Support Crystal's Fight Against Breast Cancer

*update; i have been sitting on this news for a week and a half overwhelmed is an understatement.

I was hoping for the 1 and done and move on with a cancer free life, however at this time it just isn't in the cards for me. My double masectomy surgery with implants so far has been a ok recovery, that said the pathology reports showed I had a 2nd type of cancer in my breasts that was not diagnosed before removing the breast. On 8/20/24 I will be having a 2nd surgery to remove my sentinel lymphnodes those are the 1st row of lyphnodes behind the breast my surgeon was trying to preserve them in hopes there was no other cancer involved, now they must come out and be tested to make sure the cancer has not traveled further through my body

Removing the lyphnodes can cause a multitude of different effects on my body. Please continue to pray and send those good vibes the cancer has not spread. In addition I will be out of work longer than anticipated. Any and all help if you can is kindly appreciated.

Thank you for yalls support and prayers and love!

My name is Crystal. I am a 49-year-old female, a mom, stepmom, and grandmother to some very special children. I also have four four-legged dogs who I consider my children. In April, I was given the dreaded news that my mammogram came back abnormal. The day I was scheduled for my mammogram, April 8th, 2024, was also the same day I had an appointment with my endocrinologist to go over the results for my 2-year post-Thyroid cancer test. It was official - 2-year remission for Thyroid Cancer. I was ecstatic.

I took off to the other Moffitt cancer center building here in Tampa, Florida, stoked. I was going to get the mammogram done and continue with my cancer-free journey. Well, that failed to happen. I received a call a few days later saying I needed to come back for another mammogram. It just spiraled from there. The second test confirmed I needed a biopsy; the biopsy confirmed my worst fear. Diagnosis: Breast cancer in its early stage in 2 locations. MRI next step confirmed the 2 spots and found additional suspicious areas. After talking with my surgeon for 2 hours, I decided it was best to have a single Mastectomy at minimum with reconstruction . I declined to do an MRI guided biopsy on other spots picked up on MRI, the first one took me 4 weeks before I healed. The area extends wide, and the biopsy may or may not obtain a concrete answer if it's cancerous or not. Possible double Mastectomy and reconstruction pending the Plastic surgeons' recommendations at appointment end of June 2024.

The process has been so slow and drawn out with multiple visits to doctor appointments causing me to miss work. I have recently switched jobs in the last 8 months, leaving me with no benefits of insurance and no paid time off to speak of being a new employee. I was convinced this would be the year all would go well. I stepped down from my previous job because of the high level of stress. I could not do it anymore. I am asking friends, family, and anyone else who can help in any way. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. I have obtained private insurance that is outrageous in premium and a very high out of pocket max. Again, that was all contingent on me having a healthy life before the 'BIG C' struck again.

3 day post op update!.. I am home resting and staying secluded in my room to avoid infection. The DMX W/DTI went as planned by the oncologist surgeon and plastics team. 2 weeks strick do nothing but the minimal to keep the drains in place and be able to do the job of pumping out fluids. I am on 6 weeks of no close contact with people dirt and any other particles that can cause infection. DRS. said to avoid activity that can cause a y harm to my body as if I get any open wounds and gets infected it could travel to my chest and cause serious infection. Currently on round the clock pain cocktail to keep it minimal also on antibiotics.

I am happy with My choice of staying with Moffitt Cancer Center and all of my surgical team from the valet parking to the chaplain services offered there what an amazing experience I have had considering I am battling breast cancer. 3 weeks it will take for the pathology report to come back, then it will be decided if another treatment is needed.

Thank you to everyone who has been following my journey, the prayers, positive vibes, the phone calls and text as well as all The donations, your kindness has been recognized.

Thanks for helping me win this fight