Debbie’s Breast Cancer Journey…

This go fund me is to support Debbie as she navigates her breast cancer journey while being a mom a grandma, a friend, a wife and an all-around amazing person.

I am Lisa and Debbie Stinnett is my sister the 48 year old wife of my brother-in-law Patrick. For those of you who know Debbie you already know she is kind, compassionate, loving, enthusiastic, and just fun to be around. She’s also the biggest Laker and Eagle fan you’ll ever meet, her generosity is endless as she donates her time and talent to the many church fundraisers and community events and looks to support her friends and family whenever she can. She’s always looking out for the welfare of others and now we need to step up for her. When she first found a lump, she was unsure and didn’t give it much thought and then sometimes the lump would even go away. She went to get checked and after her mammogram biopsies and scannings in June 2023 Debbie found out she had invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer, a type of breast cancer that attaches itself to your hormones. She is facing months of chemotherapy and radiation fighting this diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer. Finding the right care has been tumultuous. On November 2 she received a double mastectomy and was sent home immediately and it was perceived that she was recovering well but three days later she visited the surgical oncologist and was told that all of the cancer was removed, including five lymph nodes three of the lymph nodes came back as cancerous. Still, the surgical oncologist suggested that she would not need chemotherapy , however the primary oncologist is still suggesting chemotherapy. No doctor attempted to look at her scars instead, through telehealth appointments they were pursuing plans for radiation. However, in the meantime, Debbie’s scars have started separating and an infection had occurred. The primary oncologist had no treatment plan and left her very confused to where she had to request a second opinion and transfer of care. By the suggestion of her plastic surgeon in charge of her reconstructive surgery and her new oncologist, on December 13 she had scar reconstruction surgery where they cut out the infected incision line in an attempt to help the skin to skin heal faster.

What a difference this made in her healing process.

On January 17, she began chemotherapy and began experiencing a litany of symptoms including headaches, nausea, brain fog, shortness of breath, and hair loss. She is in contact with her nurses daily, but this takes a toll on her everyday activities. On February 17, she was hospitalized again after experiencing concerns of shortness of breath, it was discovered that she has pneumonia and then developed a blood infection. Debbie has two more chemotherapy treatments, 33 radiation treatments and one more reconstructive surgery ahead of her. She’s expected to be out of work for the next year. She is also immuno compromised and at risk for infections. Her family has used up all available savings and her job has canceled her insurance since her premium hasn’t been taken out of her check since she’s been unable to work. Her care team has created an Amazon wish list (link via FB), which also helps items to reduce symptoms from the chemotherapy. But without her added income to the family, the hardship is greater than she, or anyone should have to manage.

If you are lead, please say a prayer for our sis and make a donation in support of her and her family. Thank you so much. I’ll continue to update this page with her progress to show you that prayers do work.