LIVING WITH STAGE 4 CANCER CAMPAIGN

Hello,
I'm Bernadette 52 years old and living with Stage 4 cancer. Prior to my cancer I worked two jobs, had medical insurance, a home and all the necessities to live.

I was first diagnosed January 2013 with Stage 3 breast cancer. From Feburary 8th to May 3rd, 2013 I received chemotherapy treatment, all the while  working the two jobs I had before my cancer diagnosis.

July 13, 2013 I had Bi-Lateral Mascotomy, I still had my jobs. Started radiation treatment on September 12th through October 31st, 2013, while receiving radiation I was able to continue working both jobs. 

Sometime in May 2014 I decided to have reconstructive surgery. My surgery was scheduled for June 4, 2014.
During my Diep Flap reconstructive surgery I had complications, I ended up getting Mulitable Seromas, severe abdominal pain. At that point I could no longer work, lost my medical insurance and realized I would need to apply for disability.

A week prior to my reconstructive surgery I had my pre-surgical testing done; CT Scan. After the surgery I was informed a tumor was discovered on my vertebrae, a biopsy was performed, and the results was the cancer had metastasized (spread) to my vertebrae.

July 2014 I appied for disability, in August I was approved, however the government requires a 6 month waiting period without any rectroactive payments. September 20th I was evicted from my home, losing all my necessities (furniture, clothes, dishes, ect.).

Also during this 6 months I didn't  have medical insurance which caused a delay in certain treatments and some of my Dr. appointments were denied, I went without prescribed cancer medicine for 2 to 3 months.  I'm thankful the Zometa Infusion treatments were continued from July to December 2014 even though I didn't have insurance, they decided to bill me for those treaments.  I have accumulated approximately $10,000 in debt for those treatments.

When I was evicted, my aunt came to my help,  allowing me to move into her one bedroom apartment with her, I sleep on a recliner in her living room, which I'm thankful for. I can only stay with her until June 1st then I have to move.

In January 2015 I received my first disability check, the government informed me I didn't qualify for Medicaid so I would have to pay for my medical insurance out of my monthly check, which I do.

I've been receiving a CT Scan and a Bone Scan every 3 months,  the most recent was March 3rd, 2015, all have been normal. Approximately 3 weeks after my March scans I started having a razor sharp pain on my right side/back where the cancer had spread to my vertebrae. My doctor ordered an MRI and they found 5 more tumors in the spine area. On Monday, April13th I started radiation treatment, I've had 5 treatments and have 5 to go. I aso will be on a new medication I-Brance, taken every 21 days along with letrozole. My doctor told me with this treatment my quality of life can be maintained.

My GoFund Me Campaign has two goals: 

First to get my own home (apartment) and the necessities for a home. The costs of getting into my own place is what I can't afford, due to the security deposits, first and last months rent and the utilities with their deposits. With my disability income I can take care of my needs once I'm in a home.

Second, to pay some of my outstanding medical bills.    

I've always worked in my adult life and taken care of myself, however now my life is with cancer, I need help from my family, friends, associates and those who might have some compassion as I make this journey through life.

THANK YOU,
 Bernadette