I really don't know where to start.. I will try to start by saying that this is difficult for me to even create , but I have ran out of several options and I am trying my best to sort this out ...

My name is Kendra , I am 45 and a mother of 4 grown kids and work as a Psych Medical Assistant , and have a small business .. I have beautiful support from my family friends and coworkers and like alot of us it's hard to even grasp bad times and handle , it truly can break your soul.

On Jan 26 I discovered a lump in my neck near my jaw and ear. No pain and I literally didn't realize it was there . It was alarming so and I reached out to a provider as soon as I could .

I don't currently have medical insurance thru my job, I normally will get FSA for the year and my Dr visits are very far between, so I am normally okay and can cover medications and what not , and it's is truly hard for me to afford the monthly rates and deductibles and oop on my income alone . I set up an appointment with a specialist ENT surgeon and went to see him the following week after there was no change in this lump. It measured at first 6 cm , but due to the tissue around, the tumor it's actually 2.5 and may have some swelling around it , The Dr was very concerned , said it was a mass and ruled out cyst and lymphnode inflammation , said he wanted a CT first to see what it shows.

The results came back same day , it did confirm a tumor mass . That week alone the financial cost was 1100.00 for those two vistits and the scan alone . Which maxed out my FSA , my bills are piling slowly , I don't know what the journey is ahead and it nay be a long ways away from the other end of this . He has decided to skip over biopsy due to cost and either way surgery was inevitable . It has to come out. It appears it's a Parotid Tumor , it has abnormal density thru the tumor and until he removes it and sends to pathology, I am truly left now to hold on to hope and prayers.

This unexpected journey is taking a toll on me mentally and some physically. I am so anxious and overwhelmed and scared . I have had a few episodes where it's affecting my throat and pain in my neck and anticipation of the outcome after surgery is mentally and emotionally draining. I have a job I love , being a Psychiatric Medical Assistant has been my dream speciality and I cant even focus each day just recently have taken my 2nd mental health day in my 4 year career there . It is just alot right now and not knowing answers is truly driving me mad.

I TRULY APPRECIATE THE LOVE AND SUPPORT SO VERY MUCH

Prayers and love and support with or without a donation is a blessing , Prayers and Positive Vibes are my driving force to try to get better and back to me soon.

Thank you for taking the time today to hear my story ♡

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