Annie's Cancer Treatment & After Life Services

Our Annie “Bananie” was diagnosed with Vulvar Cancer - Stage IV B.


This life altering journey began in mid-late December. She noticed changes to her skin for some time, but like most women of a certain age, she took it as a post-menopausal norm. It wasn’t until the scary incident of substantially bleeding at work that we knew something more serious was happening.

The more we read about women going undiagnosed/misdiagnosed with this form of cancer, the more grateful we are for how she was treated from the get go. The initial gynecologist didn’t hesitate to take skin cultures and, after abnormal cells showed up, proceed with a punch biopsy.

All came back positive.

We were immediately referred to Baystate Medical’s Gynecologic Oncologist, Dr. West—another professional who knew how serious this is. Whether at stage I or stage IV, this area is highly painful, sensitive, and in close proximity to vital organs. We kept our fingers crossed that the cancer had not spread, but as soon as the PET scan and subsequent internal biopsy results came back, we found out it had. Stage IV B. After a teary conversation with Dr. West, we just had to move forward. The cancer spread to a tumor, as well as lymph nodes in the groin. Surgery wasn’t a viable option, so we had to prepare for a very aggressive treatment schedule...

Radiation every day, Monday - Friday. Chemotherapy every Thursday... And here we are. We are just going on three weeks in, and to say each day feels like a month, is an understatement. Just when she feels she can withstand a treatment, the pain and the results of radiation rear their ugly heads.

We know this immediate treatment schedule, but to think of the results beyond this is too much. The toll this takes on one’s body, as well as the after care, is another mountain we’re not ready to climb, but we will as we take things one day at a time.

They say the survival rate for 5 years is 53%. Even if it dips a little lower, may the odds be ever in our favor!

As most everyone knows, the crazy expenses that build are incredibly daunting and can make peaceful healing more difficult. Anyone that knows Annie knows what a hard worker she is. Until this diagnosis she was working full time, six days a week. It had to wane more and more, and now nothing. She can’t move well. The pain and inflammation has made it nearly impossible to be on her feet for more than the trips to and from treatment. And her compromised immune system can’t be out among the masses... Aside from that, the travel, medication, co-pays, ongoing medical expenses, home care, and projected expenses of after care have built quickly. Any help or support is beyond greatly appreciated. It will never go unnoticed and will be paid forward in some way.

Our hearts go out to everyone who has been touched in any way by this scary, elusive, travelling nightmare. It’s not a group any person wants to be part of, but when you join you’re so grateful to not be the only member. XO.



Love,

Annie, Family & Friends