Help support Vanessa with Stage IV Breast Cancer

Hello!

My name is Vanessa Lana Gonzalez. Back in April 2021 I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer - Stage 2b Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I underwent a Bilateral mastectomy with aesthetic flat closure and removal of 10 axillary lymph nodes in May 2021. I continued treatment with chemo and radiation, and spent a year and a half taking estrogen hormone blockers.

During my time recovering from active treatments I was able to receive a full scholarship to attend Esalen Institute, rockclimb with other survivors in Colorado and take a cross country road trip with my dog and BFF Tito Puentes. Last year was a very intense but special time for me while I was recovering. I nurtured and discovered sides of myself that were hidden for so long. I was ready to live my life with this new 2.0 version.

However my body had different plans. All along the oncologist monitored a very small lesion on my liver. It remained the same size throughout all of active treatments and recovery, until this year. It slowly began to grow which meant a liver biopsy was needed. After going through 2 liver biopsy’s this summer, the lesion tested positive for cancer.

My breast cancer is now considered metastatic, more commonly known as Stage 4. If breast cancer cells have spread to the liver, its still classified as breast cancer, specifically its termed as breast cancer with liver metastasis. METS patients are on some form of treatment for life as the disease is still incurable. It’s a serious condition with a focus on managing symptoms and prolonging life. With this news I still remain hopeful as new technology and research are advancing all the time helping to extend the lives of those living with MBC. More importantly I now know I have the incredible support from my family and friends to help process and understand how my life will be changing once again.

This week I will begin oral chemo at home that specifically targets the receptors in my liver in conjunction with a monthly double injection. Surgery was presented as an option but this is a major surgery with a long recovery time. I'm frankly not ready for that type of surgery right now. I have been feeling all the range of emotions as I didnt think I would have to go through fundraising again so close to my initial diagnosis back in 2021. I really thought that I was on my way to recovery as things in my life were beginning to fall into place once again. But this is life, this is cancer, we ultimately have no control of what happens at the end of the day. All I can continue to do is live with intention, love and gratitude and have faith that my body will respond to the oral chemo.

I am currently working a part time job at a cannabis dispensary and receiving financial support from my family. However this has been a large financial burden on them. Being put back on disability will help alleviate some of that, but not all. These donations will help with

supporting holistic care as I navigate possible intense side effects that can affect my quality of life. Some of these things include acupuncture, herbs, supplements, bills, food expenses and out of pocket visits with doctors outside of Medical.

Its hard to put in words what I need right now to help support me. This will become clearer once I figure out how these new meds will make me feel and how I will manage the side effects.

Give whatever you can. No donation is too small. If you would like to cover the processing fee of 2.9%, you may include that with your donation. I’m also excepting donations through this

Link to other platforms like Venmo PayPal etc

Share this GFM link with friends and family

Please check out my blog on Keep a Breast Foundation website. I talk about my personal story with breast cancer, what it means to go flat and how art helped with the healing process.

STEPPING INTO MY POWER WITH BREAST CANCER

I thank you for taking the time to read my story. This new chapter of life is not going to be easy but Im not ready to give up. I have faith in ME, in my body and all the love and support that I am surrounded with.

With Love,

Vanessa