Life sure can change in an instant. Our dearest Sonja has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She and her husband Clarence are now preparing for the road ahead. I was able to join Sonja & Clarence as they met with an Oncologist on Wed, Oct. 14. They went in with an open mind (while also thinking we’d likely each be leaving there in tears, ready to make an appt for a 2nd opinion) Thankfully, we were wrong. Both Sonja & Clarence really like the Oncologist we met with. It felt good to see them comfortable & understand the Doctor as much as we could. Sonja is dealing with an aggressive form of invasive ductal carcinoma in situ, it is HER2 triple-positive breast cancer that we know has spread to 1-2 lymph nodes. It’s tough to determine exactly what will be needed, but surgery IS the main treatment. Before surgery, she will need to undergo months of chemotherapy in hopes of shrinking the cancer. Hopes are of a lumpectomy, a mastectomy if needed. Radiation will follow. It strongly sounds like the biggest reason to lean towards a lumpectomy is the healing factor. If you don’t know, Sonja is both type 1 and type 2 diabetic. So, healing will be a huge factor for her. Her Oncologist has a team of Endocrinologists that only work with their chemo patients; it sounds like she will be watched carefully. Sonja is scheduled to have her port-a-cath inserted on Tues, 10/20. Her PET scan is Tues, 10/27 along with a surgery consult. She is also scheduled for genetic testing, to help them better understand her cancer. Chemo is set to begin on Thursday 11/5. As we all know, Cancer treatment brings countless appointments, medications, medical & travel expenses, and time away from work. I’m hoping we can help relieve some of that stress so she can focus her energy where it belongs: on only healing. And to help Clarence - so he can focus on helping her in any way she needs. If you are able, please consider donating to them, sending a gift card, providing a meal, or sharing this page. Your support will help cover medical expenses, treatment-related expenses and provide much-needed peace of mind during an incredibly challenging time. Please help me show Sonja that she is not fighting alone 🧡🤍 Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, your thoughts, the good juju & the prayers. Joleen Sonja’s Soul-Sister & Part of the Sh!tty T!tty Crew
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