Help Amy Fight Breast Cancer (TNBC)

My dear friend Amy, had a bad day, a really bad day...

On October 28th, 2022 Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer. Stage 3C, Grade 3, with a Ki-67 score of 80. Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (known for being aggressive and fast-growing) was the final diagnosis. MRIs and biopsies were conducted immediately and over the next two months additional testing assigned the grade and stage. It was confirmed that the cancer had spread to multiple axillary lymph nodes and internal mammary lymph nodes as well.

The diagnosis happened quickly. After discovering a tender lump in her right breast while showering, Amy booked a mammogram, her first, since she is under the age of 40 - the earliest age to start screening. It was when additional medical professionals were invited into the room that she knew there was an issue. "An uh-oh moment, to state it cleanly", said Amy.

About Amy:

For those that have not made the pleasure of Amy's acquaintance, I want to help you feel connected to her and this cause:

Amy is extremely hard-working, and until recently has held and enjoyed having multiple jobs at once. A serious cancer diagnosis has not knocked down her independent spirit, but has created the opportunity to ask for, and humbly receive help.

She is closely knitted with her family and is a loyal, committed and thoughtful friend. Amy’s goal is to come out on the other side of this victorious, with her spirit intact.

Amy's quiet confidence has served her well, allowing her to reach many of her goals, such as owning a house.

Amy has a wicked sense of humor, albeit dry at times, and a contagious laugh.

She loves her dogs so very much and they clearly love her.

When diagnosed with this aggressive cancer, Amy experienced the stages of grief, as any of us would. But soon after, she took to social media to recommend breast self-exams, especially for her friends under 40. If she were being tested at this moment, she surely passed with flying colors.

Help Is Needed:

Cancer treatment is extremely expensive, even with insurance. Out-of-pocket medical costs exist, as not everything that the doctors recommend is covered and without the funds, the doctors will not proceed with those tests.

Funds raised will go directly to Amy for medical expenses, including an out-of-pocket LYMPHA surgery that will help prevent lymphedema in her arms, following her upcoming surgery to remove the cancer. This procedure helps reconnect the lymphatic system which provides fluid drainage within the body.

Your donations will also go to help provide relief for all of her expenses so that Amy can stay in the home she has worked so hard for without worry.

As of this fundraiser going live, Amy has completed 5 of 24 weeks of her initial chemotherapy. It is going to be a long haul and I would love so much to give her the financial support she needs so that she can focus her energy on getting well.

About TNBC:

Accounting for roughly 10-20% of breast cancer cases in the United States, TNBC breast cancer is so named because it lacks the estrogen, progesterone and HER2 protein receptors commonly associated with other breast cancers. It is an aggressive, fast-growing cancer that has a high risk of spreading beyond the breast and of recurring despite treatment. It has significantly poorer outcomes than other breast cancers, and it disproportionally affects younger women. The current standard of care involves 6 months of intensive chemotherapy and immunotherapy, followed by surgery, radiation and even more immunotherapy. In the best-case scenario, Amy faces at least a year of active treatment.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for reading – we appreciate your prayers and positive thoughts, as well as your willingness to share this request on your social media pages. Your donations are humbly and gratefully received.