Monica's Breast Cancer Journey

I am a 44 year old, single mother of 3, grandmother of 2, with  Triple Negative Breast Cancer with BRCA1 gene mutation. I was diagnosed with the Triple Negative Breast Cancer in May 2017 and the BRCA1 gene mutation in June 2017.


In May, I found a lump in my right breast.  Within 3 days I'd had a mammogram and an ultrasound that yielded abnormal results.  By Friday of that week, I was scheduled for a biopsy that confirmed that I am one of the 1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer.  Because of my diagnosis at a young age, no history of breast cancer in my family and being of African American decent, I underwent genetic testing that yielded +BRCA1 gene mutation.  


What this means is that I have a gene that caused my breast cancer and puts me at a higher risk for ovarian and uterine cancer and a recurrence of breast cancer.   You may remember that Angelina Jolie has the same gene mutation and opted to have her breast removed.  In my case, there's no option because I already have breast cancer.  I will be having multiple surgeries.  I will have a bilateral mastectomy (both breast removed), reconstruction of the breasts and a total hysterectomy.  

This was a devastating blow to my family.  My daughter and two sons have a 50/50 chance of having the gene mutation, too.  We are in the process of lining them up for testing.  Yes! Men get breast cancer.  ​

I decided that I was going to live my life to the fullest,love my family and friends and FIGHT.  I also planned to work up until the time for my surgery.   I tried working from home and I did okay for awhile, but my body began telling me to rest and recover.
This was also difficult for a workaholic.  Eventually, I went on short-term disability.  

I have experienced financial hardship as I've had to stop working because the chemotherapy has been hard on my body. I also have Fibromyalgia that is triggered by the chemotherapy. I will be using the money to pay my medical bills and I humbly ask for your help. I will begin having surgery followed by radiation after chemotherapy and will be out of work for a significant amount of time.  The deductible, itself, is $5000+.  My surgeries will fall at the beginning of 2018.  I'm praying for assistance. The funds will benefit me and my family.  I thank you and am grateful for any donation amount given. I had no idea how difficult it would be to maintain and take care of my financial obligations.  It has been difficult to gain any assistance and what has been given is not much and has been exhausted. Copay assistance and advocacy funds are exhausted.  Medical bills are still coming.  Please help me reach my goal and I thank you in advance for helping me meet my urgent needs.  

 

And hey!  Get a yearly mammogram.  I am the 1 in 8 that get breast cancer.  Screening is key!