This is the story my cousin Julies ongoing battle with a rare form of cancer over the last 9 years.
In February of 2012 she was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of left side maxillary sinus cavity. She received 35 radiations, 7 weeks of Chemotherapy and has had to date over 45 surgeries. 45 SURGERIES....
In September of 2018 the cancer spread to her right lung and lymph nodes. She had another round of radiation, another 7 weeks of Chemotherapy, 6 weeks of triple Chemotherapy and 1 year of immunotherapy. The cancer in her right lung was removed leaving her right lung melted from the radiation.
She has been having surgery almost every 8 weeks for the last nine years.
Last year it was discovered that there were some tumors remaining so she began 1 year of immunotherapy which she planned to follow with 2 years of double immunotherapy.
She was having CT scans every two months to monitor any progression which showed they were stable until a few months ago.
The immunotherapy unfortunately caused her body to become toxic.
The results not only showed two new tumors (on her right lung), they also showed the stable ones had doubled in size.
She had to start double chemo this past Monday (11/8/21) in addition to needing several restorative surgeries that are not covered by insurance.
Julie has always been such a bright, positive, and loved spirit in our family. She is also is not one to ask for help and has never been, as she is a nurse and a natural caregiver. Not to mention she got her nursing degree during this time!
Her three children have been helping her through but unfortunately cancer took her father in 2010 and her mother just a few months ago which has been devastating to the entire family.
She still managed to stay positive and keep fighting while taking care of her youngest daughter who is 14.
She also has a son in the military and her oldest is also a nurse.
We are making this account because not only is she the superhero of the family but she is such a beautiful living example of how to never give up.
We appreciate all donations and prayers possible and hope her story can inspire others to always keep going when times get tough.
If you know Julie at all you at some point have received some kind of love, gift or support from her. She is not only an inspiration, she is a loving mother of 3, a fighter, and our families very own superhero.
If you are not able to donate, please just share her story so hopefully it will impact and inspire others as much as it has our family.
We love you Julie and will not stop praying for you!!
