[NFBMT] Christie Briggs: Trying This Again

[Dan Burke]

A lovely, and obviously tough-as-nails person.  I had a great deal of
respect for Christie.

On 6/18/19, sheila leigland via NFBMT <nfbmt at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> thank you for posting this christi will be missed.
>
> On 6/17/2019 1:01 PM, BRUCE&JOY via NFBMT wrote:
>> In Memory Of
>>
>>
>> Christie O. Briggs, age 68, of Helena
>>
>>
>> April 18, 1951 - June 11, 2019
>>
>>
>> BRIGGS, Christie O., age 68, of Helena, passed away on Tuesday, June 11,
>> 2019. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 28, 2019
>> at
>> St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral, 511 N Park Ave, Helena, MT 59601.
>> Interment
>> will take place following the mass, at the church cemetery. Reception
>> will
>> take place immediately following the interment in the lower level of the
>> church.
>>
>>
>> Service Schedule
>>
>>
>> FUNERAL MASS: 2:00 p.m. Friday June 28, 2019, St. Peter's Episcopal
>> Cathedral, 511 N Park Ave, Helena, Montana 59601
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> INTERMENT Following Mass, Friday June 28, 2019, St. Peter's Episcopal
>> Cathedral, 511 N Park Ave, Helena, Montana 59601
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> RECEPTION Following the Interment, Friday June 28, 2019, St. Peter's
>> Episcopal Cathedral Fellowship Hall, 511 N Park Ave, Helena, Montana
>> 59601
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Below is information taken from a go-fund-me page for Christie.
>>
>>
>>
>>            Christie Briggs, Helena, Montana, was diagnosed in 2015 with
>> Neuroendocrine tumor cancer (NET).  She received specialized chemotherapy
>> and
>> radiation therapy at the time, and has attempted to manage the cancer with
>> a
>> monthly infusion.  However, in the last 12 months the tumors have grown.
>>
>>
>>
>>   In January 2018, the FDA approved a new treatment for this type of
>> cancer.
>> Christie underwent tests in February and was approved for this treatment.
>> However,  how much Medicare will cover delayed treatment for several
>> months.
>> Only recently did Medicare, Christie's primary insurance, indicate they
>> will
>> cover some (an undetermined amount) of the treatment. She received
>> approval
>> from Seattle's Virginia Mason Medical Center's Nuclear Medicine
>> Department
>> and was given one of only four open slots to begin the first treatment
>> (out
>> of a total of four) in early August.  Each treatment must be eight weeks
>> apart.
>>
>>
>>
>> The cost is not only significant (the facility, staff and two IVs
>> administered each time cost over $60,000).  It's still unclear how much
>> of
>> the bill will be the patient's responsibility. Christie was encouraged to
>> fundraise to help cover her share, which is on top of her existing
>> financial
>> responsibilities encumbered since 2015, as well as numerous hotel and
>> travel
>> expenses to and from Seattle.  As yet, Montana has no facility that
>> offers
>> this treatment.
>>
>> Christie dedicated more than 20 years directing and advocating for the
>> Montana Talking Book Library for the Blind (and partially sighted).  Her
>> beloved husband, Charlie, worked nearly 40 years in community services,
>> committing himself to protecting vulnerable children, disabled adults and
>> seniors.  Both retired in 2017 and live in Helena, Montana. Christie
>> would
>> appreciate being able to spend more time with her soul mate Charlie, four
>> daughters, one son, four grandsons (soon to be five) five granddaughters,
>> her
>> church family, and many friends, near and far.  She feels extremely
>> fortunate
>> to be eligible for this new treatment.
>>
>>
>>
>> The fundraiser was created July 18 and raised $17,701.00.
>>
>>
>>
>> Update 1 Posted by Charlie Briggs 11 months ago
>>
>> How exciting, my first treatment has been scheduled for August 8th at
>> Seattle's Virginia Mason Medical Center! We fly August 7th to Seattle in
>> advance of the treatment and return home the 12th. I have to return in
>> six
>> weeks for the medical team to determine the results of the treatment,
>> before
>> they can schedule further treatments. Also, we learned that Medicare has
>> agreed to pay a portion of these treatments, the exact amount has yet to
>> be
>> determined. Thanks for all your kind and generous support. Stay tuned for
>> further developments!
