Team Crystal's Breast Cancer Fund

Breast cancer took a double toll on my family this year.

My Mom had her second go round of breast cancer in 10 yrs .  She had a masectomy.    She is healthy and alive and cancer free!!  So just imagine then on the day your mom is cleared.. that YOU get that call, it’s confirmed....You have breast cancer.   Talk about a hit below the bra!!

 It all started in March of 2014; my routine mammogram showed nothing but 2 days after it, a large almond size lump appears.  It hurts and is growing fast.    I have 2 ultrasound biopsies both with negative results. It’s now July 2014, the mass in my breast is the size of a walnut, protruding from my clothes and it hurts.  I ask to have it removed.  September 18th a routine lumpectomy is done,   2 days later my surgeon calls with the news, we must go back in and for a Sentinel Lymph node biopsy.  The lump is positive for cancer.  October 18th, surgery is set.  Waiting for results.... Finally October 29th, I get that call...it is Breast cancer and it has spread to the lymph nodes.   My world changed at that moment.  I will never forget that call.  I was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma.    I will need chemotherapy treatments and a double mastectomy with a reconstruction.  

People, friends and family,   have asked how they can help or what can they do for me.  This is going to be a very long journey for me not only financially but physically.   I work with animals as a Pet Groomer and I own my own business.  I will be unable to work with any animals during then chemotherapy and the mastectomy process, due to a depleted immune system and the high risks of infections from all the dander and dirt as well as   the physical work that pet grooming is.   I will need help with medical bills, lost wages, head coverings, bras, special food costs, care for my pets, over the counter drugs, out- of- pocket prescription costs, other medical needs not covered by my insurance plus other various unanticipated expenses.   This was all such a shock, I had not planned for.    I started  my chemo treatments on Christmas Eve...  I am set for four sessions of chemo spaced 3 ½ weeks apart followed by the bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction phase. 

Thanks for reading and thank you for your support! 
GO Team Crystal!  Warrior Princess!!