Help Brie Conquer Cancer!✊
Donation protected
Hi, I’m fundraising for my dear friend, Brie Romano, who has been battling breast cancer.
With cancer comes a lot of stress: not only physical/mental stressors, but significant financial pressures. My goal is to help relieve the financial pressures from appointments and other treatments, so Brie can just focus on being the warrior she is, to conquer her cancer through chemo, other treatments, and surgeries.
I asked Brie to share her story, and provide us with updates (see below):
“So, most of you know, but some may not... I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2021.
I felt "something" in my left breast before the wedding, however, I didn't pay it much attention as my full attention was on planning the wedding. After the wedding I reached out to my PCP and had her take a look so she ordered an ultrasound of my left breast. This is where my journey began. Unfortunately, something rare happened so it went from being "easy" to a nightmare very quickly.
After the ultrasound, a mammogram, and a biopsy they informed me that "this was the real deal." I was shocked, being that I have no family history and am young (in regard to breast cancer... haha! One of the benefits to breast cancer is that I haven't been called "young" recently until this happened). I was originally diagnosed with E+, P+, HER2- invasive ductal carcinoma. This means it was a less aggressive cancer and could most likely be treated with a double mastectomy (my choice) and hormone suppressive medication... no biggie! I underwent DMX on 1/27/22 and recovered nicely. They took out my implants and put in something called expanders with about 100cc of saline since a double mastectomy (DMX) is very traumatic to the skin of the breasts. Over the next couple months they would fill the expanders slowly as I healed until I was ready for the new permanent implants. My reconstruction was performed 6/21/22. I was beyond happy with the result thinking "wow! This has been fairly easy! Two surgeries, daily medication, and back to normal life!".... well, the Universe apparently had a different agenda.
About two weeks after the reconstruction I felt a tiny mass just under where the original was... F%#K!!! Everyone asks, "if you had a mastectomy how did it come back in the same area?"... well, they DO tell you that there is always a chance it can come back in the breast after mastectomy because they leave the tiniest bit of tissue to give blood supply to the skin. Lucky me! Since there was such minimal tissue with a brand new implant just underneath this new mass had to be biopsied by lumpectomy (surgery to remove the lump and look at it under a microscope). This was done 8/12/22. When I went to my visit and I anticipated two outcomes: 1) it was nothing - unlikely or 2) the cancer had come back.... I never considered a third option... the cancer coming back WORSE. I was now diagnosed with triple + breast cancer meaning the HER- had turned into HER2+ (a more aggressive cancer). I was somewhere between in shock and devastation.... I just sat there silent trying not to cry in front of the doctor.... I waited until I got to the car.... ugh!
This part gets a little complicated, so I'll shorten the story a bit. I went back to my oncologist who said I would now need chemotherapy and radiation. In the visit it felt robotic and very uncompassionate. Now I'm not saying I need someone to coddle me and hold my hand, but let's just say she did not deliver the news well. She left the visit abruptly for us to be informed "we were done and could leave".... excuse me?
So, needless to say I sought out another oncologist recommended by my employer. She was exactly what I was hoping for. Informative, compassionate, and blunt. She informed me that since my cancer was still localized to my left breast I could do a more mild regimen of chemotherapy, followed by surgery, and then radiation. My current regimen consists of 1 chemotherapy drug (Taxol) given by infusion every week x 12 weeks along with Herceptin which is a medication that attacks the HER2 receptor (since it is now +). I started chemotherapy on 10/27/22. I have to say so far so good! I am drinking a gallon of water a day and trying to do everything by the books....mostly! One WhiteClaw never killed anyone, right? I'm kidding... kind of! ;) They say symptoms are cumulative meaning they will worsen as treatment goes, however, I am taking advantage of feeling good for now!
