In the early 80's, Joyce endured an ectopic pregnancy before giving birth to her two children.

Joyce had countless biopsies over the course of her treatment. Her biopsy count increased starting around 2017, as the cancer began appearing in the soft cell tissue of her liver, kidney, and lungs. 

Representing the 25 years worth of pharmentecials that Joyce has taken, everything from over-the-counter medicine to chemotherapy drugs.

Unrelated to cancer, Joyce developed arthritis in both of her hips. Eventually both were replaced. That model hip was later recalled, and although Joyce never experienced any lingering issues with it, it was a source of existential anxiety.

During hip replacement surgery it is standard procedure for the surgeon to break off a part of the patient's femur to set the hip.

As a result of her first hip surgery, Joyce developed blood clots in her leg and was briefly hospitalized, as her doctor's feared the clots might detach and potentially kill her.

To treat blood clots, Joyce was forced to inject a needle containing the anticoagulant heparin into her abdomen before disposing in a biohazard bin.

When her breast cancer recurred in 2000, Joyce underwent a successful mastectomy. A few years later, she was forced to go through it all again.

Following her mastectomies, Joyce had reconstructive plastic surgery to address nerve damage and lingering pain she was experiencing as a result of the procedures.

Joyce’s root canals were a preventative procedure. A possible side effect of her bone strengthing medication was avascular necrosis, which increased her risk of infection should she need future dental work. 

The radiation treatment for Joyce's Stage IV cancer included this mask that was strapped over her face and then screwed into the table, ensuring that her head and neck were perfectly still and in the precise  position to irradiate her neck.

The final component of this initial Stage IV treatment was a surgery to fill in a badly damaged vertebrae with bone cement.

In the years following the Stage IV diagnosis, Joyce’s treatment moved from oral chemotherapy pills to the more traditional injections. Because her veins were difficult to find and frequently resulted in multiple attempts to stab her with a needle, the decision was made to have a chemotherapy port permanently installed in her chest for ease of access.

When a secondary, endometrial cancer formed in the lining of her uterus, Joyce underwent a hysterectomy to remove it.

A new medication increased Joyce’s likelihood of developing blood clots, and the medication to counteract the clotting resulted in her becoming pre-diabetic and having to closely monitor her blood sugar levels. 

Eventually, Joyce was left with no other option than aggressive chemotherapy, resulting in one of her least favorite cancer side effects... the loss of her hair.

After making the decision to end treatment, Joyce was placed directly into Hospice Care. Over the next few months, her condition worsened, essentially rendering her bedridden and requiring a helping (gloved) hand to complete simple tasks.