Skin Cancer Sucks!!
Donation protected
Cindy Biddle is my daughter and many friends and family who are aware of her situation have continuously asked how they can help. I am starting this page in the hopes of giving Cindy and her family some financial relief during this time.
Here's Cindy’s story: In November 2015 she was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a cancerous tumor on her left nostril that reached across the left side of the upper cheek, just below the eye. Yes, it is a form of skin cancer and it's not terminal. Her treatment consisted of MOHS and reconstructive surgery, including the dreaded forehead flap.
For nearly 3 years Cindy was cancer-free, after about a year and a half the nerve pain set in and there seemed to be little relief. After a visit to UF Shands the doctor ordered a MRI to be scheduled. The results showed that there was a possible BCC recurrence. The tumor was deep and unreachable through the typical biopsy methods. The only way to know for sure was to take Cindy to the OR and remove the tumor and biopsy it that way. The doctors were 99% confident that it was BCC and they were right. However, the cancer was much worse than the MRI showed. In order to remove all of the cancer a partial rhinectomy was necessary. The left side of Cindy’s nose was removed and 7 weeks of radiation was required. That is M-F for 7 weeks, her entire summer away from her family except for the weekends. She drives home on Friday and back on Sunday.
As most of you know, Cindy is a teacher and usually works during the summer to supplement her income. She was clearly unable to do that this summer. The bills are coming in and starting add up. While Cindy’s lodging was provided for through the American Cancer Society she is still responsible for gas and food plus their family day to day bills.
Cindy will have to undergo another very extensive reconstruction process again and even possible need a partial prosthesis. The prosthesis May give her a better quality of life with the ability breath through the left side without obstruction.
She has a very long road ahead of her. Currently, the reconstruction has not been scheduled because her skin must be fully healed from the radiation. If you see her she will be covered with a medical mask. It will be another 4-6 months before the surgery can be scheduled and the doctor has informed her that it will be multiple surgeries to completely reconstruct the area.
Her radiation treatments will end on the 26th of July and head home with monthly visits to follow up with doctors at Shands.
Many had donated gift cards and gas money and for that we are forever grateful! Please consider a donation to assist them with their day to day expenses and hospital bills that are not covered by insurance. Thank you .
Mary
Here's Cindy’s story: In November 2015 she was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a cancerous tumor on her left nostril that reached across the left side of the upper cheek, just below the eye. Yes, it is a form of skin cancer and it's not terminal. Her treatment consisted of MOHS and reconstructive surgery, including the dreaded forehead flap.
For nearly 3 years Cindy was cancer-free, after about a year and a half the nerve pain set in and there seemed to be little relief. After a visit to UF Shands the doctor ordered a MRI to be scheduled. The results showed that there was a possible BCC recurrence. The tumor was deep and unreachable through the typical biopsy methods. The only way to know for sure was to take Cindy to the OR and remove the tumor and biopsy it that way. The doctors were 99% confident that it was BCC and they were right. However, the cancer was much worse than the MRI showed. In order to remove all of the cancer a partial rhinectomy was necessary. The left side of Cindy’s nose was removed and 7 weeks of radiation was required. That is M-F for 7 weeks, her entire summer away from her family except for the weekends. She drives home on Friday and back on Sunday.
As most of you know, Cindy is a teacher and usually works during the summer to supplement her income. She was clearly unable to do that this summer. The bills are coming in and starting add up. While Cindy’s lodging was provided for through the American Cancer Society she is still responsible for gas and food plus their family day to day bills.
Cindy will have to undergo another very extensive reconstruction process again and even possible need a partial prosthesis. The prosthesis May give her a better quality of life with the ability breath through the left side without obstruction.
She has a very long road ahead of her. Currently, the reconstruction has not been scheduled because her skin must be fully healed from the radiation. If you see her she will be covered with a medical mask. It will be another 4-6 months before the surgery can be scheduled and the doctor has informed her that it will be multiple surgeries to completely reconstruct the area.
Her radiation treatments will end on the 26th of July and head home with monthly visits to follow up with doctors at Shands.
Many had donated gift cards and gas money and for that we are forever grateful! Please consider a donation to assist them with their day to day expenses and hospital bills that are not covered by insurance. Thank you .
Mary
Organizer and beneficiary
Mary Boadwine
Organizer
Panama City Beach, FL
Cynthia Biddle
Beneficiary