Jennica McCleary Breast Cancer Recovery Fund

UPDATE!! Feb 11 ,2019- If you donated or shared this campaign on social media, please be sure to send your mailing address to my email. [email redacted] 
Things are going well with recovery. I'm sore, bruised and far from 100% but doing really well. Today my arms can reach just above 90 degrees. Two of my four drainage tubes are out. Next check up on Feb 13 and probably removing the last two drains. (Thank Goddess because they really hurt!)  This is great because then I'm cleared to begin the many layers of rehabilitation. I do my best to post and stay transparent on Instagram and Facebook. I'm so grateful to you all for the support and encouragement I've received through social media as well.  Some are sending a little note with the email to remind me of how we know each other...it's a big help! (But don't feel obligated, just your address is fine.) The best news of all I saved for last, in case you haven't heard, I'm officially CANCER FREE!! Camilla is dead! Nothing was found in my lymph nodes and I'm only running a 2%-4% chance of lymphedema. I admit to currently being a bit concerned about this due to swelling and pain on my right (Camilla) side, but it will be discussed at my next appointment.  All my love to you, my Magical friends! 
~Jennica~



On August 3rd, 2018 I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Hert2 positive invasive ductal carcinoma in my right breast. I named her Camilla, the terrible party tit. She was always the prettiest one which just goes to show that looks can be deceiving. Finished my 6 rounds of chemo on December 18th and will undergo a bilateral mastectomy to remove the original factory models on January 29th, 2019.

I've felt since first suspecting breast cancer that I was meant to go through this experience. Chemo challenged me but I refused to give up on the cabaret show I created (Winnie’s Rock Cauldron Cabaret) and the work planned so I continued to perform throughout treatment. Had a head shaving party, bought some wig glue and made it happen. It was difficult but I learned my first lesson from cancer; I'm a wee bit tougher than I give myself credit for. Lesson number two; Yes, it is possible to talk myself away from worshiping the porcelain god, get on a plane and seven hours later have a killer show with my cast and a packed house. (*cough* Club Cumming, and thank you) 

Cancer and chemo gave me the chance to listen to my body differently and I cleared hurtles I'm still surprised by. However, I've become fully aware of the toll chemo has taken on my body and its all catching up with me. I've struggled with neuropathy in my hands and feet, vocal issues, muscle fatigue and cognitive impairment that I managed to power through. In some cases I found ways to grow from a side effect or body pain through my art or other creative outlets but I have officially hit the self help wall and insurance doesn't cover everything.

Now comes the hardest part...no, not surgery. Well, yes, surgery but also asking for help. ( Yet another lesson courtesy of Camilla.)
Donations will help me cover expenses and in home care while out of work postop, (The next 4 to 6 weeks) continued lymphatic drainage, acupuncture to help with neuropathy and muscle spasms, physical, vocal and other therapeutic treatments. 

Luckily, the remaining 10 Hert2 antibody treatments are not as difficult to get through, but I refuse to move backwards during my recovery. This is where the real work happens for me; coming back from the mental and physical impact of it all.

Thank you to all who've sent words of reinforcement and messages of love. It helps push me. I still have every intention of standing on the other side of this and saying cancer was the best thing that ever happened to me. I mean, have you seen my bald head? I look fantastic!