Jennifer’s fight-Melanoma Stage 4 Cancer
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My Name is Rachael Thomas and I am starting this page for my beautiful sister in law, Jennifer Thomas Barton. She was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma Cancer. Her situation is further complicated and her treatment options are limited because she is a kidney transplant recipient.
Although you would never know it by looking at her, Jenn has struggled for 20 years with Kidney Disease. Despite one medical issue after another, she never gives up, or slows down! She raised her son as a single mother, often worked two jobs, coached basketball, and served in her community in many different aspects. She is a true inspiration, and one of the strongest people I know.
After receiving a 100% matched Kidney in August 2018 (which is super rare, and a miracle in itself), she was diagnosed with Melanoma Cancer Stage 3. She immediately started targeted chemo treatment. Shortly after, she lost her job- a job she loved. After a year of targeted chemo she enjoyed about a year in remission. She was finally able to enjoy her new kidney for the first time. She returned to work as an Admissions Director at another nursing home. She truly loved her patients and the work she did. She became engaged, moved, and was loving life. However, she soon learned cancer spread to her lungs. Part of her lungs had to be removed, and her cancer diagnosis was upgraded to Stage 4 Melanoma. She had to resign from her job and restart the targeted chemo, in hopes of prolonging her life.
A couple weeks ago we received more devastating news. There are many spots of concern in her liver. Her oncologist was 97% sure the melanoma spread. However, after several biopsies they all came back negative. Although this has offered a glimpse of hope, we were told there is still only a 2% chance that this is not melanoma. We are still trying to figure out what it is.
Along with her traditional treatment, Jenn is also pursuing natural medicines and remedies. Although she does have insurance, insurance does not cover the cost of these additional medications and supplements. There currently is no cure for Melanoma Cancer. Her prognosis is not good, and everyone on her team is trying to come up with solutions to help prolong her life. Jenn and her fiancé are now spending, out of pocket, around $700- $1,000 a month for these additional medicines. I wanted to create this account to help offset some of those costs, and reduce some of the burdens she is feeling.
A couple weeks ago we received more devastating news. There are many spots of concern in her liver. Her oncologist was 97% sure the melanoma spread. However, after several biopsies they all came back negative. Although this has offered a glimpse of hope, we were told there is still only a 2% chance that this is not melanoma. We are still trying to figure out what it is.
Along with her traditional treatment, Jenn is also pursuing natural medicines and remedies. Although she does have insurance, insurance does not cover the cost of these additional medications and supplements. There currently is no cure for Melanoma Cancer. Her prognosis is not good, and everyone on her team is trying to come up with solutions to help prolong her life. Jenn and her fiancé are now spending, out of pocket, around $700- $1,000 a month for these additional medicines. I wanted to create this account to help offset some of those costs, and reduce some of the burdens she is feeling.
Over the next few weeks Jenn will be doing the following:
1. Stopping her protocol to see if that is causing the lesions in her liver. A follow up MRI will be completed in a few weeks to see if her liver looks better or worse.
2. Surgery to remove part of her liver to better test it.
3. Restarting targeted Chemo. If the cancer has not spread to her liver, and the targeted Chemo is working, she will be on it for the rest of her life.
4. Further testing of her liver biopsy to rule out a fungal infection.
5. Biopsy of her adrenal gland, which also showed a concerning spot. I really cannot put into words how loved she is and how defeated we all feel. She is always the life of the party and goes above and beyond to keep our family together. For years she has planned fun trips and vacations to ensure we stay connected making the best memories. Even during this, her personal struggle , HER FIGHT, she is often the one comforting us. To know her, is to be inspired by her. She devoted her whole life to her son and others. As her son has grown, and now has a family of his own, Jenn was so excited to live her life for herself. Recently engaged, she is currently planning her wedding to the love of her life. They were supposed to travel the world and have so much fun together. Now they are just praying and fighting for more time. If you are able, please consider helping her. She is truly one of the most selfless people I know. Everyday is a cycle of highs and lows, money should not be part of that cycle. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for supporting our Jenn! God bless and please say some major prayers for her.
Organizer and beneficiary
Rachael Thomas
Organizer
Susquehanna, PA
Jennifer Thomas Barton
Beneficiary