Help Cure Kellsey; Breast Cancer with a Baby

A little over a month ago, my wife, Kellsey noticed a lump on her breast and immediately scheduled an appointment to have it checked out. After the initial appointment and imaging, doctors decided to do a biopsy for confirmation. Kellsey went ahead with the procedure. While waiting for the results, we had another test that we felt needed to be taken as we have been wanting our family to grow. The result came back and we were ecstatic yet nervous to find out Kellsey is pregnant. This news was followed up the next day with the results we were nervous about. Kellsey has HER2+ Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, stage 1a. It was some of the best news followed by the worst.

As you can imagine, this has been an extremely challenging and stressful time as Kellsey undergoes all of these tests while experiencing first trimester symptoms, managing her Type 1 Diabetes, and doing her best to still be present in her every day life.

The doctors at City of Hope are hopeful because she caught the cancer early. However, things have become quite complicated due to where she’s at with her pregnancy. They can’t perform surgery until she is in her second trimester. There is a monumental concern for her waiting that long to receive surgery or any potential treatment. For her to have the best outcome, they are suggesting that we don’t move forward with the pregnancy. This is not something either of us have come to terms with, so we sought second and third opinions. Unfortunately, they all share similar recommendations. We have been told that during this time Kellsey should take the steps to harvest her eggs so we can have a chance to expand our family in the future.

As we've gone to a few more appointments and have had more imaging, it appears the cancer has grown and spread throughout the breast. They are wanting more biopsies and have started to discuss a mastectomy.

I will do my best to support my family in all aspects during this time, but I fear it will not be enough. I am asking for urgent help for my wife and family. The type of cancer she has is very aggressive and a good bit of time has already passed.

Contributions will go towards helping with groceries, gas to get to and from appointments, egg harvesting, insurance, surgery, post surgery therapies/treatment, medications and follow ups.

Any and all help, support, and resources you can give are greatly appreciated by the Barker-Bendixen family. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers, and with your help, WE CAN DO THIS!