Mastectomy Reconstruction Surgery

My name is Teri Pearson. I wear many hats; I am a 35 year old wife, mother, sister, daughter, and I am a proud Army Veteran. As a Soldier, I’ve faced death-defying situations and I proudly served our country in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; but none of my training prepared me for facing one of the most terrifying ordeals of my life. In October of 2014, I was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer. Over the course of this past year I have undergone 10 months of chemotherapy, 30 radiation treatments, and a bilateral mastectomy. I completed my last radiation October 26, 2015. Friends and family members have shower me with praises because they relate to the pain they felt when they lost a loved one to breast cancer. They admire my ability to remain positive in the midst of this ordeal, but I doubt any of them understand how much darkness this disease can bring. Unfortunately, the physical changes are apparent to everyone; behind the smile that everyone sees is deep rooted pain. There are days that are stressful, scary, and depressing. Every morning that I wake up, I am grateful that I beat this disease; but, this road had not been easy. Shortly after being diagnosed, I lost my job. The loss of my job has caused me and my family great hardship. Despite the pain and looking in the face of uncertainty, I “Soldier on” and smile because I am my family’s backbone. Regardless of my tribulations, I am still a role model which is why I have maintained a 4.0 GPA in the Healthcare Reimbursement Program.

I once was confident and felt beautiful; however, the cancer has altered me both physically and emotionally. As a result of the physical changes I have been the recipient of derogatory comments and stares as people pass me by. I hide in baggy clothes and avoid some social settings because the insolence is unbearable. I can’t remember what it feels like to look in the mirror and see a beautiful woman starring back at me. The emotional and social distress is why I am desiring to have reconstructive surgery.

After a year of fighting, I am scheduled to have reconstructive surgery in mid-December. The downside is I cannot financially afford the costs of the surgery that the insurance company won’t cover. I am attempting to raise $6,000 to pay for breast reconstruction surgery. This surgery is extremely important to me, not from a vanity perspective but an emotional and mental perspective. I want to feel beautiful again. I want to have the confidence to speak to other women and their families that are experiencing something similar. I want to reclaim my confidence. I want to be the wife, mother, sister, daughter, and exemplary Army Veteran I once was. Although I am happy to have defeated the disease, I won’t be able to fully rejoice until I can begin to rebuild my self-esteem. Thank you for reading my story; I appreciate anything you are able to provide.

Sincerely,
Teri Pearson