>>
>>
>>
>> Update 2 Posted by Charlie Briggs 10 months ago
>>
>> Charlie and I are preparing to travel to Seattle's Virginia Mason
>> Hospital
>> next week for my first treatment. The wait has given us precious time to
>> welcome our 10th grandchild, Dawson O. in Wyoming. It was a goal I
>> treasure
>> to spend time with our daughter, Emily, and her family. This is a big part
>> of
>> why I am so grateful to have this treatment. It brings hope for quality
>> of
>> life as well as increased longevity to further enjoy and build new
>> memories
>> with all of our adult children and their families. Again, I cannot thank
>> you
>> all enough for your gifts to help defray some of the medical and related
>> costs.
>>
>>
>>
>> Update 3 Posted by Charlie Briggs 10 months ago
>>
>> Good news! I successfully had my first treatment this week at Seattle's
>> Virginia Mason Medical Center. I've been resting, as instructed, and plan
>> to
>> return to Helena on Sunday with Charlie. All in all, I feel pretty well
>> and
>> very, very blessed. This has been quite a remarkable adventure and I am
>> so
>> grateful for this opportunity.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thank you all for your kind and generous support, thoughts and prayers.
>>
>> Christie
>>
>> Update 4 Posted by Charlie Briggs 9 months ago
>>
>> Dear Family and Friends,
>>
>> It's been nearly three weeks since my first treatment. This recuperation
>> period has been fairly well managed with side affects being mainly
>> fatigue,
>> which was predicted by my medical team, and other minor manageable
>> annoyances
>> that are under control.
>>
>>
>>
>> On September 4th, I'll be in Seattle again for tests in order to
>> determine
>> how my body is tolerating the first infusion. If the results are
>> positive,
>> Virginia Mason has scheduled my second infusion for September 27th.
>>
>>
>>
>> We are grateful to Angel Flight West (AFW) and their incredibly generous
>> pilots from Washington and Montana who flew us, at their own expense,
>> from
>> Helena to Seattle for my first infusion and home. They are in great need
>> of
>> more pilots to help ease the burden of transportation costs for many
>> cancer
>> patients. What a tremendous gift we received from pilots Michael, John
>> and
>> Tony. Because of the shortage of needed pilots, these three take on a
>> lot,
>> but they can't accommodate every patient's needs for transportation.
>> Therefore, patients are required to book back-up refundable commercial
>> flights. The AFW coordinating team have been incredible to work with.
>>
>>
>>
>> We have received so very many blessings that our hearts are full and
>> grateful. We have received visits from family and friends for which we
>> are
>> deeply appreciative.
>>
>>
>>
>> For now and in all ways, we thank you for supporting both of us and our
>> five
>> children and ten grandchildren through your love, prayers, support and
>> friendships.
>>
>>
>>
>> Update 5 Posted by Charlie Briggs 9 months ago
>>
>> Great news to share, we are celebrating! The September 4th follow-up
>> tests
>> showed the first treatment in August is working and my body is handling
>> it.
>> We are so grateful and humbled for the outpouring of prayers, good
>> wishes,
>> friendship, love and support from all of you. You've helped us through
>> the
>> first leg of four treatments. Thank you!
>>
>> We were so uplifted we took a harbor tour around Seattle's Elliott Bay.
>>
>> My 2nd treatment is confirmed for September 27th in Seattle.
>>
>>
>>
>> Update 6 Posted by Charlie Briggs 8 months ago
>>
>> September 26th was Charlie's 70th birthday, a remarkable milestone. We
>> celebrated in Seattle by enjoying unique ice cream flavors at the "Salt
>> and
>> Straw", a local handmade ice cream shop. It was a beautiful sunny day we
>> were
>> grateful to be able to enjoy together.
>>
>>   September 27th was my second treatment at Virginia Mason Medical Center.
>> The
>> process went faster and seemed easier than the first, with the usual
>> expected
>> side affects. This time we were able to come home the very next day and I
>> have been resting and recovering since.
>>
>>   We feel very hopeful and thankful for this treatment and the support of
>> the
>> hospital staff, especially Dr. Kennecke, Gayle, PA, Diana, Nuclear Med.
>> Tech., and Randy, RN. We are deeply grateful to the Angel Flight West
>> pilots
>> and team for providing transportation for us during the good summer/fall
>> weather, making travel easier. We'll be flying commercial through the
>> winter.
>>
>> The third treatment is scheduled November 30th. We'll have an update on
>> my
>> progress in December, after a post-third treatment evaluation is
>> completed.
