I found a lump in my left breast on Sunday Feb. 4th. The next day, I was at my primary care and two days later, I had a diagnostic mammogram and an ultra sound. I waited for a biopsy, which happened on Feb. 27th. I received my results the following Monday March 4th. Cancer. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Tuesday March 5th, I had a breast MRI to check my chest. There was a spot found on the right breast. Ultrasound was on Thursday March 7th, Biopsy was on Friday March 8th. FMLA paperwork submitted and approved. Following Monday, right breast biopsy CLEAR. Lumpectomy scheduled for the following Friday, March 15th. Tumor was removed, margins were clear, 1st lymph node removed - checked and cleared. Tumor grade - Grade 3. Grade 3 = aggressive. Oncotype test sent (additional genetic testing on the tumor) which came in at a 35. Any number above 25, chemotherapy is recommended. Full abdomen CT scan was done - CLEAR. Chemo is considered adjuvant chemotherapy which will reduce my chances of return of >18%. Final diagnosis - Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Estrogen Positive.

I went to Mayo Clinic to get a second opinion. Oncologist agreed with treatment plan and is a part of my oncology team.

Treatment recommended - 5 months of chemotherapy, radiation and hormone treatment (pill form) for the next 5 - 10 years.

Reproductive Health -

Chemo will destroy my eggs and reduce my fertility chances to less than 20% - according to the Reproductive Endocrinologist that I met with on Friday, May 3rd. Insurance will not cover reproductive health but will cover my chemotherapy (which destroys my reproductive health).

Egg fertilization, procedure and all is around $5700.

Cold cap therapy to help preserve my hair for 5 months of chemo is $419 a month through Penguin Cold Caps.

I'm asking that you consider donating to help cover costs for my egg fertilization treatment for without it, I am left with the decision to forgo chemo, which saves my reproductive health but also gives me a >35% of my cancer returning in the next 9 years.