Cortney's Story

This was the last update Cort gave on her Facebook page regarding her treatment journey:

 

“Thank you all for the birthday wishes! We’ve had a lot to celebrate this last week. March 3, 2022, was a day that changed my and my family's life. That was the day I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Talk about a gut punch. After 4 biopsies, 6 rounds of chemo, a double mastectomy, 25 daily radiation treatments, 16 targeted therapy infusions, SO many doctors appointments, and miles traveled, I can finally celebrate being done with treatment!”

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However, this wasn’t the end of her battle. 

In August of 2023, she had what is referred to as a DIEP flap reconstruction where surgeons use tissue from the lower abdomen to rebuild the breasts after mastectomy. This procedure is extremely complicated and her recovery was long and arduous. She never let us know how much pain she was in. She’d only mention how disappointed she was to miss the kids’ activities or reschedule trips she and Wes had planned long before this battle started. 

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In late December of 2023, she started a clinical trial to test a new drug that was targeted to her particular subtype of breast cancer. She always wanted to do everything she could to ensure she stayed here for Wes and the kids, so it made sense that she wanted to give this a go. Unfortunately, in February of 2024, scans revealed a mass in her brain. She was definitely discouraged, but elected to go forth with surgery to remove the tumor.  

 

From February to April of 2024, Cortney would end up having three total brain surgeries, followed by targeted radiation to the brain. Unfortunately, these therapies were not successful and the tumor returned.

On May 2nd, 2024, she had a follow-up appointment where she learned the tumor was growing rapidly and her care team would need to come up with a new plan. They were scheduled to meet with her on Monday, the 6th, to discuss options. 

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Cortney passed away on May 5th, 2024 after a tremendous fight against this terrible disease.