November 1, 2023

It’s been a busy few weeks!

New York-My sister and I traveled to the city that never sleeps to visit Memorial Sloan Kettering for an additional opinion. I received confirmation I was not a good candidate for a trachelectomy. A trachelectomy is a surgery for early-stage cervical cancer that removes the cervix. Trachelectomy is sometimes called a fertility-sparing surgery. This is because it does not remove the womb (uterus), meaning it may be possible to become pregnant in the future. With this confirmation, I began to FULLY wrap my head around the plan to have a standard radical hysterectomy with length node assessment and, after recovery….fertility! This also confirmed I would not be able to carry a baby and would definitely need a surrogate. I planned on returning to Johns Hopkins (JH) for my surgery, as this is where I was treated during my initial diagnosis in 2021.

Tambra Smoot and I enjoyed our few hours in the city; we had a chance to catch up with one of my friends from high school and college, Carlos Tipton. We appreciated the hospitality and adopted Brooklyn accent he was starting to take on. Thanks to Corporate Angels for flying us there and covering the expense for us to get back home. They were a blessing the first time around, and I appreciate them for being in my corner once again. Onward and Upward!

Newnan, Georgia- The initial purpose of this trip was to do my new patient onboarding at City of Hope, Georgia since I requested a change from my original oncologist. Advocate for yourself, folks, and if something doesn’t feel right, speak up! I’ll leave it at that. Initially, I thought the visit would not have much of an impact on my treatment plan and that I would be returning to Georgia after healing from surgery for my 3-month checkups. The night before (yes, the night before because when else did I have time), I researched my doctor. I was looking for every video, scholarly article, and testimonial. I mean, I went deep into the rabbit hole! I was impressed. I was intrigued. I felt a little hopeful. I had already had appointments the past two days, but my last appointment was scheduled with my new medical oncologist, Dr. Godbee. I messaged Dr. Stone (JH) and asked her if I liked and felt safe with Dr. Godbee, based on my specific case and what she thought about me getting my surgery in Georgia. This is because the math was not mathing. Surgery at Johns Hopkins meant I would have to pay for ALL expenses, including my caretaker’s flight and additional days in a hotel before I could catch a flight back to Cincinnati. With the City of Hope, my flight would be covered, and accommodations would be offered at a generous discounted rate. Do you follow?!

So we got into the appointment (Mom on FaceTime and Brittany Roberts in person), and things are going great! She is gathering an understanding of my journey and, basically, what brought me to her. We looked at the calendar, found a tentative date for my surgery, and prepared for the physical exam. She did mention that if the size of my tumor was more than 4cm, we would have to consider alternative options for treatment. After getting dressed and the team returning, I was notified of my reality. My tumor was definitely over 4cm. She explained the most accurate measurement is taken during a physical exam rather than an ultrasound. This was only the second time I had physically been examined since my diagnosis. The first was the week prior in New York, and his objective was different. This shook me! Halted me! I needed a minute. My first words were, “B, can you come here?!”. I just needed to cry into someone's arms. I broke all the way down and allowed myself to feel everything in that moment. They gave us the room, and I took a few minutes to process and collect myself. The team returned to the room, and we started asking all of our 50-11 questions. I was slated to leave Georgia four hours later, but the change in treatment plan caused my visit to be extended so I could meet with the radiation oncologist. I met with Dr. Outlaw, who was also phenomenal about what I could expect for treatment.

5 weeks of 15-minute external radiation daily.
5 weeks of chemo once a week- Not to the point of hair loss. Amen!
2-4 treatments of internal radiation.

Clearly, this was not something I could do in Georgia. This also meant that fertility could no longer wait; it needed to happen yesterday. After one session of radiation, I was informed those womanly parts would be no good—another plot twist but onward and upward. So, I left Georgia with the plan to return home to get the fertility process started ASAP and assemble my team in Cincinnati.

With the extended time in Georgia, I could spend time with B and her family. I made time to hang with Bobby Litmon, Jessica Litmon, and BJ. Last but certainly not least, I had the opportunity to see my soul friend, Unique Blackman

, and get a glimpse of the life she has established for herself and her family in Georgia. I also learned Newnan, Georgia, was where my 100-year-old grandmother, Leona, grew up. That added an additional level of comfort and reassurance as well. The journey is not always easy, but I’m appreciative of the memories and experiences this journey has allowed me to have as well. I’m thankful.

As of today:
I have selected and met with my GYN Oncologist, Dr. Wren.
I have an appointment to meet with my radiation oncologist this week.
I have an appointment to meet with my medical oncologist next week.
I am on Day 15 of my fertility process- Day 6 with injections (more updates on this to come).

