Help Vicky Triumph Over Breast Cancer

If you have ever spent any amount of time with Vicky, you are one of the lucky ones to enjoy her infectious laugh and contagious smile. Well, it's time for us to repay the favor and help put that smile back on Vicky's face.

Vicky struggles acknowledging that her difficulties will be ongoing as time unfolds. She feels like a burden when accepting help, but the financial effects and personal needs as a result of cancer have become overwhelming.

There are many of us who want to help, but don't know how. We decided to coordinate efforts with this fund so each of us who have been touched by Vicky can do something small to help her fight this fight and come out on top.

Vicky thanks you from the bottom of her heart and sends her love to each and every one of you for being someone special in her life.

With gratitude,

Her Sisters at Chi Sigma Rho

I had the opportunity to chat with Vicky and hear some of her story. With her permission, I’m sharing what she told me here. We will also post updates periodically over coming months to help her update the people in her life who want to support her, not just financially, but emotionally as well as through prayer, positive intentions, and reminders to her of her strength and beauty.

Vicky’s Story

I was diagnosed in October 2023. I’ve had two surgeries, Lumpectomy and lymph node dissection in December and then in January a second mass was found and so I had a

Mastectomy and rebuild this past March. I will have a 3rd Surgery near the end of the year.

So far, I’ve had 35 doctor appointments with copays and deductibles in 7 months. I traveled back and forth to Philly for those appts where gas, tolls, and parking have added up.

Fortunately, I have medical professionals in my family and close circle who have aided in my ability to make sound decisions. This has made a huge impact bringing me ease in times of stress.

I was out of work for 7 weeks, one week of that was without pay. Now, outside of a hand full of sick days, I am out of paid time off, therefore, once I begin chemo on 5/24, if I need time off to recover, it will be unpaid. Also, I have another surgery coming up where, depending on when it falls, may be unpaid.

I recently learned that I am not covered for cranial prosthesis. My hair is projected to start falling out the week after June 7th. Yesterday, I just broke down at the wig shop. As of now, I will be bald.

I have an appointment for a fitting on Wednesday but that alone is $200. Human wigs are in the range of several grand and synthetic are still several hundred. Crazy shit.

Multiple Tests have shown Ductal Invasive Carcinoma Stage Two - er pos, pr pos, HER2 negative, luminal b (which is aggressive). Lymphovascular invasion throughout breast. Size of tumors were stage two. Grade of tumors were grade 3, meaning cancer is dividing and multiplying at highest rate.

Surgery got margins clean, but when they tested the genetics and oncotype of the second cancer mass, the score showed high risk of a cell having microscopically jumped somewhere else in my body.

I’m already on Endocrine Therapy Treatment since March to throw me into Menopause and to lower my estrogen levels (I give myself my own lupron injections and take anastrozole).

Now with chemo, I will pause the anastrozole and resume again post chemo. I’ll have 4 rounds as of now, which will take me to October.

On October 16, I have my pre-surgery consult for my next surgery (phase two of the rebuild) which hopefully will be the last.

I’ve been plugging through full steam ahead, but now I’m getting weary and overwhelmed from coordinating all the rides, appointments, ordering of meds, managing finances, calling insurance, managing work and schedule, figuring out FMLA, understanding my diagnosis, and updating people. I’m starting to wilt. It’s too long now of no stop, AND i just was finally coming out of my shell from mourning the loss of my mother and brother. It’s just been weary. But, I don’t want to be all “woe is me”, I know people out there have it worse.

My dog, Betty, has been my ride or die. My cousin, Misty has turned into my sister. My dad has been doing as much as he can to help me financially and emotionally. My Bible Study sisters, and a few close friends have been kind enough to suprise me with support, whether it be grocery funds, a meal, or even a get out of the house gift card over the months. Past bosses, current boss, and coworkers have been helping where they can. I can't begin to thank everyone enough for what they have already done and most of all my dad.

The cancer has caused reconnections where needed and has shown me sides of people that have me in awe.

I certainly feel loved.