Jazmine's Fight Against Breast Cancer
Don protégé
What do you do when you're 25 years young and you're told you have breast cancer? You rally your friends, family and anyone else who wants to help and prepare yourself for the most important fight of your life.
How did we get here?
Because of our family history with cancer, I ( Linda - Jazmine's mom) did genetic testing at UCSF to see if I carry a hereditary gene that causes cancer. Unfortunately, the results were positive for the BRCA1 mutation gene. As a result, Jazmine completed the same genetic testing when she was 24 and she was also positive for the BRCA1 mutation gene. The whole reason we did the genetic testing was to help with early detection. For Jazmine, the pre-screen tests would have started when she turned 25 in Jan 2019, but before she could get her first MRI scheduled, she discovered a lump under her right arm on Wednesday Feb 6th. She immediately contacted her OBGYN's office and saw her doctor the same day, who sent Jazmine to get a breast ultrasound. Initially, the doctor reviewing the ultrasound said she had a cyst containing fluid and they would only aspirate the fluid if she was in pain which Jazmine was not. Later in the day, Jazmine received a phone call from the radiologist asking her to return to have the fluid removed because part of the images was not clear. On Monday Feb 11th, they aspirated the fluid, but there was still a small mass so they did a biopsy. The next day, Tuesday Feb 12th Jazmine received a phone call from her OBGYN doctor giving us the news; her biopsy was positive for breast cancer. My reaction of course was shock, disbelief, and why is this happening to my baby, followed by tears. Jazmine's reaction was, ok what's next - tell me what I have to do, I'm ready.
Jazmine had the option to see an oncologist, a surgeon and receive treatment locally or at UCSF where the genetic testing took place. We opted for her to go to UCSF so she could receive the best possible care as this is their specialty. On Thursday Feb 21st, we met with Jazmine's surgeon who explained Jazmine's cancer is Triple Negative, which automatically makes her a candidate for chemotherapy. He advised us the best way to attack her cancer is to treat her first with chemotherapy and then have surgery - versus having surgery first, followed by chemotherapy. Either way, chemotherapy treatment would last approximately 20 weeks. He also introduced us to the I-SPY Clinical Trial. Jazmine then had to make the decision to receive the standard chemotherapy treatment (TC/AC drugs) or to participate in the I-SPY Clinical Trial that randomizes her drug treatment based on specific information collected on her type of cancer. Some of the benefits of the trial are she will be provided with a dedicated health care coordinator to assist with questions, scheduling, and support as well as additional MRI's to monitor her progress which she wouldn't receive from the traditional chemotherapy treatment. Jazmine would also meet with her oncologist prior to each treatment to discuss progress and to modify treatment if needed. Based on those benefits, we felt the I-SPY Clinical Trial was the way to go. Now that we know the plan, Jazmine is finishing up some additional testing for the I-SPY Clinical Trial and is expected to begin treatment on Monday Mar 11th.
Why do we need help?
Well, for a few reasons. The expenses we know we're going to incur because of the frequent trips to SF are: toll fees, parking fees, gas, food and drinks. Things we for see may become an issue if Jazmine is unable to work is money to pay her bills. For those that don't know, Jazmine moved out on her own at 21. She has been financially supporting herself and her furbabies ever since, sometimes working 3 jobs and pet sitting. Whenever Jazmine needs extra money, she will pick up extra shifts at her part time jobs on her regularly scheduled days off from her full time job. Now that she will be receiving chemotherapy on her days off, she will no longer be able to do this. Her regular monthly expenses are rent, car payment, car insurance, utilities, phone bill, gas, groceries, toiletries, cat food and cat litter for 5 cats, plus some money for entertainment as she likes to take her brother and sister to the movies or for ice cream. Another way money may be used is for me to support Jazmine. Specifically, I am a caregiver for my mother who lives with me. I already pay for a caregiver to help my mom when I'm at work. In order for me to be gone more to help Jazmine, I'm going to need more help for my mom which will cost more. Ordinary life Jazmine and I have financial stress and these added expenses are a concern. Knowing we would not have to worry about money allows us to focus on Jazmine's health and honestly would be a huge relief and a blessing.
Why should you help?
