Please save our Chie
Donation protected
In March 2019, Chie was visiting me in Honolulu when she noticed something odd about herself. After examining her breast, she found a lump located on the side of her breast. Also, she noted her breast had started to feel a little painful and found other odd things like patches of her skin that looked dry. We decided it was important for her when she returned home to Japan and go see a doctor right away.
In early April 2019, our worst fears were confirmed. Our beloved Chie Homma was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. The cancer has been classified as Triple Negative Breast Cancer (or known as TNBC), a rare type of cancer that affects only about 10-20% of breast cancer patients. It is an invasive type that does not respond to alternative treatments like hormone or gene therapy, which means our options are limited. Initially, her hospital recommended her to start chemotherapy right away, followed by surgery and another round of chemotherapy. Currently, she is seeking a second opinion to make sure nothing was missed and we have yet to identify whether she may have the BRCA 1 or 2 mutation. The BRCA 1/2 mutation would determine how likely it will be that the cancer will travel to her other breast and her ovaries.
Though her parents and I would have been able to support her, we are in a rather complicated situation, and so we are looking for aid in battling her cancer.
Why it's complicated
Chie's mother, Masami, is a talented dentist who has been slowly losing the use of her hands. This is because earlier this year, it was discovered that a growth has started in her spinal/neck area that is pressuring her nerves. Though she has already undergone surgery, her road to recovery has just begun. This places most of the financial burden on her husband, Nori-san, who intends to take care of both Chie and Masami at the same time.
Chie and I had intended to marry in 2020 and because of our age, wanted to start a family as soon as possible. Since her diagnosis, options have narrowed to mainly chemotherapy, which could easily complicate her ability to bear healthy children, we are heavily considering freezing embryos to ensure our children's future. Though we may have to consider other alternatives should we decide not to go forward with this option, we very much would like to welcome our children into this world with as little complications as possible. The finances are also quite high for this option, which would take away from our finances to treat her effectively.
Lastly, most of her friends and family, including me, are located thousand of miles away. Chie and her parents live in Japan while most of her friends and I reside in Hawaii. This is because Chie had built a life for herself in Hawaii but ultimately decided to return to Japan to study dentistry. For me, though it pains me to be away from her, it is the best way for me to support her right now. When the time comes, I will be travelling to Japan to take care of her, but I need to keep my job to ensure we get everything we need. Chie has a lot of friends, but many will not be able to see her to support her.
Our plan so far
After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Chie's stepfather, Nori-san, reached out to his contacts in the medical field and found an experimental treatment for Chie to try out. It was only developed in 2016 and boasts itself as a type of chemotherapy without side effects, which is huge for Chie's quality of life. However, because it is experimental, it is not covered by medical insurance. Also, we do not know if the treatment will be effective against TNBC cancer. Also, we do not know how this may affect her with IVF treatments.
Considering this, our plan is as follows:
- IVF (in vitro) treatments - to ensure our family's future.
- Clinical Trial Treatment- for reduction of size of her cancer.
- Chemotherapy - in case the clinical trial doesn't work
- Surgery (TBD) - to remove the cancer.
- Chemotherapy - to treat and clear her.
How your donation will be used:
We are seeking your donations to help with the following:
- Cancer treatments (chemotherapy or experiments)
- Medication and prescriptions
- Doctor's visits and follow ups
- IVF treatments
I wanted to note that these funds are for her medical treatment, but we may decide to use them for in vitro should we run into financial trouble. Her long-term care will come first.
Other ways you can help
If you know Chie already, then reach out and talk to her once in a while to check up on her. One of her challenges she faces is being away from so many family and friends. She needs all the love and support she can get to help battle her cancer. By checking up on her, you'll help keep her spirits up to keep on fighting.
Thank you!
I would like to thank you for taking the time to visit this fundraiser and considering any possible aid to our cause. Throughout my time knowing her, she has had an astounding effect on everyone she has met. Time and time again, I've seen her demonstrate her love for family and friends. She is an incredible person and one who will never forget those who stood by her side.
