Alissa's 3rd Battle w/ Cancer
Donation protected
This week on my birthday I had a huge shake up, or great moment of awakening if you will, for the third time in my life.
My journey began in January 2014 with a pain under my armpit. It turned out to be a very fast growing HER2+ breast cancer in my left breast, lymph nodes and liver, classified as Stage IV. Through courage and tenacity along with a great support team of doctors, family and friends, it was a fight I won by knockout.
Then in early January 2016: a rematch. This time brain cancer. We re-mobilized the support team and took quick action to remove the tumor and preserve it for medical science at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle.
But cancer wasn’t ready to quit me. After nearly suffering a full seizure the week of my birthday, I went to the hospital and was given an MRI and PET scan. The results were staggering. In the two months since a clear brain MRI, cancer tumors have appeared in my brain, breast, lymph nodes, neck, pancreas, abdomen, near one ovary, my pelvis, and pectoral muscle.
The medical plan is to rush into another brain surgery as quickly as possible to remove the two large tumors pressing on my brain and causing swelling and inflammation (the source of the seizures). After two weeks of recovery, I am going to start an aggressive therapy, perhaps a clinical trial, whether in Seattle or traveling outside the area. The doctors are very clear that chemo cannot cure me because no pharmaceutical medicine kills the cancer stem cells, the seeds that plant in the body that grow tumors.
Then, two weeks after surgery, I will have five days of cyberknife treatments to radiate the main brain tumor, and the three smaller tumors also present in my brain. Radiation can kill cancer stem cells thankfully.
Consultations with the doctors, radiologists, and neurosurgeon suggest quick action can have positive results, but I must make quick decisions and I am reaching out for help now.
In addition to conventional medicine, I will use laughter as my best medicine, as I always have, to power through this unexpected moment of my life. I hope to encourage the act of coming together, to outplay any bad cards dealt in this life. I have to stand for the things I believe in and I genuinely believe continuing to treat my cancer with a holistic, positive attitude is the only way to go. I'll try all my options including immunity boosters, diet and detox, considering all favorable options given by my medical team.
I will frighten this cancer funny and never lay down to defeat. I don't wish for any tears, only a common loud roar from my greatest fans, family and close friends. I welcome anyone who wishes to participate in this positive journey alongside me.
Today we’re creating this page to raise money to continue my battle with cancer. I will stay strong and explore all options available for a cure. Traditional surgery treatment is covered by insurance, but my medical leave and the alternative approaches and travel (inside or outside the country) are not. Which is why I am asking for your support. The costs may be higher based on the course of events that transpire, but this is the best estimate.
Any sentiments you’d like to share, please leave on this page as a source of encouragement for any hard times I may experience. I’m reserving my phone/texting for my medical team and family.
Keep your chin up! Many thanks!
My journey began in January 2014 with a pain under my armpit. It turned out to be a very fast growing HER2+ breast cancer in my left breast, lymph nodes and liver, classified as Stage IV. Through courage and tenacity along with a great support team of doctors, family and friends, it was a fight I won by knockout.
Then in early January 2016: a rematch. This time brain cancer. We re-mobilized the support team and took quick action to remove the tumor and preserve it for medical science at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle.
But cancer wasn’t ready to quit me. After nearly suffering a full seizure the week of my birthday, I went to the hospital and was given an MRI and PET scan. The results were staggering. In the two months since a clear brain MRI, cancer tumors have appeared in my brain, breast, lymph nodes, neck, pancreas, abdomen, near one ovary, my pelvis, and pectoral muscle.
The medical plan is to rush into another brain surgery as quickly as possible to remove the two large tumors pressing on my brain and causing swelling and inflammation (the source of the seizures). After two weeks of recovery, I am going to start an aggressive therapy, perhaps a clinical trial, whether in Seattle or traveling outside the area. The doctors are very clear that chemo cannot cure me because no pharmaceutical medicine kills the cancer stem cells, the seeds that plant in the body that grow tumors.
Then, two weeks after surgery, I will have five days of cyberknife treatments to radiate the main brain tumor, and the three smaller tumors also present in my brain. Radiation can kill cancer stem cells thankfully.
Consultations with the doctors, radiologists, and neurosurgeon suggest quick action can have positive results, but I must make quick decisions and I am reaching out for help now.
In addition to conventional medicine, I will use laughter as my best medicine, as I always have, to power through this unexpected moment of my life. I hope to encourage the act of coming together, to outplay any bad cards dealt in this life. I have to stand for the things I believe in and I genuinely believe continuing to treat my cancer with a holistic, positive attitude is the only way to go. I'll try all my options including immunity boosters, diet and detox, considering all favorable options given by my medical team.
I will frighten this cancer funny and never lay down to defeat. I don't wish for any tears, only a common loud roar from my greatest fans, family and close friends. I welcome anyone who wishes to participate in this positive journey alongside me.
Today we’re creating this page to raise money to continue my battle with cancer. I will stay strong and explore all options available for a cure. Traditional surgery treatment is covered by insurance, but my medical leave and the alternative approaches and travel (inside or outside the country) are not. Which is why I am asking for your support. The costs may be higher based on the course of events that transpire, but this is the best estimate.
Any sentiments you’d like to share, please leave on this page as a source of encouragement for any hard times I may experience. I’m reserving my phone/texting for my medical team and family.
Keep your chin up! Many thanks!
Organizer
Alissa Pittenger
Organizer
Seattle, WA
