help Darcie Fight Breast Cancer

Hello friends,

Many of you may not be aware of my recent diagnosis. I have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. It is a larger size tumor of 4x3 centimeters. It is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Hers2 negative, PR negative, Estrogen Receptor positive. Estimated stage T2. Grade is unknown until surgery pathology. A few paragraphs below is a brief timeline of events leading to this diagnosis.

After much prayer, research, thought and deliberation and thought I have scheduled mastectomy for April 24th. Reconstruction and possible partial hysterectomy will come at a later date. At this time I do not need pre-surgery Chemo. Being that there is zero chance of breast preservation, and the tumors larger size, pre-surgery chemo is not needed. Depending on pathology results of margins/lymph nodes after surgery will determine if radiation or chemo will be needed following mastectomy. It is recommended that I take a estrogen blocker for 5 years to deter breast cancer in other breast.

I am in need of much prayer and many who know have asked what else they can do to help. Financial assistance would be another way to help. I have much to do, buy and organize to prepare for surgery and recovery.

This has been an overwhelming discovery and to be honest, consumes my thoughts constantly if I'm not working or involved in a show, conversation or teaching. I have gained so much knowledge and will continue to learn more every day about cancer, healing, treatment, recovery, better habits etc. I have definitely felt a great amount of love from my community thus far. I have incorporated many good changes in my diet and included cancer fighting foods and supplements that I will likely continue as I have more than one breast and fighting cancer is something I'll likely be doing the rest of my life.

Your financial gift will help with medical bills/co-pays/prescriptions, purchase items needed for recovery and comfort (ie: button down shirts/front close bras) and more I'm sure. Any amount will ease our financial burden as I will be off work 2-3 months. Jimmy will also need to be available and help driving me for several weeks and helping me as I cannot use my left arm much through early recovery.

I am probably physically stronger than I've ever been in my life as both my jobs are very active. I work teaching yoga and working in activities at RV Resort 5 days/week. I am also so grateful for all the mental tools and knowledge I have from seven years of practicing and teaching yoga. I will say this has really been a challenge to process and navigate all of the information, appointments and calls and has taken it's toll on me that last few months.

Your prayers, thoughts, love and friendships are so important to me and do help me so much. I am trying to stay positive and hopeful. I am scared and stressed but I know God has a plan for my life and I'm not done yet! Thank you for reading.

Here is a timeline leading up to now if you like more details:

December 2024:

-12/3/24 I had breast scan for lump in lower breast that needed checked. I have always had dense breast tissue and have had harmless cysts in the past so I honestly wasn't too worried but the technician eluded to and and the report confirmed suspicious finding that needed more tests.

-1/10 Primary Care Dr. appt to get referral for Biopsy

January:

-1/8 had a stress event that put me in ER (fainted, had low Blood pressure).

-1/10 Primary Care Dr. appt/exam to get referral to General Surgeon for Biopsy

-1/15 Went to Surgeon appt for Biopsy

-1/20 Results in, Confirmed Breast Cancer

-1/30 Mammogram for better view of breast cancer and check other breast (other breast was clear).

February:

-I was able to get signed up for health insurance that would take effect Mar. 1. So grateful as we had already incurred thousands in bills already.

-Unrelated but relevant: I went for uncovering appt of dental implant I had put in 6 months prior for tooth that broke vertically and found out the implant had failed and would need to be removed and give my mouth time to heal.

-Spoke to another Dr. (in another County) for 2nd Opinion. He also recommended mastectomy.

March:

-3/12 Follow up with surgeon for questions and clarification and booked Mastectomy for April

-3/19 Had dental implant removed.

Note: We bought land in November just before all this came to light. We were hoping to relocate to it and build by now. The past few months has caused some unexpected stress and setbacks so we aren't sure at this time how much longer we will be in the camper at the rv resort but are trying to get camper moved to property once permits are in place. The timing of all this could not be worse but when is it a good time to get cancer anyway.

If you wish to send cards/notes our mailing address is:

PO Box 11363

Pensacola, FL 32524

For packages or deliveries, please reach out personally. We will likely be open to help with food/groceries during my recovery.