Because my daughter, Jazmine Lee Wallace is truly an amazing human being! Her passion is helping animals. She chose a career as a veterinary tech so she could work hands on with animals. She currently works in the ER department helping to save animals' lives. A goal of hers is to one day own a rescue shelter. At 16 years old she signed up at her high school to donate blood and became an organ donor. I was actually upset at first at the thought of her being an organ donor but after thinking it over, this is exactly who Jazmine is - she wants to help others. So I thought what better way for her to live on than to help save someone else's life. Her action of donating blood inspired me to become a blood donor as well. But Jazmine is so much more than this. She is that friend who will drop what she's doing to cheer someone up. She is that ride or die friend who if something happens to you, it happened to her, and she will have your back no matter what. If you have something to celebrate, Jazmine will use her time off of work to make sure she is there to celebrate with you. Jazmine is not materialistic or judgmental. She is a talker (at times loud LOL), with lots of stories, and when she's not tired or hangry, she is an absolute joy to be around. Jazmine is a very caring, loving, funny beautiful young woman. Finding out she has breast cancer has not dampened her spirit at all. She has a positive attitude, and knows that this is something that's happened to her, and that it does not define who she is, nor stop her from living a long life.
What are other ways you can help?
I am a believer of not only prayer, but putting positive thoughts out in the universe. So if you're a prayer warrior, please keep Jazmine and our family in your daily prayers. If you don't pray or believe in God, please wish Jazmine well. Words of encouragement are also appreciated to keep Jazmine focused on the task at hand - kicking cancer's ass! If you're someone who likes to cook or bake, this would be helpful too for either Jazmine or the friends and family who will be keeping her company.
What's something you can do for yourself?
If you know your family has a history of cancer, consider the genetic testing. I believe because the doctors knew Jazmine was high risk, things moved quickly. Plus, her oncologist told us it's helpful for them to know if someone is already positive for the BRCA1 mutation gene when they're discussing treatment. I also believe Jazmine knowing she was a higher risk for getting cancer, helped her to react immediately and hopefully catch the cancer early enough.
On behalf of Jazmine, myself and our family, thank you in advance for any act of support you choose to give. We truly appreciate all the love and concern for Jazmine during this time. Please feel free to share this page with your friends and family. Thank you! God Bless.
How did we get here?
Because of our family history with cancer, I ( Linda - Jazmine's mom) did genetic testing at UCSF to see if I carry a hereditary gene that causes cancer. Unfortunately, the results were positive for the BRCA1 mutation gene. As a result, Jazmine completed the same genetic testing when she was 24 and she was also positive for the BRCA1 mutation gene. The whole reason we did the genetic testing was to help with early detection. For Jazmine, the pre-screen tests would have started when she turned 25 in Jan 2019, but before she could get her first MRI scheduled, she discovered a lump under her right arm on Wednesday Feb 6th. She immediately contacted her OBGYN's office and saw her doctor the same day, who sent Jazmine to get a breast ultrasound. Initially, the doctor reviewing the ultrasound said she had a cyst containing fluid and they would only aspirate the fluid if she was in pain which Jazmine was not. Later in the day, Jazmine received a phone call from the radiologist asking her to return to have the fluid removed because part of the images was not clear. On Monday Feb 11th, they aspirated the fluid, but there was still a small mass so they did a biopsy. The next day, Tuesday Feb 12th Jazmine received a phone call from her OBGYN doctor giving us the news; her biopsy was positive for breast cancer. My reaction of course was shock, disbelief, and why is this happening to my baby, followed by tears. Jazmine's reaction was, ok what's next - tell me what I have to do, I'm ready.
Jazmine had the option to see an oncologist, a surgeon and receive treatment locally or at UCSF where the genetic testing took place. We opted for her to go to UCSF so she could receive the best possible care as this is their specialty. On Thursday Feb 21st, we met with Jazmine's surgeon who explained Jazmine's cancer is Triple Negative, which automatically makes her a candidate for chemotherapy. He advised us the best way to attack her cancer is to treat her first with chemotherapy and then have surgery - versus having surgery first, followed by chemotherapy. Either way, chemotherapy treatment would last approximately 20 weeks. He also introduced us to the I-SPY Clinical Trial. Jazmine then had to make the decision to receive the standard chemotherapy treatment (TC/AC drugs) or to participate in the I-SPY Clinical Trial that randomizes her drug treatment based on specific information collected on her type of cancer. Some of the benefits of the trial are she will be provided with a dedicated health care coordinator to assist with questions, scheduling, and support as well as additional MRI's to monitor her progress which she wouldn't receive from the traditional chemotherapy treatment. Jazmine would also meet with her oncologist prior to each treatment to discuss progress and to modify treatment if needed. Based on those benefits, we felt the I-SPY Clinical Trial was the way to go. Now that we know the plan, Jazmine is finishing up some additional testing for the I-SPY Clinical Trial and is expected to begin treatment on Monday Mar 11th.