As we all know, hair loss is a concern for everyone going through chemotherapy. It is an inevitable part of the process. There IS some hope though. A neighbor of mine mentioned that a friend of hers recently went through chemo and did something called "cold capping" to try to preserve her hair. I did my research and my oncologist also mentioned it at my appointment. I am the first person to do it at my infusion center. For those who have never heard of it, like myself and I imagine most people unless you've been through chemo I'll give you a little information. There are essentially two different types (manual and automatic/machine-run) and only a handful of providers. I am fortunate that my facility decided to provide an automatic version called Paxman. The manual versions consist of buying/bringing 150lbs of dry ice in a cooler and having someone change your cap for you every 25min during your 4 hour treatment... no thank you! My capping system (Paxman) originated in the UK and is actually offered as a part of their treatment there (lucky them!). In the US we have to pay thousands of dollars to use this technology, but if there is any chance to save my hair you bet your @$$ I was going to make it happen. Insurance does not cover this service currently, although it should and might possibly in the future, just not yet.
To explain it briefly, it is a cap you put on during treatment that runs antifreeze through it at 20 degrees during your treatment to keep the scalp cold in hopes to push the chemo away from the hair follicles. It is worn for 30min before treatment and an hour after so 4ish hours in total. It is not the most comfortable thing in the world, but very tolerable and worth every penny and brain freeze on the planet if I can keep 50-80% of my hair. I have purchased and been gifted bandanas and all kinds of "headwear" in the event I get bald spots, however, any hair I can keep is a blessing. I can only wash my hair once or twice a week at most and I'm on a strict regimen of no styling or blow drying. "Washing" consists of patting shampoo onto my roots and rinsing with cold/warm water... no scrubbing (we take this for granted... haha!). My scalp is so itchy, but I'm hoping it gets acclimated and calms down!
Oddly, I had the pleasure of meeting the inventor of this cap, Claire Paxman (from the UK... this is why it is offered as a part of treatment there). She had a seminar in Miami last Saturday and just HAPPENED to come by my infusion center during my second treatment since we are brand new to using the Paxman cold cap system and I am the first one to use it, as mentioned before. She was so humble, compassionate, and pleasant! I asked her to sign my Paxman case and she responded with "Oh my! I've never been asked this... what should I write?" .... thank you, IV Benadryl for this brilliant idea.. haha! (Pictures below) Selfishly, I hope I end up being an awesome example of how well it works!!! Wish me luck! They say your first "big shed" happens between days 14-21 (your first big hair loss from chemo)....hoping to prove that wrong!
I also had a port placed on 11/4/22 (a tiny contraption placed in the chest that blood can be drawn from). I had to do IV infusions for my first 2 treatments, but I am done being a pin cushion... yay!! Best decision I've made with convincing from my "pink sisters."
I am going to post pictures here and keep this updated with new pictures as things progress. I just want to thank all my friends and family that have been so supportive thus far!! Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope my journey is over before I know it and also informative!! If you know anyone going through this that needs a support system or is just starting their journey PLEASE have them reach out to me! Finding support groups and two women in particular I communicate with almost daily has been a life saver for me! <3
For anyone that has been through cancer you know how difficult it can be on a person not only emotionally and physically, but financially as well! We are not asking for much, but anything helps! Luckily I am still able to work during this process, but one less thing to worry about is nice! I love you all so much and everything everyone has done so far!! Calls, texts, blankets, headbands, silk pillow cases, hair care products, self care products, neck pillows, cards, flowers, socks, coloring books, markers, journals, etc.... it all means the world to me and I couldn't be more blessed to be surrounded by such an amazing group of people!! xoxo
Special shout out to Becky Crockett and Roxy Hannah for making this GoFundMe!! You ladies are rock stars and much appreciated!
PS. Jim says he will shave his head in solidarity if I lose my hair! LOL Cheri Olive also.... let's just hope no one has to shave anything they don't want to!
LFG!!!!!!! #FUCKCANCER
We are making and selling shirts at request as a fundraiser for anyone who is interested! I will post a picture of the logo Jim made in this post and also make it my profile picture for anyone who is interested! Text or FB message myself or Jim if you want a shirt! I'm wearing the hoodie he made me in one of the pics! We can make anything... tank-top, shirt, hoodie, long sleeve, etc... just reach out!! :)
All my love,
Brie "Bebbs" Romano”
With cancer comes a lot of stress: not only physical/mental stressors, but significant financial pressures. My goal is to help relieve the financial pressures from appointments and other treatments, so Brie can just focus on being the warrior she is, to conquer her cancer through chemo, other treatments, and surgeries.
