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Thank you for reading. I couldn’t really think of a catchy title 😉

** updates are at the bottom **

About me: (short background) I am a pulmonary arterial hypertension survivor. 6 years ago, I had a large blood clot removed from my pulmonary artery. I didn’t even know it was there until the end of 2014 when I found myself not being able to take a full breath. That was a very scary time.

I will always have this rare disease (https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/pulmonary-arterial-hypertension/). This disease has led to heart failure. My blood oxygen is low: where a “normal” person should have O2 levels of 95%+, mine can get down to 80% and lower without supplemental oxygen. Standing up, laying down, bending over, walking, and really any movement, gets me short of breath. It really sucks.

Recently (7/27/2021), I was diagnosed with non-small cell carcinoma lung cancer. I am in stage 2. I also have a golf-ball sized tumor between my lungs. So as you may imagine, this is affecting my blood oxygen too. I have only just begun the journey, but I anticipate this will take a toll on my body and my bank account. The first thing I would really like to do is to buy a portable oxygen concentrator. Those things are $2500+ for a good one. Then a home concentrator. I rent the home concentrator and portable tanks right now, but that monthly cost is crazy. The rest of my goal is for chemo/radiation treatments and care. The insurance company won’t cover everything. This is why I am asking for help here.

I live with my wonderful mom so we can take care of one another. Right now, I think she’s getting the short end of the stick. 

I am a young grandma of 2 beautiful grandkids and I have 3 wonderful kids. I certainly am not ready to leave this planet. Too many things yet to do, and I hope to watch my grandchildren grow! <3

Thanks again for reading. I appreciate you!

8/9/2021  UPDATE

I had my PET and MRI scans done today. The MRI was ok, except it shows I had a stroke at some point. However, the PET scan came back lit up much more than the doctor (or I) would have liked. I have been upgraded to stage 4 (end stage) non-small cell lung cancer. And I have fluid on the lung again. ::smh::

I am hopeful to start treatment this week. Please keep your fingers crossed!

8/13/2021 UPDATE

I had a follow up appointment with my doctor yesterday morning. At that time, the insurance still had not approved treatment. Her people were going to keep at the insurance company until they got an answer, then we would start. 

As mom and I were leaving the grocery story (after that appt), I got a call from the doctor’s office that I was approved! Treatments started that same day. I really appreciated they did not waste any time getting me in. So my official Day One is 8/12/2021.

However, fluid is collecting on my lung again. Need to get that drained 🙁 This will be a “regular” thing until cancer is “under control”.)

Onward.

8/19/2021 UPDATE

I had my weekly checkup with my oncologist. I’m not exactly sure what she saw, but she was *amazed* at how well I was doing today. She was like “is this the same person I saw last week?”. lol My labs / blood counts were all pretty darn good too 🙂 She did not expect that. She was so happy!

I don’t expect it’ll be like this after every chemo treatment, but I will take it when it’s here!

8/26/2021 UPDATE

I almost got to my first milestone of getting a portable oxygen concentrator! I am so happy about that! Thank you!

And then…

Two weeks after my first chemo treatment, the hair loss started. I think my next milestone is going to be a wig. What do you think?

8/29/2021 UPDATE

I decided to change the amount I am asking for with to a lower number. I don’t see a way to do that. If you know, would you let me know?

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