Help Andrea Walker Finch Battle Brain Cancer

4/28/25 Update from Andrea on her Cancer Journey:

"I want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who has donated, shared, or reached out with love and encouragement. Your generosity has made such a real difference—because of you, I’ve been able to keep up with my bills and maintain some sense of normalcy for the girls. That kind of stability, in the middle of so much uncertainty, is something I’m deeply grateful for.

If you’re able to contribute or share my GoFundMe, (https://gofund.me/61212098), I would be so grateful. Every donation truly helps—whether it’s covering a medical bill, keeping food on the table, or simply giving me the peace of mind to rest and focus on getting better.

Thank you again for walking this road with me. Your support—financial, emotional, and spiritual—means more than I can ever express.

The good news is that I’m starting to have time in between chemo treatments of feeling okay/pretty good. Also the side effects are getting milder each time so far. I’m doing my best to stay hopeful & focused on healing… I have been able to attend a few family/friend parties on days I’m feeling good. My plan is to get back to work on the weeks in between chemo treatments (after the side effects pass)…

With Love and Gratitude,

Andrea

Here is a detailed update for those of you who would like to know:

**Chemo started on 2/14 (Mom & Dad joined me)- side effects started on day 1 & lasted for 2+weeks. Side effects were nausea, extreme acid reflux, constipation(for 2 weeks), dizziness, bad taste in my mouth, little to no appetite, dehydrated, lethargic, eye strain, vomiting, gas, dry flaky skin, hair loss(coming out in clumps), muscles clenching (tightening up & I have to consciously relax), fatigue…

**Radiation was the following week 2/19-2/21 on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday- I was feeling so sick from chemo, but pushed through. Side effects were vomiting after each car ride, & more hair loss in radiation area around my scar…

**2nd chemo on 3/7(Holly joined me)- Side effects started 2-3 days after & lasted about 7-8 days. Side effects were extreme heartburn(acid reflux), little to no appetite, bad taste, fatigue & eye strain…

**3rd chemo on 3/28(Jamie O joined me)- Side effects started 3-4 days later & lasted about 6 days. Side effects were acid reflux(not as bad), foamy saliva/bad taste, lethargic, little to no appetite, muscles tensing up

**4/4 Shaved my head! I had my sister Kerry do it for me. My hair was getting so thin so it was time .

**4/6 I started having pain in my ribcage area while taking deep breaths. My dad took me to the ER & they found a blood clot in my right lung & a small one on the left too . I was immediately put on blood thinners & will probably be on them indefinitely. I had my 1st ever ambulance ride to the hospital in Aurora where they have pulmonary specialists! They kept me overnight monitoring my super low blood pressure & low oxygen level, but ultimately decided not to do a procedure to remove the blood clot. My heart was not affected or stressed from the blood clots. I started feeling better a few days later (just in time for a visit from the entire McClung crew including my 2 great nieces & 2 great nephews ).

**4/9 I got a massage that was gifted to me from Mike S. It helped ALOT with my issue with muscle tension!

**4th chemo on 4/18- (James joined me as he was in town for a visit ). Side effects kicked in about 4 days later & lasted about 3-4 days. Mostly fatigue, small & bland appetite, constipation, mild acid reflux, & bad taste in my mouth/foamy saliva"

2/13/25 Update on Andrea’s Cancer Journey

We know many of you have been waiting for an update, and we wanted to share where things stand now that Andrea has a treatment plan in place with her oncologist and radiologist.

Her official diagnosis is breast cancer with brain metastasis. Next week, she will begin brain radiation (SRS), which consists of three high-dose treatments in one week. Tomorrow, on Valentine’s Day, she will also start Enhertu—a combination of low-dose chemotherapy and targeted HER2 antibody therapy. This involves IV infusions every three weeks for a year. While the side effects are expected to be milder than her previous chemo and radiation in 2018-2019, her oncologist has advised her not to work for now. His focus is on her treatments, light exercise, brain exercise, minimizing stress, and prioritizing her health. Your donations are helping her to pay her bills and maintain a sense of normalcy, as much as possible, for her kiddos.

Despite everything, Andrea remains her incredible, resilient self. Our family recently gathered to celebrate Rae’s 15th birthday, and she has been cherishing time spent with loved ones. She wanted to share a few recent photos, including one of her healing scar—a testament to her strength and courage.

From the bottom of our hearts, we are beyond grateful for the love and support from all of you. Every donation, prayer, message, meal, visit, and kind word means the world to Andrea and our family. This journey is not easy, but knowing she has such an incredible support system lifts her up every single day. Thank you for standing with her, and us. We feel you, and we appreciate every one of you!

With love,

Amy, Holly, Kerry, Alan, Betsy, Darian, Rae, and Sophia

1/25/25 Support Andrea Walker Finch in Her Battle Against Brain Cancer

In 2018, our sister, daughter, and mom, Andrea Walker Finch, showed us all what resilience looks like when she bravely fought and beat breast cancer. Now, just a few years later, she faces an even greater fight: brain cancer. (For anyone wanting additional details on her recent diagnosis please see her 1/13/25 Facebook post.)

As her sisters, Amy, Holly, and Kerry, her parents, Alan and Betsy, and her three kids, Darian, Rae (Lilli), and Sophia, we are rallying around the woman who has always given so much of herself to others.

Despite everything, Andrea continues to radiate strength, love, and positivity. Now, she needs us all more than ever.

Currently, we are awaiting further imaging results, but we know the road ahead will involve aggressive treatments including brain radiation, as well as ongoing Physical Therapy. As a self-employed single mom, Andrea is facing unimaginable challenges while trying to provide stability for Rae and Sophia, who are now teenagers.

This GoFundMe is to help ease her financial burden so she can focus on her health and her family. The funds will go directly toward:

-Living expenses like rent, utilities, and groceries.

-Medical expenses and therapies not covered by insurance.

-Transportation (Uber/Lyft when family is unable to drive her, as her driving will be very limited, if at all).

-Support for Rae and Sophia’s needs during this difficult time (sports and school activities, etc).

Andrea has faced life’s hardest battles with courage, a smile on her face, and a heart full of love. She has touched so many lives with her warmth, and her kind heart. Now, it’s our turn to give back to the woman who has given so much to everyone around her.

Every donation, every share, each moment spent sending loving energy for her means the world to us and helps provide Andrea with the support she needs to fight this battle.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

With Love and Gratitude,

Amy & Jim, Holly, Kerry, Alan & Betsy, Darian, Rae, and Sophia