- J
- E
Hello Friends –
I’m coming to you to humbly ask for your help for my dear friend Janie Hackett – whether you’re able to assist financially or by forwarding this post along – I’m grateful. (If you donated to her earlier meal train, you were a life saver!)
Janie and I met the summer of 1998 and over the last 22 years, I have seen her unwavering loyalty to all in her circle, she is one FIERCE mama to Mia, 12 years and Ryan, (almost) 9 years and is the warmest light in the room.
We all know that crappy things happen to the best people, and after months of doggedly advocating for herself, she finally got the news from her doctor… Cancer. Specifically, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, with several large masses in her chest, neck, liver and spleen that required immediate treatment.
Since that first day in the hospital when she didn’t know what would happen, how she would tell her kids or what the outcome would be, Janie has shown incredible tenacity and courage. She has not complained about the pain, the sleepless nights or having to endure chemotherapy treatments and its after effects by herself due to the COVID-19 quarantine. While she has health insurance, it doesn’t cover everything and the medical bills are starting to pile up. I’m humbly asking for your help so she can focus on recovery, not worry over finances. She still has two more chemo treatments to undergo and then the journey to get back on her feet begins!
Each chemotherapy session costs in excess of $20,000, and she will have had 12 sessions when all is said and done. So, $240,000 plus lab work, radiology tests, PET scans, the list goes on and on... insurance will cover most, but not all.
As another dear friend so aptly put it, Janie “has been an example of grace, patience, responsibility and gratitude… yes, gratitude…but I don’t want to see her life wrecked by medical bills. When she’s not fighting cancer, she is a damn good executive assistant, not a millionaire.”
As part of her "tribe", I am asking for help to cover her mounting medical bills. Her oncologist pulled her from work in February, and FMLA only lasts so long. She's a single mom of two and every little bit helps. If you aren't able to contribute financially, please consider forwarding this post.
The original story about when and how she got her diagnosis in her words in included below.
Thankfully,
Lisa
How did I go from Zero to Cancer?
by Janie Hackett
Feb. 3, 2020
With World Cancer day coming tomorrow, this is as good a day as any to share this news with my FB family and friends. I figure the more prayers, good thoughts and healing vibes, the better!
I’ve always been a healthy person with no health issues, not even so much as a broken bone! So… when I noticed a lump on my neck a few months ago, I knew something was wrong. After months of pushing for multiple doctors’ appointments, I finally found a Dr. (an ENT) that took my symptoms seriously!
Several biopsies later it was revealed that I have “Hodgkin’s Lymphoma”.
What I’ve realized more than ever over the last two weeks is that if you think something is wrong, be your own best advocate, don’t wait or settle on ridiculous answers or being dismissed by Doctors!
Last week I was having difficulty breathing which resulted in my being admitted to the hospital for three days. I was unaware then that the mass in my chest was compressing on my trachea, making it difficult to breathe at times. During those three days at Good Sam, I was poked and prodded and had every test done you can imagine. A bone marrow biopsy came back clear - thank God! But my CT scan also showed masses in my chest, liver and spleen - in addition to the ones in my neck that were visible.
Little did I know that I wouldn’t be leaving Good Sam without my first round of chemo.
Now I’m sporting my newest accessory, a “Power Port” - so here I am, three days post my first round of chemo. I am nauseous and tired but doing ok!
Everyone handles challenges differently. My friends and family will always be my strongest defense, and in these past few days it has proven stronger than ever and I am beyond grateful for the support. I need this support more than ever, emotionally and physically as my chemo journey ahead will be challenging.
I will likely lose my hair, be nauseous, have little energy, and feel all around horrible. BUT, in the end, I WILL KICK CANCERS BUTT!! And I’ll rock a few badass wigs in the meantime!
XO,
Janie
I’m coming to you to humbly ask for your help for my dear friend Janie Hackett – whether you’re able to assist financially or by forwarding this post along – I’m grateful. (If you donated to her earlier meal train, you were a life saver!)
Janie and I met the summer of 1998 and over the last 22 years, I have seen her unwavering loyalty to all in her circle, she is one FIERCE mama to Mia, 12 years and Ryan, (almost) 9 years and is the warmest light in the room.
We all know that crappy things happen to the best people, and after months of doggedly advocating for herself, she finally got the news from her doctor… Cancer. Specifically, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, with several large masses in her chest, neck, liver and spleen that required immediate treatment.
Since that first day in the hospital when she didn’t know what would happen, how she would tell her kids or what the outcome would be, Janie has shown incredible tenacity and courage. She has not complained about the pain, the sleepless nights or having to endure chemotherapy treatments and its after effects by herself due to the COVID-19 quarantine. While she has health insurance, it doesn’t cover everything and the medical bills are starting to pile up. I’m humbly asking for your help so she can focus on recovery, not worry over finances. She still has two more chemo treatments to undergo and then the journey to get back on her feet begins!
Each chemotherapy session costs in excess of $20,000, and she will have had 12 sessions when all is said and done. So, $240,000 plus lab work, radiology tests, PET scans, the list goes on and on... insurance will cover most, but not all.
As another dear friend so aptly put it, Janie “has been an example of grace, patience, responsibility and gratitude… yes, gratitude…but I don’t want to see her life wrecked by medical bills. When she’s not fighting cancer, she is a damn good executive assistant, not a millionaire.”
As part of her "tribe", I am asking for help to cover her mounting medical bills. Her oncologist pulled her from work in February, and FMLA only lasts so long. She's a single mom of two and every little bit helps. If you aren't able to contribute financially, please consider forwarding this post.
The original story about when and how she got her diagnosis in her words in included below.
Thankfully,
Lisa
How did I go from Zero to Cancer?
by Janie Hackett
Feb. 3, 2020
With World Cancer day coming tomorrow, this is as good a day as any to share this news with my FB family and friends. I figure the more prayers, good thoughts and healing vibes, the better!
I’ve always been a healthy person with no health issues, not even so much as a broken bone! So… when I noticed a lump on my neck a few months ago, I knew something was wrong. After months of pushing for multiple doctors’ appointments, I finally found a Dr. (an ENT) that took my symptoms seriously!
Several biopsies later it was revealed that I have “Hodgkin’s Lymphoma”.
What I’ve realized more than ever over the last two weeks is that if you think something is wrong, be your own best advocate, don’t wait or settle on ridiculous answers or being dismissed by Doctors!
Last week I was having difficulty breathing which resulted in my being admitted to the hospital for three days. I was unaware then that the mass in my chest was compressing on my trachea, making it difficult to breathe at times. During those three days at Good Sam, I was poked and prodded and had every test done you can imagine. A bone marrow biopsy came back clear - thank God! But my CT scan also showed masses in my chest, liver and spleen - in addition to the ones in my neck that were visible.
Little did I know that I wouldn’t be leaving Good Sam without my first round of chemo.
Now I’m sporting my newest accessory, a “Power Port” - so here I am, three days post my first round of chemo. I am nauseous and tired but doing ok!
Everyone handles challenges differently. My friends and family will always be my strongest defense, and in these past few days it has proven stronger than ever and I am beyond grateful for the support. I need this support more than ever, emotionally and physically as my chemo journey ahead will be challenging.
I will likely lose my hair, be nauseous, have little energy, and feel all around horrible. BUT, in the end, I WILL KICK CANCERS BUTT!! And I’ll rock a few badass wigs in the meantime!
XO,
Janie