This is a very challenging and personal thing for me to post ; as only immediate family knows about the ordeal I've been enduring since September --- But unfortunately, I need all the help I can get.
On September 11th, 2023 , I received a phone call about my recent biopsy results that would very soon change my whole life that was ahead of me .
I was diagnosed with Stage three Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in situ, both breasts , one extending to my lymph nodes. I was told I would need to do four rounds of chemotherapy, every three weeks; followed by a double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, and radiation to finish.
After that day, it was a never ending revolving door of appointments, scans, labs and the dreaded chemotherapy.
I was lucky enough to withstand Chemo better than expected , still managed a few days a week at work ( most weeks ), and ( although minimal ), contact with my children throughout it all.
I just finished my last dose of chemo recently , leaving me physically and mentally drained --- but my fight is far from over .
Unfortunately, in about four weeks, I will be undergoing the major procedure to get both of my breasts removed fully at Dartmouth Hitchcock . As well as reconstructive surgery immediately following .
The procedure will leave me extremely vulnerable and unable to work and make ends meat for atleast six weeks; depending how my body reacts to the procedure and how fast I am able to heal 🙏
My oncology team , non profit organizations, and federally funded organizations have already been HUGELY supportive during this , and if it wasnt for their gracious donations, I would of never been able to afford the 2700$ repairs needed on my car ; so I could do my treatment and make it back and forth to work.
But unfortunately, those corporations can only extend a helping hand one time. And my car is still far from being safe to drive back and forth 3 hours away during these trying winter months .
It took a lot for me to even post this , as I know everyone is fighting their own battle --- and financial burdens plague us all...But if anyone would like to donate, to help me get some snow tires on my car & to have some type of income during the six weeks I will not be able to work after surgery, it will not go unnoticed ! Or unappreciated!
As I said , the chemo has made my body push it's limits , and although I am working more now, I still struggle to achieve the same amount of cuts as I used to. So I am going to start doing house calls outside of work as well , and if anyone who is able to donate needs hair cuts for themselves or their families , I would be more than happy to extend the courtesy. It would be the least I could do to show my appreciation and gratitude towards anyone who was willing to help during this time .
Thank you !
