ORGANIZED BY FRIENDS OF MARSHA WHO HAVE COMMANDEERED HER ACCOUNT

Update: After an 11 month review in which doctors provided verifiable medical information and observable evidence of deteriorating health, SSDI denied Marsh, she’ll have to file and appeal and in the meantime endure pain and stress?!?!?!? SMH! Any suggestions folks! 

Dear Friends and Colleagues of Marsha,

As most of you know, Marsha was diagnosed with two types of an aggressive forms of cancer in her left breast almost two years ago. The first year was grueling, as she endured radiation, chemotherapy, and two lumpectomies, before being told that she was cancer free. Thrilled to be in “Remission,” Marsha looked forward to rebuilding a blessed post-cancer life. Unfortunately, the following year at her first post-cancer mammogram, Radiologists found more cancer, which meant a third lumpectomy in 14 months. This third one in June 2022, was botched; she returned to the operating table about two hours later, bleeding profusely and in tremendous pain, to remove hematoma and large blood clots. (She’s also endured two botched biopsies; one left a hard black indent, the other found that she was allergic to Betadine, as all her skin fell out). She was then on bed-rest and heavy opioids for four days, as the pain continued to be brutal. Some good news(?) however; a week later at the post-op, she was again declared to be in "Remission", could resumed Hormone Therapy (for the next five years), as well as Lymphedema OT to reduce the swelling and soften the scar tissue in her upper left quadrant, and to  return functionality to the incision area. Not surprisingly, these events were traumatic, and would wreak havoc on her nervous system.

Marsha has also been experiencing chronic, and incapacitating muscle and joint pain throughout her body since December 2022, (i.e., at the end of Chemo and Radiation therapy, and commencement of the hormone therapy) She would also spend 3 painful days in hospital with a Cellulitis infection, while having limited range of motion in her left “dominant” hand. Her medical team felt that the unexplainable pain (which severely disrupted her qualify of life), were a result of late-stage symptoms of the cancer treatment plan, and/or side-effects from the hormone treatment. A battery of tests (X-Rays, MRIs, PET and CT tests, blood analysis, steroids, and pain medication), followed, yet the pain only worsen, in addition to chronic fatigue, insomnia, photo-sensitivity, frustrating brain fog etc. She has been walking with the assistance of a cane, and can’t stand or sit for more than 30minutes at a time. She is awoken every day by this excruciating pain. 

It was finally confirmed this past September that she had Autoimmune Diseases: Inflammatory Polyarthropathy, Fibromyalgia etc. So much for restarting a joyous “post-cancer life,” as doctors are still trying to figure out whether these diseases, were activated by the Chemo, Radiation and/or the Cancer. In general, autoimmune diseases cannot be cured, but treatment may reduce symptoms, and help manage the flareups. Still, these diseases are difficult to treat, and can take months if not years before a well-thought-out treatment regime can be found. Marsha’s medical team just started work on finding the right combination to alleviate her symptoms, while her daily joint pain persists. This means that she can no longer engage in normal daily activities, and her “new normal week,” includes 4-6 medical appointments; made difficult as she was “T-boned” in June, and her car was totaled (with $1300. left to pay off).

Marsha’s life has been drastically upended, and since she is unable to live on her own, she moved in with her mom, whose now her fulltime caregiver. She relies on the availability of friends and volunteers from the American Cancer Society to make her weekly medical appointments. Unable to work, she applied for Social Security Disability Insurance but after a year, a decision has yet to be made. Being too sick and stressed to shepherd another task, she was advised to hire an experienced disability lawyer to navigate SSDI’s legal and bureaucratic processes. Of course, this is not cheap; some attorney fees can amount to as much as 25% of the backend benefits, or approx. $3,000!

We are a few friends who have started this fundraiser to support our dear Marsha. If you know her, she is usually on the other side of things as the “giver/provider,” is very proud, (ok she can be a lot sometimes:), but is also sweet, caring, giving, trusting, forgiving, loyal, funny; just an overall good friend!” Though physically and mentally weak, we are in awe, and admire how she’s courageously navigating these difficult life-challenges. It’s an honor to support our friend in her time of crisis, by alleviating some of her numerous stressors. I’m sure you all understand that this goes beyond finances, but our hope is to raise enough funds to allow Marsha to take care of medical and non-medical bills, transportation costs to medical appointments etc., purchase Lymphedema compression support garments, and hopefully hire a good disability lawyer to expediate the SSDI process. Times are tough for us all, but no donation is too small, and all are appreciated! Any one of us could find ourself in her shoes, and she would be among those friends who “show-up,” in our time of need. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this, for your understanding, generosity and support. Also, please feel free to repost this fundraiser on your own homepage!

Sigh! Now they are saying it’s Neuropathy, her health is deteriorating; more Doctors appointments, more chronic fatigue and debilitating pain!