Biography

My name is Yuyu, and I am 34 yrs old. I live in Los Angeles Area. I don’t have any kids although I would love to someday. I work as a child psychotherapist. I live alone with a cat, Mercedes, whom I’ve been with for more 12 years.

Until my diagonsis, I considered myself living my life freely and independently ever since I came to this country when I was 16. I am an outdoor kind a gal, I love camping, fishing, going to a beach, picnics, basically anything to do with nature. I also have big love for food and music.

I have been fairly healthy until now although I do eat a lot of crappy junk food, drink tons of diet sodas, and used to be a smoker (for over 10 years). I recently got divorced and was just starting to enjoy my single life again when I received cancer diagnosis.

I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma on August 12, 2008. It was later discovered that I have Inflammatory Breast Cancer, which is a rare but aggressive form of breast cancer that counts for 1-5% of all breast cancer cases. This type of cancer automatically puts me in Stage 3B category.

My life is never the same since then.

Cancer Symptoms

A large mass in right breast found during self-exam. Swelling, itching, and pain in breast. The mass continued to grow, and right breast become enlarged to almost double the size in two-month period. CT Scan later found out that the mass was about 5cm x 4cm x 2cm. I was finally diagonsed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer.

Surgery Description, Dates & Side Effects

Double Mastectomy planned in early 2009 after 5 months of Chemotherapy. Breast reconstruction in future (immediate reconstruction was discouraged due to high possibility of reccurence being IBC).

Radiation Description, Dates & Side Effects

Radiation after surgery

Chemotherapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

Started Chemotherapy on September 5, 2008; Taxotere, Carboplatin, and Herceptin – originally planned for 6 rounds (every three weeks). I completed 2 rounds and then my doctor stopped(my mass grew back). Side Effects – Nausea, diahrea, extreme fatigue, bone/joint pain, hot flashes, numbing, weird taste in mouth, loss of appetite

I then did weekly Taxol and Herceptin started 10/17/08 for 6 weeks. Side effects included nausea, occasional diahea, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, neuropathy, hot flashes.

I will start 5FU, Cytoxan, & Epirubicin on 12/02/08 for 4 rounds every three week while continuing with weekly Herceptin for 12 weeks.

I will continue with Herceptin for at least 7 more months after surgery.

Fundraising Description

Please visit http://yuyucancerfund.chipin.com/yuyus-cancer-fund