Lacey's CANcer Journey

Hi from Texas! I am reaching out with a heartfelt update on my cancer journey.

In the fall of 2022, my path took an unexpected turn with the diagnosis of Stage IIB Ovarian Cancer. What started as a subtle bump in my left lower side last April, was initially dismissed as bloating. As the months passed, and the bump persisted, I sought medical advice. An MRI, blood work, and the discovery of an elevated CA-125 (ovarian marker) led me to an oncologist. Dr. Bruce Fine, a God-send in my tricky self-pay status with Impact Health Share, guided me through the beginning stages of the challenging journey.

The first week of November brought both clarity and complexity. Dr. Fine suspected the tumor was a result of severe endometriosis; I was prompted to have it removed surgically as soon as possible. Unbeknownst to me until waking up from surgery, the tumor biomarkers came back positive for clear cell carcinoma. It was attached to the pelvic wall. Leaking during removal necessitated chemotherapy, marking my diagnosis as Stage IIB Ovarian Cancer. Simultaneously, a small cancerous tumor in my bladder was discovered.

December marked the beginning of a courageous battle with six rounds of chemotherapy—Avastin, Carboplatnium, and Taxol. Typically, one loses all of their hair; I embraced the cold cap which allowed me to retain part of my identity (losing only 60% of it).

I completed chemo on March 30, yet the trek continued. Follow-up scans and monitoring revealed two nodules in my right lung. After careful consideration, I underwent a biopsy, and unfortunately, the nodules tested positive for clear cell.

In my quest for answers and a more hopeful future, I met with several different oncologist, applied for a trial, and invested in an integrative cancer center; Center for New Medicine in Irvine, CA. There, Dr. Connealy and her awesome team referred me to Doctor Williams. He is an MD and one of the pioneers in intra-tumoral immunotherapy. His innovative approach using immunotherapy ablation specifically tailored to my tumor, offers a beacon of light in what has been a very emotionally, physically, and financially trying chapter of my life.

While this procedure is cutting-edge and very promising, it comes with the challenge of being non-FDA approved; resulting in significant out-of-pocket expenses and only offered in Cabo & Mexico City. His recommended path for me is 2 separate treatments, 3 weeks apart. Each nodule will be addressed in separate procedures.

Procedure #1 is set for January 22, 2024.

The amount needed is 108,200. This cost covers both procedures, travel, and hospital stay.

I wholeheartedly believe in the power of community, love, prayers, and unwavering hope. This is a God-sized problem, but to God, it's just another opportunity to showcase His miracles.

So many of you have already come along side me during this time, have held and loved me in various ways. I ask you now to continue to be a part of Team Lacey as we enter into this next healing phase. We are better together.

Even though they tell me my cancer is rare, aggressive and unresponsive to traditional treatment, I choose life! I am not a diagnosis or a statistic. I will continue to fight, to persevere and to rise up.

Your support, whether through a donation, prayer, or simply believing in my future, is immensely appreciated.

Together, we can navigate this chapter and pave the way for my body to return to wholeness.

With gratitude and an expectant heart,

XXOO, Lacey