Jamie’s Journey with Cancer

Help Jamie Araujo battle 2 types of cancer…

Her story began in February of 2022 when she became very ill with a severe intestinal infection, affecting both the large and small intestines. Running a fever for 21 days straight, ranging up to 103, was only the beginning of her problems.

In March she was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma. During her preop testing, a large mediastinal mass was discovered on her chest x-ray. Her kidney surgery was postponed and everything was put on hold until there was a diagnosis. After multiple scans and two biopsies, the results finally revealed a diagnosis. Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. A very rare, 1 in a million, cancer that forms from the cells that make up the blood vessels. This 2 inch mediastinal mass which sits in the cavity between her lung and heart has completely compressed her superior vena cava, restricting blood flow throughout her entire body, and causing multiple blood clots. Surgery will be required to remove the mass, as well as the SVC. This will involve cutting her sternum in half, in order to get to the mass. The day before surgery, the interventional radiology team will perform a procedure to embolism the blood vessels, to try to cut off the blood flow to the mass. Since this is a mass of blood vessels, it is expected to be a bloody and difficult surgery. Once surgery is complete, drs will determine if further treatment such as chemo and/or radiation will be necessary.

After an anticipated two month recovery, her partial nephrectomy will be scheduled to remove the kidney mass.

Looking at her you would never know what she is going through. Her positive attitude and kind demeanor have not changed. I admire her strength and courage as she gives everyone around her peace of mind that everything will be ok. She is an amazing, strong, and beautiful person inside and out.

She’s not one to ask for help, so I’m asking for her. From the copays and coinsurance for drs appointments, multiple procedures, biopsies, and surgeries, to medications and traveling expenses…any donation would help. If you can’t donate financially, please consider donating blood at your local community blood center. Let’s show this lady some love. ❤️