Help Roberta D'Agostino Fight Stage IV Cancer

Many people have asked us how they can help my wife, Roberta D’Agostino, who has been diagnosed with Stage IV Endometrial Cancer after being misdiagnosed with Stage III Ovarian Cancer. As a result, I have decided to create this Go Fund Me campaign for her. For those of you who have never met Roberta (many of you know her as Bobbie), she is a kindhearted person who puts others first. When you are around her, she makes you laugh and puts a smile on your face. She is a fun person, will sacrifice all her time for anyone who needs it and appreciates the simple things in life. We have been happily married for over 25 years and share a very close bond that is noticed by those who come in contact with us. This life altering news has just been devastating.

In March of 2022, Roberta was diagnosed with Stage III Ovarian Cancer. In less than 6 weeks, she had a total open hysterectomy, a device implanted in her chest called a Power Port for delivery of chemotherapy medication, and then the start of chemotherapy treatment. When the surgeon performed the hysterectomy, her ovaries were so enlarged that they were attached to other organs and the cancer had already spread throughout her stomach lining, She received chemotherapy every 21 days for a total of 6 treatments. Unfortunately, at the 4th cycle, her chemotherapy had to be reduced because she lost feeling in her feet and hands. This condition is common in some people and is called Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN). CIPN is very painful and they have tried to give her nerve medications to help but she could not tolerate them.

After chemotherapy ended in August of 2022, she still wasn’t well. She struggled daily with severe fatigue as well as bone and abdominal pain. The chemotherapy caused a lot of inflammation to her organs and she still has trouble walking because her feet are numb. She now uses a cane to help her walk.

The struggle continued for months and then in April of 2023, she was rushed to the hospital with excruciating abdominal pain. She received a CT Scan and was informed that it showed several tumors in the abdomen. Roberta decided to switch her oncologist and hospital system in search of a more innovative treatment plan. After the new oncology team reviewed the pathology from the previous hospital system, they conducted further studies and determined she was misdiagnosed. Our families were shocked and saddened by this news. Unfortunately, it was determined that she has Stage IV Endometrial Cancer. This news has been hard for her to process. She was told she had one kind of cancer and then it turns out she has an even more serious type of cancer. It’s just something you can’t prepare for as she went a whole year thinking she had Ovarian Cancer.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Roberta’s road to recovery is extremely challenging as we look ahead. When she starts chemotherapy on June 9, 2023, her new oncologist explained that it will be very painful and the months ahead during treatment will be difficult. The goal of the chemotherapy now is to see if it can help reduce the size of the tumors and extend her life. She is currently fighting for her life. Our families are requesting prayers for strength. Along with those prayers, we are asking for donations to help Roberta during this most difficult time. Please join us in rallying together to uplift Roberta and I, reminding us that we are not alone in this journey. Any contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a tangible difference in easing the burden of medical expenses for her.

As many of you might know, we own a small business manufacturing handmade soaps and candles. With Roberta’s illness, we are experiencing financial stress since we are unable to work in the business like we normally would have been able to.

As Roberta receives chemotherapy and other necessary medical treatments, your donations will be used to pay for:

- An $8,000 health plan deductible;

- Medical expenses not covered by insurance;

- Monthly health insurance premiums; and

- Assistance with other monthly expenses

Lastly, we want to thank our parents, family and friends who have already made private financial contributions. We appreciate your support on her behalf. If you are able to donate and if you know Roberta, consider leaving her a special message in the comments as I will read each one to her. If there is any way you could share this campaign through your social media channels, it would be so much appreciated.

Thank you for your help and consideration.