All tips given the month of May will be donated to Kaitlin Underwood of Botkins. Kaitlin, 28, is engaged to be married this Oct. to Chad Trees and to be step-mother to Miley. Kaitlin was diagnosed on Nov. 2, 2020 with brain cancer after suffering seizures at work. On Nov. 5, a successful right frontal lobe craniotomy was preformed to remove the lesion which caused the seizures. She has no memories from Nov. 2 until her Dad’s birthday on Nov. 7. He said that was the best present ever! She moved to the rehab floor where she relearned how to walk, write, and regain strength to the entire left side of her body. During rehab she made lots of friends, and was known for being an inspiration to other patients. Kaitlin has a strong faith and was never angry with God. Doctors determined the cancer cells were contained inside of the lesion, which necessitated 30 radiation treatments 5 days a week for 6 weeks. She was doing well, but in March 2021, due to swelling (a side effect from radiation) Kaitlin suffered seizures and spent time back in the hospital. She was able to return to work at St. Rita’s Medical Center in May. In July, she suffering from migraines and seizures, and was admitted to the hospital for a CT and MRI scan which discovered another spot on her brain. In surgery the doctors discovered the spot was a bacterial infection, which caused an abscess. Kaitlin then had months of good brain scans. Unfortunately on Dec. 9 was her last day of work to date when a CT and MRI scan confirmed a new tumor. Surgery was done on Dec. 21 and, she spent 18 days in the hospital. In Jan. 2022 she found out that the brain cancer had returned once again. Kaitlin has Anaplastic Astrocytoma Grade or Level 3 cancer which has no cure. There are only treatments to prolong lives. Kaitlin takes chemotherapy pills at home and has monthly MRI scans. She has been seizure free since July 12, 2021. As of March, she is participating in new treatment called Optune (for Glioblastoma brain cancer patients). This is an FDA approved portable wearable device that creates TTF (tumor treating fields). Although it has only been in the USA for two years, the treatment (along with the chemotherapy pills) has been working and her March MRI showed a fifty percent decrease in the tumor size. She is grateful for her life and knows God has a great plan for her. Her favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11. God continues to give her patience, strength, and healing as she puts trust in His plan. She loves to express how blessed she is to be here and can’t wait to prove the statistics wrong with the power of prayer. Let us keep the Kaitlin Underwood in our daily prayers. Your generous tip will help cover her medical bills. Thank you and God bless!
May 2022
