Help Jess Heal

Hello, my name is Jess.

My beautiful friends encouraged me to share my story and ask for help. I’m raising funds for my unexpected out-of-pocket medical expenses as I need financial help right now for living expenses, food and ongoing medical expenses - $13, 000.

I’ve already spent close to $5000 seeing specialists, surgeons, undergoing imaging and a biopsy. While I have health insurance that covers medically necessary breast surgery and reconstruction, the reality is I’ll be out-of-pocket nearly $18,000, not including additional related costs. I really appreciate you taking the time to read my story.

I am 39 years old and had a benign breast mass (PASH) removed in 2020. Due to my strong family history of breast cancer, I had genetic testing performed at that time, which showed I am not a BRCA gene carrier. Supposedly I am at no higher risk of breast cancer than the average person. Still, I took out a higher level of health insurance following that surgery for peace of mind, hoping I'd be covered if anything ever happened.

My annual breast screening in 2025, found multiple areas of concern in my right breast. After receiving those results from my breast cancer surgeon, I was scheduled for a stereotactic (mammogram-guided) biopsy but unfortunately, I fainted during this procedure as it was so uncomfortable and painful. I was rescheduled for the biopsy and with support from my dad and a best friend, I made it through.

In mid-May I received my biopsy results;

High-grade solid and comedo DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

ER: Negative, 2+

PR: Negative

HER2 IHC: Positive, 3+

My breast cancer surgeon recommended that I undergo a double mastectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy and breast reconstruction. Clusters of micro-calcifications were discovered throughout the breast, which weren't picked up on the initial images. These areas are each about 4mm and are widespread, so difficult to biopsy them all.

As per my diagnosis I was referred to see a psychiatrist as protocol for a young woman undergoing double mastectomy. I was also referred to a fertility specialist to arrange for egg collection as soon as possible and began a $10,000 egg-freezing cycle, some of which is not rebated. I had an MRI to check for spread to my nipple and I saw the plastic surgeon to discuss reconstruction options.

The day had come when I was told I needed to have both of my breasts removed. I was shocked and felt physically ill. I have been an emotional mess and have found it extremely difficult to process all the information being delivered. I haven’t been able to work my full-time hours as I have been too distraught to be able to perform my duties.

A saving grace was the relief to be insured, but I was blindsided to learn the gap fees from both my breast cancer surgeon and the plastic surgeon total $17,784.40 out-of-pocket, far beyond what I can afford.

I am devastated that the time has come to make a claim through my health insurance, full stop, but to know that surgery with my breast cancer surgeon isn’t financially viable for me is shattering. I have no faith in our health insurance system. I feel abandoned. What was the point in me taking out this level of health insurance? This system is so flawed that surgeons can charge what they like, from a business perspective, and the government doesn’t help enough so that Medicare and the health insurance companies together only rebate patients like me $1589.60 (mastectomy) + $1537 (reconstruction).

As my family and I can’t pay the out-of-pocket expenses for surgery, I have been referred to the public health system. I have started the process again to meet with surgeons to discuss my options for treatment. I don't yet know what this looks like. Potentially there will be a delay in scheduling the surgery, which is again terrifying as everything thus far has happened so fast.

The last few weeks since I was diagnosed with DCIS have been extremely distressing. It has been an emotional rollercoaster. I haven't had the mental ability to work my full-time hours and I'm very quickly eating into the annual leave I had accrued, so I won't have leave available for my recovery period.

I never imagined I’d be in this position, but I would be deeply grateful for any support. I know there are so many other people requiring financial aid, but in this moment, I feel so vulnerable and fragile being forced into this unjust health insurance system. Every donation will help with medical costs, living expenses, and buying time to heal emotionally and physically.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

With love,

Jess x