Kristen's Mastectomy Recovery
Donation protected
On 7/20/2018 I had a double mastectomy with DTI reconstruction. This has truly been the hardest time in my life - emotionally, physically, and financially.
With the diagnosis of cancer on 8/2/18 I have a long journey ahead of me - from doctor's appointments to further tests.
I'm grateful to have a wonderful significant other that is the sole income provider to us at the moment. While also working, he's been taking care of me full time since Friday (7/20/18) - from helping me get to the bathroom to making sure I eat and take my medication.
I truly didn't want it to come to this - my loved ones can tell you I don't ask for help often (even since my surgery, even if it's in regards to reaching a dish or getting to the bathroom while my SO is at work). I am very thankful for the help, love, and support I have received since my surgery from my family and loved ones whether it's bringing me to an appointment when they're busy and only have an hour on their lunch break, spending time with me so I'm not alone all of the time, bringing me Quest Bars so I'm getting an adequate amount of protein, or washing my hair that hasn't been washed in a week.
I didn't realize how absolutely financially draining this surgery would be. I need A LOT of protein to heal, which adds up. I've been using my recovery bras from my lumpectomy in 2014 to avoid buying more due to cost. It's very hard for me to try and even clean myself without the assistance of a bath chair. The cost of medication has blown me away. With my spouse working full time, he cannot always take me to appointments which means the price of Lyft's add up quickly. Then there's costs to my doctors which insurance didn't and will not cover during this process that hurts us the most and at the moment we're unable to afford and is ultimately leaving us in more debt and leaving me feeling guilty due to being ill and having to have a surgery with such an extensive healing process.
I wasn't sure where to set the goal, but with the long journey ahead of me anything truly helps.
Thank you very much in advance for your support during this time. Anything truly helps, whether it's a $1 donation or positive vibes/prayers during this time in my life.
With the diagnosis of cancer on 8/2/18 I have a long journey ahead of me - from doctor's appointments to further tests.
I'm grateful to have a wonderful significant other that is the sole income provider to us at the moment. While also working, he's been taking care of me full time since Friday (7/20/18) - from helping me get to the bathroom to making sure I eat and take my medication.
I truly didn't want it to come to this - my loved ones can tell you I don't ask for help often (even since my surgery, even if it's in regards to reaching a dish or getting to the bathroom while my SO is at work). I am very thankful for the help, love, and support I have received since my surgery from my family and loved ones whether it's bringing me to an appointment when they're busy and only have an hour on their lunch break, spending time with me so I'm not alone all of the time, bringing me Quest Bars so I'm getting an adequate amount of protein, or washing my hair that hasn't been washed in a week.
I didn't realize how absolutely financially draining this surgery would be. I need A LOT of protein to heal, which adds up. I've been using my recovery bras from my lumpectomy in 2014 to avoid buying more due to cost. It's very hard for me to try and even clean myself without the assistance of a bath chair. The cost of medication has blown me away. With my spouse working full time, he cannot always take me to appointments which means the price of Lyft's add up quickly. Then there's costs to my doctors which insurance didn't and will not cover during this process that hurts us the most and at the moment we're unable to afford and is ultimately leaving us in more debt and leaving me feeling guilty due to being ill and having to have a surgery with such an extensive healing process.
I wasn't sure where to set the goal, but with the long journey ahead of me anything truly helps.
Thank you very much in advance for your support during this time. Anything truly helps, whether it's a $1 donation or positive vibes/prayers during this time in my life.
Organizer
Kristen Paone
Organizer
Fairless Hills, PA