Friends Who Become Our Chosen Family
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Friends Who Become Our Chosen Family
I have always heard the saying “friends are like family” but never really understood the true meaning until Sandra became my work wifey. This generous, gorgeous woman is so strong and always goes well beyond her role to help kids in need, buying them pencils and books if they didn't have their own or using her creative flair to whip up props for special school events and other parties. Nothing is too great a task for Sandra and everything she does, is done with love. Sandra is one of those rare people who never forgets a birthday and goes out of her way to make others feel special.
Our wonderful friend was diagnosed with cancer in Axis Celiac Region (near stomach) in February 2018. At the same time P.E.T. scan and C.T. scans were done and Breast Cancer was also detected. Biopsy was done on both areas and the 2 cancers were not related and therefore different treatments were required. At this time the primary cancer was not detected for the first cancer so 30 treatments of radiation began in May 2018. Breast Cancer was treated with 5 chemo tablets a day. After waiting 2 months for the radiation area to heal, tests showed the radiation that targeted the area did not work but the cancer had spread between liver and stomach and also pancreas. This did not stop her coming to work with a smile on her face to be amongst the students and books that she so loves, always determined to be positive and happy for herself and others.
November 2018 to March 2019 intravenous chemotherapy was administered every 3 weeks. On completion, P.E.T. scans showed that this chemotherapy only worked for the breast cancer which is now gone.
Unfortunately, cancer in Axis Celiac and pancreas area are still there and the primary cancer was also detected inside the stomach. Diagnosis was: STAGE 4 GASTRIC CANCER. The spread of the cancer was coming from the stomach cancer which was previously undetected by the scans.
May 2019 Sandra started a 6 month treatment of intravenous chemotherapy every 2nd Wednesday with a bottle of chemo attached to Port-a-Cath in the chest for 48 hours, which is detached on the Friday.
August 2019 she was informed that the chemotherapy did not work and the cancer has mastesized. Immunotherapy drug trial treatment was advised as her only alternative. Alternative therapies are helping her as I write.
This has been a daily constant battle of a difficult life changing journey but Sandra is a fighter and has never once thought to stop fighting – she is fighting for her two beautiful children and husband. Her friends send daily messages of love and support, food packages and funny notes – it is so hard to stand by feeling useless to help her and her family.
What can we do?
We ask you all with love, please help us try to make Sandra's journey a little less stressful by joining us in raising funds to help take the pressure off mounting medical expenses so she can solely concentrate on healing. All donations will be so gratefully received and will make a positive impact to help our friend continue her fight against this horrible disease. To be thought of by friends and family is uplifting. To be thought of by those unknown to you is truly moving.
Sandra's most treasured hope at the moment is to get better and fulfil her dream to take her daughter overseas to Disneyland for her 21st Birthday in February. She is a wonderful daughter, one who has cared for her mother and their home since she fell ill.
Please stand with us, together and strong, to create more loving memories for Sandra and her family.
I have always heard the saying “friends are like family” but never really understood the true meaning until Sandra became my work wifey. This generous, gorgeous woman is so strong and always goes well beyond her role to help kids in need, buying them pencils and books if they didn't have their own or using her creative flair to whip up props for special school events and other parties. Nothing is too great a task for Sandra and everything she does, is done with love. Sandra is one of those rare people who never forgets a birthday and goes out of her way to make others feel special.
Our wonderful friend was diagnosed with cancer in Axis Celiac Region (near stomach) in February 2018. At the same time P.E.T. scan and C.T. scans were done and Breast Cancer was also detected. Biopsy was done on both areas and the 2 cancers were not related and therefore different treatments were required. At this time the primary cancer was not detected for the first cancer so 30 treatments of radiation began in May 2018. Breast Cancer was treated with 5 chemo tablets a day. After waiting 2 months for the radiation area to heal, tests showed the radiation that targeted the area did not work but the cancer had spread between liver and stomach and also pancreas. This did not stop her coming to work with a smile on her face to be amongst the students and books that she so loves, always determined to be positive and happy for herself and others.
November 2018 to March 2019 intravenous chemotherapy was administered every 3 weeks. On completion, P.E.T. scans showed that this chemotherapy only worked for the breast cancer which is now gone.
Unfortunately, cancer in Axis Celiac and pancreas area are still there and the primary cancer was also detected inside the stomach. Diagnosis was: STAGE 4 GASTRIC CANCER. The spread of the cancer was coming from the stomach cancer which was previously undetected by the scans.
May 2019 Sandra started a 6 month treatment of intravenous chemotherapy every 2nd Wednesday with a bottle of chemo attached to Port-a-Cath in the chest for 48 hours, which is detached on the Friday.
August 2019 she was informed that the chemotherapy did not work and the cancer has mastesized. Immunotherapy drug trial treatment was advised as her only alternative. Alternative therapies are helping her as I write.
This has been a daily constant battle of a difficult life changing journey but Sandra is a fighter and has never once thought to stop fighting – she is fighting for her two beautiful children and husband. Her friends send daily messages of love and support, food packages and funny notes – it is so hard to stand by feeling useless to help her and her family.
What can we do?
We ask you all with love, please help us try to make Sandra's journey a little less stressful by joining us in raising funds to help take the pressure off mounting medical expenses so she can solely concentrate on healing. All donations will be so gratefully received and will make a positive impact to help our friend continue her fight against this horrible disease. To be thought of by friends and family is uplifting. To be thought of by those unknown to you is truly moving.
Sandra's most treasured hope at the moment is to get better and fulfil her dream to take her daughter overseas to Disneyland for her 21st Birthday in February. She is a wonderful daughter, one who has cared for her mother and their home since she fell ill.
Please stand with us, together and strong, to create more loving memories for Sandra and her family.
Organizer and beneficiary
Cigdem Basak
Organizer
Horsley Park, NSW
Sandra Sechi
Beneficiary