Hi! My name is Darcy and I'm raising funds for my best friend of over 30 years, Denise.

Last month, in March, Denise was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. After what seemed like a bazillion trips to Seattle for appointments with oncologists, surgeons, and more, it was been decided that she will have a mastectomy on April 22, 2024.

Radiation and chemotherapy will be determined after the testing from surgery gets back.

This comes a year and a half after Denise had open heart surgery for a genetic condition of a thoracic aortic aneurism. Surgery also required a specialist to fix her aortic valve. Recovery was hard, but she radiated joy and peace through it all.

Last year, she and her family welcomed their third child via adoption, and she has been the most amazing mommy to her three little girls.

However, life since surgery has been difficult. Recovery from open heart surgery is no easy road, and during this time, she was also diagnosed with Disautonomia and POTS. Because of all of this, she has been unable to work, so her husband is the sole financial provider. He has limited time off, and has already used much of it on doctor appointments this past month.

The road to recovery with breast cancer will be difficult with several surgeries ahead, as well as whatever radiation and chemotherapy she will require. While recovering, she will also be caring for her three young girls.

Any support you can provide will be grateful accepted. Your support will go towards medical bills, pay supplement when her husband's PTO is exhausted, and gas and transportation costs for the many trips to Seattle. If you can't give financially, please lift her up in prayers and share this gofundme. I know that with our great community, she and her family will thrive during this difficult time and come out only stronger.

Update from Denise (May 20th)

Celebration was due on Friday because my drain finally came out. It was sitting on a nerve and so very painful. I still have to take it easy this week. So we found out and with surgery it was confirmed that the cancer was more advanced than originally thought. Instead of having two small tumors it was actually one. Also cancer was found in one of the first lymph node. This doesn’t change any of the treatments though. It is good to know.

There are several appointments coming up. I have to have another echocardiogram to watch my heart because chemo can have an effect on it. Please pray with me that there are none.

Next, Tuesday I have the chemo port place in my chest. Right now the plan is that chemo will be four times for the first two weeks and then once a week for twelve weeks. However, I am being referred to another oncologist for care, on this side of the water. This way I also get second team’s opinion. I will have several appointments with that team before starting chemotherapy in the next few weeks.

I will be getting radiation after chemo is completed.

This is a lot but I am someone who does better when I know the plan. It allows my brain to rest because the practical question have been answered. Emotionally I am doing pretty well. I have my moments of frustration because of being limited doing things physically. I have moments of sadness because I wonder how this will impact my girls with me once again being the sick Mom. I have moments where I am angry because I can’t be the partner and wife I wish and use to be. But I am also thankful that I have a great family and friends. That I have wonderful community. If you want to help feel free to ask.

If I could give any advice to both women and men is that when showering use your hands to wash your chest and armpits, not a wash cloth, loofah, or bar soap and teach your kids to do this too.