It’s been a long year for me. So far I completed my chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation treatments. Those took over 8 months. Even though I felt yucky, I continued to work two jobs all through chemo. I finally had to quit one of those jobs right before my surgery. I was already missing work from chemo and doctor's appointments and would need a few weeks' rest after the surgery. Then I would be driving to Iowa City every day for 7 weeks for radiation treatments (completed towards the end of February).

My real estate work was mostly on hold during those months, too, so I have not had any income since November! I’ve been doing a lot of real estate work recently. However, agents don’t get paid until after there’s a closing (and that can take months). We have been surviving on my husband's income but the medical bills are piling up and taxes are due now, plus we have our son graduating from high school, and getting ready for college. Lots of expenses there. I’ve still got monthly payments on my own student loans (just put on hold).

I have five or six more antibody treatments to go. I will finish towards the end of July. Those are like the chemo treatments but with just two of the four drugs I got during chemo. They take a couple of hours to do. Each treatment costs around $27,000. I’ll be on hormone-blocking medication for 5 years and will continue to have tests done to make sure the cancer stays away.

If our financial situation doesn’t start changing soon, the medical bills will go to collections and we will have to start using credit cards for everyday expenses. I REALLY don’t want to do that. :( This whole process takes a long time and although I’m physically feeling stronger and am back to being active in the community, the stress of our financial situation is really starting to affect me. It’s embarrassing to be needing help, I don’t like to talk about it. People are probably tired of seeing this GoFundMe. Even with insurance and the little savings we had though, this has been such a financial blow.

We are very hard-working people and were finally doing well before all this hit. We are also the type who like to “pay it forward” whenever we’re able. If we make it through this, I will be able to continue helping others. I’m really grateful for your kindness!