“Your compromised immune system is interfering with your cancer treatment.” But you’re a fighter….
I was diagnosed with early-stage (stage 2) breast cancer in August 2019. I received surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments from Sept. 2019 through June 2020. Then I went on an anti-cancer medication regimen but had trouble tolerating the side effects (probably due to living in this toxic apartment because I couldn't detox the meds properly).
“We’re in the midst of a worldwide pandemic.” But you’re a fighter…...
“The cancer has spread to your bones.” But you’re a fighter……
In November 2021, I found out that the cancer had spread to various places in my bones and few lymph nodes (metastatic breast cancer, stage 4). In December, I had radiation treatments on a tumor in my tibia that was preventing me from walking properly. Then I had physical therapy. I can now walk normally but not long distances.
“The mold in your apartment that was not properly fixed is making it difficult for your cancer treatments to work effectively.” But you’re a fighter…..
I began standard treatment for metastatic breast cancer that involves three different medications, a bone-builder, a hormone blocker, and a med that targets my type of cancer cells. I developed liver toxicity from the first targeted med I tried, a rare side-effect which is probably due to the fact that I can't detoxify here properly. I'm now on another targeted med (along with the other two) and dealing with lots of digestive side effects from it. I'm trying to slowly develop tolerance for a full dose. (No liver issues so far, fortunately.) So that's why getting out of here is imperative if I have a shot at benefitting from the treatment I need. With treatment, lots of people live for years with the type of cancer I have, so there's still hope for me.
” Your apartment is dangerous to your health. You have to live in a tent on your apartment balcony.” But you’re a fighter……..
Now, we're in a housing emergency and need funds for moving costs and out-of-pocket medical expenses that will help me cope with the side effects of cancer treatment. We have to move because a mold problem that began in our apartment several years ago was not properly repaired. The toxic exposure is making it difficult for me to tolerate my cancer medications.
I'm currently sleeping on my balcony while my brother is helping me find another living situation. My daughter might have to move out of state to live with her father's family until I get situated again.
“Your much-loved adult child has moved to be with friends of her father’s. The stress of the unsafe housing situation while fighting cancer has been too much. You’re still paying for her car insurance and hoping she can get disability. It has been a rough transition, for both of you.”
But you’re a fighter…
A moment, please. The more I wrote about what our J. Graham has and is enduring the angrier I became.
Tell me. When does she not have to fight for what should be a given — a safe home — a home that allows her cancer treatment to work effectively? A safe healthy place that allows her much loved daughter to return home?
When does J Graham get the respite so badly needed? No one can fight forever. No one has infinite strength. No one should be asked to endure the unendurable.
I know what soul exhaustion is like. Far too many of us do. We know what it is like to do everything right and still be hammered by illness — our own, a loved one’s, or both. We know what it is like when everything is used up, when exhaustion has hollowed us out. And yet we fight to go on. Some how we place one foot in front of another for those we love.
That is us. That is J Graham.
That is why this community does what it does — lift others up.
Time and again this village of care has provided comfort and hope. For 12 years I have seen this community do the impossible. Together, we have made miracles happen.
We are doing it again for J. Graham and her daughter. Bit by bit, donation by donation, small and large, we will get them to safety. To healing.
If you can donate, the link to her Mighty Cause donation page is here — www.mightycause.com/…
The link to her PayPal account is here — jgraham4healthcare at gmail dot com
There is no such thing as a “small” donation. Every dollar counts.
If you can’t donate — please rec, tip, and share. Everything we can do matters.
Together, we provide shelter from the storm. Together, we move mountains. Together, we make hope real for J Graham and her daughter.
Thank you, for all that you do.
Blessings to all
Friday, Aug 19, 2022 · 12:54:36 AM +00:00 · Onomastic
Good evening, wonderful people. It’s close to nine pm here on the Right Coast. It has been an amazing day because of all of you. So, before I get some much-needed sleep, wanted to share some good news. Because of your kindness, caring, and generosity, the total raised today is $4036! That is beautiful. Total donations for this on-going fundraiser for J Graham have now reached $9,352. That is around two thirds of the way to the goal of $14,000! You make hope real. We’re going to continue doing what this amazing community does best. Can’t thank all of you enough.