I asked Brie to share her story, and provide us with updates (see below):
“So, most of you know, but some may not... I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2021.
I felt "something" in my left breast before the wedding, however, I didn't pay it much attention as my full attention was on planning the wedding. After the wedding I reached out to my PCP and had her take a look so she ordered an ultrasound of my left breast. This is where my journey began. Unfortunately, something rare happened so it went from being "easy" to a nightmare very quickly.
After the ultrasound, a mammogram, and a biopsy they informed me that "this was the real deal." I was shocked, being that I have no family history and am young (in regard to breast cancer... haha! One of the benefits to breast cancer is that I haven't been called "young" recently until this happened). I was originally diagnosed with E+, P+, HER2- invasive ductal carcinoma. This means it was a less aggressive cancer and could most likely be treated with a double mastectomy (my choice) and hormone suppressive medication... no biggie! I underwent DMX on 1/27/22 and recovered nicely. They took out my implants and put in something called expanders with about 100cc of saline since a double mastectomy (DMX) is very traumatic to the skin of the breasts. Over the next couple months they would fill the expanders slowly as I healed until I was ready for the new permanent implants. My reconstruction was performed 6/21/22. I was beyond happy with the result thinking "wow! This has been fairly easy! Two surgeries, daily medication, and back to normal life!".... well, the Universe apparently had a different agenda.
About two weeks after the reconstruction I felt a tiny mass just under where the original was... F%#K!!! Everyone asks, "if you had a mastectomy how did it come back in the same area?"... well, they DO tell you that there is always a chance it can come back in the breast after mastectomy because they leave the tiniest bit of tissue to give blood supply to the skin. Lucky me! Since there was such minimal tissue with a brand new implant just underneath this new mass had to be biopsied by lumpectomy (surgery to remove the lump and look at it under a microscope). This was done 8/12/22. When I went to my visit and I anticipated two outcomes: 1) it was nothing - unlikely or 2) the cancer had come back.... I never considered a third option... the cancer coming back WORSE. I was now diagnosed with triple + breast cancer meaning the HER- had turned into HER2+ (a more aggressive cancer). I was somewhere between in shock and devastation.... I just sat there silent trying not to cry in front of the doctor.... I waited until I got to the car.... ugh!
This part gets a little complicated, so I'll shorten the story a bit. I went back to my oncologist who said I would now need chemotherapy and radiation. In the visit it felt robotic and very uncompassionate. Now I'm not saying I need someone to coddle me and hold my hand, but let's just say she did not deliver the news well. She left the visit abruptly for us to be informed "we were done and could leave".... excuse me?
So, needless to say I sought out another oncologist recommended by my employer. She was exactly what I was hoping for. Informative, compassionate, and blunt. She informed me that since my cancer was still localized to my left breast I could do a more mild regimen of chemotherapy, followed by surgery, and then radiation. My current regimen consists of 1 chemotherapy drug (Taxol) given by infusion every week x 12 weeks along with Herceptin which is a medication that attacks the HER2 receptor (since it is now +). I started chemotherapy on 10/27/22. I have to say so far so good! I am drinking a gallon of water a day and trying to do everything by the books....mostly! One WhiteClaw never killed anyone, right? I'm kidding... kind of! ;) They say symptoms are cumulative meaning they will worsen as treatment goes, however, I am taking advantage of feeling good for now!
