
Please help Casandra and Oliva
Donation protected
Here is a post from Casandra's Facebook:
October being breast cancer awareness month I'm sharing my story. I did genetic testing a few years ago and I have the breast cancer gene BRCA 2. This puts me at a higher risk for all kinds of cancer including an aggressive breast cancer. So after my 3rd cancer scare I decided to move forward with a double mastectomy with reconstruction. I chose to use my own tissue for the reconstruction. This adds another level to recovery as they took my abdominal tissue for the reconstruction. My surgery was in July. Everything went well and I was in the 4th week of recovery when I developed an infection in one breast. This has led to several more surgeries and hospital stays. I'm still recovering from my last surgery and hospital stay. I will have a wound vac for awhile and 1 more surgery before I'm recovered. It has not been easy. Through it all I have held firm to the belief that this was the best decision for me and Olivia. Watching so many battle breast cancer and the hell they went through I knew this is what I needed to do. So many do not get the choice I did and I'm grateful I was able to do this on my terms. So PSA time GO GET A MAMMOGRAM! Do your self exams. Early detection can save your life. Thank you to everyone who helped Olivia and I, for holding my hand while I cried, helping with everyday life and chores, for giving me strength when I needed it, and listening when I needed an ear. Thank you mom for staying with us these past 3 months. All of the love and support has meant so much to us. Special thank you to my surgical team and the all the staff at huntsman cancer Institute. They have been amazing.
Organizer and beneficiary
Brett Nielson
Organizer
Lehi, UT
Casandra Longwell
Beneficiary