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Dear friends, family, and all the people with a generous heart:
My name is Lorena, and today I reach out to you from the depths of my heart as I battle the fear and pain of losing my mother to cancer.
In July 2024, our lives were changed forever when doctors discovered a tumor in her right lung. It was a devastating diagnosis in a very poor country, but with all the strength and love of a daughter, I did everything I could to ensure she could have surgery. While they were able to remove the tumor, soon after we were faced with even more heartbreaking news: they discovered a second tumor in her other lung.
My mom is my everything. I am an only child, and I grew up with just her; she has been my biggest support, my role model, my rock. Words can’t express the sacrifices she has made for me, fighting on her own to raise me in our beloved but struggling Venezuela. My mom gave me everything, and now it’s my turn to do everything I can for her.
I had to leave my country to provide a better future and support her from afar. Despite the distance, I am with her in spirit and doing everything possible to support her financially. But the truth is, my resources aren’t enough to face this cruel battle.
In Venezuela, there is no health insurance system to cover these types of illnesses. All treatment must be paid for privately, and the costs are overwhelming. My mom needs chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and possibly a second surgery. There are also the costs of lab tests, medical transportation, and other urgent treatments she requires.
Today, I am asking for your help because I desperately want to have more time with her... I want her to attend my graduation, visit me again one day, meet her future grandchildren, and create more memories together.
How can you help us?
- Donating: It doesn’t matter the amount, every contribution is a new hope, a step forward, no matter how big or small, will make a huge difference in our lives.
- Sharing our story: If you can’t donate, please share our story with your friends, family, or anyone who might feel called to help us in this difficult time.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank each and every one of you for taking a moment to read, to help, and to give hope. I truly believe that with your support, my mom can overcome this difficult time and continue to be the light she has always been in my life and in the lives of all the people who have had the chance to know her.
Words cannot express what your help would mean to us. THANK YOU
With all my love and gratitude,
Lorena Contreras.
January 2024 - Seeing the snow for the first time.
January 2024 - Our last time together.
August 2024 - days after the operation
September 2024 - Staying positive and being discharged from the hospital
New Updates:
- image below: First CT scan before the lung surgery, which confirmed the presence of two nodules in both lungs.
- The report below corresponds to a biopsy of the right upper lobe of the lung, which confirms the presence of a neuroendocrine carcinoma. This is a type of cancer that can be aggressive depending on its grade. The recommendation in the report is to conduct an immunohistochemical study to confirm the diagnosis and better determine the type and behavior of the tumor
- The histological and immunohistochemical (image below) findings confirm that it is a large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, which is a type of cancer that tends to be more aggressive and may require intensive treatment due to its rapid proliferation and potential to metastasize.
- PET/CT scan with FDG to evaluate the metabolic activity of the cancer and detect possible metastases: does not explicitly mention the disappearance of the nodule in the left lung, but it also does not indicate any malignant activity, which is a good sign. This means that, although the nodule may still be present, it is not showing signs of growth or cancerous activity.
Thank you for being there for me and for her.
As we await the results of Dora’s upcoming test, we remain optimistic and hopeful. These results will guide the number of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy sessions she needs to continue her path to full recovery. The latest scan shows no visible signs of metabolic activity suggestive of cancer, which is positive!
New Updates:
The CT-PET studies conducted in September 2024 showed no metabolic activity related to cancer but revealed post-surgical changes in the right lung. As an initial plan, the proposed treatment included 3 sessions of chemotherapy and 4 sessions of radiotherapy (see image above), planned in 21-day cycles, along with antiemetic and supportive medications.
However, after carefully evaluating the options, my mother and I decided not to proceed with this aggressive treatment. Instead, we have opted for regular monitoring through CT scans every three months to track her progress. This approach allows us to make necessary medical decisions based on the results of each follow-up.
For this reason, we have adjusted the initial goal of this campaign to €2,000, as I have decided to cover the expenses personally that may arise from now on with my income.
I am deeply grateful for the support received so far, which has been essential in facing this challenging time.
Your generosity has meant the world to us, your donations, encouragement messages, and kind words for both of us have lifted us up, gave us positivism in ways we can’t fully express.
We deeply appreciate each one of you, and pray that God and the Universe blesses you abundantly for your kindness.
Lorena Contreras
Organisator
Lorena Contreras
Organisator
Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen