Love for Lisa

Hello-

My name is Lauren Hester. Lisa Yike, my dear friend, and coworker has given me permission to share her journey and to create a fundraiser on her behalf. My hope in doing so is to help Lisa and her husband Bill with the financial burden that comes along with a cancer diagnosis. Lisa is a blessing to all who know her. Many people have asked how they can help, your contributions to her GoFundMe account will help to relieve some pressure. More importantly, I ask you to be in prayer for Lisa and Bill as they walk thru this difficult time in their lives. Thank you for your support!

Lisa's journey in her own words.......

In December 2021, I went to the doc about a lump in my left armpit. This lump was removed January 2023. Diagnosis: Metastatic cancer, specifically "high grade neuroendocrine tumor", treatable but no cure. CT scans showed 3 more spots in my left breast, 2 spots on the spine and a spot in each hip bone. Started immunotherapy and chemo infusion every 3 weeks. I lost all my hair, but all the spots were microscopic per my next CT scans. After a while, we switched to immunotherapy only, hoping to keep additional tumors at bay. Next CT scan showed new growth in the left armpit. Doc changed chemo drugs twice trying to shrink this new tumor. Unfortunately, nothing has halted it's growth so far and I lost my hair again. Most recently, I went thru a 5 day radiation treatment and started my 4th chemo drug. Between all the surgery, chemo, and radiation, the lymph nodes on my left side do not function properly, resulting in lymphedema on my left side. I am now getting a lymphatic massage on my left side and my arm and leg wrapped 3 times a week to keep the swelling down. I will need to be fitted for custom compression garments and will wear them indefinitely. It's been a long road this past year, low hemoglobin twice, blood infusions, and low white blood count. Lots of strange side effects from chemo, wearing a pump home and having to de-access my port myself. Once this tumor shows additional growth of 10 mm or a new growth presents then I will join a clinical trial at Emory.

I've met the most wonderful folks during this journey. I'm not sure where I would be without all the prayers and well wishes of my family and friends and even friends of friends. God is my rock and my salvation. I pray that my trial will be a light to someone in need. Love and blessings to all.

Lisa