Ellen Heard's Fight

Please consider helping Ellen and her family.

In September, Ellen found a lump in her breast. Not even old enough for a mammogram yet, she was scared and shocked.  Her primary care doctor told her not to worry, there were several things it could be. She was given an appointment for a mammogram and an ultrasound. At this appointment, she knew things weren’t good, as they immediately sent her in to see the doctor.  The doctor informed her that yes, they did see a solid mass and a biopsy was needed. She had the biopsy done a week later, then the waiting began. In October, after waiting several weeks, she sat down with the doctor and the doctor confirmed her worst fears. She has HER 2 positive breast cancer.  HER 2 positive means that it’s more aggressive and requires specialized treatment for a year. The news was devastating, and she then had to tell her 4 children in a way they would understand at their ages (4, 5, 7, and the big one 18).  

After being poked and prodded a few more times for more biopsies, a procedure to put a porta cath in (for chemotherapy to be administered through) and getting a second opinion she was finally ready to begin chemotherapy in November.  Because she have HER 2 positive breast cancer her treatment is more aggressive involving 2 different types of chemo and 2 infusions of different drugs targeted toward the HER 2 positive cells (one of these drugs she will continue to have for a full year).  All these drugs mean a lot more side effects (nausea, extreme diarrhea, fatigue, chemo rash etc). She teaches special education preschool, so she is unable to work due to the side effects and the germs. When she completes the 6 rounds of chemotherapy, she will have surgery, and then radiation.  There is a long road ahead. She is trying to remain positive and continue the same routines for her children, but money is getting very tight.  

Ellen is a single mom with 4 children.  It has been extremely difficult being out of work with the expenses of battling cancer.  Her oldest child is in her first year at Worcester State and unfortunately her tuition is due monthly.  Her youngest child attends preschool and his tuition is also due monthly.  She has considered taking him out of school to save money but would really like to continue sending him to keep some routine and stability in his life during all of this.  She has had some issues with some of her blood levels so she has to have weekly blood draws and doctor visits.  Her copays and doctor visits are adding up and in conjunction with her children's tuition payments and monthly expenses she is running out of options.   Any help would be so appreciated!!