Lucy’s Cancer Journey

I feel so awkward and uncomfortable writing this for a multitude of reasons. Doing this goes against who I am by nature but writing this, is…surreal? I have cancer and NF1. I’m only doing this because so many of you urged me to and y’all are like family! I am beyond grateful for this community that I’ve gotten to know over the last 14 years. I’ve meet most of all my best friends through the YouTube network.

These funds will help cover this journey. GoFundMe asked me to put a number but I honestly have no idea y’all. I could be under or over what it ends up costing.

I went to my 6 week postpartum checkup for my 8th child and my midwife found a large lump in my neck. I thought she was insane. Yes, I see it. That’s not without question but I thought it was a swollen node from having been sick, about to be sick, etc. Definitely nothing serious. Had an ultrasound done that expressed some very concerning questions followed by a biopsy that confirmed what no one wants to hear….Cancer.

I’ve attached my cancer video documentary link if you’re more into videos than reading:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmwXedAqqqeUpqz_cp_lvWx0uQeg8DgV4

These funds will help cover the financial hardships like the deductible which is currently $2,850 and will increase to $2,900 in January of 2022. I’m not entirely sure until we’ve met with the surgeon what additional, if any, added medical bills be included and what those will cost but for now, this much, the deductible, we do know.

I’ve recently had an additional hematology appointment as I have a protein s deficiency and other additional clotting factors that play a role with surgeries (of which I’ve never had). He feels confident I won’t need additional time in the hospital but it is a possibility I am warned of.

The same week I was diagnosed with cancer I was also diagnosed with Neurofibroma, NF1 via a second biopsy of my breast. This is a genetic condition I was born with. As far back as I can remember at least, I’ve had two identical lumps. I’ve addressed the one on my breast for years in YouTube now (gone undetected by all Dr’s) but I have the exact same thing on my booty too. Both are tumors. My breast is benign though thankfully. We have not biopsied the other yet. NF1 may or may not have contributed to my neck and we may or may not find more tumors throughout this journey. As it is genetic, all 8 of my kids will be tested genetically too.

My endocrinologist wants to remove my entire thyroid while looking for other tumors, nodules, etc that are suspicious. In return I will become dependent on daily medication to survive. I do not know what meds these will be nor their expenses at this time.

We don’t have family here but we do have a teenage babysitter so I’ve added her fees to the expenses so childcare is available during immediate appointments, surgery and immediate follow up appointments.

Joel nor I receive paid time off work and while we can survive without my revenue we can not his. I accounted for 3 days off work but again y’all I have no idea how realistic that is. Maybe he won’t need but 1 day off? Maybe I’ll still need help after 3 days, I don’t have a clue what I’m about to go through. The biopsy alone made sleeping at night extremely difficult without my husband (he works evenings/nights) as my 5M old is exclusively breastfed and likes to whack and claw my neck when bed sharing. I’m sure all of us moms can relate to that one.

For those asking, I don’t plan on stopping my job. I may be a little slow at it for a while but quitting isn’t what I do. Same for my college. I did decide to enroll part time vs full time next semester but I’m not giving up. This is just a speed bump in my journey.

Thank you for all the support!

#EadesStrong