Help Brittani Continue the Fight Against Cancer

Hey everyone

I’ve recently started a new chapter in my cancer journey, so I thought it would be fitting to start a new campaign as well. This chapter is very different, and apparently very expensive!

A little synopsis of my story for those who aren’t aware… I was diagnosed with Stage IIA Triple Negative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (Breast Cancer) in July of 2023 and upstaged to Stage IV in September of 2023 due to the cancer spreading to my chest lymph nodes. I went through 24 weeks of chemotherapy, had a single mastectomy, followed by 30 rounds of radiation. In May 2024 we had hoped to do targeted radiation to my chest but unfortunately the cancer spread so they were unable to move forward with the additional radiation. And I was deemed incurable.

There were many, many bumps along the way… including taking reconstruction off the table, which you can read more about on my Caring Bridge Journal here:

Brittani Fleury - Caring Bridge

I now have chemo infusions every three weeks for the rest of my life. So far they have left me feeling tired and worn out, very unlike myself. But we still have hope and a heck of a lot of will to fight…. So we’re gunna.

Now that we’re in this new chapter, it’s amazing to me what Stage IV patients have to go through/deal with. I feel so fortunate to be feeling good and able to live a (mostly) normal life but man… it’s been a real trip!

I’m in the process of seeking out additional opinions until I find a doctor who still has hope. I don’t plan on stopping until I find them. I went to MGH in Boston, and will be going to Cleveland Clinic in July. Unfortunately my insurance basically covers nothing outside of New England, so my trip to Cleveland will be totally out of pocket. Just the 1 hour consult alone costs $1000, never mind travel expenses. I considered doing a virtual consult but that’s actually TWICE as expensive… in what world does that make sense?

I’m also taking new dietary supplements and would like to add additional ones in the future. Some of these are inexpensive, but some of them are not. If there was an opportunity to work with a naturopathic professional, that would be of interest to me as well.

I found a new therapist with cancer experience, but she’s out of network… like most therapists with cancer/chronic illness experience. So I have to pay out of pocket for her services.

Copays and prescriptions continue as well. Every time I see one of my doctors there is a copay. Usually have a few appointments per week.

I’ve also decided to go part time for a while, which has been an extremely difficult decision for me. Maybe the most difficult. If you know me at all, you know I live for my work. Having to redefine my life goals and what it means to be part of my industry moving forward has been heartbreaking for me. And to be honest, I’m struggling with it. Luckily RI is one of 4 states in the country that have State-funded temporary disability, which I’m on right now but the benefits will run out in the next couple months or so. I plan to revaluate at that time. Point being, I may not be able to work at full capacity moving forward and I am not ready to go on full disability because simply put, I love my job. Full disability would mean I can’t work at all.

I went on a bit of a tangent there but I guess the overarching message is that this new life is mostly out of pocket. I certainly don’t *expect* monetary donations, but I know there are folks out there who are still looking to help so I hope this is a way for them to do so. Please don’t feel obligated. Everything is appreciated. Nothing is taken for granted. The goal is arbitrary ✨

I update my Caring Bridge most regularly, but I will do my best to keep this updated as well.

Thank you in advance… for your kindness, grace, and support. I appreciate it so, so much