I’ll continue to do my best to keep My Village informed of my journey and how you can support me. Keep praying for me! Keep checking on me. Keep fighting with me! Onward and Upward!

To MY VILLAGE,

I am reaching out to share my personal journey and ask for your support during this challenging time.

Recently, I was notified of a recurrence of cervical cancer, a diagnosis that has turned my life upside down. Navigating this difficult journey has not only been emotionally taxing but also financially burdensome. I am now faced with significant medical expenses, including traveling to specialized treatment centers, participating in IVF (needed before receiving treatment and not covered by my insurance), and meeting the high deductible of my new insurance plan, as I recently started a new job.

To receive the best possible care and treatment for this aggressive type of cancer, I need to travel to renowned medical facilities such as the City of Hope (formerly Cancer Treatment Center of America), Johns Hopkins, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. These institutions are known for their expertise in treating cervical cancer, and I believe that seeking treatment there is the best chance for my recovery.

While I am fortunate to have insurance coverage, the high deductible and out-of-pocket expenses are overwhelming. The financial strain associated with this journey has been a source of anxiety and stress, making it challenging to focus on my recovery.

This is where I am reaching out to my friends, family, and village for support. Your generosity can significantly impact my life and my battle against cervical cancer. Any contribution, no matter how small, will be deeply appreciated and will go directly towards covering my medical expenses and travel costs.

To make a donation, please visit https://givebutter.com/wegotyouprincess.Your support will not only ease the financial burden but also provide me with the emotional strength to continue fighting this disease.

If you cannot contribute financially now, your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes are equally valuable. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I navigate this challenging journey.

I also want to take this opportunity to remind everyone about the importance of regular screenings and early detection when it comes to cancer. It's essential to prioritize our health and encourage our loved ones to do the same.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and consider supporting me in this difficult time. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to me, and I am grateful for your support on my path to recovery.

With Heartfelt Thanks,

Princess

August 22, 2023

The Marathon Continues…

I’m not sure where to begin. The DOCTORS have said my cancer is back, but I am claiming and believing for a miracle. I returned to the City of Hope (former Cancer Treatment Center of America) in Zion, Illinois, at the end of July. Due to an antibiotic, I was on, my oncologist opted out of doing the procedure she typically completes every three months. She wanted me to return after being off those antibiotics for one week. Also, she wanted me to visit the Center for Disease Control due ongoing bleeding I was experiencing.

Two weeks later, I went in for a culture. I felt the antibiotics had not resolved my issue then, and I needed to confirm to return to the City of Hope. Once the doctor started doing what she does best :) She shared that something was hanging from my cervix. She shared she thought it was fibroid and how it would have been best for me to have been sent for an MRI or ultrasound, but with all my other issues, she understood how it was possibly attributed to something else. I requested she biopsy the mass, and she had me scheduled for an ultrasound. I followed through with the ultrasound, and measurements of the mass were taken. On Wednesday, August 16th, I was told it was confirmed as not a fibroid but a recurrence of my cervical cancer.

That pretty much brings us to where we are today. My initial worries were my mom and money. I never thought I would have to share a diagnosis like that once, let alone twice. My sister, Tambra, being the fierce force she is, took that burden off my shoulder. Mom’s reaction was better this time as well. I was blessed with a new position this July and was anticipating taking some hits financially, but I had not prepared for this. With a high deductible plan, I was ready to pay out of pocket for the rest of this year and then meet my deductible after the first City of Hope Visit in 2024. Travel and accommodations are a whole other beast, and while I’m not looking forward to it, I know God will continue to provide.

To my Village: Thank you in advance for loving and supporting me. You helped me through it the first time, and I know you will again. I love you and am grateful to share my journey and testimony with you!

November 8, 2021- After speaking at length to my OB, we will proceed with genetic testing. The $4,000 additional price tag is what gave pause to this decision. After everything that has been invested, she has advised us to proceed in a way that will avoid additional challenges down the road. The test will look for specific genetic diseases and when the time comes, we will proceed with the most viable embryo. Continuing to believe God will make a way out of now way.

November 2021-I will attempt another fertility cycle. This is round 2! In the last attempt, there were no eggs on my left side produced. In addition, my progesterone levels were low. Dr. Chin felt like we could do better. For the sake of my mental health, I did not attempt another cycle immediately. I don't know how women do back-to-back cycles repeatedly. They are my heroes! Dr. Chin considered all the information and data from the last cycle and made adjustments for cycle 2. Yesterday I dropped (it's the best word to describe it) $8,446. Today, I'm grateful for my faith and for having good credit.

September 15, 2021-I received my pathology results. All lymph nodes were negative! All margins were negative! Cancer free!

Surgery is scheduled for September 2, 2021 at 8:45 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.

