Brenda’s stroke recovery and battle with cancer

In October 2022, Brenda was diagnosed with clear cell carcinoma, an aggressive rare form of cancer in her ovaries and uterus. Following a total hysterectomy and 18 weeks of chemotherapy, she finished her treatments in April, eager to get back to her life. Brenda would only have seven months to enjoy her life until it was again overtaken by illness.

In September 2023, Brenda found herself in Abington Hospital for 3 weeks. Extensive tests revealed a pulmonary embolism and a cancer recurrence in her omentum. After receiving an IVF filter to control her blood clots, Brenda, ready for discharge, suffered a stroke affecting her speech, swallowing, and left arm and leg mobility.

She was eventually discharged to Moss Rehab to begin therapy, where she started to relearn how to walk, talk, and take care of herself again. Ready for discharge, she found herself back in Abington Hospital for another 3 weeks due to her stomach filling with fluid, a symptom of her cancer.

Brenda underwent a paracentesis three times, switched to a second blood thinner, and suffered a second stroke leaving her completely immobile on her left side. In a final attempt to control her blood clotting, she switched to a third blood thinner and underwent a blood transfusion all while under palliative care.

Discharged back to Moss Rehab, therapy this time was much different. Brenda didn’t focus on her independence, but instead focused on standing, pivoting, and getting dressed. Cut short due to the urgency to begin cancer treatments, she returned home on December 6th.

Brenda, recovering from her strokes and adjusting to a life where she relies on others for everything, now faces a tougher battle–her second fight against cancer. Her treatment plan involves a combination of immunotherapy with a warning that it is more than likely she will receive treatments, along with a paracentesis, for the rest of her life.

Another part of the challenge is the financial burden she now faces. A two-month hospital/rehab stay, home modifications, accessible equipment, medications, and immunotherapy that’s not covered by insurance have accumulated significant expenses. As the insurance holder, Brenda’s loss of her job forced her husband back to full-time work.

Known for supporting others during their own illnesses, Brenda now finds herself in need of the same support. Brenda is facing a lifelong battle which support is invaluable, we are thankful for the incredible

community surrounding her and hope to share positive updates soon.