>>
>> Your individual and collective support is invaluable to us throughout
>> these
>> treatments. Your prayers and encouragement continue to lift our spirits
>> and
>> keep us moving forward with grateful hearts.
>>
>> Thank You,
>>
>>   Christie and Charlie
>>
>>
>>
>> Update 7 Posted by Charlie Briggs 6 months ago
>>
>> Dear Friends,
>>
>>
>>
>> The end of November, I returned to Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle to
>> receive my third treatment with Lutathera. I thought it's time to provide
>> more information about this treatment.
>>
>>
>>
>> January 29, 2018, the FDA approved Lutathera to treat adult patients with
>> an
>> advanced cancer called Neuro-endrocrine tumors (called NET) that have
>> spread
>> (metastasized) to other organs. NET is also called "carcinoid tumors".
>> The
>> main NET I have originated in the tail of the pancreas and spread to the
>> liver. Last winter, I had a "NETSPOT" (Gallium-68 Dotatate) to determine
>> my
>> eligibility for Lutathera treatment. The NETSPOT is a special type of
>> radioisotope PETSCAN.
>>
>>
>>
>> Lutathera, or "Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate" is the first combination
>> radioactive
>> drug approved to treat this type of rare cancer. Lutathera slows the rate
>> of
>> tumor growth, eliminates new cancer cells and, in some cases, destroys
>> the
>> main tumors. It can also help manage symptoms caused by the tumors.
>>
>> Being a radioactive targeted therapy means that Lutathera has 2 main
>> parts: a
>> radioactive part and a drug tumor-targeted part.
>>
>> . The drug tumor-targeted part helps the medication fight just the tumor
>> cells, not the normal cells. This helps keep the medication from damaging
>> healthy parts of the body.
>>
>> . The radioactive part uses radiation (waves of energy) to damage
>> existing
>> tumor cells and kill new tumor cells.
>>
>>
>>
>> Lutathera is administered by an approved nuclear medicine facility, such
>> as
>> Seattle's Virginia Mason, and must have a license and training to
>> administer
>> this treatment. It is an intravenous (IV) infusion, where medication is
>> put
>> into the bloodstream through a vein over a period of time under strict
>> medical monitoring. Also administered at the same time is an Amino Acid
>> IV
>> infusion to protect the kidneys. The process takes 5-6 hours.
>>
>>
>>
>> Lutathera treatment is given as 4 separate infusions, about 8 weeks
>> apart,
>> depending on a patient's blood work results. The entire process takes
>> about 6
>> months. Now that I have completed the third infusion, and before starting
>> the
>> fourth and final infusion the end of January, 2019, I will have a second
>> NETSPOT to determine the effectiveness of the first three infusions.
>> After
>> the end of the fourth infusion, I will return to Virginia Mason every few
>> months for follow-up.
>>
>>
>>
>> This winter we've flown commercially due to inclement weather. You, our
>> friends and supporters, have made this treatment and all that accompanies
>> it
>> possible. We are deeply grateful to each of you for your love,
>> encouragement,
>> thoughts and prayers. Thank you seems so small for having one more
>> Christmas
>> to share with family and friends. Nevertheless, THANK YOU.
>>
>>
>>
>> Update 8 Posted by Charlie Briggs 4 months ago
>>
>> I want to give you an update as to my progress with the specialized
>> treatment
>> of my cancer tumors. Charlie and I were at Virginia Mason Medical Center,
>> Seattle, the first week of January for a specialized PET scan (called a
>> "NETSpot"), which is administered with a radioisotope IV. Required for
>> everyone receiving the Lutathera treatment for neuro-endrocrine tumors
>> (NET),
>> the purpose of the scan was to assess how effective has been the three
>> treatments received so far in slowing or delaying the progress of the
>> cancer.
>> I was greatly relieved to learn that the treatments have worked to
>> significantly slow new cancer cell growth - as well as shrink the size -
>> of
>> several existing tumors, which have been almost completely localized to
>> the
>> pancreas and liver. I feel like I've been holding my breath and can
>> finally
>> breathe.
>>
>>
>>
>> We return the end of January where I will receive my fourth and final
>> treatment. As you may recall, the FDA only approved this one round of
>> four
>> treatments for NET in January 2018, and I wasn't authorized to begin
>> receiving treatments (each 8 weeks apart) until late summer. At that time,
>> I
>> worried I had waited too long for this new treatment to have any benefit.
