Dear Friends, I Have Something to Tell You

You may have noticed I haven’t been as active lately. I’ve been trying to get my head around some news I’ve recently received. Now I’m ready to share with so many of you I love dearly.

I have cancer. I found it in a lymph node, which is normally a secondary spread of cancer. I’ve been going through tests to find where the original source of spread was and have learned it’s spread from my tonsils with a suspicious spot on my windpipe.

For treatment, I have 2 choices. 1) chemo/radiation.

I’m very opposed to chemo. I can’t stand to feel nauseous. I’ve seen loved ones suffer on chemo. I know it’s worked for some, but I’m afraid of it.

Or 2) surgery.

It will be two separate surgeries, an internal robotic surgery and an external surgery for lymph nodes removal, they will take both sides. Both surgeries done at the same time. The oncologists have told me this is the most effective but will be very painful 😳 I will be on a feeding tube for about a month and rehab to learn to swallow again. I’ve already begun the exercises.

I’ve chosen surgery. I will be having it March 11 at IU North, Carmel. I have a highly accomplished & respected surgeon. I’ll be home a few days after the surgery and should be able to have visitors, but will be unable to speak for a while.

WHAT ABOUT THE RESCUE? The rescue will never die. The dogs are my number one priority and they were my first thought when I heard the news. They will always thrive under Grateful and operations will continue way past my lifetime. Please continue to support the rescue.



But I will be ok! I don’t believe it’s my time yet. I trust my Lord will take care of me, and I have the most powerful prayer warriors! I want to thank my family, my friends, our board of directors, and my wonderful loyal volunteers who have stepped up, helped with the dogs, even gone to doctors’ appointments with me.

AND I WANT TO THANK MY DOGS. They know something is up. They watch over me. It’s beautifully weird. They watch me, they lick me, they follow me. They want me to feel well. Dogs know. I have never felt so blessed. I have never felt more love.

I will try to keep you updated. I love you all very much. 🩷

Pamela Terhune

Founder

Grateful Rescue & Sanctuary