Breast Cancer Patient faces homelessness.

Nothing is easy, and asking for help is as difficult as hearing my breast cancer diagnosis. My mammogram on August 14th, 2019, showed a large mass in my right breast and a few concerning lymph nodes. The biopsies showed grade 2 infiltrating lobular carcinoma. The initial treatment consisted of Letrozole to reduce the tumor size enough to have it surgically removed. On July 14th, 2020, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy. The follow-up included radiation and a combination of Ibrance and Faslodex. It was an incredibly lonely time as I am a single woman with limited family resources. Covid kept my support group from visiting. My ability to return to work was impossible due to side effects and my vulnerable immune system. I suffered bone pain, fatigue and skin toxicity. After I was given hope that the treatments were working, a lump appeared in my neck. Another biopsy showed the return of the same cancer as possible metastasis. I was fitted with a mold of my head and neck which bolted me down to a table where I underwent 37 additional radiation treatments.

This past May introduced greater challenges, challenges that I never expected to be faced with in my lifetime. I was having tremendous pain in my hip and spine. My Physician's Assistant sent me to physical therapy before any imaging was done. The pain became intolerable and I was forced to walk with a cane. I continued to work. My wonderful colleagues noticed my struggles with mobility and assisted me every way they could. One night in April I drove myself to the ER. I could barely get out of my car and was admitted shortly after arrival. Finally the appropriate tests were performed. The MRI showed a tumor in my spine, a fractured hip and the breast cancer had spread to my bones. Pain control was the hospital's first concern. After I was released I immediately underwent palliative radiation and my oncologist started me on Enhertu. Unfortunately after seven infusions and multiple side effects, it simply wasn't working as expected. Biomarker tests have been ordered and I'm waiting for insurance to approve a PET scan.

I don't have an extravagant bucket list to tick off. My immediate needs have overshadowed any wants. Continuing to have a place to live has become my primary concern. I just want to hang on a bit longer. There have been many breakthroughs in cancer research but the treatments are rarely one size fits all. I remain cautiously hopeful that the right combination of drugs will slow my cancer and allow me the dignity and opportunity to regain my independence even if for a short while. Any help that you can offer would be greatly appreciated. My financial needs are urgent but sharing my story and words of encouragement are also of great value. Thank-you in advance for your kind consideration.

With gratitude,

Lisa