Cancer Struggle: A Mom's Heartfelt Journey

Hello! My name is Cortney I appreciate you taking time to read this ❤️ I was so conflicted starting this, but friends have wanted to help and I couldn’t be more thankful ❤️ Here’s a quick background about me and my cancer story. 

I’m a local mom & bartender, and a former CNA, camp counselor & pre-school teacher. I ended up getting cancer in my mid thirty’s, and can’t seem to stop struggling from it… After prolonged denial… I got checked and was diagnosed with aggressive, stage three, breast cancer on both sides. Both sides got chopped, nips included, plus I lost function of my ovaries and the ability to ever have children again. I’m also told I’ll experience menopause for like 20 years(woohoo. lol). Then I went through Chemo (2types through my chest port) for 9 months and 33 rounds of radiation. 

Then, REMISSION!!!!!!!!

Then I was put on verzenio, became horribly allergic, had a stroke, followed by an unexpected/unnecessary heart surgery. I’m on a crap ton of new meds, including more ‘new’ chemo pills, Kisqali ($15,000/month!), to replace Verzenio. My insurance will only cover medications(thank goodness!), but they won’t cover the reconstructive surgery with my current situation. I got denied (insurance wise) by all of the Mayo surgeons and the 1 at MDAnderson that are certified to do my surgery. There are only 4 in Florida. Mayo will however, set my appointment as long as I have a $5,000 down payment (that they will put any unused funds towards the surgery) I wish I could afford that, so I’m embarrassed to be here, but here I am. It’s a reconstructive surgery after expanders, that has rejected saline, so now needs a totally different surgery. I feel gross and defeated, but I beat cancer! I still have daily chemotherapy medication along with other medications and a monthly burning shot. BUT I AM FLIPPING ALIVE!!!

 ❤️

If you’d like to donate to help me afford my surgery, I so very humbly thank you ❤️ Thank you everyone, even just for a thought or prayer ❤️ I appreciate and have so much love for you all!!