In 2019 I found a lump, asked my PCP to check, he sent me for a mammogram-the mammogram came back that showed nothing, I asked for an ultrasound, he said he couldn’t warrant it because the mammogram came back clear. In 2020 I noticed the lump had gotten a larger, once again I asked for a mammogram-again it came back clear, I asked for an ultrasound again, my PCP once again denied me an ultrasound. In July 2021 I noticed the tumor had gotten much larger, I didn’t go back to my PCP, instead I chose to go to a gynecologist where she felt the mass and sent me to the Breast Surgeon, everything happened so quickly. I saw the Breast Surgeon on September 2, 2021, she sent me for an ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy. On September 15, 2021 I went for my testing. On September 21, 2021 I received the news and diagnosis that I had Stage III HER2+ Invasive Ductal Carcinoma breast cancer. Because of the severity of the type, size and aggressive form I saw the Breast Oncologist on September 28, 2021, after that visit my case was sent for chemotherapy, I started chemo on October 7, 2021. Being Bi-Polar this was a very difficult situation for me to mentally handle, I had to change medications and sent back to therapy weekly, I started receiving chemotherapy and had a very difficult time receiving IV’s so on November 1, 2021 I had a power port inserted to make infusions easier and quicker. December 14, 2021 I got extremely ill and was admitted to UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburg for 9 days, I had gotten febrile neutropenia and almost lost my battle, thank goodness for the attentive staff of Dr’s and nurses there they were able to get me stabilized and to return back home to continue my fight. While I was in holding for transfer to UPMC, my local hospital gave me a regular IV which infiltrated and caused me 3 blood clots in my right arm and shoulder area, I was put on blood thinners for 90 days to help them move along without difficulties. Because of the blood thinner ordeal my double mastectomy was delayed by 7weeks which meant I had to receive 2 more rounds of chemo before having my double mastectomy. Finally on April 6, 2022 I got the double mastectomy to remove all breast tissue, I decided to go to a double mastectomy with expanders so that at a future time I could receive implants to help bring my appearance somewhat back to before cancer. On July 15, 2022 I began to get necrosis on my right breast, I had immediate expander removal and small implants inserted. I moved in August of 2022 to OK from PA and began treatment here, on September 26, 2022 I had to undergo fat graphing due to large empty pockets between my implants and my breast bones. This whole time has been financially draining on me and I am robbing Peter to pay Paul at this point. With only receiving SSDI it doesn’t cover my living expenses completely along with trips that are more than an hour away for treatment and routine care including tolls I am struggling to stay afloat. I am asking for help to cover my expenses and get some of my obligations back on track. It is coming winter and I have a propane tank that requires filling ($860) that I just don’t have, I fortunately don’t have much of an appetite because there is very little room for food after my bills are covered. I get free food when I’m in chemo treatment and I bring a couple of sandwiches home for other days. This whole ordeal has not only left me upside down financially but the mental toll is extremely exhausting. I would appreciate any help I can get to get me through the rest of my treatments and surgeries so that I can focus on getting well and beating this terrible disease instead of how I’m going to keep a roof over my head and the expenses to continue treatments.
