Support Sandy's Journey Against Breast Cancer

Please Help Sandy Kroeger Fight Stage 4 Breast Cancer

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,

My name is Sandy Kroeger, I am from a small town of Hitchcock Texas and now I reside in another town in Smithville,Texas recently. We just got hit with Hurricane Beryl on the Gulf Coast. Of course the power went out. I waited and waited, and it was just too hot to bare, so I took my four dogs and a parrot to our property in Smithville which is around a two 1/2 hour drive. It wasn't until I got there I noticed I was really out of breath. I felt as if my lungs were about to collapse. As the night moved on around 1am I told my husband that we need to go to the hospital now!

I could barely breath at this point. The best hospital we could think of that was close by was Columbus Hospital. They quickly did a CT Scan, drew blood, and a few other tests.

It wasn't long until I received the devastating news that I had stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. It had already moved into my bones! This hospital could not treat me so they transfered me by ambulance to Memorial Herman Hospital in Houston, Texas. I spent almost 3 weeks there. They did numerous tests on me. I was told even more devastating news that I had 6 months to live. Can it be any worse?

Herman Hospital sent me home with a chest tube because the Cancer had moved into my lungs.

I felt like they kicked me out to the curb with no treatment for my cancer. None! And that is true!

Now what do I do? We were clueless so MD Anderson was next. I couldn't get admitted because something about my insurance wasn't in there district, and too many patients were there. They were completely out of room. We were just in shock and out of luck again for cancer treatment.

So I had to regroup and figure out where to go next.

So I was referred to go to St. David's Hospital/South Austin Medical Center. This is where I spent another 3 weeks with pretty much the same tests and a second chest tube that was inserted because the first one failed.

After the fluid was down, they cleared me to go home. They also pulled both tubes.

During this time I am fighting insurance to find an actual cancer doctor that is going to treat me.

I had to show I moved to Smithville in order to switch insurance for the oncologist doctor I wanted. Great right? Just before I finally had my appointments set up within a week, my right lung filled up with fluid again. I had to go back to get another tube inserted at St. David's Hospital. Another set back and no cancer treatment. I just learned all I'm getting is Anastrozole which is just estrogen. This makes the 3rd lung tube operation actually 4th. I had another just to drain without an insert tube. It's been a ride for sure! Those thoracentesis are no fun, trust me.

Now I'm stuck in here with the doctors trying to figure out what to do next. Treat The Cancer!

This health care system we have is just ridiculous!

So until I get out of this hospital I can't be treated for my cancer, so they tell me. I need my oncologist doctor in Bastrop!

As you can imagine, this diagnosis has been overwhelming to Chris and I.

I even reached out to apply for disability twice! I got denied both times. I can't fully walk now without a walker or some days a wheelchair. I have doctors to prove that, like I said the cancer moved into my bones. Get this, while I was in the hospital, I fractured 3 bones on my left collarbone just reaching for a strawberry off my bedside table!

I felt a pop sensation in my shoulder. I ordered a new x-ray. Sadly it looks like that cancer is showing it's true colors.

Like I said, I applied for government assistance for disability.

I got one letter back stating why I got denied. They literally told me I have too many assets. Which is crazy! They told me I have to sell my Smithville land! I was in total shock! This is the only place with my name on it. Chris and I worked 20 years to get that land set it up for our retirement.

I sunk all the money I had into a double wide and a water well just recently. I was planning on going back to work after the hurricane when everything came to a halt then this cancer came knocking on my door.

If you know me personally you know I have a positive attitude.

I got this cancer! I am going to fight it with everything I got!

I'm reaching out to you all because I need your help.

I am aiming to raise 35,000 or more to cover the costs of some of my medical treatments and the necessary costs of whatever comes up to fight this terrible monster. I have no income now. None! Chris is taking care of me and trying to work at the same time. It has been so hard.

I am hoping to find some grants down the road to help me as

well. The bills are starting to stack up. I feel bad about asking for help. I was so looking to go back to work after the hurricane.

My life has permanently changed for me. I can never go back to way life was. I can't walk without a walker. Soon they tell me I will go paralyzed. So they say. Gosh. I hope not!

I was a driver for 4 apps. A gig worker. On my days off I had the pleasure of photographing birds or I would pick up a paint brush to discover the new fun hobby of watercolor painting. I also enjoyed digital surface design.

And last, my huge love for quilting. I made blankets, tote bags, and tiny zipper bags, you name it.

My life was so full of so many things to do when it came to art.

I loved to deliver food and groceries for Walmart. That was my main source of income. It wasn't much but to serve my community was a personal joy.

I especially liked to deliver to the elderly. It meant a lot to me because being in a wheelchair is tough.

Sadly now I'm the one in the wheelchair.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my story, and for any help you can give. Any dollar amount is appreciated.

With Love,

Sandy Kroeger