my CT scan last week. In the last 6 weeks, my liver tumor grew significantly, just shy of doubling in size. In addition to that, I have two new liver tumors. All of the lesions in my lungs grew, including a few brand new spots. When I read the CT results, the word devastated doesn’t begin to cover what I felt. I was dismissed from the study after having 5 months of beautiful stability. The last week has been nothing but tears and morbid “what if’s”.  I read statistics, studies and published journals. I was so upset with myself for being educated enough to know what everything meant. You can’t take the nurse out of someone. I just spiraled. My mind immediately thought about how to tell my 22 month old son that when he calls out for mama, that mama won’t ever come because she’s dead? My heart crumbed. It still does, multiple times a day.I met with my original oncology team today. We have a game plan. It’s not the first or second line of treatment however I’m just thankful I still have something available to help combat this and buy me more time. I’ll start that new chemotherapy regimen in two weeks. It’ll be my first time taking oral chemotherapy. I’ve tolerated some of the strongest stuff out there, so I have no doubt I’ll be just fine with this new stuff.I’ve contacted some of the top hospitals for cancer care. Mayo Clinic declined taking on my case because it wasn’t “complex” enough. MD Andersen declined because I didn’t have any genetic mutations. Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC accepted me. They’re #2 in the nation for cancer care, exceptionally skilled in colorectal and GI cancers!! They want to see me next week.Logistically and financially, this is hard but not impossible. I don’t know what they’ll say my options are but I’m beyond excited to have such an elite facility to even look at my case. That said, I have nothing bad to say about any of my current oncology teams. Physicians, nurses, and techs have been absolutely amazing to me. I just can’t sleep at night knowing I didn’t try absolutely EVERYTHING in my power to help combat this.Every second of every day, I’m fighting to move the heavens and the earth to be here.

I know this isn’t the update any of you wanted to read but I’m standing firm in being as transparent as I can. I know I’ve got a thousand people rooting for me.

2/10/24 UPDATE:  This is not exactly the update I was hoping to give. The last 6 months of chemo have not worked. My liver cancer has returned. My lung cancer has increased in both amount and size of nodules. Because of this, I made the hard decision to stop chemotherapy for the time being. I’m pivoting to clinical trials. Pending all my imaging is agreeable, I start at the end of the month.  The first few infusions I must be hospitalized for a couple days due to how severe some people’s reactions may be to the two medications I’ll be receiving. One medication is a FDA approved immunotherapy for another cancer but not colorectal. The other medication doesn’t have a name yet aside from the clinical trial name. While I’m scared to start something like this, I have faith I will be rewarded with something great. 
 

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Update: Corrie met with her Chicago oncology team. They discovered her liver tumors are growing. The team decided to take radiation and a liver procedure off the table. They no longer want to do those treatments. The game plan has changed. 

She met with UC surgeons. These physicians DO have a plan. In July, Corrie will be undergoing a major, “all day” surgery. The doctors will be removing part of her liver and colon then creating a temporary ileostomy which she will have for a few months. This procedure will place Corrie in the ICU for a few days, followed by a few more days in the surgical unit. Doctors say it’ll take about 4-6 weeks to somewhat normal again.

We are so appreciative of your support of Corrie, Jeremy and Clark, especially as they move into this new financially and  emotionally challenging step in Corrie’s treatment.

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We are raising funds for Corrie Collins who is battling stage 4 colorectal cancer. This devastating diagnosis came when her son Clark was just 3 weeks old. Since then, Corrie has been undergoing chemotherapy at University of Cincinnati and will soon be transferring her care to City of Hope in Chicago.

Navigating cancer treatments is an incredibly difficult and expensive journey. Her husband Jeremy is the sole provider for their family at this time, and while he is able to take time off from work to support Corrie in Chicago during her treatments, it will be unpaid. This sudden financial burden will be overwhelming, and that's why we are organizing a fundraiser to support the Collins family.

Please consider supporting Corrie, Jeremy and Clark through this difficult time. Your donations will help alleviate the financial strain they are experiencing and will enable them to focus on what matters most: Corrie's recovery.

Thank you for your generosity and support. Whether it's through a donation or simply sharing this fundraiser, every small gesture makes a difference.