My name is Amanda Deaver. I have 4 children and 2 grandchildren. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2016. I had chemotherapy, external radiation and brachytherapy. In 2017 I had a radical hysterectomy and several other abdominal surgeries to repair damage done by the radiation treatments. The cancer went into remission in 2017 but in March 2022 I had a recurrence. Hearing this from my doctor was worse than hearing my diagnosis originally. Since the cancer recurred, I have endured five additional different chemotherapies. The doctors tell me that the cancer is incurable and the plan is to keep the disease stable without spread, for as long as possible, while also giving me the best quality of life at the same time. Over the past year the cancer has metastasized. I am currently participating in my second phase 1 clinical trial at MD Anderson. Phase 1 trials have only been tested on mice prior to becoming phase 1. It’s scary but so is cancer. I truly hope that my participation in these trials helps further cancer treatment in the future for all cancer patients. I am self employed and work hard full time to pay for insurance, deductibles, travel to and from MDA for treatment and basic living expenses. I feel like I’m drowning constantly between the health issues and financial burden. I’ve tried and tried to find financial assistance but have had no luck. If anyone out there has a desire to make a donation of any size, my family and I would be extremely appreciative. Even through all the hard times I know God has a plan for my life no matter how long or short that time is. Thank you in advance for your kindness.
