Help Hazel Get Through This Difficult Time

Our cousin Hazel has been dealing with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma at the young age of 32 and through the unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic.  We are sharing this with our communities in hopes that we can lift up Hazel during this time because we love her so much! Please read in her own words below what she has been experiencing and share and donate as you are able. Thank you <3 

As many of you know, I have been dealing with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma this year. (In my left breast.) I’ve finished 7 rounds of chemo after dealing with a few complications. I avoided Covid and got my  vaccination. I luckily only had one hospital stay for sepsis. I’ve been existing off of unemployment since January, but that’s running out  on June 12th. I probably won’t be able to work for a long time after I get a mastectomy on July 7th. I would do anything not to get a mastectomy. Unfortunately due to the nature and location of my tumors, it’s the only option to save my life. I can’t deal with the idea of going without reconstruction and I’m not going to.  I don’t want to memorialise having drawn the genetic short straw at 32. I also deserve to win back control back over my body. That said, I won’t be able to -get- reconstruction until I lose an additional significant amount of weight. So much so in fact, my doctors have suggested less invasive bariatric surgery. While I’m sure that sounds wild and severe, I’ve tried almost everything else. I’m tired of having to defend my body from the world. I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I’m sincerely considering this because it feels like I’m “giving in.” That said, it would solve my few other health issues. (Poor circulation, sleep apnea.) And I can’t put a price on self confidence.

I’ve come to peace with my mastectomy having to happen. Unfortunately, my battle is multi faceted. I finished pre surgery chemo, so I’m hoping that I have the physical part halfway finished. The kicker is that I’m going to need financial help.

I wish I could be gainfully employed through all of this. Unfortunately it would be irresponsible to overextend myself while I’m jumping through all these hurdles. As a young woman  as well as a born and raised Cape Codder I wish that I wasn’t painted into this corner. Especially this year, this season. I know how hard everything has been for everyone.

I’m over the moon with gratitude for all the kindness friends and family have shown me thus far.  If you can share this or contribute, it would absolutely mean the world to me.