Why do we need help?
Well, for a few reasons. The expenses we know we're going to incur because of the frequent trips to SF are: toll fees, parking fees, gas, food and drinks. Things we for see may become an issue if Jazmine is unable to work is money to pay her bills. For those that don't know, Jazmine moved out on her own at 21. She has been financially supporting herself and her furbabies ever since, sometimes working 3 jobs and pet sitting. Whenever Jazmine needs extra money, she will pick up extra shifts at her part time jobs on her regularly scheduled days off from her full time job. Now that she will be receiving chemotherapy on her days off, she will no longer be able to do this. Her regular monthly expenses are rent, car payment, car insurance, utilities, phone bill, gas, groceries, toiletries, cat food and cat litter for 5 cats, plus some money for entertainment as she likes to take her brother and sister to the movies or for ice cream. Another way money may be used is for me to support Jazmine. Specifically, I am a caregiver for my mother who lives with me. I already pay for a caregiver to help my mom when I'm at work. In order for me to be gone more to help Jazmine, I'm going to need more help for my mom which will cost more. Ordinary life Jazmine and I have financial stress and these added expenses are a concern. Knowing we would not have to worry about money allows us to focus on Jazmine's health and honestly would be a huge relief and a blessing.
Why should you help?
Because my daughter, Jazmine Lee Wallace is truly an amazing human being! Her passion is helping animals. She chose a career as a veterinary tech so she could work hands on with animals. She currently works in the ER department helping to save animals' lives. A goal of hers is to one day own a rescue shelter. At 16 years old she signed up at her high school to donate blood and became an organ donor. I was actually upset at first at the thought of her being an organ donor but after thinking it over, this is exactly who Jazmine is - she wants to help others. So I thought what better way for her to live on than to help save someone else's life. Her action of donating blood inspired me to become a blood donor as well. But Jazmine is so much more than this. She is that friend who will drop what she's doing to cheer someone up. She is that ride or die friend who if something happens to you, it happened to her, and she will have your back no matter what. If you have something to celebrate, Jazmine will use her time off of work to make sure she is there to celebrate with you. Jazmine is not materialistic or judgmental. She is a talker (at times loud LOL), with lots of stories, and when she's not tired or hangry, she is an absolute joy to be around. Jazmine is a very caring, loving, funny beautiful young woman. Finding out she has breast cancer has not dampened her spirit at all. She has a positive attitude, and knows that this is something that's happened to her, and that it does not define who she is, nor stop her from living a long life.
What are other ways you can help?
I am a believer of not only prayer, but putting positive thoughts out in the universe. So if you're a prayer warrior, please keep Jazmine and our family in your daily prayers. If you don't pray or believe in God, please wish Jazmine well. Words of encouragement are also appreciated to keep Jazmine focused on the task at hand - kicking cancer's ass! If you're someone who likes to cook or bake, this would be helpful too for either Jazmine or the friends and family who will be keeping her company.
What's something you can do for yourself?
If you know your family has a history of cancer, consider the genetic testing. I believe because the doctors knew Jazmine was high risk, things moved quickly. Plus, her oncologist told us it's helpful for them to know if someone is already positive for the BRCA1 mutation gene when they're discussing treatment. I also believe Jazmine knowing she was a higher risk for getting cancer, helped her to react immediately and hopefully catch the cancer early enough.
On behalf of Jazmine, myself and our family, thank you in advance for any act of support you choose to give. We truly appreciate all the love and concern for Jazmine during this time. Please feel free to share this page with your friends and family. Thank you! God Bless.
Organisateur et bénéficiaire
Linda Luethy
Organisateur
Sacramento, CA
Jaz Lee Wallace
Bénéficiaire