Brittany's Small Cell Cervical Cancer Fund
Donation protected
I was recently diagnosed with Small Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix or SCCC, a very rare and aggressive cancer. I was diagnosed with it on Sept. 15, 2012, harvested my eggs on Oct. 8, 2012, and am scheduled for a radical hysterectomy on Oct.23, 2012, followed by chemo-therapy and radiation. Ben and I had to take out a $20,000.00 loan to cover the cost of harvesting my eggs, on top of all the doctor visits and surgeries. I have had to quit working for the time being as this seems to be a full-time job. The money raised by this will go toward the IVF loan, medical bills, and living expenses during this time. Anything else will go to the MD Anderson fund for SCCC. By helping us in this dark time in our life we are hoping to bring to light this very rare and horrible cancer.
SCCC- RARE but THERE
Thank you all so much and God bless!
Brittany, Ben and the future baby Merritt
Our Story...
I am 27 years old and was recently diagnosed with small cell carcinoma of the cervix. It all started back in May, Ben and I have been married 2 years now this October and said on our 1 year anniversary we would start trying for a baby. We tried for a few months with no luck, so I made an appointment to see my OB-GYN. I went in for my appointment like always for my PAP. I was surprised when they called back and said it was abnormal, but everyone around me convinced me it was extremely common and not to worry. I went back a few weeks later for a biopsy and assumed that would be it. I received more bad news that I would need a LEEP, it was worse than they thought, but still nothing to be too concerned about. I went back in July to have this done, the next day after the procedure I received a phone call from my doctor telling me they had found cancer cells (adenocarcinoma) in the biopsy. My world froze. Cancer, it is a word you hear everyday but never in context to you?? I am a hairdresser and have clients how are survivors of breast, ovarian, and even cervical cancer. I was told to see an oncologist to do a larger cone biopsy. I was devastated, this would mean I would have problems carrying a baby once I became pregnant.
I decided to go for a second option, and thank God I did. My new doctor wasn't sure what the biopsies were showing and suggested I have another surgery before removing so much of my cervix, I was confessed and scared but I felt like it was the best choice to take small steps. Early September I had the surgery and never could have dreamed of what would happen next. My doctor called me a few days later and gave me the news. Not only was it cancer but a very rare and aggressive type, SCCC.
I went directly to the internet despite what everyone told me, and to my surprise there was nothing there! I finally found some information on the MD Anderson website, which lead me to the Small/ Large Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix: Sisterhood United on Facebook.
Over the past 3 weeks my world has been upside down, it is hard to find the words to even write this. I Was told 2 weeks ago I would need a radical hysterectomy followed by chemo and radiation. I went to the doctor last Friday to talk more about my surgery, and my biggest question was my fertility. I was on the 2nd day of my cycle and was sent directly over to the reproductive doctor. I started that day with less than an hour to decide, the injections to harvest my eggs and freeze my embryos...
Monday Oct. 8, was the harvest day, my insurance doesn't cover any IVF, so my husband and I have taken out a loan to cover the costs.
My surgery is scheduled for Oct.23, with more treatment to follow. Last week was my last week at work with all of this happening so fast I can't commit to much right now. I feel like I am in survival mode and just going through the motions. I know the worst is yet to come, but I am ready for the fight. This cancer has taken so much much from me already and I caught it so early.
My hopes are to do the treatments and make a full and fast recovery.
Then for my wonderful husband and I to have the baby that saved my life. If it hadn't been for our hope of our family growing my story could be much different. I know God have a plan for my life and I am very eager to get better to fulfill whatever that my be, by spreading the awareness of this cancer, and showing that hope can come from the darkest of circumstances.
Organizer
Brittany Merritt
Organizer
