Support a Cancer Survivor's Road to Recovery

It's not easy to ask... But I need help.

I was diagnosed with stage 3B breast cancer in December 2021. I have finished a year of chemo and after that, I finished 6 months of amino therapy. Plus, radiation for 5 weeks, I think? While going through cancer treatment, I've received several other diagnoses (which are likely to have been caused by the chemotherapy even though the oncologist won't confirm or deny).

First, I would like to say, as of February this year, I am cancer-free! I recently had some blood work done (it'll be done along with other scans every 6 months). I am still waiting for those more recent results, but I'm hopeful the cancer hasn't since returned.

I had my first ever surgery in January 2022 when the chemotherapy port was put into my chest. Then, as of June 2022, I've had what feels like non-stop surgeries. I've had brain issues which required 2 separate surgeries to install 3 stents in my brain, a hysterectomy because my cancer is hormone-based, mastectomies (2 separate surgeries), reconstruction surgery, revision surgery, lymphedema surgery, hernia surgery. Plus several spinal taps (I'm just mentioning this to show how tough I am ). So that's 10 surgeries (I think I got them all listed). My most recent surgery was last week, August 6th. Next week on Monday, August 19th, I have my 11th surgery scheduled. That'll be 11 surgeries within the span of about 2 1/2 years. This next surgery will be to once again try to fix the hernia that is turning into the bane of my existence. The hernia is in my abdomen and is about the size of half a bowling ball. I will be admitted into the hospital and basically healing from 2 surgeries at once (since it'll be 2 weeks between my last surgery and the one coming up).

I am assuming everyone who reads this already knows this about me but just in case you don't... I am the one who wants to give to others selflessly, make survival packs for the homeless, buy dinner for strangers, buy gifts for no reason to show people I care. I give to others because it makes my heart full. I tell you this because I am beyond embarrassed and actually slightly horrified that I am in a place where I have to ask for financial help. But all of these health issues have been a financial nightmare which translates into anxiety in my brain. Hospitals no longer bill you your portion of the surgery, it is now required upfront when it is a scheduled surgery. Between trying to recover physically / mentally from all of these surgeries and having thousands upon thousands of dollars of medical debt put onto my credit cards, I feel like I'm drowning. With any financial help I receive, I hope to wipe out my medical debt so I can solely focus on my recovery and not the financial stress hanging over my head causing even more stress and anxiety. If you can help, I will be forever grateful and without a doubt whether you help or not, I am thankful for everyone who has kept me in mind and in their prayers over this medical rollercoaster of a life I've had. I'll be back to helping others in no time, I feel it in my bones!!!