This is so far out of my comfort zone, but cancer has a way of pushing the boundaries of what I know about myself, life, and what I must do to heal, learn, grow, and support myself through this difficult journey.

Thanks to my sisters, who have been there over the last few months encouraging me to ask for help—and accept it—I am learning, sharing, opening up, and letting go of my mixed feelings about posting this.

I was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma on September 16—despite having suspicions a few weeks earlier when I saw the recognizable malignant mass on the ultrasound machine. I had a lumpectomy on October 22 to remove a tumor that had already grown to the edge of stage 2 and was tethered to my chest wall muscles. I’m now 5 weeks post-surgery, and the muscle they cut is slowly healing. I still struggle with tasks like opening doors and jars, chopping, holding items for extended periods, pushing, and bearing weight on my left arm. The tumor pathology showed a positive margin, so unfortunately, they didn’t get it all, and there are still cancer cells in the skeletal muscle.

I’m waiting for the Oncotype DX 21-gene test, which will determine if I need chemo before moving forward with radiation and medication. (I need a score of 26 or below; otherwise, I will need chemo before radiation.)

My oncologist gave me welcome news last week!! Because the cancer was located deep in my sternum, even with a special machine where I would hold my breath to push my heart down and out of the way, standard radiation treatments would still expose my heart to too much radiation. My doctor fought for me with my insurance and secured approval for V-Mat radiation treatments, which provide higher doses localized to the area while minimizing exposure to the heart and lungs. This means that instead of receiving radiation every weekday from December 4 to January 3, I will only need 5 days of this intense treatment, and I get to spend Christmas with my family!

On the downside, radiation to the surrounding tissue increases the risk of secondary cancers, but with heart disease in my family, it’s a no-brainer. So, we have a tentative treatment plan, pending the DX results.

It’s hard to describe the emotional roller coaster I’ve been on since the end of August: terror, anguish, sadness, frustration, hope, impatience, fear, dread, surrender, and immense gratitude for all the love, light, thoughts, prayers, and support you have surrounded me. It is an incredibly profound journey with moments of intense spiritual insight and clarity despite the pain.

Many have asked, “What can I do to help, and how can I support you?” Please keep sending good energy and check up on me. And if you’re able, maybe help me minimize the financial impact cancer has had on me and Eric.

I currently owe $9,500 in medical bills. While I met my annual deductible, I still have an additional 50% co-insurance for certain treatments, so this amount can increase. I also have other expenses, like gas for trips to a multitude of appointments (28 so far, some an hour away), and I’m still recovering, so I haven’t worked in weeks. I can’t sit at the computer for long hours, and I struggle with fatigue so resting and healing takes priority over work.

I don’t think I have ever taken such drastic self-care measures for my health, but I can’t ignore my financial health. It’s stressing me to pay our regular bills on top of starting to see the medical bills pile up, and I have more treatments and recovery time starting in a few weeks.

I am trying to get as many treatments as possible before the new year rolls in and my annual deductible starts again. Oy vey.

So, here I am—vulnerable and asking.

Can you help share my fundraiser with your friends and family to help me pay my medical bills?

Even though everyone tells me, “Don’t worry about the money, just heal and get better,” the financial burden is stressful.

It’s not something I want to think about while trying to focus on healing from cancer, but I also don’t want to fall into debt because of it.

If you can help me, it would make a big difference in carrying me to the finish line and ringing that bell with less worry and stress.

Here are the ways you can support me:

• Donate—any amount helps.

• Share the GoFundMe link with your friends: https://gofund.me/0ef339f6

• Buy and give my books for Christmas: Sail Above the Clouds – How to Simplify Your Life and Sail Above the Clouds 2 – How to Align Your Life. VISIT BOOK WEBSITE

• Leave reviews for both books on Amazon so the algorithm shows them to new readers.

• Leave reviews for both books on Goodreads.

• Share my books on your social media and with your friends.

• Keep sending me messages of hope and inspiration!

What’s on the horizon in 2025? I have all kinds of wonderful offerings planned once I feel better:

• Carole’s Healing Circles for everyone to learn, heal, and connect.

• “How to Write Your Book” workshop.

• Private coaching is back: Pre-pay and book a session for 2025 (contact me)

• Reiki certification.

• Powerful healing lessons and meditations from this epic journey I am on.

• Availability for graphic design and book production projects.

• More meditative writing, mindfulness movement, and dance classes in person and online.

Thank you for being a part of my journey. I love you, and a million thank you for the kindness you have shown me. I am deeply touched by your support. Thank you for sharing and caring!

Carole xx

…now back to healing and concentrating on the art of being peaceful, grateful, and hopeful amidst this unpredictable storm!