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In the week following her diagnosis, Paulina underwent 5 ½ hours of surgery at Loyola University. During a radical thyroidectomy and neck dissection surgery, it was determined that the cancer had invaded the surrounding lymph nodes and jugular vein, as a result it was necessary to sacrifice the left vocal nerve.  To regain her voice, Paulina underwent Laryngeal implant surgery followed by 5 weeks of daily radiation.

Unfortunately, after suffering through the side effects of being, unable to eat solid food for two months, or to speak, the disease continued to spread.  First to the left axila, with daily radiation for 5 additional weeks, then to the left parotid gland (a salivary gland), down her neck, to the carotid sheath, to the mediastinum, to the brain, and most recently to the breast.

After multiple surgeries, including stereotactic radiosurgery to her brain, the Messina family received the news that surgery was no longer an option. Because her metastatic disease does not respond to conventional chemotherapy or radiation, the only alternatives left are experimental.  As a result Paulina entered a clinical trial in October which proved to be ineffective.

Now, with multiple tumors behind her heart, a brain tumor, more disease by her jaw, and the recent discovery of the breast tumor, Paulina has entered a new promising clinical trial with the hope of prolonging her life.  While she suffers the side effects of another potent drug and the daily struggles associated with their life, we are determined to help the Messina’s through these difficult times.