Our names are Sheena, Samantha and Shannon and we are trying to raise funds for medical expenses on behalf of our mom Angela Tang Nian, for a surgical procedure to remove the tumor in her chest wall. Those that know us personally know our mom is our whole world and the thought of living this life without her is unimaginable.
We know that loss is a part of life that everyone goes through, and that unfortunately at some point all of us will lose our parents; but we don’t want to lose her this way! If there is even the slightest chance that we can help her, then that’s what we’re going to do. It’s why we are here right now asking for your help. Little to nothing, to a lot; no matter what, we are super grateful for you and you will forever be considered extended family to us.

Mom wanted to share some thoughts with you all, so here they are.

Angela’s Words:
I was first diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer in my left breast in 2012. I underwent a Mastectomy and followed up with Chemotherapy.

Then in 2015, I had recurrent Breast Cancer in 3 lymph nodes under my arm; I underwent surgery to remove them, followed by Radiotherapy.

Valentine’s Day of 2017, my husband Peter had a stroke that impaired his memory, and slowed the function of the right side of his body. We spent the next 3 years telling him about his own life on a daily basis. He never recovered his memories. From that day on, he became a shell of the man I had spent 36 years with. It was only in this time that we also discovered he was in Kidney Failure. I can imagine what you’re thinking; ‘when it rains it pours!’ In July of 2019, he was called home and I have lived with half of my heart missing since then.
In 2019, a few months after the loss of my husband, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer in my right breast. I had a Mastectomy done, followed with Chemotherapy and then Radiation.

Now in 2024, I have been diagnosed with a Stage 4 Invasive Duct Carcinoma / Sternal Mass. For those like myself that don’t speak medical jargon, I have a massive tumor in my chest wall.
This might be my 4th battle with Cancer, but it’s been different since the beginning. In the initial 3, I wasn’t aware of any issues until I either felt a lump, or went in for a regular checkup and something was detected. This go around has been pain and discomfort for months that has gradually gotten worse to the point that I am permanently on a range of pain medication that barely provides relief. The doctors have said the pain is because the tumor is in my chest bone.

My first thought of course was let’s just take it out! Trust me, if you were to google what the procedure to remove a Chest Wall tumor involves, do yourself a favor and avoid the pictures!

They’ve presented Radiation as an option, to try to shrink the tumor. However, even if it were to reduce in size, they have stated that performing surgery on an area after radiation is not recommended because the area becomes ‘sticky’. I think perhaps that’s the only term they could find for my non-medical brain to understand what happens.

Simple things we always take for granted I am unable to do, or if it does happen the pain explodes in my chest. Things like, lying down to sleep, sneezing, coughing, laughing, moving, even bending to wash my feet is unbearable. My kids, friends and family have always told me that I am so strong for dealing with all that I have whilst keeping a smile on my face. Now I feel like I’m letting them down because I don’t feel strong this time, and keeping a smile on has become almost impossible.

I’ve wondered to myself; does it make sense? Does any of this effort make sense when I have Stage 4 Cancer. What are my chances? Do I even have a chance? I want to see Peter again, and this time maybe I will.

Yet I’ve realized, I have a chance because I want a chance!
I want to live.
I want to fight.
I want to live for my daughters.
I want to live for my grandchildren.
I want to live to see my middle daughters’ children.
I want to live to see my youngest get married.
I want to live to see my eldest daughters’ career flourish.
I want to live to see my grandson become a hockey star.
I want to live to see my granddaughter become everything she wants to be.
But most importantly, I want to live for ME!

I believe with all my heart that one day I will see my husband again, but for now my girls need me, and I need to be here with them.
If you’ve stuck with me through this testimony, I am eternally grateful. If you’ve skipped to the end, welcome back, I am still glad to have you here! Any help you provide, whether it’s $1 or it’s a message of kind words; with my whole heart I want to thank you!