Carly's Road To Recovery
Donation protected
Carly’s Story:
Carly’s journey started in April 2016 just two months after her 27th birthday. She found a lump in her breast that was seemingly growing pretty quick. After an ultrasound and other imaging, doctors at a breast cancer center a couple hours from home suggested a biopsy. She was told it was nothing to be too concerned about. The biopsy results indicated a rapid growing tumor in her right breast that needed to be excised. She underwent a lumpectomy. Two months into her recovery she felt as if something wasn’t right. Still, they wouldn’t see her until her six month follow up. By the time she was seen, they located yet another worrisome lump in almost the exact same spot. The same process started again but this time, everything was moving at a much faster pace. One mammogram guided biopsy turned into three on the spot. Once those results were in, she was scheduled for another surgery.
Carly had a lot of unanswered questions. She requested a genetic test as so many women in her family have had breast cancer. If the results were positive, it would increase her chances of developing cancer by 80% which would influence her treatment plan. Despite her overwhelming family history, the current hospital treating her denied her the option to have the test.
She watched her Mother fight through stage 3 breast cancer. She saw and experienced the woman she looked up to most struggle for her life, proceed to kick its ass against the odds, and then build her life back up. This was hardest, yet most empowering experience she has gone through. She was, and still is determined to be a fighter, as her mother is. Being proactive and advocating for herself was the only option at this point.
She ultimately chose to undergo any further procedures at a different hospital an additional 200 miles from home. She found a state program that offered financial help, reimbursing for a portion of the miles and travel expenses. Unfortunately, she was denied this assistance because it was her choice to get a second opinion. It was this second opinion that wound up changing her life drastically. Several thousands of miles later, she was told there would be no reimbursement.
Carly worked her butt off to save money in hopes to move back out west where she spent most of her childhood. She was so excited to start a new chapter in her life. After the devastating death of her brother, it was so clear that being strong for her family, as well as close to her mother, was a necessity. Sadly, those savings have diminished through this experience.
Diagnosis:
After her first surgery, she was diagnosed with reoccurring sclerosing papillomatosis, a breast condition that is mostly seen post menopausal woman, among other worrisome changes and red flags. Her surgeon expressed that there was a lot going on in her breast but thankfully, nothing was cancer yet and suggested another lumpectomy.
On January 9th, Carly woke from her second surgery in much more pain and discomfort than her first. Once home, she noticed extensive bruising covering the right side of her torso continuing to her back and realized this was not just a lumpectomy. It wasn’t until her 10 day follow up she was told that she had two lumpectomies, several duct excisions and mammoplasty (total reconstruction of her right breast). Over 60% of her breast tissue was removed. One breast condition had turned to seven, most of which increases her chance of breast cancer in the future substantially. Her 2-4 week recovery turned into a 6-8 weeks. During this time she suffered a hematoma bursting through her incision site causing further complications and prolonging her healing even more.
Why she needs Financial Support:
She was unable to receive any compensation for over 8 weeks of lost wages while continuing to pay for her bills (rent, car payment, insurance, internet, phone ect.) Other expenses included, Gas money to and from the hospital (over 400 miles round trip), emergency room visits, hotels when she could, eating while traveling, bras that could zip in the front, supplies for wound care, out of pocket prescriptions, over the counter medications, car repairs, oil changes and general maintenance of her vehicle and caring for her animals.
If you know Carly, work is very important to her. Upon coming back from surgery, her hours were cut in half. Unfortunately, the only work allocated to her was mainly the physical aspect of her job. As painful as it is, she is doing what she needs to do to make ends meet.
What Comes Next…
Now 29 years old, she has decided to move forward with a bilateral mastectomy when her body is healthy enough to undergo another major, life changing procedure. This choice is not only mentally but financially nerve racking! Getting the mastectomy will consist of a minimum of 3 additional surgeries, relocation expenses, around the clock nursing care and support from her family. Her mother would love to join her in WV, as she is currently living in Reno. For Carly to have the support and guidance of her mother, someone who has fought this tough battle, would mean the world to her.
This next chapter in Carly’s life will be the most challenging. Your support will be life changing for Carly and her bright future. Any donation great or small would be deeply appreciated from the bottom of our hearts. Please share and help spread the word for Carly’s road to recovery. God Bless.
