Cindy Foust’s Breast Cancer Battle
As most of you know, Cindy was diagnosed on May 26th with a small area of invasive ductal carcinoma In situ after routine mammogram screening, confirmed through biopsies. She underwent a lumpectomy on June 15th with a sentinel node biopsy that revealed lymph node involvement. During her surgery a more extensive disease was discovered and she was advised a mastectomy was necessary. On July 6th, a double mastectomy was performed. She started chemotherapy 2 weeks following her bilateral mastectomy. Starting last week she began treatment scheduled every 3 weeks for 6 rounds. The treatment consists of 4 chemo drugs each time- which makes for a long and exhausting day! Two meds are treating the Her2neu + aspect of the diagnosis as well as ER + (for those that may know anything about how they look at hormone receptors to guide treatment). After the 6 rounds every 3 weeks, immunotherapy will continue every 3 weeks to complete a year of treatment. Because 1 of the 7 lymph nodes taken during the mastectomy was positive AND there was alot more DCIS scattered throughout entire breast (not invasive at this point) as well as an area previously not seen was found during pathology during the mastectomy, the plan may change a bit and Cindy may need radiation "possibly" after chemo. This is still undecided at this time.
Cindy has been in the Women’s Center at Houston Healthcare for the past 32 years. She spent 1 year as a postpartum nurse, 3 years as a NICU nurse, and the past 28 years in labor and delivery. She has dedicated her entire life and career in helping others during such vulnerable times in their lives while giving birth. She’s never seen or acted as though her “job” is just a job; she’s been there passionately and patiently for all of her patients and their families as they welcome their baby/babies into the world. She’s always gone the extra mile in helping coworkers as a teammate and as an expert in her field to help out even when she has her own responsibilities to consider. And as difficult as it will be, she will try to get back to work as soon as released by her surgeon in 2 to 3 weeks, if physically possible. Staying home and NOT working is not an option financially at this point, so she’s praying side effects from chemo will be as minimal as possible.
As we all know her diagnosis, treatments, time off work, travel and additional medical costs the insurance doesn’t pay can strain a cancer patient emotionally and financially. Stress and fear is real with her diagnosis/prognosis, so any alleviation in her burden would be helpful and appreciated more that anyone realizes, sadly, unless we’ve gone through it ourselves.
If her friends and family are in a position to give financially that would be such a blessing to her. If not able to give, the continued prayers, calls, texts and/or sharing this post is also greatly appreciated. Cindy needs all of us to help her through this- it could’ve been any of us in her position, as too many of her friends have already experienced this tragic time in their lives as well.
Thank you for taking the time to read this detailed post, but I felt it important to describe all that lies ahead for her as well as what she’s already endured. Thank you all so very much!!!!!