Hi, I'm Kelli Cooley. In June of 2024 I found a lump on my breast. In August I was diagnosed with Stage IIA Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. The prognosis for this type of cancer is very good but the cost of any medical issue is always a burden. I am less than 2 months away from being on this journey for 1 full year. I have had tests, biopsies, more doctor appts than I care to count, 2 surgeries, 4 rounds of chemo and I am set to move to Houston for radiation this weekend.

Cancer is never a word you want to hear. Cancer while having it be your son's senior year and working to get him college ready was a real bummer. I have been out of work for about half the year and sadly I did not have short term disability. My paycheck has been sad and my bills have only increased.

If you are reading this....get a short term medical policy now! Also, make sure you are staying on top your health and ladies....check yourself often. Too many friends of mine, even younger than 40, are being diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

After radiation I will be on a monthly injection that I will have to get in the doctor's office until I can have a hysterectomy to remove my ovaries. I wasn't ready for full blown menopause but since this cancer is fed by hormones, I guess menopause is here....ready or not. I will also be on 2 pills daily for the next 10 years.

I had no idea when I found that little lump that my life would forever change and I definitely was not expecting conversations with my doctors about medication for 10 years. But 10 years of planning medication means 10 years of life hopefully without the cancer coming back, so I'm ready for it.

People keep saying "let me know if you need anything" or "how can I help?" Starting a GoFundMe seems crazy but truth is, we need it. I can't put off radiation and that means more time away from work and more time without a normal paycheck. It also means my outstanding medical bills will go up. :(