BREAST CANCER RECONSTRUCTION

Hello friends! My name is Kim, I'm a resident of Burlington, Ontario, Canada, and I need your help. In July 2012, after finding a lump in my right breast and having mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsies, I was diagnosed with cancer in both of my breasts (I was 42 years old). I was assigned to a surgeon and oncologist, and was told that I would have to put my life on hold in order to treat my disease. At the time I was working as an intensive behavioural intervention therapist with children and adolescents who have autism. I also worked part-time as a fitness instructor, and for 8 years had volunteered at two YMCAs in my community, teaching aquafitness, aerobics and spinning classes to members, and swimming instruction to special needs children and adults. I love working in helping professions, and volunteering where needed, as it gives me a grand sense of purpose and satisfaction knowing that I'm helping others in need.  Pre-treatment testing was done (bone scans etc.), I quit my volunteer duties and my paying jobs (as advised by my medical team) and commenced chemotherapy in August 2012.  I underwent 6 very aggressive, tiring and painful chemo treatments, during which I experienced many adverse side effects until December 2012. Genetic testing confirmed that my cancers (DCIS in the left breast, invasive lobular carcinoma in the right), were hereditary - I had a BRCA2 gene mutation, and I was estrogen receptor positive. In January 2013 both of my breasts, and lymph nodes on each side, were surgically removed (a bi-lateral mastectomy and lymph node dissections). The pathology report indicated that my left breast cancer was stage 0, but the right was a stage 3B (about 1/2 a stage down from terminal cancer), and there was cancer in my right lymph nodes.  In March 2013 radiation treatments began on the right side of my chest...over 7 weeks I received 32 rounds which caused severe burning, blistering and fatigue. In November 2013 I had a prophylactic hysterectomy to eliminate the risk of developing gynaecological cancers (the BRCA2 gene put me at high risk for ovarian cancer), and shortly afterwards a bright red blemish appeared on the right side of my chest. It was surgically removed in January 2014 for fear that it was a cancer recurrence - it was radiation scar tissue. This last year I've been in recovery, and still suffer from side effects from all of my medical procedures (fatigue, neuropathy in my hands and feet, lymphedema in my right arm and hand, swelling in my legs and feet, my cognitive abilities are impaired, reduced range of motion in my arms, etc.). I also experience severe depression and anxiety, and a form of post-traumatic-stress-disorder. Shortly after chemo ended, I began experiencing heart palpations and tightening sensations in my chest, and recently I spent a day in hospital due to severe chest pain and tightness. A holter monitor, stress tests, ECG's and blood work have determined that my heart is strong and healthy, though I do still experience palpations and tightening. Six months ago a lump of fatty tissue appeared on the left side of my chest, but an ultrasound confirmed that it was not cancerous.  My oncologist, however, fears that it's growing larger and wants more testing done on it.  During my recovery period I've been researching breast reconstruction, meeting with 4 plastic surgeons. I'm not a candidate for many of the procedures offered to most breast cancer patients due to the large amount of radiation I received (back, buttock, thigh or abdominal flaps, or implants. The skin on my chest is very thin and tight, and these surgeries pose a high risk of complications for me. The only viable option I have is a procedure that involves stretching the skin on my chest via expanders and inserting fat via liposuction from various areas of my body between the skin and muscle in order to form breasts which will be smaller than what I had (from a B cup to an A cup). This procedure is similar to a mastopexy in which liposuctioned fat is used to augment existing breasts. It is a far less invasive procedure than the others, a higher probability that it will be more successful, and there's a reduced recovery time. Unfotunately Ontario's health insurance plan does not cover the cost of this procedure, as it's considered cosmetic (because liposuction is involved). I cannot afford the cost of this very expensive procedure. I would like very much to have breast reconstruction done as I'm certain it will make me feel better about myself (like the "whole" person I once was), and according to scientific studies the reconstruction will prolong my life.  I have depended on a provincial disability plan since August 2012 - I receive $775 Canadian per month which currently is used for medications (tamoxifin, antidepressants, etc.), food, travel expenses (I do not own a car) and other cost of living expenses, and have nothing left over at the end of each month to prepare for my future, or even enjoy the odd cup of tea or meal at an inexpensive restaurant. I have very, very little to live on.  I had to use up all of the savings I had accumulated over my years of working to pay for treatments and medications not covered through this plan. My Dad (Earle) was my primary source of emotional support throughout all I have endured. He also assisted in providing a roof over my head, and accompanied me to my treatments, surgeries and medical appointments. He was my best friend, my rock, and the person I most admired and respected in life. Sadly, Dad passed away of a heart attack recently, on December 17, 2014. It was a tragic shock, as Dad had been very healthy. I miss my Dad so very much - he was a wonderful, loving and generous man. My depression and anxiety have increased immensely since losing him, and I'm also very worried about myself (my health and lack of ability to support myself). Without Dad's help, I couldn't afford the rent for the apartment in which we lived. In early February I moved into subsidized, emergency housing in a neighboring city, so thank goodness I have a roof over my head. I'm unable to return to work yet (per my health care team), and I have no job to return to. Although I have other relatives and friends, I cannot turn to or depend on any of them for assistance. I'm asking for YOUR help, to provide me with financial assistance for the breast reconstruction surgery I desperately want. Once I'm told by my medical team that I'm able to resume my "normal" life, I would like very much to do so. I hope to be retrained for new employment, get my mental and physical health back on track, and contribute to society once again in a positive way! If you can assist in any way whatsoever to my cause, I would really, truly appreciate it! Thank you SO very much, from the bottom of my heart, for your consideration :)