Support Sydni's Healing Journey From Cancer

Just two months after giving birth to our second child, what started as breastfeeding challenges and lactation appointments, quickly turned into a nightmare. In the summer of 2022 I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, meaning it spread from its origin to my liver, lymph nodes, and bones, specifically my spine, sternum, and hips. I was considered stage 4 and terminal from the beginning as western medicine does not believe there is a cure for such diagnosis. I underwent a quick surgical procedure to get a medication port implanted to make treatments easier and started chemotherapy right away. I was grateful that my body responded so well, stabilizing the cancer within a few months. By May of 2023, the port I had in my chest started malfunctioning, leading to an emergency ultrasound guided procedure by a radiologist to remove the tubing that had disconnected from the device and lodged in a vein just above my heart. Thankfully this procedure went smoothly and I was able to go home the same day.

Just over a year from my initial diagnosis the cancer spread to my lungs, causing pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis, which is the spread of malignant cells to the lymphatic system in the lungs. For roughly two weeks I had to rely on oxygen to move around my home due to my difficulties breathing on my own. Since I had already endured the standard “first line” chemotherapy, the insurance company would now pay for a more targeted medication regime that was designed for the specific type of breast cancer I have, HER2+. I started this medication in November of 2023 and again my body responded very well, within a month I could take walks and within two months I started to jog. By April of 2024, I voluntarily decided to stop chemotherapy as the cancer had stabilized again and I was ready to live my life more fully without having to manage the many side effects I had endured. I was thriving and having so much fun with my family.

By July of 2024, I started having headaches daily, lasting roughly 6 weeks. Once I realized this was not going away and told my oncologist and we got an MRI asap. This was on a Monday, by Tuesday I was sent to the emergency room and that evening I had a bed in the ICU for constant neurological monitoring while awaiting emergency brain surgery for Thursday of that week. The scan showed a significant tumor on my cerebellum, creating a lot of pressure in my brain. The biopsy of the tumor confirmed that it was in fact cancerous. The surgery went well thanks to my amazing medical team and I recovered rather quickly. I then received 5 rounds of radiation on my brain as a standard procedure to ensure all the cancerous cells in my brain were gone. Then, just weeks after returning home from surgery, my breathing became strained and unfortunately a PET scan showed cancer progression in my lungs once again. I ended up in the hospital just before Halloween as they believed I may have had a severe infection in my lungs in addition to the cancer. Yet, after many negative tests and visits from a number of doctors, the consensus was that my labored breathing was a result of cancer progression and not an infection. I was released from the hospital in time to celebrate Halloween with my children and the next day I received oxygen at my home as I was now reliant on it once again. Since I had such a great response to the last targeted chemotherapy I was on, we started that same medication, however at this time we have now confirmed that it is no longer working as the cancer has continued to grow, spreading through my lungs, but significantly on my right side and the space between my lungs. This has made breathing very difficult for me and has greatly limited my ability to move, sleep, and take care of myself. I have had to be quite reliant on my husband and best friend to care for me. Throughout this journey, I have had times where I took several weeks off of work at a time. Yet, I really love my job as a mental health therapist as I believe it helps me heal just as much as it helps others and to be honest, my family greatly relies on my financial contribution. However, with the worsening symptoms, my husband and I decided that I needed to take a leave from work to focus solely on my health, healing, and family. On Monday I will be trying out a new chemotherapy regime in hopes of making a drastic improvement with my breathing. Throughout my journey I have explored and engaged in a number of wonderful holistic forms of healing as well, including but not limited to acupuncture, energy, frequency, biofeedback, and herbal supplements.

Despite all of the challenges and stressors captured above, I think it is important to share with you that I have never lost faith in my ability to fully heal my body. I am learning so much about myself and life through this journey and I am so proud of my mind and body for all that it has endured and overcome. Instead of taking a negative view, I try to focus on loving the cancer out of my body. This mindset has really helped me remain optimistic and upbeat. I can’t wait to get to play a more active role in our children’s lives once again and I know I will get there!

Our hearts are filled with so much gratitude for all the love and support we have received from so many wonderful people near and far along this journey. Please know that prayers, healing energy, and positive vibrations continue to be more than enough, but if you have the desire and ability, financial support is greatly appreciated while we navigate more of the unknown.

With love and gratitude,

The Monahan’s