Help Olivia Battle Stage 4 Breast Cancer & WIN

Hi. My name is Olivia. I’m Battling Stage 4 Breast Cancer Alone

Hi, my name is Olivia James. I'm in a vulnerable place and putting all shame aside. I am a 48 year old, single woman who has been battling Metastatic Breast Cancer alone for 3 years. I am in need of funds for a life-saving surgery, medication, medical bills, healthy food and moving costs to an apartment. Cancer is emotionally/physically draining and financially devastating. I’m asking for your help.

MY STORY

On November 21st, 2021 while everyone else is preparing Thanksgiving dinner, I received the most catastrophic news of my life. I was diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer, which is stage 4 and terminal. I wasn't surprised to learn that the cancer was already at stage 4, because I was in indescribable pain. You could actually see the huge tumor in my left breast…on the outside. I would later learn that I have tumors in my liver, lungs, all over my ribs, sternum and worst of all - my spine. I was in agony.

ROAD TO RECOVERY

Fortunately, I was blessed with an amazing oncology team at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute in Kansas City. My oncologist prescribed a new targeted therapy, Verzenio, which I refer to as “chemo lite”. While it has some of the side effects of chemo, I have been very blessed in having minimal side effects with periodic bouts of nausea and joint pain. The absolute worst is the depression and chronic fatigue that keeps me in bed for days. It has kept me from being able to maintain a job, so I have been struggling to “live” on the $1,516 that I get from disability. I’ll be honest. It’s really damn hard and spoiler alert- ramen noodles are not nutritious.

When I feel well enough, I'm an antique dealer and an upcycler. I have a passion for making old things new! Selling these furniture pieces help me afford groceries and medication.

WITHOUT FAMILY OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT

When I was first diagnosed in 2021, I very briefly had the loving family support that one would expect after a diagnosis of a terminal illness. My parents convinced me to move in with them because it would be “easier for them” to care for me. Fast forward 6 months into treatment.. and “my loving family” fell back into controlling and abusive behavior. Any resistance from me was met with bullying, hostility and aggression. As a fully grown, independent woman, I had zero autonomy and the situation had become untenable. It was the middle of winter, I had no money and no place to live, but I had to go.

I’ve been estranged from my toxic family for 2 years and my mental health has never been better. However…

MY TINY HOME IS UNINHABITABLE

Prior to diagnosis, I bought a vintage camper to upgrade and flip. My tiny home was not ready for winter, but it was much better than feeling scared at home. I moved my camper onto a big farm in Grain Valley, MO and I have been here ever since. To say that daily living is a struggle is an understatement. The roof leaks when it storms, the electrical system is a hazard and, after the cold snap in January, I went 8 months without indoor plumbing. It's impossible to cook healthy meals or keep a clean house without running water… It has put me at risk of malnutrition and infection. It’s uninhabitable, by anyone’s standards.

APARTMENT IN THE CITY = A SAFER PLACE TO LIVE

With the help of the Housing Authority in Kansas City, I found an apartment in a safe location that meets all of my needs. Unfortunately, timing is critical - this apartment will go quickly, and I need help to afford the moving costs to secure it.

CANCER COMPLICATIONS AND SURGERY

While my cancer treatment had been successful, unfortunately, it is now failing. My cancer numbers have been doubling every month for the past 6 months. I have many more bad days than good. My oncologist discovered a mutation called ESR1. This mutation is treatment resistant and very aggressive. Fortunately, the FDA fast tracked and approved a new medication called Orserdu. However, it is only approved for post menopausal women. I am not there yet, so I will have to have my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed to stop production of estrogen, which is feeding my breast cancer. The emergency surgery is scheduled for Friday, August 30th. Although I do have Medicare, I cannot afford the copay for the surgery. Timing is critical. I'm not able to start the new medication until after surgery. With my cancer numbers doubling, this is an incredibly scary time for me.

Sadly, the ESR1 mutation carries with it a shortened life span. My prognosis has gone from years to months, and I need all of the help I can get to live longer.

CAN YOU HELP?

I'm stubborn and I'm not ready to go yet. I haven't climbed Machu Picchu, explored Venice from a gondola or stood in awe of the Egyptian pyramids. I haven't learned conversational Spanish or how to play the piano yet. I have so many projects to finish. I just need more time and a safe place to do it.

It has taken all of my courage to write this in hopes that it will resonate. I am asking for your help with donations so that I may have a safer, better quality of life, for whatever time I have left.

I'm asking for what I need for surgery, moving expenses, medical bills, medication and food. Can you help me reach my goal of $8,094?

I will be eternally grateful for whatever you can comfortably give. Many hugs and blessings to you.

THANK YOU

Olivia Brynne James