Breast Cancer Support for Heffernan - Rowan family

In early April, I was diagnosed with stage 2 hormone-positive invasive ductal carcinoma. This is one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer. Still, we are fortunate that it has become very treatable in the last few years with a combative regimen of hormone therapy, chemotherapy and surgery.

Starting in May I will receive chemotherapy every three weeks for 5 months, followed by mastectomy surgery in unison with hormone drugs for an additional 7 months. We learned that chemo will essentially destroy my eggs and significantly reduce or eliminate the chances of a natural pregnancy after treatment, so we have decided to go through IVF and egg retrieval, to freeze eggs for the future. These costs are unfortunately not covered by MSP. Another highly recommended drug used to boost white blood cell count called Filgrastim is expensive and only partially covered on the medical plan.

The chemotherapy and hormone treatments will be intrusive to my physical and mental ability to keep up with Josie, who is 3, and will make it difficult to continue running my interior design business. Asking for assistance with the cost of daycare and other medical expenses not covered by insurance at a time when we will have reduced income was a difficult choice to make. As a self-employed person, this will be a difficult adjustment but will allow me the necessary time away from work to focus on my health.

Any way that friends and family can help during this time will be greatly appreciated.