As we all know, hair loss is a concern for everyone going through chemotherapy. It is an inevitable part of the process. There IS some hope though. A neighbor of mine mentioned that a friend of hers recently went through chemo and did something called "cold capping" to try to preserve her hair. I did my research and my oncologist also mentioned it at my appointment. I am the first person to do it at my infusion center. For those who have never heard of it, like myself and I imagine most people unless you've been through chemo I'll give you a little information. There are essentially two different types (manual and automatic/machine-run) and only a handful of providers. I am fortunate that my facility decided to provide an automatic version called Paxman. The manual versions consist of buying/bringing 150lbs of dry ice in a cooler and having someone change your cap for you every 25min during your 4 hour treatment... no thank you! My capping system (Paxman) originated in the UK and is actually offered as a part of their treatment there (lucky them!). In the US we have to pay thousands of dollars to use this technology, but if there is any chance to save my hair you bet your @$$ I was going to make it happen. Insurance does not cover this service currently, although it should and might possibly in the future, just not yet.
To explain it briefly, it is a cap you put on during treatment that runs antifreeze through it at 20 degrees during your treatment to keep the scalp cold in hopes to push the chemo away from the hair follicles. It is worn for 30min before treatment and an hour after so 4ish hours in total. It is not the most comfortable thing in the world, but very tolerable and worth every penny and brain freeze on the planet if I can keep 50-80% of my hair. I have purchased and been gifted bandanas and all kinds of "headwear" in the event I get bald spots, however, any hair I can keep is a blessing. I can only wash my hair once or twice a week at most and I'm on a strict regimen of no styling or blow drying. "Washing" consists of patting shampoo onto my roots and rinsing with cold/warm water... no scrubbing (we take this for granted... haha!). My scalp is so itchy, but I'm hoping it gets acclimated and calms down!
Oddly, I had the pleasure of meeting the inventor of this cap, Claire Paxman (from the UK... this is why it is offered as a part of treatment there). She had a seminar in Miami last Saturday and just HAPPENED to come by my infusion center during my second treatment since we are brand new to using the Paxman cold cap system and I am the first one to use it, as mentioned before. She was so humble, compassionate, and pleasant! I asked her to sign my Paxman case and she responded with "Oh my! I've never been asked this... what should I write?" .... thank you, IV Benadryl for this brilliant idea.. haha! (Pictures below) Selfishly, I hope I end up being an awesome example of how well it works!!! Wish me luck! They say your first "big shed" happens between days 14-21 (your first big hair loss from chemo)....hoping to prove that wrong!
I also had a port placed on 11/4/22 (a tiny contraption placed in the chest that blood can be drawn from). I had to do IV infusions for my first 2 treatments, but I am done being a pin cushion... yay!! Best decision I've made with convincing from my "pink sisters."
I am going to post pictures here and keep this updated with new pictures as things progress. I just want to thank all my friends and family that have been so supportive thus far!! Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope my journey is over before I know it and also informative!! If you know anyone going through this that needs a support system or is just starting their journey PLEASE have them reach out to me! Finding support groups and two women in particular I communicate with almost daily has been a life saver for me! <3
For anyone that has been through cancer you know how difficult it can be on a person not only emotionally and physically, but financially as well! We are not asking for much, but anything helps! Luckily I am still able to work during this process, but one less thing to worry about is nice! I love you all so much and everything everyone has done so far!! Calls, texts, blankets, headbands, silk pillow cases, hair care products, self care products, neck pillows, cards, flowers, socks, coloring books, markers, journals, etc.... it all means the world to me and I couldn't be more blessed to be surrounded by such an amazing group of people!! xoxo
Special shout out to Becky Crockett and Roxy Hannah for making this GoFundMe!! You ladies are rock stars and much appreciated!
PS. Jim says he will shave his head in solidarity if I lose my hair! LOL Cheri Olive also.... let's just hope no one has to shave anything they don't want to!
LFG!!!!!!! #FUCKCANCER
We are making and selling shirts at request as a fundraiser for anyone who is interested! I will post a picture of the logo Jim made in this post and also make it my profile picture for anyone who is interested! Text or FB message myself or Jim if you want a shirt! I'm wearing the hoodie he made me in one of the pics! We can make anything... tank-top, shirt, hoodie, long sleeve, etc... just reach out!! :)
All my love,
Brie "Bebbs" Romano”
Fundraising team: Team fundraiser (2)
Becky Crockett
Organizer
Orlando, FL
Briannon Bebble
Beneficiary
Roxy Hannah
Team member
