Help Me Fight Rare, Advanced, Aggressive Cancer

Hi, this is Riid, and I never imagined I’d be writing something quite like this.

Earlier this month, I was diagnosed with highly aggressive Stage III-C cancer, thankfully caught shy of officially hitting Stage IV so treatment begins immediately now that diagnostic baseline testing is complete. My medical team is preparing for a long, intense treatment process that includes 4–5 months of chemotherapy, followed by preparing for a bilateral mastectomy and in-depth lymph removals. I will then go through radiation, possibly more chemotherapy and then a major reconstructive surgery followed by up to ten years of hormone therapy. They will assess and reassess responsiveness levels to treatments and complications along the way as we go.

The reality is that this will be an 18-month battle—physically, emotionally, and financially. I need all the help I can get however you are able to get it.

What Happened

On July 9th, I went in for what I hoped would be a routine ultrasound. I even told the friend who drove me that it would take about 20 minutes. Instead, one test became many—ultrasounds, mammograms, more ultrasounds and then biopsies. The staff didn’t hide their concern. They found multiple suspicious areas, especially in my left breast and lymph nodes.

Less than 24 hours later, I got the call: a large Grade 3 invasive carcinoma with confirmed lymph node involvement. I was officially a cancer patient before I even turned 29 on July 17th.

Doctors suspect I’ve been living with undiagnosed cancer for years. Four years ago, I was told that changes in my breasts were “likely hormonal” despite obvious pain and being prescribed a chemo agent for an autoimmune disorder. I asked for a mammogram then, but was told to wait unless something persisted. I followed instructions. That pain was cancer spreading.

What’s Next

This diagnosis has completely turned my world upside down. Here’s what the current treatment roadmap looks like:

4–5 months of chemotherapy if I get through all 6 major infusion cycles in a timely manner without delays.

Roughly a 1 month recovery phase for major surgeries including a bilateral mastectomy. They will also need to go after the multiple levels (locations) of involved lymph nodes to remove the ones they know are affected. Once that is complete during the same procedure, they will also pull additional lymph nodes for direct testing and remove an unknown amount depending on cancer defection.

Perhaps another few weeks of a recovery period as best as they can.

Intensive radiation therapy, likely for another four to five months mixed with cancer targeted therapy medications as well whether more chemo is still required at that point or not,

I will then undergo more diagnostics concerning reconstruction surgery and get a brief recovery period before they enact whatever plan suits. All along the way I will also have regular injections for immune support, fertility preservation, and high profile hospitalization response to any signs of serious fever with poor cell counts. I will need to undergo blood transfusions on any day my labs do not meet minimum criteria for infusions.

I have undergone initial genetic testing and will be strictly monitored for signs of other cancers. A cardiomyopathy was noted on my echo and will require more screening and monitoring as well.

The light at the end of the 18-month tunnel is the beginning of up to 10 years of hormone therapy.

Because of the severity of my condition and how my body may respond to treatment, my cancer center has urged me to file for disability immediately, with hopes of a compassionate decision. But that process takes time, and my financial needs are immediate. My employers are in full support of this and I have legal counsel specializing in cancer cases lined up to help me start filing the paperwork.

Why I Need Your Help

Fighting cancer is expensive—not just the treatment itself, but the day-to-day costs of living while unable to work. Your donation will help cover:

Medical expenses and treatments not covered by insurance.

Transportation costs to and from treatment centers.

Medications, recovery care, and therapy.

Rent, groceries, and essential bills during periods I can’t work.

I’ve been encouraged to pursue legal action due to delays and negligence in earlier care, but right now, my priority is survival, not lawsuits.

How You Can Support

Donate — Every contribution, no matter the size, helps.

Share — Please spread this page with your network. Awareness is everything.

Pray and Encourage — If you can’t give financially, your love, prayers, and uplifting messages matter more than you know.

This diagnosis is devastating, but I’m not giving up. I believe in miracles, in medicine, and in community. Thank you for standing with me in this fight.