Leiomyosarcoma Patient Finds Lifesaving Care, Thanks to Gas Cards
Close Call
In late 2022, Nicole was experiencing intense pain in her hips and legs. She went to Loma Linda, the nearest hospital, to find out what was going on. It turned out she had a large tumor at the left side of her groin. The doctors rushed her to surgery, and the tumor was successfully removed.
Grim Prognosis
Fast forward a few months to February 2023, and Nicole often found herself short of breath. Upon her return to Loma Linda, they found a leiomyosarcoma, or soft tissue tumor, on her heart. This could not be operated on at Loma Linda. They wanted her to undergo high doses of chemotherapy. If that didn't put the cancer in remission, they were going to put her in palliative care. Either way, the prognosis was grim. They expected Nicole to have less than a year to live.
Hope on the Horizon
Nicole wasn't about to give up so easily, however. She wasn't even 50 yet and she had a family to take care of. "The thought of dying and leaving them was overwhelming," said Nicole. She immersed herself in research. After a short time, her older brother informed her of a clinical trial at Cedars Sinai. There was a doctor who specialized in the treatment of leiomyosarcoma. This doctor was putting together a team of specialists for the clinical trial. Nicole saw hope on the horizon.
Distance Throws A Curveball...
Unfortunately for Nicole, Cedars Sinai was a considerable distance away from her home. She couldn't work anymore due to her illness and couldn't afford the high cost of gas. The distance threw a curveball in her plans to attend the clinical trial. How would she continue her battle?
...Mercy Medical Angels Catches It
As it turned out, Nicole wasn't alone in her fight. Mercy Medical Angels sent her gas cards. This made it possible for her to drive to and from the clinical trial at Cedars Sinai. She was able to have routine scans and checkups, attend physical therapy, access life-changing surgery, and more. Nicole said, "My journey with cancer is ongoing, but I'm doing much better thanks to the amazing doctors at Cedars Sinai, and the great people at Mercy Medical Angels."
"Truly Thankful"
When asked how Mercy Medical Angels helped her, Nicole's voice begins to tremble under the weight of her emotions. "I simply just want to say, thank you Mercy Medical Angels. You continue to give me help and I'm so grateful! It brings peace of mind knowing you all are there to assist people in their time of need. I believe God granted me another chance at life, by putting me in the hands of the amazing people at Mercy Medical Angels and the doctors at Cedars Sinai. I'm truly thankful."
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