>> We
>> are amazed how this has all unfolded. I'm profoundly grateful and blessed
>> to
>> know the timing worked for me.
>>
>>
>>
>> I will provide another update following the final treatment, with any new
>> information we receive, after we return to Helena.
>>
>>
>>
>> We feel each of you walking this path beside us and will forever extend
>> our
>> gratitude for your love and support.
>>
>> Christie
>>
>>
>>
>> Update 9 Posted by Charlie Briggs 3 months ago
>>
>> Please accept my apology for not updating you all sooner. As our Montana
>> friends and family are aware, it has been a very cold February and
>> beginning
>> of March. Many of us have been plagued by just trying to keep warm,
>> battling
>> the snow, keeping our autos running, and pipes from freezing. We count
>> our
>> blessings for neighbors, friends, family, tow trucks and plumbers.
>>
>>
>>
>> In the first week of January, Charlie and I were at Virginia Mason
>> Medical
>> Center, Seattle, where I had a specialized PET scan (called a "NETSpot"),
>> which is administered with a radioisotope IV. The purpose of the scan was
>> to
>> assess how effective the three treatments received so far have been in
>> slowing or delaying the progress of the cancer. It is required for
>> everyone
>> after receiving the third Lutathera treatment for neuro-endrocrine tumors
>> (NET). We were greatly relieved to learn that the treatments have worked
>> to
>> significantly slow new cancer cell growth - as well as shrink the size -
>> of
>> primary existing tumors in the tail of the pancreas and the liver.
>>
>>
>>
>> We returned to Virginia Mason the end of January where I received the
>> fourth,
>> and final, treatment. Recuperation from this last treatment has been slow
>> but
>> moderately well. The side affects lasted about a month before dissipating
>> and
>> my mind cleared.
>>
>>
>>
>> What does the future hold? As mentioned previously, the FDA only approved
>> this one round of four treatments (each 8 weeks apart). There is
>> consideration about seeking FDA approval of a second round of four
>> treatments. However, we are told that could take years to gather enough
>> data
>> from existing patients going through, and completing, the current
>> treatment
>> round.
>>
>>
>>
>> Looking back to January, 2018, a CT scan of the primary tumors showed them
>> to
>> be growing again. Through a lengthy process, I was finally authorized to
>> begin treatments in July, 2018, nearly seven months later. I wondered if
>> too
>> much time had passed for this new treatment to have any benefit. On the
>> other
>> hand, it was the only other treatment available for this type of
>> neuro-endrocrine cancer. We are amazed how this has all unfolded. I'm
>> profoundly grateful and blessed to know the timing worked for me.
>>
>>
>>
>> The next step is to return to Virginia Mason in May for further tests and
>> a
>> checkup on my progress. Charlie and I have found how important humor is
>> in
>> keeping our perspective balanced. We know each day is a precious gift and
>> we
>> are blessed by the journey. We know life does go on.
>>
>>
>>
>> We feel each of you walking this path beside us and forever extend our
>> gratitude for your love and support.
>>
>> Christie
>>
>>
>>
>> Update 10 Posted by Charlie Briggs 16 days ago
>>
>> This is an update on my progress since the final treatment of Lutathera
>> at
>> Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, late-January.
>>
>>
>>
>> One of the likely affects of the course of radioisotope infusions is a
>> lower
>> blood count for an indefinite period after each treatment, which was one
>> of
>> the reasons they wanted me to return to the Virginia Mason
>> Hematoma-Oncology
>> Department after a few months to receive blood tests and a CT scan. That
>> was
>> completed mid-May.
>>
>>
>>
>> The CT scan and blood work-up confirmed several things. First, numerous
>> small
>> tumors in the liver, were growing. The primary tumors in both the
>> pancreas
>> tail and liver have shrunk significantly from the treatments. Second,
>> there
>> was also evidence of swelling in two lymph nodes that were not cancerous,
>> but
>> could be evidence of infection.
>>
>>
>>
>> My health was doing very well through mid-April. However, likely as a
>> result
>> of my lower blood count, is that late in April I got the first of a
>> couple
>> viral flu conditions, which left me weak and with low appetite. I realized
>> I
>> was becoming dehydrated, and in early May remembered Dr. Thomas, my
>> Bozeman-based oncologist, said at some point with low blood counts I
>> might
>> need a blood transfusion. I received my first ever, May 5th. Despite
>> that,
>> within a few days I was quite weak again. Fortunately, my return to
>> Virginia
>> Mason was scheduled the following week, with the results indicated above.
