Camille’s Story

On June 28, 2013, Camille was admitted to the hospital for ongoing abdominal pain. After a battery of tests and x-rays and discussions with several specialists, the doctors determined that surgery was necessary to remove a large mass in her abdomen. In the days that followed, the results of the biopsy confirmed that the mass was, in fact, cancerous. Camille was diagnosed with Stage 3 Leiomyosarcoma – cancer of the soft tissue and smooth muscle. Leiomyosarcoma is extremely rare and accounts for only 4 out of every 1 million cancer cases. This form of cancer is extremely unpredictable and is resistant to chemotherapy and radiation. And although Leiomyosarcoma is regarded as a highly aggressive tumor, the promising news is that the tumor is confined to the stomach region and has not spread to other areas of the body.

After consulting various oncologists from two different hospitals, it was decided that Camille has two options. The first is to undergo several rounds of chemo and radiation in hopes of shrinking the tumor. The second is to forego chemo and radiation altogether and attempt to surgically remove the tumor. In either scenario, the physical, mental and emotional fight will be arduous and the financial toll will be substantial. We believe that time is the most valuable commodity and that any support she receives from her family and friends will go a long way towards her recovery. We ask that you give only what you can as any donation will be greatly appreciated.

For those of who know Camille, know her to be one that absolutely and unequivocally LOVES life. She loves the outdoors, loves adventure, and most importantly, loves the company of friends and family. Camille is blessed to have such a wonderful support group that has been by her side as she received the life-changing diagnosis. Yet, despite it all, she remains true to her amazing character: ever hopeful and committed to living each day to the fullest. And at age 30, she has youth on her side, a fighting spirit and a will to fight this terrible disease.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts, prayers, love and support.

With gratitude,
FAMILY & FRIENDS OF CAMILLE

UPDATE as of May 2014:
Dear Friends & Family-

Some of you may have heard the news by now. On May 23, 2014, Camille was readmitted to the hospital for stomach pain. The days that led up to that, she was already experiencing familiar side pains that had come and gone. A CT scan and an MRI of her chest and abdomen were immediately ordered. The results came back a few hours later- sadly the cancer has returned and is relatively larger in size. Fortunately for Camille, it has not metastasized and is still fully contained within the abdomen.

After meeting with both the surgical and radiation oncologist, it has been decided that radiation treatment would be in Camille’s best interest prior to undergoing any surgery. Surgery is the obvious route, but seeing that this is an aggressive tumor with already one recurrence, the doctor’s would like to tackle this with a much more aggressive approach. Camille will do five consecutive weeks of radiation therapy, Monday through Friday for about 30 minutes a day. The goal is to shrink the tumor and kill off cancerous cells to prevent reoccurrence. Surgery will follow some several weeks following radiation treatment. In the interim, she’ll be closely monitored to ensure no signs of tumor growth or metastasis has developed.

Another long road ahead, but it’s just another bump in the road she needs to push through. With her strong will & determination, we know she can get through this. She’s got a strong support system, family & friends that have given her the strength and confidence to not only fight but beat this. Please, please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers. We appreciate your support and your taking the time to read this.

With gratitude,
FAMILY & FRIENDS OF CAMILLE