The Anderson Family
Our Story
We are the Anderson family. Curt (husband), Amy (wife) and our two kids, Addie (16) and Asher (7), and our two dogs (Vizslas!) who are 14.5 and 13 and full members of our family! In February 2022, Amy was diagnosed with Stage 3 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (Invasive ductal carcinoma—a highly aggressive, invasive breast cancer) that had spread to the axillary lymph. Care plan was identified as 1) treatment/chemotherapy; then 2) surgery; then 3) radiation. We wanted to “get at this” aggressive disease with everything we could. Amy already lived a healthy lifestyle and supported her body naturally, so we felt strongly compelled to follow an integrative plan (combining functional medicine with standard oncology) to support Amy’s body through treatment and manage pre-existing sensitivities and autoimmune disease. In June 2022, Amy completed 11 Paclitaxel+Carboplatin chemotherapy infusions, and though suffered significant peripheral neuropathy, Amy had an "incredible response."
However, an ultrasound biopsy in July 2022 showed one remaining treatment-resistant tumor to be HER2+ disease. This presented a challenge, and perplexed every colleague our oncologist consulted. At that time, we also learned that our oncologist was moving out of state and would be unable to continue our care. He recommended an oncologist from his network, and also sent referrals to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and the University of Minnesota Cancer Center for second opinions. During the next several weeks, we met with oncologists, surgeons, functional and medical doctors, seeking their advice on this new twist, while also searching for a good fit for a new oncologist that would support Amy's desire to continue integrating functional and standard care (especially since her body responded so well thus far to this approach). For every practitioner we met with, we had a different recommendation … the opinions varied wildly, and it felt a bit like starting over with a whole new cancer diagnosis. It took time to get second opinions and find a new team. During this time, we kept up the fight: Amy completed various functional therapies, including a series of antigen injections with RGCC (Research Genetics Cancer Center) aimed at revitalizing Amy's flatlined immune system and preparing for targeted HER2 treatments. In January 2023, after new baseline imaging, we established a new plan of (integrated) care with our new team.
Amy completed four HER2+ standard targeted therapy infusions of Herceptin + Perjeta in early spring 2023 for the remaining HER2+ disease with “little to no” treatment response, and an increase in tumor size. A recheck biopsy showed additional HER2 neu expression, and targeted chemotherapy (Enhertu) was ordered with hopes of better treatment response.
Amy’s strong desire is to continue to incorporate integrative therapies so long as resources are available, in order to maximize the effectiveness of treatment and help her body fight this disease well, while managing side effects. (All held loosely, based on risk of developing resistance, recurrence of the original Triple-Negative disease and risk of advancing neuropathy.)
In December 2023, it was concluded after several reviews by our care team that the targeted HER2 neu therapy was not working. Early Jan 2024, amy completed a functional treatment through RGCC called SOT (Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy). In Jan 2024 a repeat PET revealed mixed results, with some decrease in primary tumor and axilla, while some increase in axilla and one new node in the AP Window/Mediastinal area. This new node moved Amy from Stage 3 to a clinical Stage 4 disease.
We continue to persevere, with hope. What began as a "five-month" journey has continued for more than two years of active treatment, taking one step at a time. We are grateful for the medical teams who have come alongside us to help us navigate our unique situation. We have weighed numerous mixed professional opinions, and we have relied heavily on our team, and ultimately our faith to help us know what is best for “us” and best for treating Amy individually and wholly as we walk this out one step at a time.
As this journey has been much longer than we ever anticipated, we have finally found ourselves in a place of financial need. After a harder season of Curt’s business still impacted by the pandemic, and a critical job loss, we have found we can no longer keep up with our bills and some of our most critical care (Mayo Clinic, RGCC and all Functional therapies) have been out-of-network and out-of-pocket. Over the past year of this journey, we have exhausted our resources, including our entire savings, to carry us through to this point. We are grateful for the treatments we have been able to do so far, but very much appreciate any assistance to continue to receive the care that has been the most effective, and the best chance for Amy’s complete healing. We are so very grateful and absolutely could not walk this road without your help. Thank you for your support!
Family Updates
My body has been very tired and I have rested in between therapies and supportive care. I am learning that my severe new lack of energy is suspected due to ongoing chemotherapies damaging my mitochondria. We have some important decisions to make about treatments and care teams.
