Help Jami Kelty-Aguayo thru Stage IV Breast Cancer

Hello, my name is Marti and I am raising funds to support my beloved sister Jami Kelty-Aguayo as she faces a monumental chapter with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer. Jami is not only my kind, caring, brave sister… she’s a loving soul, mother, wife, daughter and dear friend to all she meets.

To anyone other than her closest circle, it will likely come as a shock to learn she’s been undergoing cancer screening and treatment during the past 14 months. This journey began last year after she noticed a lump in her left breast upon self examination. The first available appointment for initial mammogram was 6 weeks later. It was categorized as BIRAD level of 5. Upon learning this, she endured a 5 week delay for a biopsy; then 3 additional weeks for results. Our parents were both dealing with serious health concerns of their own during this time, so Jami travelled out of state to visit and help. While visiting, an unsettling call from her physician caught her off guard - diagnosing Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma (estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 positive). After returning home, a lumpectomy and removal of 2 sentinel lymph nodes was performed. Positive margins required performing a re-excision. This resulted in a nice negative but one month later, Jami noticed a swollen left lymph node. Administrative errors from the medical office caused more delays in ultrasound scheduling, which was finally completed in January 2023. In late February, another biopsy revealed a malignant node, which required an MRI and additional ultrasound the following month. Three new areas were discovered in the left breast – one at the lumpectomy site, one along the lumpectomy scar, and one right between those two. Jami then met with a surgical oncologist and cryoablation surgery was scheduled for May. This surgery and travel expenses unfortunately weren’t covered by insurance. During this same timeframe, our father was hospitalized twice. Only five days after Jami’s cryoablation surgery, she flew to Kansas to support our Dad as he transitioned to hospice with Stage IV gastric cancer. Rather than focusing on her own recovery, she desired to be there for Dad. Sadly, he passed away 3 weeks later in June.

During summer 2023, things took a turn for the worse. Jami’s surgeon scheduled an ultrasound in July, but somehow they missed a big growth under her left armpit. Blood work indicated circulating tumor DNA numbers jumped and all tumor markers increased. She began experiencing extreme fatigue, chest pain and breathing became labored. This required hospitalization and chest x-rays revealed a malignant pleural effusion, causing fluid build-up within the lung cavity. All this fluid accumulation makes it difficult to breathe, lay down flat, or even walk. Unfortunately this means the cancer has advanced. The hospital drained over 2.0L but it immediately filled back up. No longer able to sleep lying down, she returned to the hospital a second time to have 4.0L drained. This led to surgery for catheter placement so she and her husband Jose could continue managing treatment at home. Without life saving therapies, the fluid will continue accumulating. She has been too weak to leave home for several months, other than for medically necessary treatment. Due to continued fluid accumulation and metastatic growth, at this stage only targeted treatment and immunotherapy will work against this aggressive form of cancer. My sister is presently unable to work so her spouse has been juggling responsibilities for her care, looking after their daughter Destiny, handling all duties at home while continuing to work full time. It’s put massive pressure and stress on their family with only one income to rely upon. Having minimal local family support has also proven challenging. This is an incredibly difficult time for them physically, emotionally, and financially. Though they have basic health insurance, Jami recently switched coverage and her premiums alone are $800 per month. Her new insurance plan initially advised treatments were covered. This week they delivered the most crushing blow, informing they won’t cover the medically necessary IV infusions at the oncologist’s office. At this point, they’ve accumulated nearly $80,000 in out of pocket medical bills. Her treatment plan can’t wait. This amount of medical debt is simply too much for one person, one friend, or one family to shoulder.

Though overwhelmed and exhausted, it will come as no surprise this family is facing the challenge ahead with determination, courage and optimism. Following numerous scans (CT, PET & MRI) and specialist appointments over the past weeks, Jami has been forced to re-evaluate what the next 6-months will look like – with several variables in medical treatment in store. My sister’s personal fortitude, despite the obstacles is inspiring.

Jami says:

“I am resilient and strong. My mind is powerful and I WILL overcome this. I am holding hopeful thoughts and sending out positive energy that I will be restored back to perfect health. All positive vibes are welcomed and greatly appreciated! Your well wishes, care and concern brighten my days. Please continue to uplift me in prayer.”

