
Danae's medical & a couple bucket list wishes
Donation protected
Hi everyone, after a lot of reflection I have realized there are things Danae needs that we have to ask for help. In 2016, 8 months after we were married Danae was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. After removal surgery, failed chemotherapy, & 2 years of hormone therapy, we were told all was good. That was not to be.
In February 2019 during a reconstruction revision surgery, Danae's surgeon found a large tumor (lymph node) in her right chest wall. She had pain in the area for some time but doctors could not feel anything in the area and it is extremely rare where the lymph node was located. Shortly there after, tests showed some anomalies and it was recommended that Danae have a radical hysterectomy. After that surgery we received good news, that the results came back negative for cancer. We were thrilled, but also faced with the reality that we would never have childern. Doctors talked to us about treatment for the reoccurrence and Danae feared more chemo. However, on April 1st, 2019 Danae's Oncologist broke the news (in an email) that would change everything. Unfortunately the PETscan showed the cancer had already metastisized to her bones with several spots on her hip and in her spine, along with several other lymph nodes in her chest/shoulder.
Danae started a brutal oral chemo and monthy injections, and the results were good. Her tumors went "dark", her bones filled back in & lymph nodes did not show up on her following scans.
Then, in January of 2020 tests showed progression to her liver. After several exhausting turn around trips to UCLA for another form of treatment, tests showed progression had stopped. Doctors were confident that this was a random fluke, and meds were still working
June 2020, Danae was not feeling well. PETscan again showed progression to her liver, this time in multiple areas. Also showed more progression in the bones with new spots in the spine and hip. Doctors told us current meds were no longer working, so we have since changed to another. We await the next PETscan and pray that this new med is working. Especially since we are limited and running out of treatment options.
In the mean time Danae's teeth are taking the brunt of the meds. We have already spent thousands salvaging them and last night, another tooth broke.
I pray Danae's meds will work and keep Danae here with me for another 20 years. But this is not realistic with her diagnosis. Unfortunately, as time goes on, the bills and unexpected cost are popping up.
Danae has not been able to work for last two years. For the time, she still has her baking that makes her happy. Though it takes so much out of her. She can barely move after, and sleeps for 3 days trying to recover, which frustrates me. I am so thankful for my job, without it I dont know what we would do. But a single income just doesnt cover everything.
Our 5 year anniversary is coming up .... We just passed 4 years on the cancer journey. I want Danae to be able to do more while she is still able. Once Covid is over I hope we can travel and do some things on her bucket list while we still can, as we have been unable to the last 4 years.
I ask you donate a small amount and share this for others. If 50,000 people give $1, we can reach our goal. If anything, please pray for Danae. Pray this med continues to work. Pray her side effects subside, & pray her pain is minimal. Share her story, give to stagelV cancer research and make sure your loved ones get tested EARLY! Get genetic testing. My amazing Danae turns 37 is a few weeks. Diagnosed at 32 the pain and sorrow she has been through, is just not fair.
In February 2019 during a reconstruction revision surgery, Danae's surgeon found a large tumor (lymph node) in her right chest wall. She had pain in the area for some time but doctors could not feel anything in the area and it is extremely rare where the lymph node was located. Shortly there after, tests showed some anomalies and it was recommended that Danae have a radical hysterectomy. After that surgery we received good news, that the results came back negative for cancer. We were thrilled, but also faced with the reality that we would never have childern. Doctors talked to us about treatment for the reoccurrence and Danae feared more chemo. However, on April 1st, 2019 Danae's Oncologist broke the news (in an email) that would change everything. Unfortunately the PETscan showed the cancer had already metastisized to her bones with several spots on her hip and in her spine, along with several other lymph nodes in her chest/shoulder.
Danae started a brutal oral chemo and monthy injections, and the results were good. Her tumors went "dark", her bones filled back in & lymph nodes did not show up on her following scans.
Then, in January of 2020 tests showed progression to her liver. After several exhausting turn around trips to UCLA for another form of treatment, tests showed progression had stopped. Doctors were confident that this was a random fluke, and meds were still working
June 2020, Danae was not feeling well. PETscan again showed progression to her liver, this time in multiple areas. Also showed more progression in the bones with new spots in the spine and hip. Doctors told us current meds were no longer working, so we have since changed to another. We await the next PETscan and pray that this new med is working. Especially since we are limited and running out of treatment options.
In the mean time Danae's teeth are taking the brunt of the meds. We have already spent thousands salvaging them and last night, another tooth broke.
I pray Danae's meds will work and keep Danae here with me for another 20 years. But this is not realistic with her diagnosis. Unfortunately, as time goes on, the bills and unexpected cost are popping up.
Danae has not been able to work for last two years. For the time, she still has her baking that makes her happy. Though it takes so much out of her. She can barely move after, and sleeps for 3 days trying to recover, which frustrates me. I am so thankful for my job, without it I dont know what we would do. But a single income just doesnt cover everything.
Our 5 year anniversary is coming up .... We just passed 4 years on the cancer journey. I want Danae to be able to do more while she is still able. Once Covid is over I hope we can travel and do some things on her bucket list while we still can, as we have been unable to the last 4 years.
I ask you donate a small amount and share this for others. If 50,000 people give $1, we can reach our goal. If anything, please pray for Danae. Pray this med continues to work. Pray her side effects subside, & pray her pain is minimal. Share her story, give to stagelV cancer research and make sure your loved ones get tested EARLY! Get genetic testing. My amazing Danae turns 37 is a few weeks. Diagnosed at 32 the pain and sorrow she has been through, is just not fair.
Organizer
Rick Callahan
Organizer
Lompoc, CA