Help Candace Peterson Kick Cancer

 

We created this Go Fund Me to ask for financial help as we move through the process of helping Candace heal -- or better said – “Help Candace Kick Cancer!”

Five weeks ago during a mammogram the doctors found cancer in my wife Candace Peterson’s right breast. Suddenly we were dropped into the frightening world of cancer. Quickly Candace had ultrasounds, an MRI, a Pet Scan, and multiple doctor appointments with the oncologists and surgeons. We experienced the fear of not knowing what will happen next. Within two weeks the doctors were talking about the potential of possible chemotherapy and radiation, and the inevitability of surgery.  Ultimately, Candace and her doctors chose the Double Mastectomy surgery which is the most aggressive and safe plan of action to give the best shot at full recovery. She decided she’d rather be safe and beat it for good now, even if the recovery is tougher.

The surgery on August 31st went well. The surgeons were pleased and said there were no surprises. They are hopeful they got all the cancer and that there was no spread to the lymph nodes or other body areas. The doctors are now doing the pathology studies to determine the next stage of treatment.  We will learn soon if Candace will also need radiation and/or chemotherapy.  

Now she is recuperating at home, spending relaxing family time as she heals. She’s in a lot of pain and it is very hard. We feel terrifically well taken care of by our caring family and friends -- who knew you could have an excess of flowers and homemade meals? :)  People have been so generous and loving towards us! She will now take off 3-5 weeks of work from her job as an outpatient psychotherapist at the Salt Lake City VA (Veterans Administration).


Here is our financial situation: we are facing the high cost of cancer treatment that so many others face. For 2018, when all medical bills are paid, and when lost wages are added up, we will be facing a total financial hit of $19,500.

It is an uncomfortable and humbling experience to create a “Go Fund Me” campaign for our family. Both Candace and I have felt twinges of shame and embarrassment because we do not have the savings to pay for the cancer treatments.  Also, we feel some emotional pressure to shoulder this financial burden alone and not ask for help. Luckily, we have dear friends and family members who are reminding us that cancer is much easier defeated in numbers, and that we need to ask for help. Friends and family have encouraged us to do the Go Fund Me. So that is what we are doing: asking for help.

We are  very grateful for all your support, your positive thinking, your words of encouragement, and your prayers. We feel very blessed and lucky to have so many people on our team. Thank you for your love and support.


The Petersons