Tina's Cancer-Fighting Fund

I'm a 43-year-old (2018) who, in May 2015, had my first mammogram (as recommended), only to learn that I had Breast Cancer, Stage III. I was caught by surprise, as there was no family history of this and, after all, I'm still reasonably young. Next, I learned that it was quite aggressive and I'd need to immediately start chemotherapy. I completed 16 chemotherapy treatments in October 2015, had a bilateral mastectomy (removal of both breasts) in December 2015 and completed 30 daily radiation treatments in March 2016. As of my surgery, in December, I am CANCER FREE! Yet, I don't get to go back to life as I previously knew it. As of now, March 2016, I am starting a 5-year daily prescription. And, next month, I will start a one-year treatment, that will be via IV every three weeks. Both of these forms of treatment are to help scare away any cells that are even thinking of becoming cancer. Having just completed six weeks of radiation (which was billed to my insurance at over $35,000), plus all the scans and routine doctor appointments, and being in the first quarter of a new year, my annual insurance deductible has already become due.  While Breast Cancer was not in my life plan, it has certainly changed my life. There have been a lot of rough moments, but there has also been some valuable life lessons. I have been a strong fighter because, in my eyes, the choice was very simple... I'm a wife, daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter, cousin, friend, but most of all, I'm a MOM and my child needs me! To me, it was fight the fight or die... so FIGHT it is! Love to all and thank you for the support!