This is my crazy, but beautiful mom, Nikki. She is absolutely one of my best friends. The beginning of May 2015, my mom was told that a mammogram had found three lumps in her right breast however it was unknown if they were calcium deposits or tumors. To any woman or man that would be nerve wracking but in this family, it leaves you shaking. A family history of breast cancer that includes my grandmother, her sisters, her grandmother, her first cousin (male) and his niece already puts us all on high alert. So my mom was scheduled for a biopsy. Unfortunately during the biopsy, the specialist was able to confirm our fears that it was in fact cancer. He sent the info to her dr and thus our journery had begun. I don't remember much of my grandmother or great-aunts' fights because I was too young but I promised my mom that I was going to see her through to the very end no matter how hard it would get. I would even shave my head if that's what it took lol. She was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. It is a fairly common type of BC with about 8/10 invasive breast cancers being this type. Next was to talk to the oncologist and surgeons and make life altering decisions (boring stuff, I know). Normally this decision should be based on your health, chances of reoccurence, family history, etc. However, my mom had to base her decision based on income and how long she would be out of work. My mom had her lumpectomy on July 2nd and will need rounds of radiation five days a week for several weeks before this battle is over. Unfortunately, her employer will not allow her to use short term disability nor return on light duty because the injury did not occur on the job and because of her doctor appointments/testing she had burned through a lot of her FMLA. So getting back to why I am setting up this account. My mom needs our help. She has applied with numerous agencies in the area for assistance with her utilities, food, and basic necessities just to be turned down because she makes too much when she is working. My mom is in danger of having her utilities shut off and losing her house if she is unable to pay the taxes within the next month. I know she will probably kill me for setting this up but I can't bear to watch her and my brother permanently lose their home over a temporary situation. Any amount even as small as a prayer is more than she had yesterday.

Even if you cannot give I ask each one of you to get to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Become familiar with monthly self exams and what your breast tissue feels like at different times during the month. If you think you feel something abnormal, ask about it. Sending love to each and every one of you. Thank you.

http://m.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-breast-cancer-types
Breast Self Exam-How To