Wendy's Cancer Fund

My name is Wendy and on April 15, 2022 I was told that I had a rare type of cancer called Olfactory Neuroblastoma. It's cancer that grows in the nasal cavity and affects the nerves responsible for the sense of smell.

This all started about two years ago while I was living in New York. I thought and was told I had developed a serious case of allergies and nasal polyps. My nose NEVER stopped running.

I moved to Vermont 7 months ago and was looking to establish a new primary care doctor; however, it's nothing like New York. It's normal to have to wait 6-9 months for an initial appointment with a doctor, but I couldn't wait. I was suffering with facial pain, swelling, changes in vision, headaches, and again, the never-ending runny nose. I felt disgusting all the time. I went to Urgent Care, and the most amazing nurse made all these referrals for me, including one to a ENT. Long story short, a biopsy revealed what was actually wrong with me.

Cancer sucks. Regardless of my emotions and judgments about this crisis, it truly is what it is. Since I can't change the fact that I have cancer, I'm choosing to cope with it through compassion for myself. Yes, I'm frightened, but I also feel strangely empowered. I'm determined to avoid dissociating from this period of my life and instead wholly lean in, be curious, and focus on myself.

"Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible be found in us."

I have met that immortal Self within before during various crises of the mind, and I guess it's time to be acquainted again.

At the initiation of this fundraiser, I am working full-time as a psychotherapist. I started chemotherapy about a month ago and I have 2-3 rounds to go. I wanted to wait to start short-term disability when I went for my surgery but I don't know how much longer I can work in my condition. I'm tired. I'm achy. My brain is foggy. I'm stressed out. Work is becoming too much for me, and my priority is getting well.

My husband is a 100% service-connected disabled Veteran on a fixed income, and once I go on short-term disability, my income will be slashed. The bills won't go away and more will always come.

I plan to do a kind of invoice so that donors know where their money is going. Any help is appreciated.

Thank you.

Love,

Wendy and Brian