Help Alicia with Breast Cancer Treatment Costs
Just before Thanksgiving, I found a lump in my breast.
As soon as possible, December 11th, I went for an appointment at the Elizabeth Wende Breast Clinic in Rochester, NY and had a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy, all in one day. The staff tried to be reassuring, but I already knew. A week later, I got the diagnosis: Breast cancer. A couple weeks later, I had to go back in for an MRI to see if there was any other lumps, and thank God there were not. But there is something about hearing that word, that's terrifying. I only told a few people. It just didn't seem like it could be true. But, On January 11th, my friend Rain took me to the hospital, where we met with our friend Elizabeth who is also my nurse practitioner, and there I began my treatment. I had an MRI followed a couple hours later by surgery to remove a lymph node and the lump. Rain and Elizabeth stayed with me all day long. (Photo below is me with Elizabeth!) and keep my spirits high! My friend Mary, also a nurse, had driven in from Hudson to care for me at home after surgery in those first painful days Recovery was rough, and barely over when one month later on February 11th, I was medically prepared for radiation...and a few days later started the first of 24 daily sessions of radiation treatment. On March 11th, I had an oncology meeting to assess my treatments, which determined that I will be taking an estrogen inhibitor pill daily for the next 5 years. 
Medicare covers 80% of my medical costs, thank God, but I am responsible for the other 20%. I had gotten supplemental insurance coverage, but unfortunately, I was diagnosed 2 days before the coverage period -- and it won't kick in until after 6 months.
During and after surgery, I could not work and found it difficult to muster up energy even for daily chores (it's also been difficult to spend as much time or care for the horses at the level we're all accustomed to). Weeks later during radiation, I fell off the table due to exhaustion and the doctors made it clear that I needed even more rest (which, as you all know, is difficult for me!) I did do half days of substitute teaching when my energy was up. However, my friends never let me down and they didn't let me get down, either -- luckily, I've been extremely blessed by all of those who cared for me and brought meals and plenty of joy!
I am now needing to heal financially...and am seeking assistance for a few lingering household bills (Heating bills this year were high! COLD winter!) plus, all my medical bills, most of which I have not yet received. The amount posted as my goal is a ballpark figure and anything you can contribute is much appreciated. Thank you for caring, for all the cards, meals, and any prayers and kindnesses you've shown me during this very challenging time.
