“Best Worst Weekend of My Life”

By Olivia Nava (a friend of Amanda’s since 4th grade)

The news came the first week of May, we no longer could hope for the best about that lump Amanda discovered about a month ago.

What we know is that she has a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer: metaplastic carcinoma. We do not know at this time if it has spread; we will probably learn the answer to that this week or next. See the next post about the basic treatment plan and other medically-stuff.

On a lighter note: the first weekend of May, Amanda and friends from Modesto, Oakland, and San Diego had a previously planned trip to San Diego for our friend, Stephanie’s, art auction/fundraiser where Amanda donated her art for auction. Check out the photo to see Amanda’s textile arts pieces.

Amanda needed friend medicine and all of us friends needed to be with Amanda that weekend. It was a collective processing of sadness, grief, dismay, injustice, and all the emotions in between that follow a cancer diagnosis. There was also laughing, strategizing, hugging, hanging out, playing games, drinking (a lot), sauna sessions, cold plunging, listening, talking, karaoke-ing, and crying. It was all the feels.

We are sad, but this is treatable. While not surprised, I am still amazed by the support that Manda is receiving. Thanks to all the friends who showed up in San Diego, Modesto, and all the texts, VMs, calls, and emails. She is lifted by all this love. It will take a tribe.

Thanks for visiting, we are happy you are here.

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