Healing Heidi: The Recovery

It is with much soul searching, pride swallowing and penny pinching that I find myself in need of financial help. I was so very grateful to have been shown the support and love I needed when I was in active treatment 5 years ago for Breast Cancer, and my heart is hopeful that you may feel I am still someone you would be willing to to invest in. 5 years ago I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Considered a very aggressive cancer with high rates of reoccurence, I pushed my body through 8 rounds of chemotherapy, a radical mastectomy and 25 trips to radiation. Getting past this 5 year milestone, (highest rates of cancer returning for this type of breast cancer)  I thought that what better way to move forward in my life than have reconstruction surgery. 

Just over a month ago I had a breast reconstructive surgery called a DIEP flap (in case you want to google the details) and although I had saved for ample healing time (I don't qualify for Employment Insurance and have no disability insurance) before returning to work as a self employed massage therapist, I have had some complications. Unfortunately this means an unexpected delay in my return to work plan.  Joe and I have always split the bills and although Joe has been able to throw more money in the pot to help, I'm afraid it won't be enough to cover this extra recovery time.

( I have included pictures below taken this week for those who want to see the surgery and why I must delay going back to work)

I’m trying so hard not to regret my decision to have this complicated reconstructive surgery and inadvertently put my 6 year old son and husband in harms way. As an independent woman I thought I could do it ALL on my own. My body told me this week that I can’t. My plan has always been to get back to work!!! but in the meantime the groceries still need to be paid for and the heat needs to stay on!I’m trying to allow my body the time it needs to heal fully and not push myself and potentially add more complications and delay healing further. I wasn't expecting a perfectly smooth ride in recovery but i could not have anticipated and unfortunately did not financially prepare us for this kind of delay.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for thinking of supporting me. I will be forever grateful and always be looking for ways I may pay it forward and help others where I can.

Pictures below are quite graphic