Help Myssi fight breast cancer

Hello, my name is Melissa. I am fundraising for my dear friend, Myssi Haglund.

 

Myssi was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma on 10/8/21. She received her diagnosis two weeks into a new position at the VA Hospital. In agreeance to work a Monday-Friday shift, she has taken a pay cut that provides her the stability of having weekends and holidays off. Myssi was initially frightened of how her diagnosis would affect her new job, but she now believes her position is ideal as she is not in direct care with patients. Direct interaction with patients would be more difficult because of the treatment side effects.

 

IDC is the most common form of breast cancer, affecting 80% of those diagnosed. Additionally, Myssi is diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, a rare disease that only affects 13 out of 100,000 women each year but still accounts for 10-15% of all breast cancers. Unfortunately, triple negative breast cancer does have a faster, more aggressive growth rate, with a higher rate of metastasis and recurrence. However, after years of remission, the potential for these risks drops tremendously. Another difficulty that arises from this disease is hormone therapy is eliminated as a treatment option because her cancer type does not grow from estrogen, progesterone, or HER2 proteins.

 

Overall, Myssi will receive 20 weeks of chemotherapy. She will undergo the first eight sessions every two weeks. After the completion of this series, Myssi will receive the remaining twelve rounds weekly. In addition to the chemo, she has a prescription for four different medications. When Myssi completes chemo, she will get five weeks of recovery in preparation for surgery. Currently, there is a presumption Myssi will either get a single mastectomy or a lumpectomy with reconstruction, but this could change. Myssi has genetic testing on 12/8/21 that will definitively decide the type of surgery. If she has the BRCA gene, Myssi will need a double mastectomy with a hysterectomy and oophorectomy. BRCA 1 or 2 affects 1 in 500 women. Because Myssi has little history of breast cancer in her family, she is hopeful she doesn't have the gene. Following surgery, Myssi will likely need radiation therapy. The tentative plan is four weeks of radiation, five days a week. Whew!

 

In addition to work, Myssi is a single mom to two amazing boys, Cristian (19) and Damien (11). She is a loyal, spunky, and beautiful friend that fills her loved ones' hearts with laughter and joy. Myssi has dedicated the entirety of her life to aiding others, but now she is the one in need of help. All donations will go towards uncovered medical expenses. If you are unable to donate at this time, prayers are always welcomed and appreciated. To every one of you, thank you!

 

#haglundstrong