Help Annette Conquer Cancer
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On July 8th 2019 I had surgery to remove what we thought to be a benign tumor of my foot. On July 22nd 2019 I was seen for my 2 week post surgical follow up to remove my cast and stitches. Sadly at this visit my husband and I were given the news that the sample sent into verify the tumor’s status had in fact come back as a rare type of Bone Cancer: Chondrosarcoma Stage 2.
My surgeon then set me up with an oncologist for treatment options. After many tests and reviews of my records her recommendation was a below the knee amputation. An amputation was not something I could fathom as my only option so I sought out 2nd and 3rd opinions. Unfortunately both agreed and explained why a BKA is the 1st line of treatment. I now know this form of cancer does not respond well to radiation or chemotherapy therefore I am accepting this as my fate but not my downfall.
Life has thrown so many obstacles at me over the last 35 years yet none have stopped me from rising above it all and this diagnosis will be no different. I am going to fight this!!! I am currently working towards my Bachelors of Science in Nursing at Texas Christian University, with only 2 semesters left. Therefore having the surgery will consist of me taking time off school in order to heal. School is where I obtain my health insurance and what little extra money I gain from scholarships and loans. The surgery will eliminate both of these until I return, which I plan to do!! Because I am in school full time we are a one income family of five. I am going to do what is best for my kids (17, 7, & 1), my husband and myself.
I know in order to live out life to the best of my abilities, the surgery is what needs to be done. At this point my oncologist and I have made a timeline of events: from the surgery to recovery. I would like to be fitted for a prosthetic leg 2 months post surgery. However a prosthesis can cost $7,000-$50,000 and may need to be replaced within the first year due to limb shrinkage and then every 3-5 years thereafter. I will need multiple scans to monitor for metastasizing (as spreading is still a possibility). Without insurance, the extra money I normally receive, and only one income my family and I will be financially unable to support my rehabilitation. As a family we are asking for help to put towards not only medical bills but towards my future of walking independently again. We appreciate any help you are able to give in this life changing decision and journey we are about to embark on.
Thank you & God bless,
Annette Rios-Duran
My surgeon then set me up with an oncologist for treatment options. After many tests and reviews of my records her recommendation was a below the knee amputation. An amputation was not something I could fathom as my only option so I sought out 2nd and 3rd opinions. Unfortunately both agreed and explained why a BKA is the 1st line of treatment. I now know this form of cancer does not respond well to radiation or chemotherapy therefore I am accepting this as my fate but not my downfall.
Life has thrown so many obstacles at me over the last 35 years yet none have stopped me from rising above it all and this diagnosis will be no different. I am going to fight this!!! I am currently working towards my Bachelors of Science in Nursing at Texas Christian University, with only 2 semesters left. Therefore having the surgery will consist of me taking time off school in order to heal. School is where I obtain my health insurance and what little extra money I gain from scholarships and loans. The surgery will eliminate both of these until I return, which I plan to do!! Because I am in school full time we are a one income family of five. I am going to do what is best for my kids (17, 7, & 1), my husband and myself.
I know in order to live out life to the best of my abilities, the surgery is what needs to be done. At this point my oncologist and I have made a timeline of events: from the surgery to recovery. I would like to be fitted for a prosthetic leg 2 months post surgery. However a prosthesis can cost $7,000-$50,000 and may need to be replaced within the first year due to limb shrinkage and then every 3-5 years thereafter. I will need multiple scans to monitor for metastasizing (as spreading is still a possibility). Without insurance, the extra money I normally receive, and only one income my family and I will be financially unable to support my rehabilitation. As a family we are asking for help to put towards not only medical bills but towards my future of walking independently again. We appreciate any help you are able to give in this life changing decision and journey we are about to embark on.
Thank you & God bless,
Annette Rios-Duran
Organizer
Annette Duran
Organizer
Fort Worth, TX
