Hello family and friends,

In April 2022, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, a complete surprise since I had no family history and was only 31. I found the lump by accident while showering and was quickly referred to the Breast Center. I went through several treatments including 16 rounds of chemo, a double mastectomy, 28 rounds of radiation, and 6 rounds of immunotherapy. We later learned my tumor was misdiagnosed and was actually a very rare and aggressive form called Triple Negative Metaplastic Carcinoma, which makes up less than 1% of breast cancers. After completing treatments in April 2023, I enjoyed 9 blissful months being cancer-free.

On December 22, 2023, our world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. After weeks of stomach pain and weight loss, a scan revealed three metastatic tumors in my lung, kidney, and pancreas. Due to the rarity of this cancer, there has been little research available. Much of ou  knowledge has come from me talking to other women with this disease and my Oncologist's experience with clinical research teams and consultation with other providers. We journeyed through 4 more types of chemo and 3 bouts of radiation. In September 2024, I began experiencing severe headaches and tunnel vision. I started displaying some manic behaviors - insomnia, binge eating, overspending, forgetfulness, irritability. And then I became extremely sick, being unable to keep even water down, and I became dehydrated. In the ER, they took into account all my symptoms and ordered a brain MRI. They discovered a tumor in my right frontal lobe, which was pushing into the midline (hence, the nausea and vomiting). They were shocked I hadn't had a seizure.

We spent 6 days in the hospital and in that short time, I had neurosurgery and we decided I would begin hospice care. There were no clinical trials available and no realistic treatment options left. This was an absolutely devastating decision that had left us navigating through grief, anxiety, and trauma.

Thankfully, I've been stable enough to be at home while on hospice care thus far, and thanks to your donations, Adam has been able to take time off to spend with me and we are able to maintain some consistency for our children in their extracurriculars even though I'm no longer bringing in income.

We are so humbled and blessed by all of your support, kind messages, delicious meals, and generosity. 

With love & gratitude 🤟🏼
The Szybatkas