>>
>>
>>
>> When we returned to Helena, I had fever and soon began a treatment of
>> Tamaflu, which has made a considerable difference in how I feel, in my
>> energy, appetite, among other key points. The Seattle and Bozeman
>> oncologists
>> concur my blood count has to improve substantially before they can
>> consider
>> other treatment options. On May 22nd, I had another blood test, and will
>> have
>> blood tests in Helena every two weeks thereafter until the blood count
>> improves sufficiently. I will also return to Virginia Mason for another
>> CT
>> scan and blood count, mid-July.
>>
>>
>>
>> I'll keep you all posted with further developments in my journey living
>> with
>> neuro-endocrine cancer.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks for all the good wishes, prayers and personal support of both
>> Charlie
>> and me.
>>
>> Christie
>>
>> Update 11 Posted by Charlie Briggs 5 days ago
>>
>> This is another update regarding Christie Briggs. Most of you probably
>> saw
>> the update Christie sent out late-May from our post-treatments trip to
>> Virginia Mason, Seattle. Christie described some of her medical
>> challenges
>> that surfaced since late-April, and that she was generally beginning to
>> do
>> better.
>>
>>
>>
>> Unfortunately, it turned out some internal organs were beginning to be
>> compromised by new cancer tumors (many micro-cellular), especially in the
>> liver. Christie's health continued to decline the end of May into June.
>> She
>> had an increasing problem metabolizing food and became dehydrated.
>>
>>
>>
>> She was admitted to St. Peter's Hospital last Tuesday, the 4th. After
>> various
>> tests and scans, it became apparent by this past weekend there was little
>> St.
>> Peter's - or Virginia Mason - could do for her. She agreed to enter
>> hospice
>> Sunday night, and plans were made yesterday to move her home today. I
>> must
>> tell you that Christie passed peacefully from this life early this
>> morning. I
>> was with her to the end.
>>
>>
>>
>> I know she would join me in thanking you for all your kind support, love,
>> prayers and affection throughout her journey with cancer. She fought a
>> valiant fight with hope and faith, ready to try a number of new and
>> innovative treatments that were nonetheless approved as scientifically
>> valid.
>> For reasons we don't know, hers were ultimately not successful. She did,
>> however, live four years past diagnosis, with a high quality of life for
>> most
>> of that time, which is a cause for much thankfulness.
>>
>>
>>
>> Christie will be missed not only by her immediate family, including her
>> children and 10 grandchildren, but also by so many varied people in a
>> wide
>> array of community and professional settings. She has inspired and
>> challenged
>> us all in so many ways and her legacy will live on. For instance, one way
>> she
>> will continue to help others is that she was a registered organ donor.
>> Today,
>> I authorizes a medical institution to donate her corneas for possible
>> transplant to someone, and possibly for additional medical research.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks again for all your kindness, caring and support. All shall be
>> well,
>> and all shall be well.
>>
>>
>>
>> "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall
>> be
>> well." (Lady Julian of Norwiche)
>>
>> Charlie Briggs
>>
>> Update 12 Posted by Charlie Briggs 3 days ago
>>
>> I am getting questions about Christie's funeral. A Funeral Mass will be
>> celebrated 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 28, 2019 at St. Peter's Episcopal
>> Cathedral, 511 N Park Ave, Helena, MT 59601.
>>
>>
>>
>> Internment will take place following the mass, at the church cemetery
>> within
>> the church complex. Reception will take place immediately following the
>> internment in the lower level of the church.
>>
>>
>>
>> People are also welcome to visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer
>> condolences
>> or share a memory of Christie. Once again, thanks for all your love and
>> support.
>>
>>
>>
>> Charlie Briggs
>>
>> Joy Breslauer, First Vice President
>>
>> National Federation of the Blind of Montana
>>
>> Web Site: http://www.nfbofmt.org
>>
>>
>>
>> Live the life you want
>>
>>
>>
>> The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and
>> friends
>> who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind. Every day we
>> work
>> together to help blind people live the lives they want.
>>
>>
>>
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-- 
Dan Burke
President, NFB of Denver

"Blindness is not what holds you back.  You can live the life you want!"
My Cell:  406.546.8546
Twitter:  @DallDonal