Caring for Alicia
Donation protected
Alicia was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer in December of 2012. This has been the hardest 4 years of our lives. This is the kind of news that completely throws your life into a whirlwind. First, let's talk about our family. Alicia was born in Trinidad and moved to America in 2000. She has a beautiful smile and has a lasting impression on everyone she meets. My family fell in love with her from the first time they met her. She has no family history of cancer and she was 29 years old when diagnosed. Our youngest child was only 10 months old and he was still nursing. She is a devout Muslima, wife and mother of 4 children (14yr old son, 8 yr old son, 7 yr old daughter and 5 yr old son). She is absolutely the best thing that has ever happened to me. I had no idea what to expect when she was diagnosed, but I did know we would be able to get through whatever God handed to us.
As for her medical history, Alicia has had whole brain radiation and 2 cycles cyberknife radiation treatment for brain tumors. She has gone through countless combinations of chemotherapy as well as targeted therapy regiments. She's had surgery and has lymphedema as a result of having her lymph nodes removed. She's had radiation treatment for tumors on her ribs, as well as radiation treatment for 2 tumors found on her spinal cord most recently. This has caused nerve damage in her legs, so she is unable to walk and tumors in her brain have caused cognitive issues and a distortion of her facial muscles. She has excruciating lower back pain due to a combination of bone disease and scoliosis. As of today (3/28/17) I am writing this and she is in the hospital IRU (Inpatient Rehab Unit). Yesterday she had her 2nd spinal tap in 3 months, the doctors believe she may have disease in her spinal fluid and the fluid around her brain. If she does, she will have to get chemotherapy directly to her brain. May God lighten her burden and ease her pain.
After all of this, the most amazing thing about Alicia is, if I was to see her right now, she would smile and ask me how I am doing. That's just who she is. I love her so much. If I could do everything for her I would. The truth is, I need help.
When she returns home there are some things needed that would really help her feel more comfortable and safe. She needs a wheelchair, ramps and possibly a stair lift. Currently I am taking her up the stairs on my back. I am ok doing that, but the therapists are warning me of the danger I am putting her in as well as the danger I am putting myself in. I would love to get her an adjustable base bed. Since she lost her leg functions she doesn't sleep well. She really can't turn in the bed or sit up on her own, so an adjustable base would help her to different positions so she can sleep. We would like to also get her a sofa bed in the living room. We are looking into a van that is handicapped accessible as well. There are so many more things that can be done to help us care for Alicia, from massages, home care, babysitting, cooking and cleaning. Last but not least I was hoping to take her to see her family back home in Trinidad or have some of her family come and visit us. Our family has been extremely helpful throughout this process and we couldn’t have made it without their love and support. Every penny will be used to help us care for Alicia. Thank you for your donations and prayers.
As for her medical history, Alicia has had whole brain radiation and 2 cycles cyberknife radiation treatment for brain tumors. She has gone through countless combinations of chemotherapy as well as targeted therapy regiments. She's had surgery and has lymphedema as a result of having her lymph nodes removed. She's had radiation treatment for tumors on her ribs, as well as radiation treatment for 2 tumors found on her spinal cord most recently. This has caused nerve damage in her legs, so she is unable to walk and tumors in her brain have caused cognitive issues and a distortion of her facial muscles. She has excruciating lower back pain due to a combination of bone disease and scoliosis. As of today (3/28/17) I am writing this and she is in the hospital IRU (Inpatient Rehab Unit). Yesterday she had her 2nd spinal tap in 3 months, the doctors believe she may have disease in her spinal fluid and the fluid around her brain. If she does, she will have to get chemotherapy directly to her brain. May God lighten her burden and ease her pain.
After all of this, the most amazing thing about Alicia is, if I was to see her right now, she would smile and ask me how I am doing. That's just who she is. I love her so much. If I could do everything for her I would. The truth is, I need help.
When she returns home there are some things needed that would really help her feel more comfortable and safe. She needs a wheelchair, ramps and possibly a stair lift. Currently I am taking her up the stairs on my back. I am ok doing that, but the therapists are warning me of the danger I am putting her in as well as the danger I am putting myself in. I would love to get her an adjustable base bed. Since she lost her leg functions she doesn't sleep well. She really can't turn in the bed or sit up on her own, so an adjustable base would help her to different positions so she can sleep. We would like to also get her a sofa bed in the living room. We are looking into a van that is handicapped accessible as well. There are so many more things that can be done to help us care for Alicia, from massages, home care, babysitting, cooking and cleaning. Last but not least I was hoping to take her to see her family back home in Trinidad or have some of her family come and visit us. Our family has been extremely helpful throughout this process and we couldn’t have made it without their love and support. Every penny will be used to help us care for Alicia. Thank you for your donations and prayers.
Organiser
Khalil Cummings
Organiser
Acworth, GA
