Toyin Oyekan (41 years old) was diagnosed with cervical cancer on Thanksgiving Day in 2019. After the initial diagnosis, she underwent a series of chemotherapy and radiation treatments in the Dallas area. Her progress was considered remarkable! Family and friends were thrilled with the success of the initial results. Her follow-up after the initial series of treatments called for screening every 3 months. In 2022, Toyin began to experience excruciating cramps and other symptoms. Six months later, the news came that the cancer had returned in an advanced and aggressive stage. The care team recommended chemotherapy, but no radiation. The overall care plan was to attempt to make the tumor undetectable, then transfer her to palliative care. The recommended treatment provided no hope for her survival.
Family members started looking into integrative cancer centers and found a non-residential facility, the Envita Medical Center in Arizona, which seemed promising. The Envita care team reviewed her case and agreed to treat her. She had to leave her two children in Garland, TX and go to Scottsdale, AZ to continue her battle against cancer. It was an up-and-down journey-- mentally, emotionally, medically, spiritually and financially. Although Toyin went back and forth from Garland to Scottsdale to receive treatment, she tried to maintain a positive attitude and keep a smile on her face. As Toyin battled, she managed the care for her sons, L'Darius Jr. (6) and Va Shon (15), and continued to work as much as she could to maintain financial stability.
Toyin passed away on October 8, 2024.