Mrs. Conlon Update
September 5, 2019
A few notes for you!
Health Update
I feel like there are many variations as to what the St. Matthew community knows of my heath situation so I am going to give you all a brief history of the journey I have been on, as well as to provide an update as to my most recent appointment this week.
My journey began on August 5, 2016 when I was first diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that had metastasized to a few spots in my bones. Outside of a tumor that was present, I felt great and had no indications that the cancer had moved into other areas of my body. This began the journey of a lifetime as I sought out the medical expertise of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Having grown up in NE Iowa, I knew the power of this magical place for providing healing work. I was thankful to get teamed up with a world renowned doctor who has provided me with a treatment plan these last 3 years that not only put the cancer into remission only 6 months after initial diagnosis, but has also allowed me to take oral chemotherapy with little side affects. Therefore, I have lived a life as I had done prior to August 5th since this time.
I had my 6 month scan and 3 year check-up this past week on Tuesday. During this visit I learned that there is a new, although very small spot of cancer that has surfaced in my tailbone. With the help of my doctor who partnered with a radiology team, together they feel very confident that with a small amount of radiation, they can take care of this mass and continue my treatment plan as is, all in an effort to keep the cancer at bay. There is no cure for my situation, rather we are on a management approach, similar to a plan that one would have with diabetes. Thankful for research and newly FDA approved medicines, there is a plan and one that will continue to allow me a great quality of life.
What this means for the you and especially the students of St. Matthew. I will be away from school next Tuesday, September 10th, as I have a follow-up appointment to do some very specific images that will allow them to point the radiation with accuracy, while also ensuring minimal side affects to the area around the tailbone. Then, the week of September 16th I will return to Mayo for 3-5 days for the actual radiation treatments. This will require that we stay so I will be working as much as I can from the hotel room but will not be present at school. The medical team at Mayo full expects this to take care of the area of concern; however, I will return for a follow-up scan on November 5th to confirm that the process was successful.
I believe in miracles and more importantly, I believe in the power of prayer. I appreciate all who have reached out and offered up their prayers. I am so very lucky to be a part of an amazing community who continues to life one another up in times of need. As I have shared with some of you before, this is God's plan and while there is much questioning as to what he has in store, I have put my full faith and trust in his ways.
I appreciate your understanding and flexibility as I am away from school. Please know that while I may not be present, I am in touch with the amazing staff here who operates this place so well and can be reached at a moments notice. I also check-in through email quite often. You are definitely in good hands, even when I am away from the building. Please let me know if you have any questions and many thanks for your flexibility in the days ahead.
God Bless,
Amy Conlon
I feel like there are many variations as to what the St. Matthew community knows of my heath situation so I am going to give you all a brief history of the journey I have been on, as well as to provide an update as to my most recent appointment this week.
My journey began on August 5, 2016 when I was first diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that had metastasized to a few spots in my bones. Outside of a tumor that was present, I felt great and had no indications that the cancer had moved into other areas of my body. This began the journey of a lifetime as I sought out the medical expertise of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Having grown up in NE Iowa, I knew the power of this magical place for providing healing work. I was thankful to get teamed up with a world renowned doctor who has provided me with a treatment plan these last 3 years that not only put the cancer into remission only 6 months after initial diagnosis, but has also allowed me to take oral chemotherapy with little side affects. Therefore, I have lived a life as I had done prior to August 5th since this time.
I had my 6 month scan and 3 year check-up this past week on Tuesday. During this visit I learned that there is a new, although very small spot of cancer that has surfaced in my tailbone. With the help of my doctor who partnered with a radiology team, together they feel very confident that with a small amount of radiation, they can take care of this mass and continue my treatment plan as is, all in an effort to keep the cancer at bay. There is no cure for my situation, rather we are on a management approach, similar to a plan that one would have with diabetes. Thankful for research and newly FDA approved medicines, there is a plan and one that will continue to allow me a great quality of life.
What this means for the you and especially the students of St. Matthew. I will be away from school next Tuesday, September 10th, as I have a follow-up appointment to do some very specific images that will allow them to point the radiation with accuracy, while also ensuring minimal side affects to the area around the tailbone. Then, the week of September 16th I will return to Mayo for 3-5 days for the actual radiation treatments. This will require that we stay so I will be working as much as I can from the hotel room but will not be present at school. The medical team at Mayo full expects this to take care of the area of concern; however, I will return for a follow-up scan on November 5th to confirm that the process was successful.
I believe in miracles and more importantly, I believe in the power of prayer. I appreciate all who have reached out and offered up their prayers. I am so very lucky to be a part of an amazing community who continues to life one another up in times of need. As I have shared with some of you before, this is God's plan and while there is much questioning as to what he has in store, I have put my full faith and trust in his ways.
I appreciate your understanding and flexibility as I am away from school. Please know that while I may not be present, I am in touch with the amazing staff here who operates this place so well and can be reached at a moments notice. I also check-in through email quite often. You are definitely in good hands, even when I am away from the building. Please let me know if you have any questions and many thanks for your flexibility in the days ahead.
God Bless,
Amy Conlon
