We Stand with Jean
Donation protected
Where there is a will, there is a Holloway.
Jean Holloway...a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, colleague and mentor. At 37 years old, this vibrant and healthy woman was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She has been an inspiration and has touched so many lives. Those of us that know Jean, know cancer will not define her; how she lives will.
After reading her story as told by her loving husband, Tony, please consider supporting financial relief for the Holloway Family.
"On Monday, December 5, 2016 my wife, Jean Holloway was diagnosed with breast cancer, confirming what we thought at the time was our worst fear. It had been a long weekend waiting for the results of her three biopsies, hoping, if not trying to convince ourselves that the lump in her right breast was nothing more than a clogged milk duct, as she had first noticed it a few weeks after she stopped breast feeding our son. Based on the initial results, it appeared that the cancer was isolated to the one tumor. Yes, the prognosis was scary, but we were confident that surgery and possibly chemo would eliminate the mass altogether. The biopsy seemed to indicate that she had Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC), the most common type of breast cancer, representing 80% of all diagnoses in the United States. One biopsy had come back inconclusive, so her surgeon had ordered an MRI to ensure that the cancer had not spread to her lymph nodes. Jean went in for the MRI on the morning of Wednesday, December 7th. That evening we received a call from the surgeon, while the cancer had not spread to the lymph nodes, it had metastasized to at least one rib and several lesions were visible on her liver. My wife was now living with Stage IV breast cancer.
As human beings, we occupy a reality where one phone call can irrevocably change your entire existence from that moment forward. Our family was in free fall and we had no idea when we would hit bottom. The MRI only revealed a limited picture. Looking to rule out any possibility that the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes, instead unveiled a much greater threat. The obvious question became, where else, if anywhere, had the cancer spread? Once breast cancer has metastasized, it is capable of invading bone, pancreas, lungs and brain. Immediately the oncologist ordered a PET scan and a brain MRI. And yet again, a weekend stood between us and the unknown, in that moment we felt like Schrödinger's cat.
When all the results were in, and we finally hit bottom, the cancer was in my wife's right breast, first and fifth ribs, liver and tailbone. Thankfully it had not spread to her brain, lungs or pancreas. With the counsel of the stellar team at Miami Valley Hospital, a plan was in place. While metastatic cancer is not by definition 'curable', it can be managed like many chronic diseases. By arming ourselves with information and knowledge, by remaining vigilant and steadfast in monitoring her health, by leaning on friends and family for their unwavering support, my wife can continue to live a wonderful life with all of us.
Jean's first step into this cancer maze begins with chemotherapy on Friday, December 23rd. We invite you all to follow along in her progress. Thank you everyone for the love and support you've already given and continue to give. Proceed with normal. The future is unwritten." - Tony Holloway
If you've made it this far, it is most likely without a tug on your heartstrings, dry eyes, or the urge to help this beautiful young woman in some way. Prayers and thoughts are always much appreciated. If you are moved to do more, your donations will support Jean and her family. This will give her the opportunity to dedicate time to her mental and emotional well-being, surround herself with the people she loves, and continue to find the strength to navigate this difficult path.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Jean Holloway...a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, colleague and mentor. At 37 years old, this vibrant and healthy woman was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She has been an inspiration and has touched so many lives. Those of us that know Jean, know cancer will not define her; how she lives will.
After reading her story as told by her loving husband, Tony, please consider supporting financial relief for the Holloway Family.
"On Monday, December 5, 2016 my wife, Jean Holloway was diagnosed with breast cancer, confirming what we thought at the time was our worst fear. It had been a long weekend waiting for the results of her three biopsies, hoping, if not trying to convince ourselves that the lump in her right breast was nothing more than a clogged milk duct, as she had first noticed it a few weeks after she stopped breast feeding our son. Based on the initial results, it appeared that the cancer was isolated to the one tumor. Yes, the prognosis was scary, but we were confident that surgery and possibly chemo would eliminate the mass altogether. The biopsy seemed to indicate that she had Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC), the most common type of breast cancer, representing 80% of all diagnoses in the United States. One biopsy had come back inconclusive, so her surgeon had ordered an MRI to ensure that the cancer had not spread to her lymph nodes. Jean went in for the MRI on the morning of Wednesday, December 7th. That evening we received a call from the surgeon, while the cancer had not spread to the lymph nodes, it had metastasized to at least one rib and several lesions were visible on her liver. My wife was now living with Stage IV breast cancer.
As human beings, we occupy a reality where one phone call can irrevocably change your entire existence from that moment forward. Our family was in free fall and we had no idea when we would hit bottom. The MRI only revealed a limited picture. Looking to rule out any possibility that the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes, instead unveiled a much greater threat. The obvious question became, where else, if anywhere, had the cancer spread? Once breast cancer has metastasized, it is capable of invading bone, pancreas, lungs and brain. Immediately the oncologist ordered a PET scan and a brain MRI. And yet again, a weekend stood between us and the unknown, in that moment we felt like Schrödinger's cat.
When all the results were in, and we finally hit bottom, the cancer was in my wife's right breast, first and fifth ribs, liver and tailbone. Thankfully it had not spread to her brain, lungs or pancreas. With the counsel of the stellar team at Miami Valley Hospital, a plan was in place. While metastatic cancer is not by definition 'curable', it can be managed like many chronic diseases. By arming ourselves with information and knowledge, by remaining vigilant and steadfast in monitoring her health, by leaning on friends and family for their unwavering support, my wife can continue to live a wonderful life with all of us.
Jean's first step into this cancer maze begins with chemotherapy on Friday, December 23rd. We invite you all to follow along in her progress. Thank you everyone for the love and support you've already given and continue to give. Proceed with normal. The future is unwritten." - Tony Holloway
If you've made it this far, it is most likely without a tug on your heartstrings, dry eyes, or the urge to help this beautiful young woman in some way. Prayers and thoughts are always much appreciated. If you are moved to do more, your donations will support Jean and her family. This will give her the opportunity to dedicate time to her mental and emotional well-being, surround herself with the people she loves, and continue to find the strength to navigate this difficult path.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Organizer and beneficiary
Friends of the Flannery Family
Organizer
Dayton, OH
Jean Holloway
Beneficiary