Latest update as of Mar 26, 2026

  • 4 weeks out from chemo!

    Hello everyone - just wanted to hop on here and give an update from myself, personally! It feels amazing to be 4 weeks out from my last treatment. I'm still experiencing some muscle aches, some swelling, and still get tired fairly easily but otherwise I'm feeling blessed. Chemo put me into medically induced menopause and let me tell you the hot flashes are next level! Probably one of my biggest pains today.
    I had my 4 week blood draw yesterday while also having my port looked at since a hole had formed on my incision - luckily according to my doctor it looked okay and I was doing a good job of cleaning it but need to keep an eye on it for extreme redness or if I develop a fever! I would love to just get it removed but they recommend keeping it in a little longer in case the cancer markers are still high after surgery. It's all a little more complicated than I can comprehend sometimes! I also have an echocardiogram this week to make sure the chemo didn't damage my heart. I'll have to reach out to get results from both of those.
    I cannot express enough how much everyone's support has meant to me! Between the donations, gifts sent, texts/calls/emails reaching out, I am feeling so much love. I am having to take off a lot more work than I was originally thinking I would have to. Possibly was a little naïve thinking I'd keep my strength, but that's okay! I'm incredibly lucky to work for 2 wonderful & kind humans that have been super flexible with me and my schedule.
    My official surgery date is April 30th! At first I was a little bummed that it got pushed back so far, but at the same time it's nice to have more time to heal and feel like "myself" for a little longer. This first surgery will be a double mastectomy with lymph node removal and spacers placed for implants at a later surgery date. Super anxious for the surgery and recovery - but feeling very lucky to have all of you in my corner!
    I'll have a follow up at the end of May with my oncologist to discuss pathology and possibly removing my port! I'll hopefully have more of an update at that time.
    Again, thank you all so much for checking in, keeping tabs, donating, sharing, everything! I've still got more to conquer but happy to be this far! Here's a photo of my bald head and color back in my face :)

    4 weeks out from chemo!

About this fundraiser

Thank you for taking the time to read Gretta's cancer story.

Gretta has inflammatory ductal carcinoma in her breast, HER2 positive.  She will need blood work, a PET scan, and another biopsy as her last MRI showed a lump deeper in her breast. 

The oncologist wants chemotherapy to begin as soon as possible. Once treatment starts, she will be immunocompromised, so will not be able to venture out or work.  The doctor predicts Gretta may feel okay the first few treatments, but by the fourth or so she will be very nauseous and very sick and very tired.  She will lose her hair and may have great pain in her fingers and toes.  

Gretta will be meeting with a breast surgeon to discuss whether they can perform a lump ectopy or a mastectomy.  If a mastectomy is needed, it will be both breasts and an additional surgeon for reconstruction.  

Gretta has a long road ahead filled with treatments, extensive medical bills and without the ability to work. All this adds to the already mounding stressors of a cancer diagnosis. It's difficult to know how to help someone through something like this. But financial support is a great start. Please donate what is comfortable for you, and if you're able add a few extra dollars. The additional dollars keep this amazing site running, as they are a no-fee platform. 

Again, thank you for taking the time to support our Gretta. 

Love,

Linda, Ruben, Heidi & Paige 


 

Organized by

Paige Koch

Flower Mound, TX, USA

Organizer
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This fundraiser will directly support

Gretchen Steiner

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Beneficiary