Support Cecilia's Battle Against Breast Cancer

In March 2024, Cecilia was diagnosed with stage3 Metastatic Mammary Carcinoma, a discovery that has profoundly impacted her life. The journey began in early January when she noticed a small, apparently insignificant lump in her left breast. At first, it didn’t seem alarming—her last mammogram in 2022 had been normal, and there was no family history of breast cancer. These factors led her to assume it wasn’t serious.

However, as the weeks passed, the lump began to grow larger and darker in appearance. Concerned, Cecilia sought medical attention. Her doctor ordered a mammogram, which returned abnormal results. This led to a sonogram, followed by a recommendation for an ultrasound-guided biopsy.

The biopsy confirmed the presence of a 4.6 cm mass in Cecilia’s left breast and a lymph node measuring 12 mm. The diagnosis was difficult to process, words no one wants to hear " CANCER" but the medical team recommended an aggressive treatment plan to address the advanced stage of the cancer.

With several appointments scheduled, Cecilia prepared for the next steps in her treatment. A surgical procedure was performed to place a port, a crucial step to facilitate her upcoming chemotherapy. The plan was set: chemotherapy would begin soon, 4 aggressive treatments with Doxorubicin and 12 with Taxol aiming to target and shrink the tumor along with the affected lymph node aggressively. Family and friends prayed that this approach would improve the chances of a successful outcome.

Each step brought a mix of hope and apprehension, but Cecilia remained determined to face the challenges ahead with strength and resilience.

She had her rounds of chemotherapy and, despite the challenges, managed to keep a smile on her face for her loved ones. Her positivity and strength became a source of inspiration to everyone around her, even on the hardest days.

Images revealed that Cecilia was responding very well to the treatment. The tumor had significantly shrunk, offering a glimmer of hope and relief for her and her loved ones.

With tears in her eyes, Cecilia made the difficult decision to undergo a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction on November 5, 2024, at UT Southwestern in Dallas. The decision was not easy, but given the high risk of recurrence, she chose this path to prioritize her long-term health and peace of mind. Her courage in facing such a life-changing choice was truly remarkable.

2 Week Post-operative, Cecilia met with her surgeon in Dallas to have her drains removed. As they sat together, the surgeon gently shared the news—her pathology report was in. The margins from the surgery were NOT clear of cancer, and three lymph nodes still tested positive with growth beyond the capsule.

The surgeon explained further, delivering another unexpected blow: "You had more cancer than what we originally thought." Although imaging had shown positive responses to treatment, it hadn't revealed the full extent of the cancer. The tumor in Cecilia's left breast had grown to 11 centimeters, and the lymph nodes were 20 millimeters, with cancer spreading beyond the capsule.

It was a hard moment, but Cecilia listened with quiet strength, knowing the fight was not over yet. The 2-hour drive home was quiet processing the weight of the news, filled with mix emotions- grief, uncertainty of her choices of what could have she done different.

At a loss over the unexpected turn, two oncologists and two surgeons met with Cecilia to discuss her prognosis. Disappointed by the poor outlook, they devised a new plan to address the remaining cancer. The treatment would include endocrine therapy combined with six weeks of radiation, targeting the full axilla, chest wall, and possibly the collarbone. Sessions would be five days a week, a rigorous schedule aimed at giving Cecilia the best chance to fight the disease.

In addition to the weekly blood work, Cecilia will undergo DNA blood testing and germline testing to check for any genetic mutations. This will help determine if there are any inherited factors contributing to her cancer. She will also start a medication regimen to take at home, designed to support her treatment and help prevent further complications. These steps are part of a comprehensive approach to ensure the best possible outcome.

Cecilia's reconstruction surgery has been placed on hold for possibly six months to a year, as her doctors want to ensure she is stable and fully recovered before moving forward. During her mastectomy on November 5, 2024, tissue expanders were placed, but they will remain in place until she receives the green light from her medical team to proceed with the next steps. It’s another challenge in her journey, but Cecilia remains focused on getting through each phase with strength.

She will be making frequent trips to Dallas for follow-up appointments as her tissue expanders remain in place. These trips, along with ongoing treatments, surgeries, and physical therapy, mark the beginning of a long and challenging journey. Unfortunately, she is no longer able to work due to the demanding nature of her treatment and recovery process.

The financial burden of cancer treatment has been significant for Cecilia. Between deductibles, co-pays, doctor appointments, and medications not covered by insurance, the expenses continue to mount. With some doctors being out of network and radiology bills adding to the strain, it's become a heavy load to carry on top of everything else. For this reason, Cecilia has had to make some tough decisions and seek additional support. The financial strain is undeniable, and it’s something she never expected to face alongside her health battle.

Cecilia is in need of your help. The financial strain from her ongoing cancer treatment has been overwhelming, and any contribution will go directly towards covering her medical expenses—treatment, doctor visits, medications, and the various costs that insurance doesn't cover. Your support will make a significant difference in easing her burden and allowing her to focus on her recovery. Thank you for your kindness and generosity during this challenging time. Cancer is a beast, help her fight " Her Fight Is Our Fight".