Donation protected
In February 2019, Robin noticed a lump underneath her arm. A mammogram and ultrasound showed enlarged lymph nodes, but since she was having some respiratory/inflammatory issues at the same time, it was attributed to that and she was told to follow up with her primary doctor if it didn't get better. After a battle with strep throat and still feeling bad after several days, she was sent for a CT scan. That's when things changed. The CT scan showed additional enlarged lymph nodes in the chest and neck and lymphoma was suspected. An appointment was immediately set up with an oncologist and followed by a meeting with the surgeon. A biopsy was preformed and the pathology results showed it was not lymphoma, but most closely associated with triple negative breast cancer. Pet scan confirmed the metastatic status, stage 3. However, a primary tumor could not be located in any imaging, which means it is occult, even more rare. Doctors said the cancer was aggressive, but hoped for a good response with chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Robin began on a treatment protocol of Abraxane and Tecentriq. This combination was FDA approved for TNBC the day after Robin received her diagnosis and good results were reported during clinical trials. Four rounds were completed and then she was sent for additional scanning. The results showed some improvement, but not a complete response.
Because Robin's cancer is difficult to treat, there was some questions on what to do next. Surgery was considered very risky, but a better response was definitely needed or surgery would be necessary, regardless. Aggressive radiation was also thought to be needed, but surgery needed to take place before radiation. The surgeon decided to take Robin's case to the tumor board. They concluded that additional chemo should be tried first to see if they could get a better response.
In the meantime, Robin had a few people suggest that she should seek a second opinion from MD Anderson. Initially she was told it would be 6 weeks before she could get an appointment. Robin discussed this with her oncologist and he was fully supportive of her going, and encouraged her to go even if it took 6 weeks. Luckily, Robin was able to get an appointment sooner and will be going to MD Anderson in Texas at the end of August.
Robin has focused on staying positive during this journey and taking things one day at a time. She is hoping for clarity and peace of mind will come with the trip to MDA.
Robin regularly post updates in her Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2240411202720325/
Robin does have insurance and has continued to work as much as she can during this process although medical expenses (co-payments, deductibles, medications, travel, etc.) have added financial stress.
If you are able, please consider contributing to assist Robin with expenses. We understand that everyone is not in a position to give financially, but hope you will consider sharing with your friends and networks.
If you prefer not to give electronically, please contact us and we can send you her address.
Robin began on a treatment protocol of Abraxane and Tecentriq. This combination was FDA approved for TNBC the day after Robin received her diagnosis and good results were reported during clinical trials. Four rounds were completed and then she was sent for additional scanning. The results showed some improvement, but not a complete response.
Because Robin's cancer is difficult to treat, there was some questions on what to do next. Surgery was considered very risky, but a better response was definitely needed or surgery would be necessary, regardless. Aggressive radiation was also thought to be needed, but surgery needed to take place before radiation. The surgeon decided to take Robin's case to the tumor board. They concluded that additional chemo should be tried first to see if they could get a better response.
In the meantime, Robin had a few people suggest that she should seek a second opinion from MD Anderson. Initially she was told it would be 6 weeks before she could get an appointment. Robin discussed this with her oncologist and he was fully supportive of her going, and encouraged her to go even if it took 6 weeks. Luckily, Robin was able to get an appointment sooner and will be going to MD Anderson in Texas at the end of August.
Robin has focused on staying positive during this journey and taking things one day at a time. She is hoping for clarity and peace of mind will come with the trip to MDA.
Robin regularly post updates in her Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2240411202720325/
Robin does have insurance and has continued to work as much as she can during this process although medical expenses (co-payments, deductibles, medications, travel, etc.) have added financial stress.
If you are able, please consider contributing to assist Robin with expenses. We understand that everyone is not in a position to give financially, but hope you will consider sharing with your friends and networks.
If you prefer not to give electronically, please contact us and we can send you her address.
Co-organizers (3)
Danielle Denise Roberts
Organizer
Louisville, KY
Robin Miller
Beneficiary
Stephanie Duff
Co-organizer
Denise Blaylock Roberts
Co-organizer