Breast Ca Fund - Elizabeth Bilodeau

This year has been a journey as I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma estrogen + progesterone + HER2 negative luminal B stage 2 breast cancer.  whoa that is a mouthful.. I have been an RN for 29 years so I am the one used to taking care of the patient, but this year it was my turn.  I received my diagnosis in the Spring and by June was flying back and forth for treatment and chemotherapy at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion, IL, this was due to Blue Cross not signing the contract with the hospital here in Goodyear AZ, but now it is signed with a low payment for the hospital,  but I have transferred back to AZ as the travelling back and forth was just too much stress on me and I will admit just was draining me more than the cancer.  I was unable to complete anymore chemo as it severely was damaging my liver so it had to be discontinued. 

Currently I dont have short term disability coverage at work and will be pre-existing to apply for any coverage here on out, so I had to continue to work through my breast cancer treatment, which I will admit was very difficult.. and should be deemed sinful to have any patient to have to work to provide for themselves with a cancer diagnosis.  Last week I had my surgery, and I await the pathology report,  and then radiation therapy which will begin in December. Since I am a sole supporter I knew it was time to ask for assistance of any donation possible since I will not receive a paycheck for my rent, utilities, and any medical costs especially with the New Year... 

I have not started radiation yet, but my sick time of 1 week will be gone. I have tried not to use my sick time and even when I probably should not have tried to work to take care of myself, i toughed it out.  

It is the most difficult thing to have your independence, your energy, and focus just sucked from you, and I have stayed positive to fight the fight against this cancer, but expenses and bills unfortunately will continue to generate.

The next step in the next few weeks is to see if I will need radiation everyday M-F for 4 weeks or 12 weeks. My doctors are amazing, but have said I will most likely be unable to work through this time and probably feel the effects of radiation weeks after since the radiation is cumulative. So through the holidays and into the New Year comes more fun ahead.. Thanks to all my wonderful friends old and new who have supported me with much love and prayers.  Any donation to help with expenses is appreciated with much love from me and my angels and God above who have protected me and made sure I was not alone.. thank you greatly from my heart..