Please HELP with Leah’s medical care, if possible. Positive thoughts and prayers are welcome too!
Hello, my name is Jen. I have been a registered nurse at St. Joseph/Providence Hospital for the last 13 years. I met Leah approximately ten years ago. We were coworkers and became fast friends.
A little about Leah:
Twenty nine years ago, she started working for a prominent local OB/GYN practice, as a surgery scheduler. She made the transition to the North Coast Surgery Center and has been there for the last 15 years. Her role is primarily the coordination of procedure schedules, insurance authorization, the medical group, contacting patients and most recently helping to onboard the Endoscopy Department. There have been ups and downs, but Leah has remained consistent. Always advocating for patients.
In 2001, Leah was diagnosed with tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma, Stage IV. She underwent chemotherapy, radiation and surgery at UCSF. She fought through it and felt hopeful that after the five year mark, she was safe.
In the interim, she has battled health issues relating to post radiation and clotting disorders. She has continued to show up for her community.
Leah went to her PCP three months ago. She believed experiencing symptoms of a Candidiasis infection in her mouth. Symptoms did not resolve after a course of antibiotics. Pain continued and she went to the Providence Emergency Department. CT scans, blood and cultures were performed. The provider suspected cancer.
The following week, she met with the UCSF Surgical Oncology department. She underwent a PET scan. The Head and Neck Oncology Department diagnosed a squamous cell carcinoma tumor Stage 3B (inoperable related to size).
On April 8, Leah returned to UCSF for port placement (chemo administration) and a feeding tube.
She remained at UCSF as an inpatient and began her chemotherapy regimen on April 10.
Leah is now home and not feeling well.
Her current treatment plan is two rounds of chemotherapy, every three weeks. Then rescan to determine if the tumor has decreased in size and is operable. If not, the same chemo regimen every three weeks, up to six months.
There is a Plan B treatment in place, which consists of three different medications, once weekly.
The goal is to shrink the tumor and have a surgical intervention. Most likely this will involve at least seven days spent in the Intensive Care Unit, tracheostomy placement and extensive speech therapy due to tongue involvement.
Leah has a long road ahead of her and has just begun. She is unable to work. We are asking for donations to cover her medical, transportation and lodging expenses, as she travels to UCSF. Her biggest concern is burdening her daughter (Taylor) and her family, as she has decided to drive and accompany her mom during this journey.
Our biggest goal is to reduce stress and offer financial comfort, so Leah can focus on treatment and healing. She has two granddaughters she is fighting for!
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