Susan Burt
Catawba Rescue Squad, Catawba NC
 

05-19-09

On March 9, 2009 Susan received bad news from a routine check-up. Her cervical cancer was back.

Two flex sigmoids followed on March 12 and March 23 to repair radiation damage from her first round of cancer which left lots of adhesions. Her hemoglobin fell to 7.4, with lots of internal bleeding.

On March 30th, Dr Higgins, Oncologist, at Carolina Medical Center, completed a colonoscopy which verified that the cancer was truly back in a big manner. Her hemoglobin was down, there was a lack of energy, and she experienced a 30 lb. weight loss. At that time Dr. Higgins took Susan out of work. Susan remains out of work and without a job at this time.

In April, 2009, a PET scan was performed to radiate the activity of the tumor which appeared on the cervix again. The tumor, pushing on her left kidney did not allow the kidney to drain completely. A nephrostomy tube with an external port for drainage was inserted into the left  kidney. The following week they inserted a double J stint from her kidney to her bladder.

Monday, May 11th the nephrostomy tube was removed and chemo treatments were started. Radiation is not an option. On Tuesday, the 12th, Susan received one full round of Chemo. Wednesday she got another treatment of cancer drugs and two units of blood. Thursday she got
cancer drugs. On Friday, May 15th she felt a severe ripping sensation with severe hemorrhaging. Catawba Rescue and Catawba County EMS was dispatched to her residence with Sylvia Fisher of EMS arranging for direct transport to Carolina Medical Center in Charlotte where she immediately went to surgery. The internal bleeding was embolized and all veins and the artery were blocked leading to the cervical area. She received two more units of blood and seven or more units of fluids via IV’s. A morphine pump for pain was started with little to no relief. She returned home on Saturday and has eaten little since then.

Because of all the medications and surgeries, along with the pain, other problems are occurring now. She continues with extreme continuous abdominal pain. She is in continuous pain and has to take pain meds every 4 hours at home. This pain is rendering her body to prominent shaking
when it is in full force when the pain meds run out of her system.

Susan has maintained at least three to four jobs at one time during the last 10-12 years. Her main job was eliminated in late 2008, but she was able to find employment at Presbyterian Hospital in Huntersville, NC, in a new department recently opened. She was in this new job from January 1, 2009 to March 30, 2009, and due to short employment time frame, she did not qualify for FMLA but she did qualify for a medical leave. She does have the opportunity to return to work when she is able. This also applies to her part-time job at Lake Norman Hospital ER Dept., she has no FLMA but she is available for medical leave. Other employment consisted of teaching BLET, EMT, and BLS throughout the surrounding area.

The employees of the CDU and the ED rallied around her and donated time so that she could keep her medical insurance with the option of paying for her insurance so that she can stay with Novant Health. The premiums run approximately $200.00 every two weeks. She was able to apply for short term disability which is being processed as of this date with no certainty. Susan has NO income from any source to pay the medical insurance payments, routine bills such as mortgage, utilities or co-pay.

Her daughter, Audra, is currently working with the Naval Fleet Reserve trying to secure financial help which would cover only one month’s mortgage and utilities. Audra is exploring other avenues for assistance also. Her son Larry is transporting her along with other squad members to the hospital for treatments. Larry is also working with St. Stephens Fire Department to perform yard and house maintenance. Susan has two other children, Phillip of Florida and Alecia of Catawba County.

Catawba Rescue Squad is helping her in every way possible by purchasing necessary groceries, and providing calls, comfort on a daily basis, preparing meals, conducting light housework and laundry assistance

The Susan Burt we all know and love is not able to jump around, cut up, smile, dance or function at this point. Our prayers are that she will be able to rally soon, but the prognosis doesn’t look good for her. We respectfully request any help and your many prayers and cards for her. Before
cancer struck her, Susan had spent many, many, hours helping others, running rescue calls, teaching classes, attending local and state rescue association meetings, starting a Junior Fire Team, working with a Fire Honor Guard, staying involved and productive on every level of
emergency services. Now is the time for all of us to rally around her and help her in “her” time of  need. Any consideration and help will be so greatly appreciated!

We have listed Susan’s address below for cards, flowers and limited phone calls (no emails please).

Catawba Rescue Squad is accepting donations for Susan and handling the funds to pay bills, purchase groceries and provide for required services such as the water, power and anything else they are able to help with at this time.

Send Donations to:
Susan Burt The Susan Burt AccountPO 780
c/o Catawba Rescue Squad
Catawba NC 28609 PO 125
Catawba NC 28609
828-241-2128 (limited)

God Bless You and Keep you! Thanks to you - all of Susan’s friends.