Help Jenee Fight Cancer
Donation protected
Hi! I'm Jenee and I'm almost 50 years old. Breast cancer was not on my list of things I wanted... but it’s what I'm getting for Christmas this year. Back in September I went in for my routine annual mammogram, and after an intense week of biopsies and an MRI, I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma on both sides. Suddenly, a bilateral mastectomy with a DIEP flap reconstruction became my Christmas present.
The November 30 procedure (now January 18!) is with breast surgeon Dr. Joseph J. Weber and plastic surgeon Dr. Shunsuke Yoshida at nearby Aurora Cancer Care in Grafton, WI. Both Todd and I have been very impressed with the combination of their professionalism and compassion. Because it's near the end of 2021, new deductibles kick in and every doctor visit comes with a copay, though thankfully medical insurance covers a lot. I have a part-time job at Crossroads Presbyterian Church, and I teach private music lessons from my home. The church is being generous and supportive, but as a music teacher, I am also part of a gig economy: if you aren’t present, you don’t get paid. I have been told that I’ll be out for 6 to maybe 12 weeks to recover from my procedure.
The November 30 procedure (now January 18!) is with breast surgeon Dr. Joseph J. Weber and plastic surgeon Dr. Shunsuke Yoshida at nearby Aurora Cancer Care in Grafton, WI. Both Todd and I have been very impressed with the combination of their professionalism and compassion. Because it's near the end of 2021, new deductibles kick in and every doctor visit comes with a copay, though thankfully medical insurance covers a lot. I have a part-time job at Crossroads Presbyterian Church, and I teach private music lessons from my home. The church is being generous and supportive, but as a music teacher, I am also part of a gig economy: if you aren’t present, you don’t get paid. I have been told that I’ll be out for 6 to maybe 12 weeks to recover from my procedure.
Many people have asked how they can help me and my family throughout this process. Our deacon from church sent out a Meal Train sign-up that also includes walking our sweet dog Emmy. But we've been reminded that not everyone is great with cooking food, or has the availability to help with errands. Creating this fundraiser is another way for you, our beautiful support system, to help us. Funds given will cover two months of my teaching income and my 2022 insurance deductible. It will lessen my anxiety about not bringing my fair share to the family budget, by covering expenses that are being added to the pile each week.
We are hopeful that there will be no surprise costs, no added complications, and that I'll be able to work again soon. But we've also heard that this could take a while and that we need to be realistic and plan accordingly. Thank you for your kind support! I am so grateful that I can confidently say that I know I am not in this fight alone.
Read more about my journey at CaringBridge: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jeneeoconnor.
We are hopeful that there will be no surprise costs, no added complications, and that I'll be able to work again soon. But we've also heard that this could take a while and that we need to be realistic and plan accordingly. Thank you for your kind support! I am so grateful that I can confidently say that I know I am not in this fight alone.
Read more about my journey at CaringBridge: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jeneeoconnor.
Organizer
Jenee O'Connor
Organizer
Cedarburg, WI