Lourdes Sablan's ️Cancer Journey

“Whether you’re a mother or father, or a husband or a son, or a niece or nephew or uncle, breast cancer doesn’t discriminate.” – Stephanie McMahon

Hafa Adai my name is Vinysha Manibusan Sablan, and this is my mom's cancer journey. At the very young age of 37 years old, she was first diagnosed in January 2014 with Stage 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, commonly known as Breast Cancer. Her treatment plan consisted of a lumpectomy on the left breast followed by four rounds of chemotherapy and 30 days of radiation. My mom fought hard to overcome her treatments, and her goal at the time was to have the strength to watch my older sister (her firstborn child) graduate from high school. I can tell you when that day came and with every ounce of energy, she was able to do so.

She was blessed to be cancer-free for over 4 years. However, in October 2018 she received devastating news that the cancer has resurfaced to the right breast aggressively and a partial mastectomy was performed followed by 30 days of radiation.

“Fight each round and take it on the chin. And never never never ever give in.” – Olivia Newton-John

After trying to regain some normalcy in her life, in July 2020 the year I graduated from high school my mom shared the news that her cancer has now spread to both breasts. Left with no other options she made a difficult and heartbreaking decision to have a double mastectomy, something that no woman should ever have to decide. Six weeks after major surgery her chemotherapy treatment started and everything seemed to be going well. However, in Feb 2021 and after about 10 rounds of chemotherapy a rash appeared on her chest and she was informed that it might be cancer. At this point the only option given to her was to discontinue chemo and start aggressive radiation that would possibly burn a hole through her chest and may not even heal. She refused radiation treatment but she wasn’t giving up so easily and decided to seek medical care off-island. My mom was referred to Los Angeles, California to consult with an Oncologist at Good Samaritan Hospital where a biopsy was performed and later confirmed that the cancer is now on the skin. With the recommendation from her oncologist in L.A. they started her on chemotherapy in the form of a pill that would heal the cancer on the skin.

“And if it comes back, I’ll keep fighting.” – Nicole Kramer

This brings us to today, a year later her body has stopped responding to the pills and the cancer has now spread. She will be returning to California next month for further treatment options and could possibly be there for as long as 3 months. Due to the estimated cost of off-island expenses, the cost of extensive treatment and the urgency of care, we are humbly asking for your assistance. It is with great hope that we accomplish our goal to successfully raise the funds needed for her off-island care. All funds raised will be applied to her medical endeavor for uninterrupted & continuity of care. We understand that the current pandemic has affected everyone and if you’re unable to donate, we would appreciate it if you could keep her in your prayers.

Our family would like to Thank-You in advance for your generosity & continued support in an effort to fight the battle against cancer. Always have FAITH, never give up HOPE and always spread the LOVE.

“My will, my faith, and my body have been challenged. But make no mistake, my heart is strong and my resolve to fight will never be broken.” – Anastacia