Living With Stage 4 Breast Cancer
I’m Dana. I’m living with stage 4 breast cancer and sharing my story, updates, and how people can support me as I navigate treatment and daily life.
The Big Goal
Right Now
Right now I’m focused on two urgent needs:
Dental Treatment Fund – surgery, implants, and prosthetics so I can eat without pain, reduce chronic inflammation, and restore my strength.
General Medical Fund – proton radiation, scans, deductibles, and other out of pocket costs not covered by insurance.
Every gift, whether through donating, sharing, or praying, helps me take the next step toward healing.
Fundraising totals last updated September 2025.
Update – September 2025
Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters,
After prayer, many hard conversations, and time to weigh the risks, I’ve made the decision to move forward with proton radiation for a brain tumor caused by triple negative breast cancer. Because of the tumor’s size and location, I qualify for a treatment that isn’t normally offered for this type of cancer.
Radiation will begin soon and last about two weeks. Once that finishes, I’ll be cleared to move forward with urgent dental surgery. Years of chemotherapy have left me in constant pain, with broken teeth and chronic infections. This surgery is critical to reduce chronic inflammation, support my immune system, and restore my ability to eat.
You’ve already helped me feel carried through something I could never face alone, and I’m deeply grateful. If you’ve donated, shared, prayed, or simply sent love…thank you. Your support has helped me feel seen and cared for in ways I didn’t know I needed. And if you’re just now finding this, I’m so grateful you’re here.
Please keep sharing, keep asking questions, and know that every bit of support matters.
With love and hope,
Dana ❤️
Update – October 2025
Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters,
I started proton therapy on Monday, and by Tuesday, things took a turn. Out of nowhere came a brutal headache and nonstop vomiting. The kind that makes you rethink everything. An MRI on Wednesday showed swelling on my brain, so they’ve upped my steroids and kept a close watch.
The good news is I’ll be back to treatment tomorrow. They didn’t want me off too long, and I didn’t want that either. The headaches are still hanging around, but I’m resting and working on some templates I’ll be launching soon.
Thank you for checking in, praying, donating, or just thinking of me. Even when I’m quiet, it helps more than you know.
With love,
Dana ❤️
#onedaymyheadwonthurt 🤕
Update – December 2025
Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters,
I’ve started receiving results from my most recent round of scans. One of the scans shows a partial response, meaning the lesion has shrunk. That news matters, and I’m grateful for it.
I’m still waiting on results from the remaining scans, including imaging that will help determine what comes next. Until everything is back and reviewed with my care team, I don’t yet have a complete picture. This part is familiar by now. Encouraged by one piece of information and careful not to draw conclusions before all the data is in.
These scan cycles carry a lot of weight. They affect treatment decisions, timing, and whether I will be cleared to move forward with the major dental surgery I have been waiting on. Living with constant pain has been exhausting, and the possibility of relief is something I hold with both hope and patience.
For now, I am taking things one step at a time. I am continuing treatment, listening closely to my body, and staying grounded while I wait for the rest of the results. Once everything is in and I have clarity on next steps, I will share another update.
Thank you to everyone who continues to check in, pray, and support me as I wait for the rest of the results.
With love,
Dana ❤️
Not everyone can give, but everyone can help.
Share this fundraiser with your friends and family
Hire (or refer me) for a design project through Far Woe Design Co.
Spread the word on social media so it reaches more people
How to Help a Friend With Cancer
One of the hardest questions people ask is, “What can I do for someone with cancer?” Whether it’s a close friend, family member, or coworker, it can be tough to know what actually helps. I’ve pulled together books, products, and thoughtful items that made a difference for me and might for someone you love too.
Note: I may earn a small commission from purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Practical
Gift Ideas
Books
These are the books I leaned on the most. Some for hope, some for recipes, and some for understanding what I was up against.
Hats & Scarves
When my hair started falling out, these were the things that helped me feel comfortable stepping out of the house.
For Juicing & Smoothies
I couldn’t always eat solid food, but I could drink smoothies. These tools made it easier to get nutrition in when I needed it most.
Supplements
These are supplements that gave me an extra layer of support along the way. Of course, always check with your doctor first.
𓍲 Multi-vitamin
𓍲 Vitamin D3
𓍲 Vitamin C
𓍲 Fish Oil
𓍲 Turkeytail Mushrooms
𓍲 Apricot Kernals
𓍲 Essiac Tea
𓍲 Coconut Cult
During Chemo
Chemo is rough. These little comforts made the long hours in the chair and the days after a little more bearable.
𓍲 Blankets
𓍲 Socks
𓍲 Lotion
𓍲 Cold Gloves / Booties
𓍲 Tummypops for Stomach
𓍲 Tummydrops for Stomach
After Surgeries
Recovering from surgery is no joke. These items made it easier to rest, move around, and heal.
𓍲 Sterile Abdominal Pad
𓍲 Post Surgery Abdominal Binder
𓍲 Lymphedema Arm Sleeve
𓍲 Scar Treatment and Prevention for Surgical
Other
Not everything fits in a neat category, but these things helped me in ways I didn’t expect.
Shirts That Give Back
I designed these shirts as a way to encourage, uplift, and give back. They make thoughtful gifts, and proceeds help fund my care too.
More coming soon!
Please Pray For My Brave Friends Fighting For Their Lives
Millie Winiston
Lauren Inman
Sheila Miller
Sebastian De Giorgio
From My Journal
This is where I write through the hard parts, the in-between moments, and the things that help me keep going.
Journal entries will be added here soon.
In Loving Memory Of
Ashley Davis
Ashley’s story is one of courage, faith, and love. She faced breast cancer with a strength that inspired everyone who knew her, and she never wavered in sharing her trust in God.
Ashley was the kind of friend who made you feel braver just by being around her. She loved her family deeply and spoke of them often with joy and pride. Her light and her faith touched so many lives, mine included.
Though she is no longer here, the way she lived continues to shine — in the love she gave, the hope she carried, and the strength she shared with others.
When someone dies of cancer, they are not a loser of a battle…they are a warrior who carried more than most people could ever imagine.
➚
Together, We Dream Big
Cancer Fundraisers You Can Support
Healing is rarely a solo journey. I’m currently raising funds for my own dental and medical needs, and I’m also sharing my friend Lauren’s fundraiser here. If you’re able to give, share, or pray, know that your support makes a real difference for each of us.
Where your gift helps:
Treatment and recovery costs not covered by insurance
Dental surgery related to treatment
Travel and daily living during care
To Give Directly:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord… plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.” – Emily Dickinson