Treena Brannon's Medical Fund

This is Treena Cedrone-Brannon, wife of John Brannon, 25 year post cadaveric kidney transplant survivor, 20+ years of working for those within her community as a licensed social worker/mental health therapist. On January 26th, Treena was diagnosed with stage 2 Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. This cancer was brought on by Treena’s immunosuppressant’s she was prescribed the past 25+ years to keep from rejecting her transplanted kidney. Treena underwent 6 weeks of radiation and 2 round of chemo between February and April and was told on May 22nd that the cancer was gone but that the CT scan showed 2 small spots on her left lung and that a PET scan was advised. While waiting for the PET Scan on June 6th, Treena developed a small knot within the vulva area. On June 6th, PET Scan was completed and dermatologist biopsied the knot in the vulva area. On June 16th, Treena was informed by her Dermatologist (after he compared the biopsy he took versus the biopsy slide sample from January of this year) and the results were “Squamous Carcinoma Anal Cancer.” Treena had seen her Oncologist on June 13th who had advised for her to have a lung biopsy because “the nodules have gotten bigger in your lungs.” The oncologist scheduled an appointment at another hospital (UAB in Birmingham AL) with a pulmonary surgeon for July 3rd (soonest she could be seen). After seeing the pulmonary surgeon and completing another CT Scan, Treena was informed that the nodule on her left lower lung had grown from 5mm on May 22nd to 12mm as of July 3rd and that this was rapidly spreading. A lung biopsy could not be conducted until the 26th of July. Treena had attempted to get in with her Hematologist earlier in June but was told she could not be seen until July 24th for her regularly scheduled follow up due to her hematologist she had previously retiring at the end of June. Thankfully, between Treena and her primary care physician, Treena was seen by another hematologist that was unaware of what had been transpiring the past month because she had not received all the medical records needed. Treena was seen the afternoon of July 5th and was told after reviewing all CT/PET scans and tumor biopsy, that Treena was stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma that has metastasized in her lungs and liver and was told she had 3-12 months to live if undergoing aggressive chemotherapy. Treena and her husband John were further informed that after one round of chemo another CT would be conducted and if the nodules in her lungs or at the tumor site have not reduced in size, that Treena would be sent home on hospice for there was nothing more she felt she could do. Treena’s fight is more difficult due to having to stay on immunosuppressant’s for a kidney transplant and this type of Squamous Cell Carcinoma cancer she is diagnosed with attacks less than 7000 individuals worldwide a year.
     This cancer can be very resistant to treatment but with hope, Treena and her husband would like to get a second opinion by going to MD Anderson Hospital in Houston Texas and look at other treatment plan options. Treena’s employer denied a 90 day personal leave of absence due to exhausting all of her FMLA earlier in the year when battling stage 2 and would only grant 30 days of personal leave at this time. This means that Treena would only be eligible for 4 weeks of short-term disability instead of 11 weeks and long-term disability is not offered. This was all very sudden and shocking to all of Treena’s family and friends which is why I have started this campaign in hopes to help make up for some of the financial stress and difficulties that comes with this battle because all of Treena’s energy and focus should be spent on fighting and healing.
     If you are able, please consider donating to assist with travel monies for a second opinion and access to more state of the art treatment in addition to assisting with any financial concerns that can assist with any extra expenses the months ahead due to limited short-term disability allotments. Money aside, your love, support and prayers are needed and appreciated most of all.