Let's Go for 3 Years Cancer Free!
Donation protected
This November marks 3 years since I first found one of MANY lumps in my breast...That's the moment my journey into the world of breast cancer SURVIVAL began.
My journey has been easy in comparison to others, due to my decision to get a radical double mastectomy and stop this aggressive disease in its tracks!
Unfortunately, I'm still fighting for as normal a life as possible during the long reconstruction process and dangerous complications. I've now been in the O.R. 7 times, under anesthesia for at least 3-6 hours each time. I was told I have at least one more surgery this January, after my body has had time to recuperate from the October 2nd surgery.
This has made it difficult to maintain a steady income, and work toward promotions. It's also interfered with my ability to acquire a full-time special education teaching position, which I so desperately want and need.
In spite of these challenges, I have managed to help others with special needs through working 3 very fulfilling positions in Frederick County, MD. I work full-time as a special education assistant, work with special needs adults through the ARC of Frederick County, and work for an autism waiver provider helping those on the spectrum. I absolutely love devoting as much time as possible to helping individuals with special needs. That is why it is so hard for me to ask for help, myself.
This surgery has caused me to fall behind financially, due to the requirement that I take 6 weeks off to heal. I am receiving some funds from the sick leave bank at one job, but that is not enough to cover my current bills. My other 2 jobs do not offer any assistance during my leave, and my 4th job has placed me on seasonal status, due to "lack of schedule availability."
I appreciate any and all support my many friends and family have shown during this experience. I completely understand if you choose not to help financially. Also, I would like to thank everyone for the emotional support, as well as financial assistance, many of you have provided in the past.
You can read my detailed, sometimes entertaining and humorous
blog
(click "blog" to view), if curious. My purpose for writing it has always been to help others dealing with breast cancer. CAUTION: I've included several graphic photos of the entire journey, on separate pages. You won't see them unless you intentionally click on those separate pages. Please don't view them unless you are mature enough to see them as medical photos to help prepare others for what they might see when they go through this.
Thank you all for your care and concern, and believing in my ability to FIGHT LIKE A GIRL! :-)
My journey has been easy in comparison to others, due to my decision to get a radical double mastectomy and stop this aggressive disease in its tracks!
Unfortunately, I'm still fighting for as normal a life as possible during the long reconstruction process and dangerous complications. I've now been in the O.R. 7 times, under anesthesia for at least 3-6 hours each time. I was told I have at least one more surgery this January, after my body has had time to recuperate from the October 2nd surgery.
This has made it difficult to maintain a steady income, and work toward promotions. It's also interfered with my ability to acquire a full-time special education teaching position, which I so desperately want and need.
In spite of these challenges, I have managed to help others with special needs through working 3 very fulfilling positions in Frederick County, MD. I work full-time as a special education assistant, work with special needs adults through the ARC of Frederick County, and work for an autism waiver provider helping those on the spectrum. I absolutely love devoting as much time as possible to helping individuals with special needs. That is why it is so hard for me to ask for help, myself.
This surgery has caused me to fall behind financially, due to the requirement that I take 6 weeks off to heal. I am receiving some funds from the sick leave bank at one job, but that is not enough to cover my current bills. My other 2 jobs do not offer any assistance during my leave, and my 4th job has placed me on seasonal status, due to "lack of schedule availability."
I appreciate any and all support my many friends and family have shown during this experience. I completely understand if you choose not to help financially. Also, I would like to thank everyone for the emotional support, as well as financial assistance, many of you have provided in the past.
You can read my detailed, sometimes entertaining and humorous
blog
(click "blog" to view), if curious. My purpose for writing it has always been to help others dealing with breast cancer. CAUTION: I've included several graphic photos of the entire journey, on separate pages. You won't see them unless you intentionally click on those separate pages. Please don't view them unless you are mature enough to see them as medical photos to help prepare others for what they might see when they go through this.
Thank you all for your care and concern, and believing in my ability to FIGHT LIKE A GIRL! :-)
Organizer
Tina Kantner
Organizer
Frederick, MD
