Veronica's Battle with Stage 4 Head & Neck Cancer

UPDATE: 4/23/2023 Please see below for an update from Veronica. Please continue to send prayers up for Veronica and this journey that she is on. If you are able, please donate to this cause as she will be navigating a lot in the months to come.

***Hey y’all! Many of you have texted or called wondering what the update was from the tumor board meeting of the minds. It’s easier to update here a lot of times with work, life, appointments, kids, etc. Due to radiation therapy not working and the tumor growing larger it has been decided that surgery is the only option. A referral has been made to Pittsburgh Medical to see if they will be willing to risk doing the surgery as they have some of the top skull & sinus surgeons in the country. There are at least 2 surgeons there that have treated and done surgery specifically for nasopharyngeal cancer, so that’s a plus. It is believed that the tumor may have gone into my brain and this is why blood flow is being restricted from my brain to my heart. More testing has been ordered to determine this for certain. The tumor is also resting on my carotid artery, which makes surgery very risky.

Best case scenario, Pittsburgh says they will remove the entire tumor and surgery goes as planned without any complications. The other scenario is they say that they can remove most of it and we pray some other therapy shrinks what they cannot take in surgery. Worst case scenario is that the surgeons in Pittsburgh say they won’t do surgery because it’s too high risk. Then, I have no idea. I’m not going to sugar coat this. Every single day that passes I am lucky, and blessed, to be here. I’m at a life-threatening stage right now with the tumors location and complications it’s causing. We need answers quickly and the best surgeon we can get.

Pittsburgh is about 7 hours away from me. I am still working, but do not have paid time off for another 5 months. Please pray for finances, wisdom for the doctors in making the right decision on surgery, and for peace of mind.

Much love to you all

original post:

Hi, my name is Shannon, and I have put this fundraiser together for a very dear friend! I had the honor of crossing paths with Veronica 5 years ago. I knew right away what a kind soul she was and still is! She is an amazing lady that has worked hard for what she believes in and has recently been blessed to have opened her wellness boutique. Unfortunately, this incredible opportunity halted as she was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer. I will be adding her story in her own words below so that all can understand a more detailed version of her story. Veronica does not know what this journey will bring but knows it will be costly. She does not have insurance and just recently found that it is impossible to obtain sufficient insurance for her pre existing condition. Veronica has a very strong faith and is always looking on the bright side. Her motto is "Just a girl on a journey to shine a little light into people's lives" Let's show her some love and some light back! If you feel led to do so, please donate to give some relief from these medical expenses already incurred and bills coming in the future.! Also, prayer is so important. Please pray for Veronica's health and full recovery as she goes through this journey.

From Veronica:

10/21/22

My days seem to fill quickly since the diagnosis last Friday. Last Friday seems like it was forever ago. I know each of you care and are worried about what is going on. I appreciate each of you. I’m just going to put it all on here so you all know what’s presently happening in my life.

April, 2019 I went to see an ENT due to fluid and hearing loss in my right ear. The ENT did a hearing test and concluded my eustachian tube just quit working for “whatever reason”. I had never had any prior issues, not even an ear infection in my entire life. The first tube did resolve my loss of hearing, but fluid immediately filled my ear after it started to fall out several months later.

ENT wanted to place a second tube, instead of getting to the root issue. The second tube did not work at all. I pressed for answers and was told that perhaps the tube itself had a malfunction and they would do another at no cost. I didn’t like this answer and wanted to know the root cause. I was told it was probably just allergies .

I decided to wait on inserting a 3rd tube, left the 2nd tube in, and explored alternative therapies. Months later, I reluctantly went back to have the 2nd tube taken out and a new one put in. The only other option I was given was a newer type surgery where they insert a balloon that stays inflated. I was also prescribed prednisone and ear drops many times throughout the 3 years, despite having no ear infection.

I had made the last appointment because that 2nd tube had started to fall out and got stuck in my ear (as the previous one had) and I felt it was causing some of my new symptoms.

I had lost complete near-sided vision in my right eye and I developed right sided stuffiness that would not go away during this time too. It had now been a little over 3 years of going back and forth to this ENT and trying to get answers.

Thankfully my regular ENT was on vacation that day and I saw someone else. She immediately told me the eustachian tube wouldn’t be causing my symptoms and ordered an endoscopy. That revealed a large tumor in my nasopharynx, extending to right and left nostrils. I went on to have a CT scan, 2 inconclusive biopsies, and finally surgery that revealed that I have nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (nasopharyngeal cancer).

They were able to remove 3/4 of the tumor. The rest is sitting too close to my carotid arteries. I have tested positive for several other tumor markers. I can breathe better, but my right ear is worse and they are unsure why.

Daily radiation for a couple months has been recommended. I am exploring all options at this time. I do not have insurance and have paid everything out of pocket.

This has taken, and will continue to, a financial and emotional toll. I am continuing to stay as positive as I can. I see this as a learning experience and one that I’ll come through stronger than before and hopefully be given the opportunity to help others through one day.

I am continuing to see clients and serve others every single day in the best way I can.

Much love to you all

11/02/22

First consultation with Upstate Medical in Syracuse, NY tomorrow. Really hoping to get a consultation with Sloans Memorial Kettering in NYC also. Insurance is still a major issue as the “best” plan available to me will not cover my treatments for another 6-12 months and only 3 doctor visits. SMH. Prayers, good thoughts, light…whatever you do….it’s needed & appreciated! Much love