Support Brianna's Heart Surgery Recovery

In January, I was diagnosed with a tumor wrapped around my heart and other vital organs. I had open heart surgery to remove most of it. Afterward, the chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath eased—until a few weeks ago.

It started with a migraine, then pain in my ears, neck, shoulders, and chest. By midweek, the pain was unbearable. I was calling my family crying, saying something was wrong.

By Friday, I couldn’t walk five steps without gasping for air. I left work, went to my granny’s yard sale, and felt like I was suffocating. I went to the ER and was admitted with pericarditis (inflammation of the heart sac) and pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart). They also discovered 2 new tumors in my chest, low voltage in my heart, and a collapse in one of my heart walls. I was sent home on meds, but they didn’t find cardiac tamponade—yet.

13 hours later, I fainted after taking just a few steps. I woke up on the floor confused, not knowing who or where I was. I tried to sleep it off, but later that night I vomited violently without warning. That’s when I called 911.

When I got back to the hospital, my condition had worsened fast. This time, I did have cardiac tamponade—a life-threatening emergency where fluid crushes the heart. I needed TWO emergency heart surgeries. They placed a chest tube to drain the fluid. A normal heart sac holds 0.0–3.0 cc (basically no fluid). They drained 900 cc (3.8 cups) from mine.

Doctors told me if I had fainted again at home, I wouldn’t have survived. If I had ignored the vomiting, I wouldn’t be here. I’m still in the ICU with the chest tube in place, and I’m scared.

I’m only 27. I should not be fighting for my life like this. I’ve had 3 heart surgeries in 5 months, and I’m struggling financially. Between missing work and medical bills, I’m asking for help—any help—as I try to recover. My family is organizing this gofundme to help me.

**UPDATE**

I was recently re-hospitalized due to high fevers of 101.5 and up, higher white blood cell count, and another infection. The hospital treated me with 15 bags of antibiotics within 2 days and broke my fever before allowing me to go back home. I still have pericarditis and a pericardial effusion that might require a 3rd surgery (which would make a 4th heart surgery in total).

Please donate, share, or send love and support. Every bit helps. Thank you for being here for me.

From my family:

This has been a huge financial burden on Brianna since the start, in January with her open heart surgery to remove an 11 cm tumor.

To help alleviate some of the financial burden associated with Brianna's medical care along with other expenses, we have established a fund to support her treatment and recovery. Your contribution, no matter the amount, would be greatly appreciated in ensuring Brianna receives the care she needs. If donating is not possible, please consider sharing this information with others who may be able to offer support.