Help Lexi's journey with cancer
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Let's support Lexi during her cancer journey!
LEXI
My dear friend Lexi is a vibrant, brilliant, 36-year-old. Lexi is curious and fearless, made evident by her past adventures: From yoga training and teaching in India, Cambodia, and Indonesia, to motorbiking across Vietnam, to backpacking solo through Mexico, Lexi lives her life with zeal. Her most recent adventures include solo-parenting her nearly 3-year-old son Bodhi and starting a new chapter in the PNW. She works incredibly hard to juggle her full-time, remote work with caring for Bodhi on her own.
LEXI'S CANCER
In early 2021, Lexi was diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma (stomach cancer). Lexi had visited a doctor for unrelated symptoms, but an endoscopy revealed unexpected inflammation. Lexi's doctor was confident that it was nothing, but was particularly thorough and biopsied the tissue, which returned the cancer diagnosis. A battery of subsequent tests (ultrasounds, PET scans, CT scans, extensive blood work) came back normal, but Lexi's surgeon decided to operate to get to the heart of the matter. The doctor found a malignant tumor, which she was able to remove in its entirety.
Lexi feels incredibly lucky in how all of this has transpired. She's otherwise healthy, never had any symptoms, and her cancer would have gone undetected if it weren't for her superb care team. Lexi's doctor reaffirmed her luck: She stated that if Lexi had done the initial endoscopy a few months earlier, the tumor would have gone unnoticed, but if she'd waited until symptoms presented, she would likely have reached Stage 3 or 4 cancer.
LEXI'S TREATMENT
Lexi's cancer has baffled her doctors and her prognosis is unclear. Stomach cancer is stealthy, and the root cause is still unknown. Lexi will continue to have frequent endoscopies and other scans to monitor growth of any new tumors and any other abnormalities. If the cancer returns, she may be faced with difficult treatment decisions, including chemo, radiation, and/or having her stomach removed.
Lexi is very determined to understand the cause of her cancer to help prevent recurrence. All tests for genetic mutations have come back negative, as have tests for all known bacterial or viral causes of this type of cancer. In addition to her allopathic care team, she is working with a naturopathic oncologist and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner who specializes in cancer to search for the root causes, as well as focusing care on her immune system to ensure it (and she) is in fighting shape.
LEXI'S NEED
Lexi is fortunate to have good health insurance, but her co-pays are high and some of her care is not covered. She is just beginning to receive bills and Explanation of Benefits letters so her burden of cost is still unfolding. So far, her medical expenses are more than she's able to cover. Lexi has already had to take considerable time off work for treatment and that need will continue. She is taking a leave of absence from work to best take care of herself and Bodhi, but her short term disability insurance only pays a portion of her salary. As the sole parent and earner, she cannot afford to cover her living expenses (rent, food, preschool fees, etc.) plus medical expenses without her full salary.
LEXI'S GRATITUDE
From Lexi: "The tremendous flood of support from my community has been incredible (and overwhelming for someone who has a hard time accepting help from others *points to self*). All this inbound love has me feeling cared for and held during a time of so many unknowns--something I cherish with my entire being. My feelings over the past few months have been ever-changing and regularly conflicting, but what has remained is hope. My goal is to take it all in stride and remain open to the growth and messages being sent my way.
I know times are difficult for so many folks right now and I recognize the many, many privileges that I have been granted in this life. Whether or not you're in a position to contribute, I send you my deepest gratitude and infinite love. "
Let's help Lexi and Bodhi get through this challenging time. Please donate whatever you can and share the fundraiser with your network. We are deeply grateful for your love and support!
Wishes of good health to all,
- Caty, Lexi's friend
LEXI
My dear friend Lexi is a vibrant, brilliant, 36-year-old. Lexi is curious and fearless, made evident by her past adventures: From yoga training and teaching in India, Cambodia, and Indonesia, to motorbiking across Vietnam, to backpacking solo through Mexico, Lexi lives her life with zeal. Her most recent adventures include solo-parenting her nearly 3-year-old son Bodhi and starting a new chapter in the PNW. She works incredibly hard to juggle her full-time, remote work with caring for Bodhi on her own.
LEXI'S CANCER
In early 2021, Lexi was diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma (stomach cancer). Lexi had visited a doctor for unrelated symptoms, but an endoscopy revealed unexpected inflammation. Lexi's doctor was confident that it was nothing, but was particularly thorough and biopsied the tissue, which returned the cancer diagnosis. A battery of subsequent tests (ultrasounds, PET scans, CT scans, extensive blood work) came back normal, but Lexi's surgeon decided to operate to get to the heart of the matter. The doctor found a malignant tumor, which she was able to remove in its entirety.
Lexi feels incredibly lucky in how all of this has transpired. She's otherwise healthy, never had any symptoms, and her cancer would have gone undetected if it weren't for her superb care team. Lexi's doctor reaffirmed her luck: She stated that if Lexi had done the initial endoscopy a few months earlier, the tumor would have gone unnoticed, but if she'd waited until symptoms presented, she would likely have reached Stage 3 or 4 cancer.
LEXI'S TREATMENT
Lexi's cancer has baffled her doctors and her prognosis is unclear. Stomach cancer is stealthy, and the root cause is still unknown. Lexi will continue to have frequent endoscopies and other scans to monitor growth of any new tumors and any other abnormalities. If the cancer returns, she may be faced with difficult treatment decisions, including chemo, radiation, and/or having her stomach removed.
Lexi is very determined to understand the cause of her cancer to help prevent recurrence. All tests for genetic mutations have come back negative, as have tests for all known bacterial or viral causes of this type of cancer. In addition to her allopathic care team, she is working with a naturopathic oncologist and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner who specializes in cancer to search for the root causes, as well as focusing care on her immune system to ensure it (and she) is in fighting shape.
LEXI'S NEED
Lexi is fortunate to have good health insurance, but her co-pays are high and some of her care is not covered. She is just beginning to receive bills and Explanation of Benefits letters so her burden of cost is still unfolding. So far, her medical expenses are more than she's able to cover. Lexi has already had to take considerable time off work for treatment and that need will continue. She is taking a leave of absence from work to best take care of herself and Bodhi, but her short term disability insurance only pays a portion of her salary. As the sole parent and earner, she cannot afford to cover her living expenses (rent, food, preschool fees, etc.) plus medical expenses without her full salary.
LEXI'S GRATITUDE
From Lexi: "The tremendous flood of support from my community has been incredible (and overwhelming for someone who has a hard time accepting help from others *points to self*). All this inbound love has me feeling cared for and held during a time of so many unknowns--something I cherish with my entire being. My feelings over the past few months have been ever-changing and regularly conflicting, but what has remained is hope. My goal is to take it all in stride and remain open to the growth and messages being sent my way.
I know times are difficult for so many folks right now and I recognize the many, many privileges that I have been granted in this life. Whether or not you're in a position to contribute, I send you my deepest gratitude and infinite love. "
Let's help Lexi and Bodhi get through this challenging time. Please donate whatever you can and share the fundraiser with your network. We are deeply grateful for your love and support!
Wishes of good health to all,
- Caty, Lexi's friend
Organizer and beneficiary
Caty McKenna
Organizer
San Anselmo, CA
Lexi Lambert
Beneficiary