Support Cecelia's Fight Against Breast Cancer

My name is Cecelia, and I’m 40 years young and a mom of 7, with 3 children still quite young and under my direct care (13, 12 and 5). The other children are 16, 19, 20 and 21, so young adults who need their mom just like we all did at their ages, even if we didn’t like to admit to it at the time (because we knew everything, after all!).

I was just recently diagnosed on 11/11/24 (ironically, on my father’s death anniversary) with HER2+ breast cancer. Maybe it was my dad’s way of “being there” for me when I found out, because of course that day I think of him heavily. Based on the imaging tests and biopsies so far, there is a 3.6cm primary tumor that has spread to one mammary lymph node next to it. I do have an upcoming MRI and PET scan to be sure.

This form of breast cancer is considered aggressive. The plan of treatment is 6 rounds of chemotherapy, followed by surgery and then radiation, as well as 1 year of anti-HER2 therapy.

I’m really concerned how I am going to continue to provide for my family while going through treatment. I am a tough cookie, but I don’t aspire anymore to be Superwoman, because stress management is not my strong suit and may have contributed to why I have this diagnosis in the first place.

I’m humbly asking for any donations to help me financially as I go through treatment, which is to start the week before Christmas. I usually can pull off a decent Christmas for my kiddos, by working double - sometimes triple, shifts during the holiday season, but this time….I’m honestly hoping I can at least cook them a decent Christmas dinner. I feel like a failure and while I know gifts are temporary, gift-giving brings me such joy and I can’t help but to feel terrible about this whole situation and the timing of it all.

I suffer from diagnosed panic disorder and c-ptsd, at times severe (I had agoraphobia back in 2008 for 3 long months, but got through it with therapy). I usually overcome my mental obstacles with coping mechanisms I learned in therapy and thankful to have the flexibility of my job for this as I’m self-employed, but the diagnosis has really set me back in my mental health. I’m fighting everyday to get up and be as “normal” as possible. Because someone out there is begging to be in my position. Someone out there is laying in a hospital bed, wishing they could still walk. Someone is sitting in a prison cell serving a life sentence, wishing they could turn back time and make better choices. Someone is alone somewhere, frozen in fear and anxiety and can’t leave their bedroom. I try to remind myself this everyday, even prior to diagnosis. But since 11/11/24, that perspective hits that much harder.

Any donations would go to medical bills (I do have insurance but some treatments - like cold-capping for chemo, aren’t covered and can be quite costly), housing (rent, utilities, etc.), comfort items like hats, maybe wigs, and other essentials for my family. My hair is currently at thigh length, and although I GREATLY identify myself with my long hair, I choose to see this as an opportunity to help a child struggling with hair loss. I’m hoping that I can donate it this week, as I’ll be shaving it in preparation for chemotherapy. I feel more “in control” this way.

I’m a firm believer that the smallest act of kindness can have the greatest impact. I am the type that would leave the quarter in the Aldi cart for a stranger in need. I say this NOT to virtue signal, but just to illustrate that I believe in small acts can result in big impacts. In fact, I have an African proverb tattooed: “a great tree began as a small seed”, and I’ve tried to live by it. I’ve had people laugh at my naïveté when it comes to making the world a better place “one quarter at a time” and to this I quote my absolute favorite movie of all time: Cloud Atlas. This is a sentiment that touched me from the moment I heard it:

“No matter what you do, it will never amount to anything more than a single drop in a limitless ocean.

And what is an ocean, but a multitude of drops?” ❤️‍

I’ve always identified as an idealist but I know sometimes, that can also serve as my downfall.

I’m truthfully not asking for help for my behalf per se, but more so for my children’s comfort and wellbeing as I transition into treatment. I don’t want this to be any more difficult for them than it has to be. And I promise to pay it forward, even if all I receive are kind words and support (which in itself, is immensely needed). Prayers are also greatly appreciated. I’m literally trying to face my worst fears with courage and faith when my courage fails me. I’ve always been “that” friend or family member to advocate for others; now it’s time for me to advocate for myself.

I can do hard things and SO CAN YOU! ❤️‍