Michele’s journey started in March 2014; one year after her mom had breast cancer, mastectomy and treatment. After having a clean mammogram in 2013, Michele was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and then came many months of treatment. In 2015,k Michele was confirmed as in remission and she looked forward to her my “NEW” normal life.
In 2017, Michele had a relapse with her cancer and ended up having an adrenal gland removed in addition to new medications. In 2018, she had another recurrence in her left adrenal gland and right hip bone. She then started clinical trial chemo infusions every 3 weeks and of the 3 weeks the second week is the worst, with not being able to get out of bed for an extra 2-3 days, literally kicking her butt! The chemo infusion is not working and Michele decided it was really no way to live life being so sick all the time, having more bad than good days. Recently, Michele had an NM Bone Scan to find 3 other spots, one in the occipital bone of her skull and 2 on her lumbar spine.
Family is very important to Michele, and during her journey with breast cancer, she lost her father. Michele cherished her relationship with her dad. He was very dear to her. Losing her father brought her mom and sister even closer, knowing that life is short and has no limits. Michele’s mom Trudy is her caregiver, an amazing woman as well. Michele’s family includes her 2 cats Tucker and Tess, along with her mom’s dog Haley.
Michele’s work family has been very supportive and requested assistance to get Michele and her mom on an Alaskan cruise. Below are some comments from work friends.
“Michele is a dear friend from work and our friendship has evolved from there. Michele is an incredible woman, she is so strong and the fight she has given breast cancer is that of a warrior. In the many years I have known Michele she has taken her treatments and returned to work multiple times. To me that really speaks loudly, to be at work, go to treatment and on most days she back again. Michele is a fighter!” – Sarah
“One year ago today, if you asked me what I thought of my work acquaintance, Michele, I would have told you that she’s a really nice girl and a hard worker. One year ago today, she had the first of many surgeries and treatments for her breast cancer, and my oh my, how a year changes things! If you asked me now about my dear friend Michele, I would tell you what an amazing woman she is. Her strength, her courage, her positive and uplifting attitude, her commitment to her family, her friends, (and her job!) during a year with so many ups and downs, I don’t know many people that could go through what she has with such dignity and grace. I can’t help but think her positive energy has pulled her through! Michele, my hope for you this year is good health, lots of love and friendship and more opportunities for you to share your awesome spirit”.
“Every time I have a rough day, [I think of my mom Trudy and my sister Michele]. What they have gone through and what my sister is still going through. Cancer sucks! They have such a great outlook on everything and have stayed positive through some of the toughest things that anyone can face. Both of them have had double mastectomies, enduring chemo and my sister also has to go through radiation. However; the positivity that they hold and the outcry of support is humbling. So, the next time you have a bad day, just remember… someone else has it worse. We need to be thankful for the health that we have, the people that we love, & the true blessings that we have. I am the baby of the family and both my mom & sister know how emotional I am when it comes to them. They try so hard to make sure that I am okay. I love them for this but I am worried about them and how they are doing. They have shown me what true unconditional love is by the way they care how everyone else is. I just love my family and the ones that have gathered to support both of them. I love you both and I am so happy to have both of you on my side and the ability to be there for both of you. No matter what, I am here for you”. – her sister Nicole
Stella’s Wish is providing assistance for an Alaskan Cruise to make this dream come true for Michele and her mom/caregiver, Trudy!