Carly’s journey started in April 2016 just two months after her 27th birthday. She found a lump in her breast that was seemingly growing pretty quick. After an ultrasound and other imaging, doctors at a breast cancer center a couple hours from home suggested a biopsy. She was told it was nothing to be too concerned about. The biopsy results indicated a rapid growing tumor in her right breast that needed to be excised. She underwent a lumpectomy. Two months into her recovery she felt as if something wasn’t right. Still, they wouldn’t see her until her six month follow up. By the time she was seen, they located yet another worrisome lump in almost the exact same spot. The same process started again but this time, everything was moving at a much faster pace. One mammogram guided biopsy turned into three on the spot. Once those results were in, she was scheduled for another surgery.
Carly had a lot of unanswered questions. She requested a genetic test as so many women in her family have had breast cancer. If the results were positive, it would increase her chances of developing cancer by 80% which would influence her treatment plan. Despite her overwhelming family history, the current hospital treating her denied her the option to have the test.
She watched her Mother fight through stage 3 breast cancer. She saw and experienced the woman she looked up to most struggle for her life, proceed to kick its ass against the odds, and then build her life back up. This was hardest, yet most empowering experience she has gone through. She was, and still is determined to be a fighter, as her mother is. Being proactive and advocating for herself was the only option at this point.
She ultimately chose to undergo any further procedures at a different hospital an additional 200 miles from home. She found a state program that offered financial help, reimbursing for a portion of the miles and travel expenses. Unfortunately, she was denied this assistance because it was her choice to get a second opinion. It was this second opinion that wound up changing her life drastically. Several thousands of miles later, she was told there would be no reimbursement.
Carly worked her butt off to save money in hopes to move back out west where she spent most of her childhood. She was so excited to start a new chapter in her life. After the devastating death of her brother, it was so clear that being strong for her family, as well as close to her mother, was a necessity. Sadly, those savings have diminished through this experience.
Diagnosis:
After her first surgery, she was diagnosed with reoccurring sclerosing papillomatosis, a breast condition that is mostly seen post menopausal woman, among other worrisome changes and red flags. Her surgeon expressed that there was a lot going on in her breast but thankfully, nothing was cancer yet and suggested another lumpectomy.
On January 9th, Carly woke from her second surgery in much more pain and discomfort than her first. Once home, she noticed extensive bruising covering the right side of her torso continuing to her back and realized this was not just a lumpectomy. It wasn’t until her 10 day follow up she was told that she had two lumpectomies, several duct excisions and mammoplasty (total reconstruction of her right breast). Over 60% of her breast tissue was removed. One breast condition had turned to seven, most of which increases her chance of breast cancer in the future substantially. Her 2-4 week recovery turned into a 6-8 weeks. During this time she suffered a hematoma bursting through her incision site causing further complications and prolonging her healing even more.
Why she needs Financial Support:
She was unable to receive any compensation for over 8 weeks of lost wages while continuing to pay for her bills (rent, car payment, insurance, internet, phone ect.) Other expenses included, Gas money to and from the hospital (over 400 miles round trip), emergency room visits, hotels when she could, eating while traveling, bras that could zip in the front, supplies for wound care, out of pocket prescriptions, over the counter medications, car repairs, oil changes and general maintenance of her vehicle and caring for her animals.
If you know Carly, work is very important to her. Upon coming back from surgery, her hours were cut in half. Unfortunately, the only work allocated to her was mainly the physical aspect of her job. As painful as it is, she is doing what she needs to do to make ends meet.
What Comes Next…
Now 29 years old, she has decided to move forward with a bilateral mastectomy when her body is healthy enough to undergo another major, life changing procedure. This choice is not only mentally but financially nerve racking! Getting the mastectomy will consist of a minimum of 3 additional surgeries, relocation expenses, around the clock nursing care and support from her family. Her mother would love to join her in WV, as she is currently living in Reno. For Carly to have the support and guidance of her mother, someone who has fought this tough battle, would mean the world to her.
This next chapter in Carly’s life will be the most challenging. Your support will be life changing for Carly and her bright future. Any donation great or small would be deeply appreciated from the bottom of our hearts. Please share and help spread the word for Carly’s road to recovery. God Bless.
Organizer and beneficiary
Chris Phares
Organizer
Thomas, WV
Carly Archuleta
Beneficiary