Help Elyse Get Life Extending Care

In March of 2020, I was scheduled for hysterectomy surgery due to fibroids.  Due to Covid 19, my surgery was delayed. Then delayed. And delayed yet again. Finally, in July of this year I had the surgery.  Two weeks later, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Cancer. (Uterine LMS) It’s a very rare cancer that apparently looks the same as a fibroid on ultrasound tests. Because I lack great insurance, (a problem for the majority of people in this country) my treatment options were limited and grim. One offering was repeated cycles of  Chemo for a 30 % chance of extending my life for 5 years. Or, option 2, death by Cancer within one year. So, I chose option 3, an option that wasn’t offered, but that I found on my own. It’s immunotherapy treatment, similar to treatments given in Europe (which is covered by their Universal Health Care!)  I chose my own plan and my own Doctor. I have embarked on a customized treatment of low dose chemo and immune therapy, which works with my body and my immune system. I have a great Doctor and I am supported by a brilliant staff of nurses, and a sisterhood of patients with success stories to share.
Unfortunately, I will deplete my life savings and retirement account to continue pursuing this treatment, which is why I am reaching out for support.

I will document and share this journey so that others may have the courage, and information needed to help them choose alternatives to repeated cycles of high dose chemo. It’s time to demand better alternatives to barbaric, antiquated treatments that are worse than the disease, and ultimately don’t work. And time for insurance and drug companies to recognize and study success stories from immune therapies and other successful alternatives.

I am grateful for any amount you can contribute, and happy to FB with you - or you can contact me through this site.

 
With love and gratitude,
Elyse