Meghan Skalak Smith - Metastatic Breast Cancer

Meghan was recently diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer in her lower back. Once it has metastasized to the bones, the outlook changes to one of the regular scans every 3 months for monitoring to ensure no new spot. Not what you want to spend the next several years doing...

While the radiation is wrapping up for the tumor in her back, the chemicals will continue to work through her system as the tumor shrinks, and she can start getting relief from the constant sciatica pain. In mid-October, she will begin her “insurance policy” treatment for approximately three weeks to remove any microscopic traces of cancer. It is oral chemo, and second opinions are being considered for any advanced options. This currently recommended medication is costly and not fully covered by insurance. Her doctors are working on grant money and exceptional circumstances, but it will be an added expense.

She began her battle in 2019 when first diagnosed and worked full time through Chemo, surgery, and radiation over 11 months. If you know Meghan, you know that she powered through the diagnosis & treatment and didn’t let anyone around her feel the effects, keeping things as normal as possible for everyone around her. She acted like Cancer was just another day at the office.

This time around we want to give her relief from these financial responsibilities so she can focus on healing and know that her boys are taken care of, including their extracurricular activities. Her job is secure, but she will also need to take some time off for her treatments.

If you have ever “sat crooked and talked straight” with Meghan, you know she has some stories to tell. Tales of heartbreak and triumphs, she’s a great storyteller with real-life experiences that give her an added insight into the human heart. She wants to take some time to record a podcast with friends and family on perspectives regarding mental health struggles in our society, so we are also supporting this passion.

Anything we can do to relieve this burden to get our JOY BRINGING, DANCE FLOOR SLING, PEOPLE LOVING Meghan focused on her recovery; we appreciate your support in doing all we can to make sure she puts herself first this time. I know the love and support she has received along the way will make more of a difference in her long-term outlook than you know.

You can follow her story here: MeghanSkalakSmith - CaringBridge