Judith and Kat assistance
Donation protected
Judith was diagnosed in May 2018 at age 53 with Stage 4 Uterine Leiomyosarcoma (uLMS), a rare soft tissue tumor with numerous metastases to both lungs and abdomen. She had surgery to remove the major tumor from her abdomen, but they were unable to remove the lung tumors. Her symptoms had previously been misdiagnosed as uterine fibroids. Due to the rarity of this cancer, chemotherapy is rarely effective in treating it.
Judith tried an experimental THC/CBD treatment while pursuing a course of chemo (Lartruvo & Adriamycin). After several cycles, a scan showed the tumors continued to grow, as the cancer did not respond to either treatment. Judith tried a second chemo combination (Gemzar & Taxotere) but the side effects were intolerable. Any further chemo available had only a 9% or less chance of being effective.
In October, Judith chose quality of life over treatment. She has been on oxygen around the clock since October, and becomes short of breath with any exertion. She had a pretty good 6 months. In late March she was admitted to a home hospice program.
Judith is a long-time active member of the Bay Area Lesbian Community. She worked in San Francisco for a home care and hospice program that provided care to many AIDS and cancer patients, among others. She wrote a chapter about her stepdaughter’s struggle with and death from AIDS in a book called A Loving Testimony: Remembering Loved Ones Lost to AIDS, editor Leslea Newman, published 1995. She was active in AA and Living Sober. She was also active in Fat Lip Readers’ Theatre, a fat women’s artist/activist group. She spent 15 years doing small dog rescue and sometimes cats/kittens.
Judith and Kat met in person in July 2001 and have been together ever since. They were married on February 17, 2004, and when that was annulled by the state, they were married again on June 26, 2008. In addition to Kat, Judith is dedicated to her three small dogs, Brooke Lynn a Yorkshire Terrier, Tazah a 5# toy Poodle, and Minkee an 11# mini Parti Poodle.
After being diagnosed with complex PTSD, vocational rehab encouraged Judith to go to college. She spent many years at Berkeley Community College and she graduated from Mills College in 2016 with a BA in Studio Art. She draws and paints, is a photographer, wood worker, sculpture installation and collage artist. She makes friends wherever she goes and treats them with love and kindness. Judith and Kat’s many wonderful friends have pitched in with transportation, groceries and cooked food, running errands and visiting with Judith.
The hospice program covered by her insurance includes medications, hospital bed, oxygen, and nurse and social worker visits. At some point, Judith may need in-home care that is not paid for by insurance or hospice.
Kat is on Family Medical Leave at present taking care of Judith at home, which has definitely affected their income. She may return to work part time in order to maintain their insurance benefits. Judith and Kat need help maintaining their home at a safe level, paying their part of medical insurance, alternative treatments, utilities, and new clothing for Judith as her body changes with the illness.
Please donate what you can.
Even if you can't donate, please share this page to your social media contacts. Every share helps.
Judith tried an experimental THC/CBD treatment while pursuing a course of chemo (Lartruvo & Adriamycin). After several cycles, a scan showed the tumors continued to grow, as the cancer did not respond to either treatment. Judith tried a second chemo combination (Gemzar & Taxotere) but the side effects were intolerable. Any further chemo available had only a 9% or less chance of being effective.
In October, Judith chose quality of life over treatment. She has been on oxygen around the clock since October, and becomes short of breath with any exertion. She had a pretty good 6 months. In late March she was admitted to a home hospice program.
Judith is a long-time active member of the Bay Area Lesbian Community. She worked in San Francisco for a home care and hospice program that provided care to many AIDS and cancer patients, among others. She wrote a chapter about her stepdaughter’s struggle with and death from AIDS in a book called A Loving Testimony: Remembering Loved Ones Lost to AIDS, editor Leslea Newman, published 1995. She was active in AA and Living Sober. She was also active in Fat Lip Readers’ Theatre, a fat women’s artist/activist group. She spent 15 years doing small dog rescue and sometimes cats/kittens.
Judith and Kat met in person in July 2001 and have been together ever since. They were married on February 17, 2004, and when that was annulled by the state, they were married again on June 26, 2008. In addition to Kat, Judith is dedicated to her three small dogs, Brooke Lynn a Yorkshire Terrier, Tazah a 5# toy Poodle, and Minkee an 11# mini Parti Poodle.
After being diagnosed with complex PTSD, vocational rehab encouraged Judith to go to college. She spent many years at Berkeley Community College and she graduated from Mills College in 2016 with a BA in Studio Art. She draws and paints, is a photographer, wood worker, sculpture installation and collage artist. She makes friends wherever she goes and treats them with love and kindness. Judith and Kat’s many wonderful friends have pitched in with transportation, groceries and cooked food, running errands and visiting with Judith.
The hospice program covered by her insurance includes medications, hospital bed, oxygen, and nurse and social worker visits. At some point, Judith may need in-home care that is not paid for by insurance or hospice.
Kat is on Family Medical Leave at present taking care of Judith at home, which has definitely affected their income. She may return to work part time in order to maintain their insurance benefits. Judith and Kat need help maintaining their home at a safe level, paying their part of medical insurance, alternative treatments, utilities, and new clothing for Judith as her body changes with the illness.
Please donate what you can.
Even if you can't donate, please share this page to your social media contacts. Every share helps.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kathleen Johnson
Organizer
El Sobrante, CA
Kathleen Johnson
Beneficiary