Brenda "Bee 40"s Breast Cancer Fund

Hello world! My name is Linda and I have put together this gofundme to help out an incredible human that I am honored to call a friend. I know that the past few years have been extremely difficult for most of us (financially, physically and mentally). That being said I just ask that you please read Brenda’s story and if you have any means to financially assist in reaching her goal ANY amount would be greatly appreciated. If you are unable to donate at this time, there is another way that you could help! Please take a minute of your time and share Brenda’s story (on social media or through text/email) with anyone that may be able to help. Thank you in advance for ANY donations or simply sharing this story.

“I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, this means it's estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-negative and HER2-negative (a form of aggressive breast cancer). Only 10-15% of all breast cancer is triple negative. It is most common in women younger than 40, Latino/ African American women and women who have a BRCA1 mutation (which I later found out I had as well as it also being genetic cancer).

Early November 2021 I started to feel some pain in my left breast, the pain grew in intensity and frequency with each passing day. November 27th 2021 I discovered a lump in my left breast. I just so happened to be at my Mom's house when I discovered the lump and slightly hesitated in telling her and my Sister about this scary discovery. They encouraged me to make a Doctors appointment right away (which I am glad they did, because I probably would’ve waited until who knows when?!)

-Dec 7th mammogram & ultrasound

-Dec 21st breast and axillary lymph node biopsy.

Jan 10, 2022 is a date I will never forget. It is the day my whole world was turned upside down in a matter of seconds! Words I never imagined I would hear, "you have breast cancer". 30 year old healthy me was shocked… in absolute disbelief! There I was sitting in a chair with 2 doctors and 1 nurse, listening to all the information that was being provided yet trying to figure out if I was in some kind of twisted nightmare. I felt numb in a sense. My whole life flashed before me. I had so many questions! Thankfully the cancer was still in stage 1 and my lymph nodes were not compromised.

Initially, after news of my diagnosis I really did not want to receive Chemo. However, Doctors told me that due to the anatomy of the tumor they couldn’t remove it because there was a possibility that the cancer cells would spread if they attempted to remove the tumor. Chemo was now my only option to shrink the tumor and allow for a safer removal. Feb 14, 2022 I had a surgery to install a chemo port and about 4 months later on June 28th I had to have another surgery to get it replaced because it stopped working. On Aug 18, 2022 I had officially completed 16 rounds of chemo, ME the person that didn’t even like to take Advil… completed chemo! Chemo took a lot of my energy, my appetite, my hair, my lashes, my eyebrows, my sleep, and made so many other difficult changes to my body. All of these changes also drastically reduced my ability to work, leaving me with little to no income over the last few months.

Because I have the BRCA1 gene mutation, having a double mastectomy will significantly decrease the chance of the Cancer coming back. I am lucky to have found an amazing double board certified micro surgeon who specializes in breast cancer reconstruction. I love her work and after meeting with her I knew she was the one! I feel most confident in this Surgeon I believe she has the ability to help me feel a little more like myself after all of that I have gone through. Much to my devastation my insurance doesn’t cover her reconstruction service, which is why I am here asking for any help.

Honestly, one of the hardest parts of it all was telling my family and my partner the news. I asked for privacy as I tried to process the news, all the information and appointments happening almost daily. Very few friends knew what I had been going through. Finally, after almost 6 months, I decided to go public with my journey in hopes of helping those who are facing the same battle or know of someone who is. I found comfort and answers in other fellow cancer thrivers online, who have also shared their journey (which I now know… is not easy). The outpour of love and support has truly been amazing and has given me extra strength! I have faced this disease with a positive outlook for the most part, while still living my life as normal as possible. I’m not letting it paralyze or define the way I live my life. I truly believe my optimism has made this nightmare a lot less terrifying. Thank you all so much!” - BRENDA