Jami, Jose and Destiny are a big-hearted, hard-working family. They have always been generous to family, friends and quick to help others in need. I know Jami to be the type of person that once back on her feet, WILL pay it forward and help others on their journey. Now on their behalf, we are asking for kindness to return to them as abundantly as it has been given. We understand not everyone has the capacity to make a financial contribution at this time and graciously accept however you are able to help, including spreading the word about this fundraiser.

Below, you can read about what is happening with Jami’s health and updates.

WHAT’S HAPPENED

Jami's recent MRI turned out well and reflects no spread to the brain. She's awaiting results mid-October to go over the PET/CT scan. Her pleural space is infiltrated with cancer DNA. Given the aggressiveness of this type of triple positive hormone cancer, her medical team has recently offered access to chemotherapy, targeted therapy combined with immunotherapy drugs. These are IV infusions. Jami has made a courageous leap of faith into treatment – one that offers great hope. Her body responded positively to the first round of Enhertu. The mass under her left arm shrunk so much from just the initial infusion alone. Her edema and swelling has disappeared. She and Jose were previously draining a full bottle of fluid everyday from her catheter. After one treatment, the fluid volume has reduced to only 1/4 to 1/8 of a bottle daily. She was even able to walk briefly last week after receiving her first treatment.

For information about metastatic cancer, click here.

WHAT’S AHEAD

Jami’s medical team at Hope Health Center / Dr. Nadar Javadi have managed to get her access to Enhertu – a “next-generation” targeted chemotherapeutic agent which seeks out cancer cells and “blows” them up from the inside. Cost per treatment every three weeks is $7,500 – none of which is covered by insurance. Dr. Javadi highly recommends adding an immunotherapy drug infusion to her protocol, which again is out of pocket and very expensive.

Jami’s treatment plan includes:

• Enhertu infusion (every 3 weeks)

• Immunotherapy drug (every 3 weeks)

• Vitamin C infusions (regularly)

• Other integrated therapies & supplements to help effectiveness of treatment

WHAT THE AGUAYO’s NEED

With intensive treatment, come extensive medical bills. The Aguayo family needs to be free of devastating uncertainty about how to survive day to day to meet the latest challenge. On top of this catastrophic development, the reality is Jami’s currently unable to earn an income during this rigorous treatment protocol, and has no reserves to draw on while she navigates this journey and beyond.

To know Jami and Jose is to know they would never ask for a single donation. Asking anyone to donate is difficult, because we’re not always aware what anyone else is going through. Please know every dollar received is a gift that will reverberate with them forever. Fortunately our collective effort can lift some of the financial burden this debilitating news brings. Your support will help boost their morale, and assist Jami on the road to recovery. Together we can make a meaningful impact on this sweet family.

We are seeking help to provide for Jami’s out-of-pocket medical expenses, medically necessary infusions, immunotherapy drug and assistance paying for integrated therapies / supplements to enhance effectiveness of treatment.

JAMI & JOSE GIVE THANKS

Jami & Jose have profound gratitude for your generosity, support, and kindness. We want to thank everyone in advance for their prayers, positive thoughts and energy, love, and words of encouragement while facing this challenge. Jami also wishes to thank and acknowledge her medical team at Hope Health Center. She has faith these combined therapies will restore her back to perfect health.

A FINAL NOTE

Jami started her latest treatment the beginning of October and everything is moving in a positive direction. I know she is keen to deliver an update personally as soon as she is able. Navigating a complex medical situation is tiring, and we will do our best to keep you updated on this page. Right now, she needs us more than ever and we need her so she can continue to remind us all to never give up!

No one should face challenges alone. This family is truly in need. If their story touches you, please consider making a donation. Any amount helps, and every dollar counts. No amount is too small. If unable to support financially, please say prayers and help spread the word by sharing their story.

Through him, and with him, and in him,

to you, O God, almighty Father,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

is all honor and glory,

for ever and ever.

Thanks for generously giving your time to read this. Jami can especially benefit from some laughter and fun jokes, so send one her way to let her know how much she matters! Let’s all rally to lift up this family by supporting Jami, Jose & Destiny!!!