Meet VENUS
Seven months ago, Venus figured she should not be too worried about a small pimple. After all, pimples are normal – until it started growing too fast. The appearance of the lump was no longer normal, either. Her PCP referred her to a specialist: Dr. Lyuba Levine at the DHR Health Advanced Care Center. Doctor Levine specializes in the evaluation and treatment of women with gynecologic cancer.
Biopsy results revealed vulvar cancer. A rare type of cancer, vulvar cancer accounts for only 0.6 percent of all cancers in women. The results were shocking, but Venus was determined to be strong and win the fight.
Six weeks have passed since Venus underwent surgery to remove all the cancerous tissue. The surgery performed by Dr. Levine was a success! Unfortunately, cancerous cells were discovered in the regional lymph nodes. To eliminate these cells, Venus will require more than 30 sessions of radiation treatment.
“Receiving this [financial] assistance means so much to me,” says Venus as she holds back her tears. She wishes she could hug each one of our supporters. “I can’t even begin to explain how grateful I am for every person that donates to the Foundation. You are saving my life.”
Venus has another wish: to see her family again back in Veracruz, México once her treatment is over. She is without her family here in the Rio Grande Valley, but is grateful for the outpour of support from people she has met. One them being Tiffany Ticer, Nurse Practitioner with Dr. Levine, whom gifted her a special pillow to ensure maximum comfort. Venus feels embraced by the staff at DHR Health, and is impressed by the quality of care she has received.
We wish Venus a full recovery, and strength for her journey. Her courage is impressive, and her warmth endearing. Keep fighting, Venus!
To help patients like Vemus, please consider MAKING A DONATION to the Renaissance Cancer Foundation. If you would like to organize a fundraiser, please CONTACT US.
Don’t forget to visit our CALENDAR OF EVENTS for upcoming opportunities to become involved in our mission to help underserved cancer patients in the Rio Grande Valley.
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