KendisBreastCancerJourney

Hey everyone,

I want to thank everyone who has donated to my fundraiser!

Let me update you on my life since the last time I posted in early January: On January 25th, my partner of 12 years informed me he was leaving me with only 4 days' notice prior to when I was to leave for my 2nd chemo infusion 250 miles away. I went from a double income household to less than single income (as I am out on disability) overnight. Thanks to my friends. family, community members and YOU we were able to piecemeal my care as well as my pets' care. Because of your generosity I have been able to get through ALL 6 of my chemotherapy infusions, including an unexpected blood transfusion in the midst of it! I cannot tell you what a relief it has been knowing that I didn't have to worry about travel expenses, such as accommodations, gas, tolls, and meals. I've also been able to pay copays and over the counter comfort meds and other supplies needed for battling cancer.

YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH YOUR SUPPORT MEANS TO ME!!!

What lays ahead:

1. 1. I am continuing to receive infusions to block specific hormone receptors and have started receiving an injection to block others.

2. 2. I will be receiving 5 weeks of radiation and have already been through the simulation. I even got the three tattoos to prove it!

3. For the next several (maybe even up to 10) years I will be on a medication to reduce the risk of recurrence. I will also continue to be monitored by the hospital 250 miles away.

3. 4. I am working on getting my strength back as well as stamina. Fighting cancer is NOT for the weak! BUT I COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT YOU!!!

5. 5. I am hopeful to start working at least part time at one of my jobs to once I have an idea of how radiation is going to affect me. It's been QUITE the adjustment without the second income, but I am managing.

Thank you everyone for your generosity, kind words, prayers, positive energy and love!

I am continuing to move onward and upward!

Friends, 

Thank you to everyone who has donated thus far.  It has been a relief being able to pay for travel, accommodations, medical supplies, copays, lost wages, due to my diagnosis of breast cancer in September.  

The latest update is that I had a lumpectomy on November 24th, and the pathology report showed that the mass was 3 times the size of what was expected, and I had a micro metastasis in one of my sentinel lymph nodes.  I was diagnosed as Stage 2 at this point.

Additional testing has been done to determine a few things -to determine if I am healthy enough to receive treatment and also to assess if the cancer has spread to other parts of my body.  I am scheduled to have a port placed shortly and begin 6 rounds of chemotherapy concurrent with immunotherapy.  As of this writing, I am to have radiation and additional therapies post chemo.

Thank you so much to those who have donated, and if you are able to financially support me and my family during this difficult time so I can focus on fighting this brute of a disease, I would be forever grateful.  

Thank you,

Kendra