In 2018, Libby Porter welcomed her first child into the world. Her family was thrilled, especially her father John, who was so excited to have a granddaughter. But things soon changed. Just a few months after Libby birthed her daughter, Libby was diagnosed with stage 3a breast cancer. Both Libby and her doctors wanted to treat the cancer aggressively. They began treatments as soon as possible, doing whatever they could to ensure that Libby would come out cancer free. Unfortunately, the treatments were ineffective. By early 2020, Libby’s cancer had metastasized to her bones. Now, shares John in a GoFundMe, he is raising money to assist Libby with her ER+ HER2- metastatic breast cancer treatment and allow her to travel to clinical trials when they open.

Since her diagnosis, Libby has undergone chemotherapy and targeted treatment. She is now hoping to gain access to Verzenio (abemaciclib), but doctors are not allowing her to have the hormone treatment that goes along with Verzenio, as she failed on a similar treatment path with Ibrance. To afford the hormone treatment, Libby would need to pay out-of-pocket for her care. John notes that out-of-pocket costs could be over $20K CAD, or $14778.70 USD. Another potential therapeutic option is ENHERTU (trastuzumab deruxtecan), which is not yet available in Canada. The family worries that Libby would not be eligible for this treatment.

Currently, John is raising money to help with expenses for Libby’s daughter, as well as to pay for tests and treatments not covered in Canada and travel costs associated with clinical trial enrollment. So far, the fundraiser has raised $28,247 of a $150,000 goal. If you would like to donate to Libby’s cancer fund, you may donate here.

What is Metastatic Breast Cancer?

Also known as stage IV breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is breast cancer that has metastasized (spread) to other areas of the body. Most commonly, the cancer metastasizes to the lungs, liver, brain, or bones. Around 30% of people diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer will develop MBC. Unfortunately, metastatic breast cancer comes with a poor 5-year survival rate.

Symptoms associated with metastatic breast cancer vary, especially considering where the cancer has spread to. Potential symptoms can include:

• Sudden bone pain
• Abdominal pain and distention
• Fatigue and general weakness
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Seizures
• Changes in mood, behavior, or personality
• Chronic cough
• Appetite loss
• Headaches
• Changes in speech and vision

Treatment options for metastatic breast cancer may include hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or more investigational therapies being evaluated in clinical studies.