Patti's Battle with HER2 Breast Cancer

Hello, my name is Andrew and I am trying to raise money for my mom, Patti, who is currently battling Triple Negative Breast Cancer. My mom is a 65 year old grandmother, who not only has diabetes, but also suffers from COPD, neuropathy, and has recently undergone open heart surgery in 2016, and had a near fatal accident in 2019 where she fell down the stairs, breaking her neck and shattering her dominant arm from the elbow down. With all of this, my mom has maintained an optimistic attitude, and we were hopeful that after a string of misfortune, we would be in the clear regarding her health and our family unit. We pride ourselves on usually being a family that donates to those in need, but unfortunately, we are now the ones who need support. Please allow me to first start by saying we are so humble and grateful for any donations made, overwhelmed by all of the support and kindness we have received from everyone so far, and slightly embarrassed to be in this situation where we are relying on the generosity of others simply to get through this.

Here is my mom's journey so far:

In January 2023, my mom discovered a lump in her right breast. Fortunately, she had an appointment with her primary care physician that same week, and addressed the lump at that appointment. Concerned with the nature of the lump, my mom was ordered to get a mammogram and ultrasound on her chest and breasts, which, unfortunately, could not be scheduled until February 2023. Following that appointment, my mom met with a General Surgeon who then ordered a biopsy later in the month. Following the biopsy, we were advised that the lump was in fact cancer, along with two other lumps deeper in her breast. In March 2023, my mom received additional screening on her breasts, her stomach, her gallbladder, and her blood, to see whether the cancer had spread. Fortunately, the cancer had not yet spread, and we met with a plastic surgeon to discuss a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. As we continued to meet with my mom's other doctors (her Cardiologist and her PCP), we finally were able to meet with an Oncologist in April 2023. The initial course of action was to put off the double mastectomy, ensure the cancer did not spread (being that we were now 3 months into this journey with still no treatment), begin chemotherapy, and after 12 rounds, then proceed with surgery. Unfortunately, we learned this month (April 2023) that the cancer she has is Triple Negative Breast Cancer, which is a very aggressive form of breast cancer, and regrettably, it has in fact spread to some of her lymph nodes. In addition to that, my mom has been battling Cellulitis in her infected breast, as a result of the biopsy, adding further delay to her surgery. To add insult to injury, the Oncologist informed us that there is currently a chemotherapy shortage across the nation, and therefore, we need to proceed with an invasive double mastectomy and lumpectomy before we can discuss chemotherapy. Surgery is scheduled for May 3rd, 2023; however, all of these doctor visits and medications to manage the cancer, fight the infection, and maintain stability for her heart and her diabetes (among other things) have begun, with an extensive price tag included. We are doing our best to manage these costs, and still working to maintain the household; however, we need help, to be upfront and brutally honest. Following the double mastectomy and lumpectomy, we are hoping the shortage will be resolved so we can begin chemotherapy/radiation/immunotherapy once her incisions are healed - which is looking like June 2023 for approximately 12 rounds, or 4 months. After that, provided all of these procedures go according to plan, we will then prepare reconstructive surgery on her breasts. Heartbreakingly, we were told to prepare for a difficult year ahead of us, and managing all of this has become nearly impossible.

We ask that you please keep us in your prayers, we thank you for taking the time to read this, and we appreciate all the love, support, shares, and donations!!! We are truly blessed to have such a great support system!!!

Thank you!

- Andrew, Patti, and Family