Time to Heal- Guinn Family Support

Hello My name is Desiree. I am a mom of 2 amazing girls married to a wonderful husband and father. October 2022, I turned 40. That summer when I went for my yearly physical, my physician said, “Congratulations! it’s time for your first mammogram!” That fall I went for my very first mammogram.

I went through all the steps; mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy, MRI, MRI biopsy and lumpectomy. Unfortunately each test revealed more bad news. Ultimately leaving me with the reality that I have stage 1 breast cancer.

The next step for myself and my family is a mastectomy, but of course that means 8 weeks off of work and time to heal. My work has been incredibly generous and supportive. I can apply for FMLA and get short term disability, but it is only 66% of my current pay. My husband is a freelance artist, being self-employed means you don’t get FMLA or short term disability. The time that he needs to take to help me recover and take care of our 2 girls is unpaid.

I chose to focus on the brightside, I went for the mammogram and I caught this early. Myself and my family will get through this and be stronger because of it.

Those who know me know I HATE to ask for help. I am a do-it-all kind of person not always because I have to but because I WANT to. I take pride in the life my husband and I have made. But this experience has taught me there are times you can’t do everything and you need to lean on those around you for support. There are times you need your village and now is that time. Whatever support you can give is hugely appreciated, even sharing on social media is a tremendous help.

Thank you so much for your time and the opportunity to share my story. Thank you!