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In Hawaiian culture, the word ‘ohana means family; but it goes beyond simple blood relations. ‘Ohana is a bond among family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and more that emphasizes supporting each other through all things. Though I have lived in Hawaii for years, I never fully understood the concept of ‘ohana until I met my wife Chrystal. She has always shown unconditional and unrelenting love for everyone around her. In her career as a nurse at Maui Memorial Hospital, she brings energy and compassion to her patients and coworkers, even on her worst days. Chrystal is a supportive friend, a loving daughter and sister, and the most incredible wife a man could ask for. She dedicates her life, both personally and professionally, to helping others. And now, she is the one in need of help.
Over the holidays, Chrystal felt a lump in her breast. As soon as we returned home, she saw her doctor. A mammogram, ultra sound, and biopsy later, our worst fears were confirmed. At only 32 years old, Chrystal was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.
Only a year and a half into our marriage, we are facing one of the most difficult challenges any family can face.
From what our doctors have told us, triple negative breast cancer is both rarer, and potentially more difficult to treat than other forms of breast cancer. And in Chrystal’s case, the tumor grade is high which means it’s growing aggressively. Our current plan includes four months of chemotherapy, surgery to remove any remaining cancer, and finally reconstructive surgery. What this means for our family is that Chrystal will need to take at least six months of leave from work. A cancer diagnosis itself is one of the most difficult burdens to bear; unfortunately, the financial burden is almost as heavy. While our health insurance has been able to cover some of our medical costs, it will not be enough to cover everything.
One of the most substantial costs that we are facing involves our hope to grow our family. Chrystal and I have always wanted to have children, but one possible impact of Chrystal’s treatment is increased risks in pregnancy, and even the chance of infertility. We elected to have Chrystal’s eggs frozen so we can still fulfill our dream of having children after her recovery. With no fertility clinic in Maui we will have to fly every other day for two weeks to Oahu for follow up appointments to ensure the fertility medication is working. The eggs will be harvested, frozen, and stored to be used for IVF at least two years after Chrystal is declared cancer free. Unfortunately, these procedures and travel costs are not covered by our insurance, resulting in a large out of pocket cost for us.
While these costs are known, we are also preparing for the unknown. Already we have incurred the unexpected cost of a weekend spent in the hospital just days before Chrystal’s first chemotherapy treatment. What started off with a coughing fit and trouble breathing landed us in the hospital. A chest x-ray revealed that Chrystal had a collapsed lung, a known but uncommon complication from having her port-a-cath placed for chemotherapy. It was determined Chrystal had to have an emergency chest tube inserted in order to re-inflate her lung. This is the most pain I’ve seen someone experience. It took multiple rounds of pain medication for Chrystal to regain some level of comfort. We spent the next two days in the hospital, blessed to be cared for on the very floor that Chrystal works on, Maui South. There we received the most compassionate care and boundless love from her fellow co-workers, both those on duty and those that visited her even when they weren’t working.
We know that our story is not the first, and sadly not the last, of its kind. We, along with the rest of Chrystal’s ‘ohana, are asking you to help us bear this burden in any way you can.
Whatever you can give, any amount at all, can make a difference. Our hearts are already so full from the support we’ve received. We will never be able to fully express our gratitude. You will always be a part of our ‘ohana.
Over the holidays, Chrystal felt a lump in her breast. As soon as we returned home, she saw her doctor. A mammogram, ultra sound, and biopsy later, our worst fears were confirmed. At only 32 years old, Chrystal was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.
Only a year and a half into our marriage, we are facing one of the most difficult challenges any family can face.
From what our doctors have told us, triple negative breast cancer is both rarer, and potentially more difficult to treat than other forms of breast cancer. And in Chrystal’s case, the tumor grade is high which means it’s growing aggressively. Our current plan includes four months of chemotherapy, surgery to remove any remaining cancer, and finally reconstructive surgery. What this means for our family is that Chrystal will need to take at least six months of leave from work. A cancer diagnosis itself is one of the most difficult burdens to bear; unfortunately, the financial burden is almost as heavy. While our health insurance has been able to cover some of our medical costs, it will not be enough to cover everything.
One of the most substantial costs that we are facing involves our hope to grow our family. Chrystal and I have always wanted to have children, but one possible impact of Chrystal’s treatment is increased risks in pregnancy, and even the chance of infertility. We elected to have Chrystal’s eggs frozen so we can still fulfill our dream of having children after her recovery. With no fertility clinic in Maui we will have to fly every other day for two weeks to Oahu for follow up appointments to ensure the fertility medication is working. The eggs will be harvested, frozen, and stored to be used for IVF at least two years after Chrystal is declared cancer free. Unfortunately, these procedures and travel costs are not covered by our insurance, resulting in a large out of pocket cost for us.
While these costs are known, we are also preparing for the unknown. Already we have incurred the unexpected cost of a weekend spent in the hospital just days before Chrystal’s first chemotherapy treatment. What started off with a coughing fit and trouble breathing landed us in the hospital. A chest x-ray revealed that Chrystal had a collapsed lung, a known but uncommon complication from having her port-a-cath placed for chemotherapy. It was determined Chrystal had to have an emergency chest tube inserted in order to re-inflate her lung. This is the most pain I’ve seen someone experience. It took multiple rounds of pain medication for Chrystal to regain some level of comfort. We spent the next two days in the hospital, blessed to be cared for on the very floor that Chrystal works on, Maui South. There we received the most compassionate care and boundless love from her fellow co-workers, both those on duty and those that visited her even when they weren’t working.
We know that our story is not the first, and sadly not the last, of its kind. We, along with the rest of Chrystal’s ‘ohana, are asking you to help us bear this burden in any way you can.
Whatever you can give, any amount at all, can make a difference. Our hearts are already so full from the support we’ve received. We will never be able to fully express our gratitude. You will always be a part of our ‘ohana.