Maggie's Breast Cancer Fight

Earlier this year, Megan was diagnosed with cancer of the right breast. It's been an insane few weeks, but she's moving forward with treatment. Luckily, many of the procedures are covered by insurance. The total of this gofundme is meant to cover the out-of-pocket expenses.

*Update: Maggie was laid-off from her job in the middle of treatment--This means that in addition to an income, she has also lost her insurance, all while battling the disease, chemo, and all of the painful and draining side effects. 

Here's what we know so far:

- The cancer seems to be confined to the lump. Ultrasounds of the breast and lymph nodes indicate that the cancer has not spread. This makes the prognosis extremely encouraging! 

- Mags has opted for a double mastetomy. Given her past history of PCOS and benign breast cysts, she has decided to have both breasts removed and get reconstructive surgery (aka fake boobs). Surgery date is 2/24/17.

- Recovery from surgery will take several weeks, and it will be uncomfortable. That's the word hospitals use when they know it's going to suck hard.

- The tumor is hormone reactive, meaning that it can be aggravated/caused by excess estrogen. She will have to undergo hormone-balancing therapy post-surgery.

- The tumor will be removed, it (and the lymph nodes that lived next to it) will be staged and typed to determine if Mags will need radiation or chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is only needed if the cancer is present in the nodes. Radiation is recommended if the cancer has genetic markers.

Update: Chemotherapy is required and Mags is currently undergoing A/C and Taxol infusions. She's handling it like a boss, considering the side effects. Also, genetic testing was performed and a mutation was discovered. This particular mutation places Mags at a higher risk for Thyroid and colorectal cancers in addition to her breast cancer diagnosis. 

- Cancer is bullshit.

I don't need to tell anyone reading this that Megan is the nicest person they'll ever meet. They already know. She's like a Care Bear come to life. It's in her nature to sacrifice her own needs to put others first.

Megan is also a Smallwood. This cancer is up against some serious mama-bear fighters.

Thank you for reading, and for donating if you can. Please feel free to read the periodic updates from Megan, comment and share, and to send Megan your thoughts, well-wishes, and prayers.