Join the Fight: Support Cancer Treatment Costs

It has taken me a few weeks to decide whether or not to make this. I have had to dig deep and swallow my pride to share my story.

When you hear the word "cancer," you never think it will be a word associated with you personally.

On November 19th, 2024, my life changed when I was told I had ovarian cancer. Originally, I had gone in to get surgery to remove endometriosis and relieve pain that I have dealt with for 10+ years. Imagine being put under for your surgery and waking up to be told that not only was cancer found, but all of your reproductive organs were removed and you would no longer be able to have children. That was the reality I have dealt with: cancer and my choice to have children taken from me.

I have had to come to terms with everything and really count my blessings that things were caught in time. That does not make it easier to deal with the changes of cancer, going through early menopause at the age of 35 due to the hysterectomy, and now chemotherapy.

My chemotherapy journey started at the beginning of this year with a port being placed at the bottom of my neck to administer my chemotherapy and anything else needed. I will be doing chemotherapy for 18 weeks and weekly labs and doctor's visits. I am getting 3 hours of Taxol and 30 minutes of Carboplatin each session.

These chemotherapy drugs are known to cause complete loss of hair, meaning I will lose all of my hair. Anyone that knows me knows I am known for, and proud of, my long hair. On top of everything else, this has been a tough pill to swallow. It is also another added expense because I now need to look into wigs.

I am not alone in this fight—I have the love and support of my significant other, family, and friends, who have been by my side every step of the way. However, the costs of my medical treatment are quickly adding up and the financial burden is becoming overwhelming.

I was on FMLA leave from November to January 2nd for my surgery/recovery, and I am going on leave once again for my chemotherapy treatment. During my treatment, I will be severely immunocompromised, causing me to be unable to work directly with the public. I am grateful I will be able to be in the safety of my own home to recover and fight, but this does mean I will not be receiving full paychecks. As much as I hate it, my bills (car, phone, utilities, debt, etc.) do not stop, and with my new medical bills being added each week, I am finding myself overwhelmed.

You don't prepare for the mental toll cancer/chemotherapy will take on you. On top of that, I am going through menopause and still trying to wrap my mind around never being able to have biological children. The stress of bills and money is just added on top of everything else and does not help me in my recovery.

I am asking for the support of anyone who can help. Any donation, big or small, will go directly to covering my medical expenses and anything associated with my cancer treatment and help me focus on my recovery without added stress. Your generosity and willingness to help means the world to me.

I am fighting every day and I know I will beat this. Cancer picked the wrong woman to mess with; I will kick butt!