Hi, I am Carrie.

On March 25, 2024, after having surgery on my neck, I was told I had cancer. In April 2024, I started aggressive forms of chemo and radiation. I was so sick and weak that I could not work. I got so sick I wound up in the hospital for 12 days and had a feeding tube put in. Because I missed treatments during my hospital stay, I had to make up the treatments, and they added 3 more of each. Then I got COVID and was not given anything to help with it. My insurance was fighting to not pay for my necessary medicine.

During this time, my Dad went into Hospice and then passed. When he found out I had cancer, he called and talked to me often, and we got closer. That is the one good thing that came from this. We both knew what the other was going through.

During this time, I had stopped eating and drinking completely and depended on the feeding tube. In August, I tried to go back to work. I shouldn't have, but I was broke and desperately needed money. I made it maybe a month. Then I fell down the steps and fractured my ankle. I had to go to the ER and then see a specialist. I had to use a walker anytime I got up. It was brutal. Dealing with constant nausea and pain from cancer, plus now a fractured ankle, set me back and left me unable to work.

About two weeks later, I passed out in the shower. I had and still have bruises from this, even after 5 months. I had to be helped with everything: showers, washing my hair, preparing food when I was finally able to eat, driving, making appointments, etc. I have been on strong medicine to help with the pain and the horrible dry mouth. I have had 2 PET scans, and I am so far cancer-free. What a relief.

However, I require a lot of therapy. I go to the hyperbaric chamber every weekday. I have PT for my ankle because I am still in pain, and the cancer has weakened me. Plus, I have therapy for the lymphedema in my neck. It helps with the swelling and pain. The pain is always there in some form. The right side of my face, including my ear, jaw, gums, and neck, are constantly in some discomfort or pain. Eating is still a challenge, but I keep trying. I just met with a lady today. I have been referred to her for another treatment for my lymphedema. After the insurance, I will have to pay over $1000 out of pocket. Plus, all the bills that I can't pay.

I need help. I used all of my inheritance to pay bills. It is all gone. I have made calls and reduced or eliminated everything I can to help. Waiting for disability to approve me, but it won't be enough. I HATE asking for help. I made it 10 years as a single mom without asking for help. But now, the money is stressing me out and making me sick to my stomach. Any help would be appreciated. Even just reading and sharing would be appreciated. I probably missed stuff. But know this has been a year from hell, and I would not wish it on anyone. And it kills me to ask or to put myself out there. I just have no choice. Thank you so much for reading and sending good thoughts and prayers my way.