Michele Hogsett Cancer Fund

Michele was diagnosed in November of 2008 with triple negative breast cancer after finding a lump in her breast.  She had a mastectomy and lymph node removal where they discovered she had three postive lymph nodes.  She then underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment.  Triple negative breast cancer has no targeted therapy so her oncologist monitored her health with blood work.  She had multiple reconstructive surgeries.

In May of 2011 Michele fell in her kitchen and fractured her hip.  She had an MRI and it was discovered that the cancer had returned and spread to her bones, and was classified as stage 4.  The cancer had spread to several places including her right pelvis, left femur, and lumbar spine.  She then had a bone biopsy to determine the type of cancer present.  The biopsy showed that the cancer had changed to estrogen and progesterone positive breast cancer.  Meaning there were targeted treatments her doctor could use to treat her.  At this time she also had radiation to her right pelvis to relieve pain and started a targeted therapy.

Over the past three years she has tried several treatments.  Some have worked for several months and some didn't work at all.  She has worked her way through the options to where she is today.  She recently has had pain in her left leg and has needed radiation treatments and she soon will be started a chemotherapy drug which may cause hair loss.

*We are traveling back and forth to the cancer center several times a week which has put quite a strain on our finances and wear and tear on our vehicle.  We have taken trips to other hospitals for second opinions and information on clinical trials.  There are a lot of out pocket expenses and copays. 

We normally wouldn't and haven't asked for help since 2008 when Michele was first diagnosed, but things have gotten to an overwhelming point to where we need to.  If you can help us in any way we greatly appreciate it. 

****UPDATE
Michele was admitted to the hospital with fluid on her lungs Tuesday.  They have drained some fluid off and she is on oxygen and antibiotics.  She has some pnuemonia and will hopefully be able to go home soon.