Hey ya'll

I have been eager to provide an update... but progress has not been linear or universal, and aftercare has been quite overwhelming... Now, having stalled, I have lots of news!

First: I have been so deeply moved by the support I have received since launching this campaign. Each gesture of support – your contributions, messages, or 'just' sharing this page – holds immense value to me.

Most importantly: I am now cancer free!

On some fronts, my recovery has been "remarkable," according to my surgeon.

I have also faced several complications, all of which have resolved... except three, namely: cellulitis, necrosis, and dehiscence. All are on a positive trajectory and I am confident I will make a full recovery (save some aesthetic outcomes). With the excellent news that I will not require additional cancer treatment, it has been fairly easy to stay positive despite these challenges... but to be frank, they have all been painful, gross, and costly. Since surgery, I have spent over $700 just on wound care! In addition, medication and transportation expenses have exceded my expectations, as I'm still making frequent trips to the hospital – this week, it's a daily affair.

Which brings me to my final point: I've increased the fundraising goal by $2000. All support is welcomed and cherished, whether it's 'thoughts and prayers', kind messages, sharing this page, or donations!

(My service dog dutifully trying to cheer me up as I have ice packs strapped to my chest )

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Hi,

Maybe you know me, maybe you don't, maybe we've crossed paths...

Here's the latest:

I am facing a double mastectomy in 10 days!

In a nutshell:

This marks my second major surgery since moving to DC just six months ago. The previous surgery was on my dominant hand, which is functionally impaired (I am happy to answer any questions!), and I have been unable to work. Now, I find myself in need of financial support. This will be my 5th surgery in just rwo years, so what scares me more than the surgery itself, is the possibility of housing insecurity and having to ration medication during recovery. I do receive SNAP (food assistance) but I need money to pay for rent, medications, and transportation for appointments.

The extended version:

Five years ago, I considered myself an artist and maker, deeply passionate about working with my hands. Throughout my 20s, I endured severe and unique discomfort in my hand and wrist. Unfortunately, I had been dismissed and misunderstood about my physical struggles from a young age, and came to doubt myself. After years of increasingly severe and consistent discomfort, and eventually even visible lumps developing, I did come to beleive 'something was up' and finally sought help. It presented as a ganglion cyst, but after several doctors were stumped, eventually, I saw an orthopedic surgeon with hand specialty. He diagnosed me with Tumoral Calcinosis (a profoundly rare condition, he had never seen before!). I underwent surgery to remove these growths, only to have them return larger and more painful within just four months, along with the development of a neuroma, which added to my agony.

My first surgeon retired, and after seeing several more doctors, I received a corrected diagnosis: Exoskeletal Chondroma, another equally rare condition. I've since had three surgeries on my dominant hand, the most recent being in June, which significantly reduced my pain and likely saved my hand.

Over the past two years, I've also been diagnosed with several other conditions, either secondary or primary to the Exoskeletal Chondroma. The most significant of these are Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Emotionally and physically processing these new limitations has been a profound challenge.

My identity was closely tied to my artistic work and to my independence in the past. While I've come to a place of acceptance and humor, I can't forget how painful the isolation of this experience has been.

My original plan was to start looking for work once I recovered from my last hand surgery. However, during that time, I had already been seeing a doctor regarding bloody nipple discharge. This led to multiple mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs, and biopsies, and now the mastectpmy, to come. This extended medical journey, coupled with delays in imaging and scheduling, has now left me unable to cover my cost of living during my recovery. I need $2,000 more than I currently have to ensure I can pay for rent, medications, and transportation. While I receive SNAP benefits and am extremely frugal, my budget doesn't leave enough for other expenses.

My plan is to actively seek employment while I recover. Even if I'm not immediately ready to start, I want to be prepared to dive back into work as soon as I'm able.The surgeon will place markers to monitor and ensure cancer hasn't spread to the lymph nodes. The medical team is quite optimistic and doesn't anticipate the need for further treatment beyond the surgery.