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On April 5, 2021, Christina went in for her first routine mammogram when a lump was discovered in her right breast and one in her lymph node. A biopsy was scheduled for April 15th, and on April 19th Christina received the results which confirmed her fears that she has breast cancer. The diagnosis is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Christina and her husband Bill were devastated to receive the results, but after meeting with their oncologist on April 23rd and putting an action plan together they are confident that this cancer will be destroyed!
Some women have higher levels of protein in their cancer cells know as HER2, and these are called HER2-positive breast cancers. Only 5% of breast cancers are HER2-positive (and also negative for progesterone and estrogen); these cancers tend to grow and spread faster, but tend to respond well to treatment – which is good news! Christina is HER2-positive (and progesterone and estrogen negative), so her treatment plan will focus first on Chemotherapy and HER2 Antibody therapy.
Given the aggressive nature of the cancer, treatment will begin right away. Christina has been busy this week with various doctor appointments, blood tests, scans and a procedure to place a port in her chest in preparation for Chemo treatments to begin as soon as possible.
The plan to attack this cancer will first consist of 6 Chemo treatments given in single doses 3 weeks apart; so from start to finish 18 weeks. Once Chemo is complete, surgery to remove the lump in her right breast will be scheduled and HER2 Antibody therapy will continue. Radiation will likely be administered once she has recovered from surgery. The plan is to eradicate this cancer over the next 18 months.
Please continue to keep Christina, Bill, their children Alyssa, Brianna and Anthony as well as their family in your thoughts and prayers.
Donations to help offset expense are appreciated.
https://gofund.me/d44cd745 
