Help Claudia Overcome Brain Metastasis

Hello friends and supporters,

My name is Jenny Luong, and I am reaching out to you on behalf of my dear friend and medical assistant at PIH - Claudia, a remarkable woman who single-handedly raised twin girls has been courageously battling a very aggressive HER 2 triple negative breast cancer. Claudia's journey has been marked by incredible strength and resilience, but she has recently encountered significant challenges that require our collective empathy and support.

In 2022, Claudia underwent a right breast mastectomy following her diagnosis.

Claudia's oncology team felt the best treatment plan for her would have been immunotherapy. Unfortunately, she experienced adverse reactions with intolerable side effects to immunotherapy and corticosteroids, which led to complications like lipoatrophy of her face. Despite these setbacks, Claudia completed chemotherapy with determination and hope for the future and was deemed breast cancer free.

Tragically, Claudia began experiencing seizure-like symptoms shortly after completing chemotherapy, revealing brain metastasis. She underwent a successful tumor resection in January 2023, unfortunately it resurfaced within a couple of months due to its aggressiveness. Undeterred, Claudia underwent another resection followed by focal radiation to the brain immediately after surgery and was again deemed cancer free, by the end of April 2024.

Claudia celebrated her 39th birthday as cancer-free in June 2024. Sadly, Claudia’s joy was short-lived as she started experiencing debilitating symptoms again: severe migraines, fatigue, memory lapses, brain zaps, and tingling and weakness in her limbs and vomiting.These symptoms progressed, ultimately leading to a subarachnoid hemorrhage and swelling in her brain which led her to be found unresponsive at home. Further scans during hospitalization revealed multiple new brain lesions, indicating the need for a more comprehensive radiation approach. Needless to say, Claudia feels defeated and exhausted from the battle of brain metastasis. We have tried to see if there are clinical trials she can participate in, but without avail. Claudia does not qualify since her metastasis is only in the brain. Brain metastasis is very difficult to treat due to the fact that treatment needs to be able to cross the blood-brain barrier. We have high hopes she will successfully complete a more extensive brain radiation followed by better tolerability and response with new immunotherapy treatment and be in full remission by the end of the year.

Claudia's physical, emotional, and financial burdens have become overwhelming. She is unable to work due to her symptoms and is prohibited from driving because of her seizures. As strong as Claudia is, the toll of this battle is immense.

Your generosity and compassion can make a significant difference in Claudia's journey towards recovery. Funds raised will help cover mounting medical expenses, ongoing treatments, daily living costs, and other essential support as Claudia focuses on healing.

Claudia's courage and resilience inspire everyone who knows her. Your support, whether through donations, sharing this campaign, or simply sending positive thoughts, will provide vital encouragement and assistance during this challenging time.

Thank you for standing with Claudia on her path to healing. Your kindness and generosity mean more than words can express and will continue to give her the will to fight and beat cancer!

With gratitude,

Jenny Luong