Spotlight on
Ava-Gail Spence-Bowen
Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer
Since 2005, CSVI has helped thousands of members of our USVI community who have been impacted by cancer at all different stages. Helping brave and courageous Virgin Islanders such as Ava-Gail on the trying journey of a cancer diagnosis is a mission we hold close to our heart.
Here is her moving story —
“My name is Ava-Gail Spence-Bowen, and I have stage IV metastatic breast cancer.
A lump was found on my mammogram in October of 2017. Then my testing process began and it was confirmed with a second opinion in December of 2017. I was told by my doctor “Ava-Gail you have breast cancer; however, we caught it in its early stages. Right now you are stage 0. Due to the area affected we will have to do a total mastectomy. After we go in the breast during surgery we will be able to confirm the staging of your cancer. Do you or your husband have any questions?” — We had plenty. In April 2019, I was re-diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer. My doctor said: “Ava-Gail, I’m so sorry I don’t know how this could happen, we did everything — I just don’t know. Unfortunately, the cancer is back and has spread to your bones and that’s why you are having the pain in your back.”
After being re-diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer I wondered if there was anything that could be done to prolong my life so I can see my children grow up? How much time do I have left? What’s going to happen to my children?
My cancer diagnosis has drastically affected my day to day life, simple tasks that I normally don’t have to think about are now a challenge for me. I have to be mindful of every move I make and everything that I do, such as simply getting up from a sitting, stooping or bending position. Work life: I have not been able to work due to the parts of my body that have been affected by the disease as well as the side effects of my medication regimen. Finances: I feel like I’ve lost a part of my independence because I am no longer generating my own income. Even though I receive disability, it’s not the same. Family life: I have more free time at home because I’m not working, but unfortunately more than half of that time is spent battling the side effects of my medication and my daily discomfort (which is now my new normal). I cherish each and every moment with my family.
Even though I had health insurance this only covered a portion of my medical expenses and as much as I saved for “rainy days,” it did not cover the portion that remained. I was informed by the office manager at my oncologist office that I was eligible for a patient grant from CSVI. CSVI provided me with the resources and support I needed. They assisted me in paying some of my medical bills on two separate occasions — to which I am truly grateful. CSVI is of tremendous value to our community, offering support to those suffering from cancer at all stages.“
I met Ava on a “Sunday Funday” boat trip and by the time we reached shore at the end of the day I felt like I had known her a lifetime. Ava’s courage, resilience, vulnerability to talk about her experience with cancer is awe-inspiring. Ava has spent much of her career behind the scenes doing hospice work in the VI. She fiercely loves her family and friends and continues to mount this experience with bravery and conviction!
It is a privilege to be her friend,
Barb Michaud
Director, Cancer Support VI
You can help people like Ava-Gail who have been impacted by cancer.