Please join me in supporting her at her greatest hour of need. Mahalo.
In early April 2019, our worst fears were confirmed. Our beloved Chie Homma was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. The cancer has been classified as Triple Negative Breast Cancer (or known as TNBC), a rare type of cancer that affects only about 10-20% of breast cancer patients. It is an invasive type that does not respond to alternative treatments like hormone or gene therapy, which means our options are limited. Initially, her hospital recommended her to start chemotherapy right away, followed by surgery and another round of chemotherapy. Currently, she is seeking a second opinion to make sure nothing was missed and we have yet to identify whether she may have the BRCA 1 or 2 mutation. The BRCA 1/2 mutation would determine how likely it will be that the cancer will travel to her other breast and her ovaries.
Though her parents and I would have been able to support her, we are in a rather complicated situation, and so we are looking for aid in battling her cancer.
Why it's complicated
Chie's mother, Masami, is a talented dentist who has been slowly losing the use of her hands. This is because earlier this year, it was discovered that a growth has started in her spinal/neck area that is pressuring her nerves. Though she has already undergone surgery, her road to recovery has just begun. This places most of the financial burden on her husband, Nori-san, who intends to take care of both Chie and Masami at the same time.
Chie and I had intended to marry in 2020 and because of our age, wanted to start a family as soon as possible. Since her diagnosis, options have narrowed to mainly chemotherapy, which could easily complicate her ability to bear healthy children, we are heavily considering freezing embryos to ensure our children's future. Though we may have to consider other alternatives should we decide not to go forward with this option, we very much would like to welcome our children into this world with as little complications as possible. The finances are also quite high for this option, which would take away from our finances to treat her effectively.
Lastly, most of her friends and family, including me, are located thousand of miles away. Chie and her parents live in Japan while most of her friends and I reside in Hawaii. This is because Chie had built a life for herself in Hawaii but ultimately decided to return to Japan to study dentistry. For me, though it pains me to be away from her, it is the best way for me to support her right now. When the time comes, I will be travelling to Japan to take care of her, but I need to keep my job to ensure we get everything we need. Chie has a lot of friends, but many will not be able to see her to support her.
Our plan so far
After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Chie's stepfather, Nori-san, reached out to his contacts in the medical field and found an experimental treatment for Chie to try out. It was only developed in 2016 and boasts itself as a type of chemotherapy without side effects, which is huge for Chie's quality of life. However, because it is experimental, it is not covered by medical insurance. Also, we do not know if the treatment will be effective against TNBC cancer. Also, we do not know how this may affect her with IVF treatments.
Considering this, our plan is as follows:
- IVF (in vitro) treatments - to ensure our family's future.
- Clinical Trial Treatment- for reduction of size of her cancer.
- Chemotherapy - in case the clinical trial doesn't work
- Surgery (TBD) - to remove the cancer.
- Chemotherapy - to treat and clear her.
How your donation will be used:
We are seeking your donations to help with the following:
- Cancer treatments (chemotherapy or experiments)
- Medication and prescriptions
- Doctor's visits and follow ups
- IVF treatments
I wanted to note that these funds are for her medical treatment, but we may decide to use them for in vitro should we run into financial trouble. Her long-term care will come first.
Other ways you can help
If you know Chie already, then reach out and talk to her once in a while to check up on her. One of her challenges she faces is being away from so many family and friends. She needs all the love and support she can get to help battle her cancer. By checking up on her, you'll help keep her spirits up to keep on fighting.
Thank you!
I would like to thank you for taking the time to visit this fundraiser and considering any possible aid to our cause. Throughout my time knowing her, she has had an astounding effect on everyone she has met. Time and time again, I've seen her demonstrate her love for family and friends. She is an incredible person and one who will never forget those who stood by her side.
Please join me in supporting her at her greatest hour of need. Mahalo.
Organizer
Nicholas Kodani
Organizer
Honolulu, HI