Julia's Fight
Donation protected
While most people were planning their summer vacations, Julia Stoneman-Sinclair found herself facing a cancer diagnosis at just 28 years old. Tests confirmed colorectal cancer, a diagnosis usually reserved for patients more than double Julia's age. For this hardworking young Mom of two girls - Shaynen and Naira - and her partner Kasey, this was devastating news. Everything in Julia's life came to a halt: from working full-time and part-time jobs at Brandon University, to her community development research in the Yukon for her Master's Thesis in Rural Development. Julia has devoted her life to Indigenous advocacy and education, giving so much to our community. Now it's time for our community to walk with Julia on this journey and support her fight against cancer!
Julia's Story:
In early July, just days after her diagnosis, Julia experienced complications from cancer which required emergency surgery to remove a tumor and 35 lymph nodes. While recovering from surgery, Cancer Care Doctors planned a chemo/radiation schedule, to begin mid September. Julia's medical team also planned two more surgeries, one to put in a port for chemo and the second to hopefully reverse the colostomy bag. While waiting for test results, Julia worked hard on positivity, including visualization exercises, healthy foods, exercise, and support from family and friends. On August 11th, Julia and her family met with the Oncologist. The good news: the tumor was the origin of the cancer, and it was removed with good margins. Although the tumor was a slow growing type, it did grow outside the area. The Oncologist prepared Julia for two possible outcomes: 1) Stage 3c Cancer with a 50% 5 year survival rate or 2) Stage 4 Cancer (possibility of cancer spread to the liver) with a 12% 5 year survival rate. While the Oncologist stressed that the numbers are only statistics, built from patients more than double Julia's age, it still means Julia is up for a battle, which is just as much mental as it is physical. A PET scan, scheduled August 21 would help tell the complete story. Just days after being handed this news, Julia woke up in extreme pain and on August 16th was rushed into emergency surgery for the second time. The surgeon felt this was a spontaneous event, unrelated to the cancer. Unfortunately, this surgery meant Julia's chemo/radiation plan would be pushed back another six weeks to allow for recovery time. With staples still in her abdomen, the PET scan was delayed to late September. Unfortunately, the PET scan results showed stage 4 cancer - with spots on her liver. Even with this diagnosis, Julia's medical team said they can still talk "cure." Chemo will begin on Monday, October 2 and another surgery is planned for November (liver resection). In the meantime, Julia has been gathering medical records and beginning the process to plan a visit to the Mayo Clinic.
Funds raised through this campaign will be used for: -travel/medical expenses;
-chemo/radiation affects fertility. Julia hopes for a big family and is opting to freeze eggs prior to treatment; -travel for cultural supports (traditional medicine); -complementary health treatments (i.e. acupuncture, Naturopath, counselling, etc.);
-super-foods (cancer fighting foods high in antioxidants);
-finding the best Dr/cancer treatment plan (which may not be in Manitoba);
-additional childcare fees;
Most importantly please, keep Julia and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
Kinanâskomitin/Thank you!
Julia's Story:
In early July, just days after her diagnosis, Julia experienced complications from cancer which required emergency surgery to remove a tumor and 35 lymph nodes. While recovering from surgery, Cancer Care Doctors planned a chemo/radiation schedule, to begin mid September. Julia's medical team also planned two more surgeries, one to put in a port for chemo and the second to hopefully reverse the colostomy bag. While waiting for test results, Julia worked hard on positivity, including visualization exercises, healthy foods, exercise, and support from family and friends. On August 11th, Julia and her family met with the Oncologist. The good news: the tumor was the origin of the cancer, and it was removed with good margins. Although the tumor was a slow growing type, it did grow outside the area. The Oncologist prepared Julia for two possible outcomes: 1) Stage 3c Cancer with a 50% 5 year survival rate or 2) Stage 4 Cancer (possibility of cancer spread to the liver) with a 12% 5 year survival rate. While the Oncologist stressed that the numbers are only statistics, built from patients more than double Julia's age, it still means Julia is up for a battle, which is just as much mental as it is physical. A PET scan, scheduled August 21 would help tell the complete story. Just days after being handed this news, Julia woke up in extreme pain and on August 16th was rushed into emergency surgery for the second time. The surgeon felt this was a spontaneous event, unrelated to the cancer. Unfortunately, this surgery meant Julia's chemo/radiation plan would be pushed back another six weeks to allow for recovery time. With staples still in her abdomen, the PET scan was delayed to late September. Unfortunately, the PET scan results showed stage 4 cancer - with spots on her liver. Even with this diagnosis, Julia's medical team said they can still talk "cure." Chemo will begin on Monday, October 2 and another surgery is planned for November (liver resection). In the meantime, Julia has been gathering medical records and beginning the process to plan a visit to the Mayo Clinic.
Funds raised through this campaign will be used for: -travel/medical expenses;
-chemo/radiation affects fertility. Julia hopes for a big family and is opting to freeze eggs prior to treatment; -travel for cultural supports (traditional medicine); -complementary health treatments (i.e. acupuncture, Naturopath, counselling, etc.);
-super-foods (cancer fighting foods high in antioxidants);
-finding the best Dr/cancer treatment plan (which may not be in Manitoba);
-additional childcare fees;
Most importantly please, keep Julia and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
Kinanâskomitin/Thank you!
Organizer and beneficiary
Michelle Bessette
Organizer
Brandon, MB
Julia Stoneman-Sinclair
Beneficiary
