Amanda’s Helping Hands
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Amanda. I live in lowa with my awesome daughter Nora. We were getting excited for all the upcoming holidays and being able to see relatives, when I was told that there is cancer in my breasts. This news did change some of our plans but we were still able to celebrate them together. My family is out of state, but try to help in whatever ways they can. I have a great support system through them, however I could still use some financial help.
The doctors told me that I have invasive ductal carcinoma. It is ER/PR+ HER2-. The oncotype test they ran on the first tumor biopsy came back high risk for reoccurrence w/in 5 years and possible metastatic cancer. I am on hormone treatments until my surgery date to try and shrink the tumors and stop them from growing more. I will continue those treatments for years. When I was first told that they will be blocking and flushing all estrogen from my system I was curious how this could be possible and still be good for a patient. Well it is possible, with me, through injections and pills and as for being good. It’s not! At all. The side effects of having no estrogen/progesterone are awful alone, I cannot imagine adding chemo to this.
I will be having a bilateral mastectomy on February 10th and then will start chemotherapy. What kind, and the amount of days per week I don’t know yet. I do know that if I didn’t opt to have the surgery first, they were going to give me the most aggressive type of chemotherapy. Apparently one of these drugs is very hard on a patient’s heart, so they are trying to spare me that cocktail if they can. Who knows…I may still need it. The oncologist is also recommending that I have a total hysterectomy after chemo. I am praying that I did not pass any of this on to my daughter. At the very least, we know what to watch for if I did pass it on. There is no history of breast cancer in my family so this came as a complete surprise after my first mammogram. No signs or symptoms, just a routine exam.
I'm hoping to raise $12,000 to help with medical and living expenses while I'm battling cancer. If you have taken the time to read this, I am so thankful for your time. Would you consider sharing it on social media please? If you are able to help financially, please know that I thank you from the bottom of my heart and feel forever blessed.
Organizer
Amanda Newman
Organizer
Cedar Falls, IA