I have many supportive treatment options available functionally but we have reached the end of our medical funds. I feel stuck!! My body cannot handle more chemo right now. Simply moving about my house is accomplishment. And before Christmas, I was still doing 20 mins on my treadmill; and last fall taking long bike rides with my (now ten yo) son. This huge loss of energy impacts me every day—especially when movement is such a big part of healing.
I am still managing the open wound in my chest. I had some increased and profuse bleeding but have been advised that for patients whose cancer is “coming out” through the open wound, that this level of bleeding is not uncommon. So I am taking it one day at a time. And as tough as it is, if my body is pushing cancer out through my skin, I want to support that process!
My weight is still down. I am trying to keep with high fat and high protein diet.
I did a functional treatment this week and my doctor added amino acids to help my body strengthen. I will need to purchase more IV treatments in the coming weeks to proceed with the cancer-killing IVs (we will need to replenish next week) or any more supportive IVs.
Right now, we are trusting God to provide for what we need. I know He knows his plan for me and he will see it through. But its my job to ask for help when we need it! And we need it!!
Will you please consider giving any amount to our Medical Bills fund so that I can continue to receive both cancer-fighting and body-supporting therapies? I need to support my body as the chemo has severely diminished my body’s functionality. We desperately need help and appreciate any support you feel led to give. Thank you so very much!
Last week, I had an acute episode when I arrived at oncology for labs and treatment. Some of my numbers dropped suddenly, but everything else was fairly stable. I was very sick, however, and dehydrated (despite having a liter of fluids at breakfast and more than a liter overnight). My oncologist was not in office but the Doc on-site stopped by. He recommended fluids and supportive meds and see how I am feeling. I was exhausted. After fluids, and feeling better but very much “wiped out,” I leaned on the Doc’s advice. He suggested I go home and rest. Agreed.
The “cool” thing in all this is that prior to my appointment, I felt we should discuss a treatment change. But with our regular doc gone, it seemed impossible. My faith reminded me that nothing is impossible for God, and that he ultimately is in charge of every step we take. So I just prayed, and asked for prayer, that God would make our one next step abundantly clear. Never did I imagine feeling so suddenly crappy would be that answer to prayer. But it was. We were sent home. Clearly, my body needed a rest. God knew it.
This week we have had two functional IVs—each the usual b17 and glutathione, but this week, Dr. Kotulski added amino acids based on that acute episode and some of the low lab numbers. I seem to be having detox responses to these this week. Pray I do well, clear out toxins and that these are powerful and effective.
Oncology is tomorrow, with chemo likely on Friday. We will discuss treatment options tomorrow; pray we all land where God would lead us. Thank you!
As always, we appreciate every bit of help for us to bounce and not break! We cannot do this without your help and support! Thank you!
For more detailed updates, visit our caringbridge.
CT showed mixed results again. Progress in the lymph, but progression in liver, a little bit in lungs, and advancing lesions in the upper left clavicle and first rib (the likely culprit to my nerve issues and severe left arm pain). Perhaps mist concerning, however, is the CT indicates new, multiple areas of metastasis to the bone (increase in thoracic spine involvement as well as sternum, pelvis, upper humorous and both femurs).
We had a radiation consult last week (just in case our oncologist wanted to pivot to radiation, we wanted to be able to hit the ground running faster if we got some of the up-front stuff underway). During that appointment, the radiation oncologist explained some of the CT findings. He seemed to ficus on the noted areas of treatment response, and, minimized some of the new areas (like the humorous), saying some of those places are actually quite small. This was hopeful! Our oncologist, however, was more concerned with the bone metastasis and new areas in the liver.
Since this all happened during Margenza & Gemcitabine, we stopped those treatments!
Last week I had #1 of Taxol (I had this in 2022). We will give it a try watch closely, and go from there.
I am continuing to go to Mankato twice each week for B17 infusions. I am still persisting with repurposed medication protocols, FCT/terrain and metabolic treatments, oxygen, advanced bodywork, and chiropractic to help my nerves. Something that we have been doing is working, according to the CT. So we are keeping the course on everything we can; just switching the chemo.
We truly believe we have been led to continue fighting this integratively—but with everything functional being out-of-pocket, we are tapped. We are dependent on help for every functional treatment I receive. It is tough to keep asking. But I want to fight with all that I have, for my two kiddos and my husband (who is my best friend)! We thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and any help you can provide for our medical bills right now!
Thank you for helping us bounce!