At the end of November 2024, while visiting a lactation specialist to prepare and learn about breast pumping, the doctor and Olivia discovered a larger than expected lump in her left breast. This led to a breast and lymph node ultrasounds and biopsies. Shortly after the birth of Joseph, the biopsy results came in. With the help of the University of Alberta Hospital Triage team and also her medical team in Calgary, Olivia was able to quickly complete all the necessary testing she was unable to do while pregnant and also have the treatment plan begin in Edmonton. Olivia has stage 3 Her2+ invasive ductal carcinoma and will began chemotherapy in mid-February. We thank everyone who has made it possible for her to receive treatment in the same city that Baby Joseph is in.
Trusting God’s Providence
We believe that one way God’s providence and love reaches us is through the very real aid that comes from the people around us. Everything from a word of encouragement at the right time, to financial aid, acts of service, and the prayers and sacrifices of the community. It is with grateful hearts that we share just a few of the ways God has provided to us in this time of need through the generosity and kindness of strangers and friends. Thank you all!
-prayers from St. Anthony’s Parish in Calgary and a growing network of people praying across Canada and around the world
-financial support from the community
-new friends who have graciously shared advice and ideas on how to navigate life with a baby in the NICU & PCICU
-all those involved in getting a relic of Venerable Lejeune to us
-the medical professionals who’ve helped along the way including doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains,child and family life staff, pharmacists, drug access coordinators and more!
-the support from our family in Edmonton, Wainwright & Calgary
Update March 9, 2025
Olivia had her first chemotherapy treatment last month and this week she will begin her second round of chemotherapy. Her treatment involves six rounds of chemotherapy before surgery to remove the lump in her breast and lymph node. So far, there is already a noticeable decrease in the size of the lump and side effects from the first cycle of chemotherapy have been manageable.
We are grateful to everyone who has been able to contribute to easing our financial load with her treatment, which involves pertuzamab (projetta). With 60% maximum coverage offered through On Care, we take on the remaining 40% which is estimated to be $12, 000. Thank you again so much your encouragement, your support, and your prayers for her healing.