Helping Our Mom, Janel, Through Her Second Cancer Battle

Our mom, Janel, is one of the strongest, most resilient women we know. Last year she was diagnosed with stage 2B high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. She went through major surgery and six rounds of chemo — losing her hair, her strength, her dignity, and so much of herself in the process. But she never gave up, even when she wanted to! After all of that, she finished treatment with no evidence of disease and a CA-125 of 12 — and we finally got to breathe again.

She’s been so careful ever since — going to every three-month checkup, staying healthy after her gastric bypass surgery, and doing her best to keep life as normal as possible. Her hair started growing back, she started to be able to walk up the stairs without losing her breath, and she was even able to start working full-time again! She was always finding ways to help others, even if it was just lending an ear to listen. And all while still being there for us, our dad, our doggos, our grandparents, and anyone she can!

But recently, her doctors found signs that her cancer has come back. This is still ovarian cancer, but they call it a recurrence. She is starting a new chemotherapy regimen (Doxil and Carboplatin), and while she’s trying to stay brave, it’s terrifying to go through it all over again — the side effects, the weakness, the uncertainty, and the financial strain.

Our mom missed a lot of work during her first treatment, and she’s worried about how she’ll manage this time. Even with insurance, there are travel costs, supplements, and days, if not weeks, that she simply won’t be able to work. She may have to take a leave of absence from work.

She’s not someone who ever asks for help. She prefers to be the one giving it, which is why she loves Christmas so much! It’s not getting the gifts that makes her heart smile, it’s giving gifts! She has the best heart, and that’s why so many people love her!

She hesitated to even let us make this page — but we want her to focus on healing, not worrying about bills. Every little bit will help her with medical expenses, groceries, and the small comforts that make chemo a little easier.

If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this or keeping her in your prayers. Your kindness truly means the world to our family.

Thank you for standing with our mom as she fights again.

With love,

Ryleigh and Savannah