Love and Locks for Lynn

In October, my friend and partner in crime, Lynn LaSalle, received  news that would ultimately change the course of her life. Her recent mammogram appeared suspicious.  Further imaging and biopsies were performed, along with scans of her lungs, stomach and ovaries.  The bad news was Lynn was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. The good news, however, was that the cancer had not spread. 

Triple Negative Breast Cancer  is a less common, more aggressive type of breast cancer.  It  spreads rapidly and is difficult to treat . It has a higher rate of recurrence and a higher death rate  during the first five years following treatment than other types breast cancers.

 Due to it's nature to grow quickly and spread, TNBC is first treated with chemotherapy rather than surgery, which is how most Breast Cancers are treated.  This is the best way to treat TNBC since chemotherapy attacks the entire body, whereas surgery only removes the tumor itself.

The cancer-killing agent used for round one of chemo is extremely toxic. It has intense side effects, and can cause  cardiac arrest. It is known in the Cancer world as "the RED Death.” 

Understandably scared and anxious, Lynn began infusions in November. After her second infusion, though, she struggled with the  physical and psychological misery of the side effects and considered discontinuing treatments. Though she delayed two of the treatments, she continued chemo after much encouragement from others.

With perseverance and a sense of humor intact, Lynn was pushed forward and was thrilled when she completed her first round of chemotherapy.

Round two of chemo is treated with the chemical Taxol.  Side effects should be more tolerable at first, but will intensify with each treatment. One of the more serious side effects of Taxol is Peripheral Neuropathy, which isn't noticeable until the fifth treatment. Unfortunately it tends to do permanent damage.

Lynn will have weekly chemo for 12 weeks. She will also have genetic testing  to determine if she carries a gene mutation that puts her at risk for other types of cancer and will help her determine which type of surgery will be in her best interest.

The  LaSalle family has been faced with what seems to be an unending barrage of unexpected, critical medical situations since 2011 when their daughter was first diagnosed with Crohn's-UC. Two years later she was diagnosed with a second chronic life threatening illness. What followed was a relentless 8 year battle for her life, the surgical removal of five organs, including a radical and risky transplant surgery with a full one year to recover and the onset of Type 1 Diabetes. 

Just when it seemed things were moving in a positive direction, Lynn's husband Mark developed some serious health problems  due to complications from Diabetes that required emergency medical intervention, along with several in patient hospital stays. Then 10 days before Christmas he was also diagnosed with AFIB and Congestive Heart Failure.

As the primary family caregiver and health advocate  for the past 8 year.  Lynn has given unconditionally ,putting the needs of her loved one's before her own, just like any other mom would do for her loved ones.  She often missed on holiday gatherings and celebrations, social activities, her own medical appointments, and lost wages. Her family could always rely on her and those who know her well have referred to her as "the Rock".  Now that the tables,have turned, we need to be her "rock".

Battling cancer comes with a hefty price tag .  It can cost the patient her home, her job, the ability to put food on the  table ... OR it can cost her her life. Triple Negative Breast Cancer doesn't wait.
The harsh reality is if you are unable to keep up with monthly payments for the costs of your medical care, the provider can deny you that care. A time gap in treatments with other types of Breast Cancer may not pose a risk. However, Triple Negative spreads rapidly, so timing is crucial for survival.

Simply put, Lynn's prognosis to achieve remission is "very good" with the completion of all chemo sessions,  genetic testing, followed by surgery and possibly radiation. Without chemotherapy, her prognosis is poor, with a life expectancy of 12 to 18 months. It is detrimental that Lynn stays focused on fighting her cancer without the anxiety of the costs. With the help of family, and friends, and people like you, she can keep up her fight.

Having barely survived the financial devastation from her daughter's chronic diseases, the family is now struggling to pay off the medical bills from the past several months  from her husband's health care emergencies. Now with the exorbitant costs of her cancer treatments, along with an out of pocket expense of $14,000, the financial distress has become overwhelming to say the least.

Lynn has tried to get help from financial assistance programs however she  is not eligible for social security, disability, cancer grants, co-pay assistance programs, or even financial assistance thru Allina Health or Mn Oncology. With resources exhausted , starting this campaign was the final option.

While the medical expenses will far exceed our goal amount, know that your help will ease her anxiety and worry about her medical expenses for the care needed  to prolong her life . Funds will be used towards copays,  transportation expenses, required otc's, special personal care items, and basic living expenses such as groceries and/or household utilities.

Headgear is a "must have" due to hair loss and insurance has denied her coverage for a wig. So if enough funds are raised to cover the cost for some lovely locks of hair,  it would  greatly help her self esteem and keep her head warm at the same time! 

Your gifts and compassion  will positively impact her life.

 No gift is considered too small.  All types of support are needed. Donations, messages of encouragement, positive energy, prayers, and the spirit of Hope. 

We invite you to join us.  Together we can make a difference in her life. 

NO ONE DESERVES TO FIGHT ALONE!! Please share on your social media............
 
We thank you for taking the time to read Lynn' story.