Aid Renee's Fight: Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

Hello, my name is Renee Griffin, and I am reaching out to you with a heavy heart and a hopeful spirit. I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, and I need your support to help me through this challenging time. This journey has been unexpected and overwhelming, but I am determined to face it with courage and resilience.

On August 7th, 2024, for the second time in my life, I found a small lump in my breast and knew instantly that something was very wrong. In January of 2017, I was diagnosed with breast cancer of the right breast. I went through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation at that time. I kicked cancer out of my life, thinking for good after I hit the five-year mark of being cancer-free. Then, I had the same odds as anyone else of being diagnosed with cancer, as my genetic test came back that I am not genetically disposed for cancer. I received the life-altering news that I now have breast cancer in the left breast this past August. This new diagnosis has turned my world upside down, but I am determined to fight with everything I have once again.

My diagnosis is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Triple Negative. The Triple Negative is the worst part of the diagnosis. The cancer will not respond to hormone-based treatment, as it is negative for all three hormone receptors. That means that the only thing that the cancer will respond to is the harshest of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. As I write this, I just finished up four cycles of dose-dense Adriamycin + Cyclophosphamide (A/C) and eight cycles of paclitaxel. Individuals can only have so much A/C given to them in a lifetime. Having this treatment before placed me in an awful position. After my second cycle of A/C, I hit the recommended lifetime amount and needed two more to complete my treatment goal. My local oncologist sent me to Chapel Hill for a second opinion before I started my treatment plan, as he had never had a patient with a second completely separate diagnosis of triple negative. After everyone in my care team and I agreed, I decided to go ahead with the treatment plan, for my best possible outcome.

The journey ahead is daunting. As you read above, this past Thursday I completed 12 cycles of chemotherapy, which was the first step of three in my treatment plan. By the grace of God, sheer stubbornness, and the amazing support of my family, friends, and co-workers, (as well as a lot of self-directed humor), I have worked throughout treatment so far. I still need to undergo surgery, and 32 rounds of daily (every day but Sunday) radiation, which will also come with significant medical expenses. Despite having insurance, the out-of-pocket costs are already overwhelming. Next, I will need to travel to Chapel Hill, as my surgery will be very complicated. Having to go out of town for the next step, as well as discussing with my care team about possibly having my radiation done at Chapel Hill due to lymph node involvement, adds another layer to the financial burden my diagnosis has caused. These include medical bills, travel expenses for surgery, and the upcoming loss of income due to my inability to work during this next step, possibly two. Even with making payments, today when I logged into MyChart my balance showed $3,472.52 owed, and with the beginning of the new year, my $2,000 deductible has started again. I am unsure how to estimate my upcoming expenses, but I will update here as I learn more. I have not decided on a lumpectomy or double mastectomy, or if I will do in-town radiation and attempt to work while being treated. My first goal was just to get through chemotherapy. My mammogram is tomorrow to see how the cancer has responded to chemo. I meet with the local surgeon on February 3rd. She will go over my response to the chemo and the next steps I need to consider. I cannot make the appointment with Chapel Hill until my care team knows my response to chemo.

The emotional toll of this diagnosis is immense. The physical side effects of treatment, such as fatigue, nausea, and hair loss, are challenging to endure. Additionally, the uncertainty of the future weighs heavily on my mind. However, I am committed to staying positive and focusing on my recovery.

I am humbly asking for your support to help cover these expenses. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a tremendous difference in my fight against cancer. Your support will enable me to access the best possible care and treatments in Chapel Hill. It will also help cover the costs of essential out-of-town medical appointments, surgery, and other necessary expenses that come with out-of-town care. By easing the financial strain, I can focus on what truly matters: healing and spending time with my loved ones.

I am incredibly grateful for any support you can provide. Whether it’s a donation, sharing my story, or keeping me in your thoughts and prayers, every bit of kindness means the world to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of my journey and for helping me fight this battle.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has already reached out with words of encouragement and support. Your kindness has been a beacon of light during this dark time. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful community rallying behind me.

With love and gratitude,

Renee.

“She believed she could, so she did.” ~ R.S. Grey