Help Amanda Fight Cancer
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My mom, Amanda James, was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer in 2006. She had a bilateral mastectomy and began taking a daily hormone pill to control the cancer. Mom had regular mammograms for 8 years before a test in December 2014 showed a tumor on mom's sternum. The recurrence in a new organ meant stage four cancer, which is treatable, but not curable.
Between 2015 and 2017, mom began three different treatments: first, three subcutaneous shots weekly, but, in spring 2016, the doctor discovered a spot on mom’s liver. Mom underwent surgery to implant a port (medical device) in her chest so that she could start an aggressive chemotherapy in May 2016. The drug, Abraxane, is intravenously supplied through the port device. Five months on the weekly infusions (three weeks on, one off), mom developed neuropathy in her feet that caused her to lose potentially permanent sensation in her toes.
To curb the harsh side effects and because the tumor markers were down significantly, mom moved to a daily chemo pill, Ibrance, in October 2016. However, just after mom’s 55th birthday in February 2017, the oncologist discovered a new liver spot, now two liver tumors. Without further treatment, mom had eight months to live. The doctor admitted her to the hospital on March 6, 2017 and we filed for a short term leave of absence from work. Two days later mom was on a new IV chemo cocktail called GemCarb. She was released from the hospital the next day. The following Wednesday, she had the chemo again, but by Saturday, mom’s eyes turned yellow. The jaundice indicated liver failure and mom was hospitalized a second time.
Because GemCarb is metabolized by the liver, mom’s oncologist is limited in how he can treat. On April 3, 2017, the doctor prescribed treatment number five: a new intravenous method, but this time using a “pump” (5-FU) that is connected to mom’s port and that she carries in a shoulder pouch. The chemo infusions are continuous at this point while we wait for Xeloda (the same medicine she has now) in the pill form, which can take 7-10 days to procure because of insurance company red tape. Mom should be starting cancer treatment number six on Monday April 10th and it will be covered by mom’s insurance, with a small copay.
If you read this far, I think you’re here to help mom out in any way you can! Myself and mom’s other two caretakers, my stepfather and my grandfather, are organizing a GoFundMe to help with the following for the six months of mom’s leave of absence (LOA), ending September 4, 2017:
- Lost wages during short-term LOA
- Out of pocket health insurance premiums, which are not paid during a LOA
- Out of pocket emergency room and hospital bills
- A Home Healthcare nurse three times per week
- Co-payments on mom’s five prescriptions
- Alternative treatments, including acupuncture, Reiki, and massage therapy
- Counseling, for mom and for the caregivers/family
- Travel expenses, to doctors’ appointments and health treatments
- Medical/first aid/cleaning supplies to prohibit immune system compromise
Even with stage four cancer, mom is able to live a happy, normal life. Our goal for fundraising is to keep up her health and quality of life while she is undergoing the ups and downs of chemotherapy treatment. We could use your assistance in making sure we remain financially solvent and add no additional anxiety to mom’s already stressful experience.
Amanda D. James is a sweet, vibrant woman in the prime of her life. She is our family's matriarch since my maternal grandmother passed away of stage four breast cancer in November 2010. At her church, Gethsemane Community Fellowship in Norfolk, mom is the Coordinator for their grief support ministry. She also serves as an active member of Moms Demand Action, a gun violence prevention group modeled after Mother’s Against Drunk Driving.
Mom needs our help to feel better and get back to doing what she loves: helping others. We thank you for your support and prayers!
Between 2015 and 2017, mom began three different treatments: first, three subcutaneous shots weekly, but, in spring 2016, the doctor discovered a spot on mom’s liver. Mom underwent surgery to implant a port (medical device) in her chest so that she could start an aggressive chemotherapy in May 2016. The drug, Abraxane, is intravenously supplied through the port device. Five months on the weekly infusions (three weeks on, one off), mom developed neuropathy in her feet that caused her to lose potentially permanent sensation in her toes.
To curb the harsh side effects and because the tumor markers were down significantly, mom moved to a daily chemo pill, Ibrance, in October 2016. However, just after mom’s 55th birthday in February 2017, the oncologist discovered a new liver spot, now two liver tumors. Without further treatment, mom had eight months to live. The doctor admitted her to the hospital on March 6, 2017 and we filed for a short term leave of absence from work. Two days later mom was on a new IV chemo cocktail called GemCarb. She was released from the hospital the next day. The following Wednesday, she had the chemo again, but by Saturday, mom’s eyes turned yellow. The jaundice indicated liver failure and mom was hospitalized a second time.
Because GemCarb is metabolized by the liver, mom’s oncologist is limited in how he can treat. On April 3, 2017, the doctor prescribed treatment number five: a new intravenous method, but this time using a “pump” (5-FU) that is connected to mom’s port and that she carries in a shoulder pouch. The chemo infusions are continuous at this point while we wait for Xeloda (the same medicine she has now) in the pill form, which can take 7-10 days to procure because of insurance company red tape. Mom should be starting cancer treatment number six on Monday April 10th and it will be covered by mom’s insurance, with a small copay.
If you read this far, I think you’re here to help mom out in any way you can! Myself and mom’s other two caretakers, my stepfather and my grandfather, are organizing a GoFundMe to help with the following for the six months of mom’s leave of absence (LOA), ending September 4, 2017:
- Lost wages during short-term LOA
- Out of pocket health insurance premiums, which are not paid during a LOA
- Out of pocket emergency room and hospital bills
- A Home Healthcare nurse three times per week
- Co-payments on mom’s five prescriptions
- Alternative treatments, including acupuncture, Reiki, and massage therapy
- Counseling, for mom and for the caregivers/family
- Travel expenses, to doctors’ appointments and health treatments
- Medical/first aid/cleaning supplies to prohibit immune system compromise
Even with stage four cancer, mom is able to live a happy, normal life. Our goal for fundraising is to keep up her health and quality of life while she is undergoing the ups and downs of chemotherapy treatment. We could use your assistance in making sure we remain financially solvent and add no additional anxiety to mom’s already stressful experience.
Amanda D. James is a sweet, vibrant woman in the prime of her life. She is our family's matriarch since my maternal grandmother passed away of stage four breast cancer in November 2010. At her church, Gethsemane Community Fellowship in Norfolk, mom is the Coordinator for their grief support ministry. She also serves as an active member of Moms Demand Action, a gun violence prevention group modeled after Mother’s Against Drunk Driving.
Mom needs our help to feel better and get back to doing what she loves: helping others. We thank you for your support and prayers!
Organizer and beneficiary
Marrissa Patterson
Organizer
Norfolk, VA
Amanda James
Beneficiary