Story
Name
Jordan Hoecker
Injury/Illness
Breast Cancer
Hello, my name is Jordan Hoecker. I am a 29-year-old- new mother to my 7-month-old son, Crue. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Triple positive, Progesterone (+), Estrogen (+) HER2 (+), Metastatic Breast Cancer at 6.5 months pregnant. The Cancer had spread to my ribs, intertwining my sternum, breast, and ribs all together, to my bones, causing 13 total fractures in my spine alone. A base skull fracture, snapped sternum, pelvis, clavicle, and hairline femur fracture. I had over 2 2liters (427 mL) of fluid removed from just 1 thoracentesis that was filled with metastasized cancer cells. All of my odds were against me and I was fighting for my life at this point. I went through a round of chemotherapy while still pregnant with Crue and had a c-section at 32 weeks to start the aggressive chemotherapy that allowed me to be here today to write you this letter. Thankfully my son, Crue, is as happy and healthy as they come!
On top of this gut-wrenching diagnosis at such a young age, knowing my son would be born 8 weeks premature so that I could undergo the treatments I needed to survive this cancer was almost too much for my mind to handle. Crue has been my saving grace throughout this journey, with the help of my amazing oncologist, family support system, my fiance, and a team of doctors, of course. Unfortunately, my diagnosis and treatments have caused me to become immunocompromised, and with weekly follow-ups, treatments, medications, etc. I had to quit my job and turn to my friends and family for the income necessary to keep a roof over mine and my son's head. Any support from these amazing groups is so appreciated and I am grateful for support groups such as these. I am not a victim and will not be defined by my disease, I am a fighter and am going to continue to fight and tell my story to women who have been in or are in a similar situation as myself. Because sometimes all we need is a positive story to keep us motivated to keep going. I hope that my story is considered in your decision to help my son and myself overcome the financial hardships my diagnosis has brought upon me. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.