One of ours needs our help. Please contribute if you can.

Last year I reached out to you in regards to one of ours. MC Dwyer, a real estate colleague. MC is a breast cancer survivor. Last year she received the devastating news that the cancer was back and had metastasized down her neck, spine and into her liver. At that time, our real estate community and friends throughout Santa Cruz County were able to provide her some financial relief and an injection of hope.

Despite her condition, she must work to financially survive and since her condition is making it hard for her to work, I asked MC to provide an update on her situation so that I could share it with everyone that I know who may be able to help in one way or another. Here is her update:

Despite being on chemotherapy, my health keeps getting worse. My hip gives out unexpectedly because of the cancer metastasized into my hip. I have a hard time walking. I cannot reach my feet, lift more than a few pounds, or walk my dog. Recently, I got neuropathy in both hands which either feel numb, pins and needles, or tingling like an electric shock. It is so painful that it wakes me up at night. It has gotten harder to use my computer, cane, and phone.

To diagnose what is causing neuropathy, my oncologists sent me to the ER in May for a CT scan and an MRI. This was supposed to speed up getting results. But both of those scans were inconclusive. So, they ordered a PET Scan. But Blue Shield would not approve it until 90 days after my last scan. June 15th’s PET Scan revealed a new 1-inch tumor in my liver. Cancer already left my hip partially dislocated; the PET Scan shows the arthritis in my hip has gotten much worse. The good news is most of the bone tumors are inactive and she does not see any new cancer in my neck!

To find out what is causing neuropathy I was referred to a neurosurgeon and I met him July 3rd and he was great – even after he determined I do not need neurosurgery, he kept examining my scans. He found transverse myelitis. It is rare

– less than 1500 cases a year. The nerve cells in my spinal cord are inflamed. He has sent me to my neurologist for treatment. I just hope I can get treatment quickly! Immediate treatment limits permanent nerve damage but it has taken 2 1/2 months just to figure it out.

On top of dealing with cancer and this rare spinal cord condition, I simply cannot afford to live. I lost my home, savings, and 20 years of equity in the Great Recession. Wells Fargo would not negotiate with me; they chose to sell it for less than half of my loan to take a huge loss. I then spent a small fortune on medical costs in 2016-2018 when I got diagnosed with breast cancer.

Now, my Blue Shield health insurance consumes 70% of my social security disability check (SSDI), leaving me only $800 a month - which I must spend on other medical costs. This year my health insurance will cost $23,000; my average medical expenses run $8500-$11,000/ a year, or $700-$900 a month.

If you are on disability, you cannot earn more than $18,000 a year, regardless of medical expenses. Despite working hard through this illness, so far this year, I have not made any money as my real estate listings have not yet sold. I have $2600 per month of bills I cannot pay. A family member is currently helping by paying my mortgage, this seems to be a temporary reprieve.

My financial problems are practically more stressful than cancer. I am going under– and I do not have the strength or capability to get out of this quicksand.

I am so fortunate to have a wonderful husband! Mark helps me get dressed, does the laundry, shopping, home maintenance, firewood, dog walking, etc. His retirement is not enough to live on, yet he is helped by paying for my health insurance. So now he is down to his minimum buffer. A career cabinet maker, he had a forced retirement when the business closed. He does not have much physical energy anymore but he is an amazing handy man who is looking for work. He is also now certified by IHHS (In Home Health Services) and is looking for work as a care giver. Please spread the word!

People say I have a positive outlook. But lately I feel defeated. Over the years, I have donated to people – some I did not even know. It felt good back then to be able to help someone struggling. I am grateful to be part of a larger village, the real estate community, and the county of Santa Cruz community, where we take care of each other when we can. Anything you can contribute; I would be forever grateful for your help!

Thank you! MC Dwyer