Please help JoJo with her Thyroidectomy Phase 2

Hi, I'm Joanna "Jo-Jo" Dunn. It's difficult realizing you need help. It's hard to ask for assistance. It's very humbling. Please help, if you're able. Thanks for taking the time to read this. I've unfortunately developed health problems during a time we are working hard, yet barely making our rent and utilities payments. We need car repairs and car insurance on top of everything else.

The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland in your neck that controls all the cells in your body.

I have several enlarged thyroid nodules with one large mass over 4 cm. It's a large lump called a goiter. I did have a biopsy, ultrasound and a few other tests. I was referred to an endocrinologist who recommended surgery. I then saw a ENT surgeon who concurred. The biopsy didn't show any cancer cells, but the endocrinologist wasn't satisfied with the biopsy, they only made one pass with the needle and left quite a bit unexplored.

The bottom line is that these nodules will continue to grow whether or not they are cancerous. I don't want to wait around to find out if they are cancerous. The thyroid affects your entire body. It's not just my throat. I have been incredibly sick everyday, vomiting, fatigue, nerve pain throughout my body, and now starting to have problems swallowing and wheezing when I breathe.

I do have health insurance or I couldn't make this surgery happen at all. However, I am already considerably in debt with medical bills and this will contribute. The other thing about my insurance is that I have to travel all the way from Boise, Idaho to Post Falls, Idaho to have the surgery covered by the insurance. It's a long trip to drive; about 335 miles each way. So, the trip expenses are another factor in this fundraiser.

 Thank you so much! ❤️ Jo-Jo Dunn

***Update***

So as I found out the hard way the first trip was just to consult with my surgeon for the first time and so she could see all of my records and if she agreed that surgery was the right thing to do. The very much appreciated $1,000 you helped donate to went to trip expenses and unexpected car repairs as we had quite a ridiculous time with the car breaking down halfway there. (Gabe and his Dad had to completely take the whole car apart and put in a new clutch when we got back.) 

So the next time I go up it will actually be for the surgery. I just spoke with Dr Brandi Tacia, she agreed that there had been a good work up done in Boise enough to see that I need surgery. There is no other way that we can shrink it. We just scheduled it for November 11, 2021. She said this time that I should plan on staying at the hotel near the hospital in Post Falls for about a week to recover. So my goal is to raise another $1,000 for the next trip up in November. Thank you ❤️

 Love ya, Joanna 'JoJo' Dunn