Bald and Bubbly Warrior

2 years ago I discovered a lump in my breast. I told my gynecologist who said it was just a cyst. I watched it grow over the years and eventually it became painful, red and my skin was changing. I wanted to see a doctor but I didn't have any health insurance and couldn't afford it. I visited planned parenthood and was given a physical exam and referred out for diagnostic testing.

Those few weeks were the scariest of my life. I was eventually called on August 22'nd and told that I have the big "C". A follow up with my surgeon confirmed that I am Stage 3C. Cancer has spread from my breast, into my lymph nodes and I narrowly missed stage 4; as there is cancer in one of my breast lymph nodes.

I am currently going through 16 chemotherapy treatments, will have a double mastectomy, ovary removal, radiation, and breast reconstruction. When they tell you to take it day by day; they're not kidding. Thinking about the future is extremely scary and heartbreaking.  I'm on a long road and can only take it one step at a time. Encouraging other women to get themselves checked and hearing that they did makes it all worth it!

I've finally sat down and organized the giant stack of medical bills that I've been too scared to look at and realized that I need help. I am currently at about $10,000 out of pocket and I've only just begun. This is not something I would ever dream of doing, but sometimes you have to ask for help when you need it.

Thank you to everyone who has been amazing to me through this entire process. Your emotional support and compassion have been unbelievable. It has truly kept me out of the ucky dark corners of this disease. Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart.

Love,
Heather