July 20, 2021-The visit to Baltimore (Johns Hopkins hospital) went very well.The surgeon is going to present my case to the “tumor board” Friday and we will go from there. It’s either the cone (we’ve been previously discussing or the trachelectomy) my cancer lesion is REALLY small. She educated us and was really speaking my language. Please continue to pray for God’s guidance as we continue to give Him all the praise! Thank you again for the prayers, love, and support. Continually grateful !

July 8, 2021- My first IVF cycle has been canceled. I’m OK, actually I’m MORE THAN OK! The man upstairs says he can do better than 2 eggs. My progesterone levels were high in this last bloodwork collection, so my fertility team will be reviewing all my labs and making the necessary changes to my meds, and vitamins. Apparently I’m even eligible for a “failed cycle” discount. We’ll take it! No seriously, whatever the number, I know God will provide. Tentatively scheduled to start my next cycle the week of the 26th. I'm celebrating this cycle, NOT mourning! Continued prayers for my strength.

June 30, 2021- I started the fertility portion of my journey this week with a full heart and gratitude to so many. Whether you have been contributing with monetary gifts, prayers, or a kind word ~ I thank you and appreciate your love and support! Although this is just the beginning, I feel blessed to be a part of a village that truly exemplifies ~ loving one another. Thank you again for your continued love and support. I’m forever grateful!

Update June 25, 2021- Tuesday I will begin the next phase of this journey which is fertility. This fertility preservation is uncovered by my insurance plan but is necessary before my surgery. I will be traveling to Baltimore July 19th to meet with a potential surgeon. Thank you for continuing to be a part of my village.

Post from Princess on Friday, 4.30.2021

I would like to share with you the recent journey God has set me out on. In December of 2020, I attended my annual checkup that resulted in additional testing and procedures. On March 5, 2021, I received a diagnosis of cervical cancer. On March 10th my mother and I began our stay at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion, Illinois for additional testing and treatment. My amazing team of doctors are working diligently to secure the best course of action for my treatment. What we do know is that early detection is in my favor. I am grateful for an early stage diagnosis, a strong faith (over fear), my village, and the opportunity to make this a teachable moment.

With that, I want to encourage each of you to be your own medical advocate and to not take your annual appointments lightly. I feel so blessed to overcome what was intended to be an obstacle. I love you and I promise to do what Warriors do. Go! Fight! Win!

Hi everyone!

Thanks for clicking the link. This page is made and managed by Alicia Gilbert and Nikia Washington on behalf of the loved ones and supporters of Princess Crenshaw. This is a rallying space to share resources, prayers, and good vibes for Princess as she runs this race.

How you can tap in:

Share this link. We can do more with you. Please share the link with at least one person.
Drop a line. Send an encouraging message when you make your donation. You can add GIFs, emojis, and drawings.
Give what you can. We’ll be fundraising for a while, and you can always give more than once (you can do a monthly gift until we reach our goal!). Our goal is to raise $40,000 - break down below! *If you'd like to give other things outside of cash (i.e. airline miles/points, etc.) please contact Nikia directly at kiajwashington@gmail.com*
1. Note: When you make your gift it will say this is going to 'Nikia' - Nikia is the manager of the account, but all funds will go DIRECTLY to Princess.
2. Note: If you are able, please click the box to cover the processing fees. That means Princess will get 100% of your donation, and you will pay the processing fees on top of your donation.
Remind your friends to get their checkups and be their own medical advocates.

The funds raised here will support*:

Five years of out-of-pocket medical and associated expenses. (approx. $30,000) This is a modest and estimated quote of the cost for medical procedures, medicine, travel and lodging to care facilities, etc. over the next five years. In addition to cancer care procedures, Princess is also exploring fertility treatment. Long-term (10 years +) reproductive health treatment will be required.
Seed funding for awareness mini-campaign (approx. $2,500). Princess wants to use her testimony as a platform to encourage women, especially young Black women, to know what’s going on with our bodies. Seed funding will support merchandise production. Shout out to our designer, Tyrone, for lending his talent!
Self-care & Wellness expenses for Princess (approx. $7,500). There’s nothing really more to say about this bucket than let’s make it rain on Princess! If you’re here it’s probably because you or someone you know has been impacted by Princess' presence in your life. She’s the type of person who makes sure those around her are seen, heard, and supported. We want to pour the same love back. As Black women, showing up for ourselves can often be pushed to the corners of our priority list.

*Expenses are all estimates and funds will be non-discretionarily go to Princess.

This journey is just beginning. We're so thankful for the gift of community and Princess' willingness to bring us along on this road with her. We will keep you posted and thank you so much for all of your support!

#FaithCancer

By Nikia

#FaithCancer

Raising Funds and Awareness for Cervical Health