Debbie Finckbone

Debbie was originally diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2008. Her treatment included a mastectomy, radiation and chemotherapy. She had fully recovered from her original diagnosis. But 9 years later she started experiencing excruciating pain in her back. She was diagnosed with degenerative disk disease and was getting steroid injections for several months before an MRI detected a tumor on her spine. By the time the tumor was detected she was in so much pain that she wasn't able to sleep and could barely talk. She spoke to her breast cancer Oncologist who prescribed strong pain meds. She was taken to the Emergency Room to get the pain under control initially. While spending several days at Carle Hospital in Urbana, they were able to get her pain under control after a day of treatment. They began testing with a full back MRI, cat scan, blood work, biopsy. She also had fluid removed from her lungs since fluid was starting to pool there. Upon her release from the hospital she investigated her option to go to Cancer Treatment Center of America. They were able to verify her health insurance as accepted at their facility and immediately set her up with appointments to get tests and treatment started immediately. Debbie has stage IV breast cancer. A tumor was found on her spinal cord, just below the rib cage. She also has a growth around the thoracic and on her breast bone. None of her organs are being affected by the cancer. They are still waiting for additional test results from the biopsy to determine her complete course of care. They do know that the cancer is treatable but not curable and she will need to have some fashion of preventive cancer treatment for the rest of her life. She is doing very well with the course of pain medicine provided to manage the pain and experiencing very little pain at this time. Debbie has a strong faith in the miraculous healing power that God provides. She can use everyone's continued prayers for a miraculous recovery as a testament to the healing power faith in Christ can provide.

Of course she can use financial assistance in any amount. Her car needs new brakes and rotors. She has a deductible with her health insurance that she needs to pay before the health insurance kicks in. She is currently unable to work and not receiving any income.

She will be traveling to the "Magic Kingdom" aka Cancer Treatment Center of America and staying in hotels for 3 weeks straight for her daily treatment of radiation among other things included in her care. This is her initial treatment plan and her full course of treatment will be determined when all the biopsy results are completed. Hotel stays and eating out can be expensive and her short term disability doesn't start until March 1.Her immediate financial assistance is very real.

She has appreciated all the get well cards, flowers and gifts she has received so far. They have really lifted her spirits and are greatly appreciated.

Debbie is a faithful child of God and chooses to stay positive throughout the course of her treatment and recovery. Her optimism and cheerful spirit is a blessing to everyone she comes in contact with. She is already witnessing the blessings of God even in the midst of her illness. As she stays focused on all of God's blessings recognizing his amazing power working in all those around her she is finding peace.