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Earlier this month, my family and I received some of the most life altering news one could hear. My wonderful, selfless mother was diagnosed with an invasive form of ductal carcinoma, better known as breast cancer. Knowing my mother, Josie, I wasn’t surprised that the first words out of her mouth were “I’m sorry” when delivering the news, as she was worried that she’d be interrupting my studying for upcoming final exams. Once the news was delivered, things seemed somewhat surreal. You never truly think something so devastating can hit so close to home until the moment it does. However, for my mom, the most stressful part of the diagnosis has not been future of her health, but worrying about how her treatment would be affect our family financially as her attempts to get insurance have all fallen short. Due to these financial circumstances, my mom has opted for the most rigorous and damaging course of fighting her cancer as she’s worried her treatment could jeopardize my academic future and my family’s financial future as a whole. As unfair as it may seem, money truly is the key to getting the proper treatment.
If anything, my mom’s reaction to her diagnosis and future treatment has been a perfect anecdote for her truly loving, caring and purely angelic personality. As a mother, she truly represents everything a child could ask for. Throughout periods of my adolescence, my mom worked hard as a single mother trying to raise me, and she always fought to make sure she could provide all the best experiences a kid could ask for. When it comes to my sister and I’s ambitions, she has put herself last on so many fronts, such as my college education. As a nurse for the past 15 years, she consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty for her patients and employers trying to deliver the type of service that most can only dream of when seeking medical treatment. As a person, most words fall short for portraying how truly saint-like my mom is at times. Anyone that knows her will be the first to speak up about how truly amazing she is, and how truly willing she is to put herself behind the needs of anyone else. As her son, it’s hard for me to even imagine the stress that is currently resting upon her shoulders, and I’m hoping that with a few miracles and generous support my mom is able to receive the level of treatment that she deserves. Being a full-time employed student, the amount of time I get to spend at home with my mom is limited, and the last thing that any son wants know is that while he’s away at school his mom is struggling to fight cancer and pay for treatment. Throughout her upcoming journey, I want money to be one of her last thoughts when it comes to deciding what treatments are in her best interest.
A message from my lovely mom:
Hello, Josie here, you know me as the goofy girl, who probabley whines too much but hopeful loves even more.
As most of you know I lost my father to a fatal accident in January of this year. With that being said, I found a lump in my left breast, but completely rationalized it's existence. It is stress, over consumption of coffee (caffeine ), pre menapausal changes, and, of course, being a nurse, I took care of every one else but myself.
Even now, sitting on a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma seems unreal.
Due to other unfortunate events, I find myself uninsured and faced with this challenge of seeking affordable health care. A diagnosis does not qualify for a special exception and I can not get any insurance coverage until January 1st, 2017.
Although Florida Hospital has been phenomonal and has agreed to provide treatment regardless of my financial status, I can't see past the fact that my health may be effected due to lack of resources.
I am completing my last battery of tests next Tuesday including an MRI, CT scan and a cardiac scan.
I will receive 16 rounds of chemo, followed by surgery and radiation.
I am already looking forward to put this behind me.
I pray that God heals me through my doctors, nurses and social workers.
I appreciate and am grateful for the most wonderful support system. I am the luckiest girl in the world. If life was measured only in love, I would be the wealthest person alive.
Thank you for your love and prayers, I will continue to provide updates on my treatment and status
If anything, my mom’s reaction to her diagnosis and future treatment has been a perfect anecdote for her truly loving, caring and purely angelic personality. As a mother, she truly represents everything a child could ask for. Throughout periods of my adolescence, my mom worked hard as a single mother trying to raise me, and she always fought to make sure she could provide all the best experiences a kid could ask for. When it comes to my sister and I’s ambitions, she has put herself last on so many fronts, such as my college education. As a nurse for the past 15 years, she consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty for her patients and employers trying to deliver the type of service that most can only dream of when seeking medical treatment. As a person, most words fall short for portraying how truly saint-like my mom is at times. Anyone that knows her will be the first to speak up about how truly amazing she is, and how truly willing she is to put herself behind the needs of anyone else. As her son, it’s hard for me to even imagine the stress that is currently resting upon her shoulders, and I’m hoping that with a few miracles and generous support my mom is able to receive the level of treatment that she deserves. Being a full-time employed student, the amount of time I get to spend at home with my mom is limited, and the last thing that any son wants know is that while he’s away at school his mom is struggling to fight cancer and pay for treatment. Throughout her upcoming journey, I want money to be one of her last thoughts when it comes to deciding what treatments are in her best interest.
A message from my lovely mom:
Hello, Josie here, you know me as the goofy girl, who probabley whines too much but hopeful loves even more.
As most of you know I lost my father to a fatal accident in January of this year. With that being said, I found a lump in my left breast, but completely rationalized it's existence. It is stress, over consumption of coffee (caffeine ), pre menapausal changes, and, of course, being a nurse, I took care of every one else but myself.
Even now, sitting on a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma seems unreal.
Due to other unfortunate events, I find myself uninsured and faced with this challenge of seeking affordable health care. A diagnosis does not qualify for a special exception and I can not get any insurance coverage until January 1st, 2017.
Although Florida Hospital has been phenomonal and has agreed to provide treatment regardless of my financial status, I can't see past the fact that my health may be effected due to lack of resources.
I am completing my last battery of tests next Tuesday including an MRI, CT scan and a cardiac scan.
I will receive 16 rounds of chemo, followed by surgery and radiation.
I am already looking forward to put this behind me.
I pray that God heals me through my doctors, nurses and social workers.
I appreciate and am grateful for the most wonderful support system. I am the luckiest girl in the world. If life was measured only in love, I would be the wealthest person alive.
Thank you for your love and prayers, I will continue to provide updates on my treatment and status