Ellie's Healing Journey
Donation protected
On October 1st I celebrated my one year anniversary of living in California! I celebrated all that I’ve accomplished and all the people I have to be grateful for. The ones that have encouraged me through the years with all of my wild ideas. And the new friends that I’ve made here in Long Beach that have become such an amazing community for me. I’ve finally found my place! It only took me 30 years, living in 10 states, a few broken hearts/ bones, overcoming obesity, depression, and countless other obstacles. But I am here, I am happy, and I am ready for my next opportunity to level up.
On October 1st I also learned of my next challenge. I have two forms of breast cancer. Invasive ductoral carcinoma, and ductoral carcinoma in situ. It is stage 2B and is an 8 out of 9 as far as how aggressive it is.
There is a lot that is unclear to me at the moment but what I do know is that I’m going to be fine. I’m only 31 years old and have a lot of life left to live.
Treatment plan that starts this week:
Step 1: 4 different kinds of chemotherapy drugs once every 3 weeks for 18 weeks
Step 2: surgery
Step 3: radiation every day for 8 weeks
Step 4: reconstruction surgery
Step 5: hormone therapy 5-10 years
Step 6: targeted therapy 2 years starts through out other treatment
I enrolled in online holistic health coaching school through Integrative Nutrition a week before finding out about my cancer. I am confident that I am on the right path and excited for all that I’m about to learn about myself, my health, and develop the tools I need to help others in the future. My start date for online classes is 11/11!!!! The same date as my first round of chemo is scheduled to start.
As of now I’m just focusing on what I can control and trying to continue my active and healthy lifestyle as much as possible. I’m so thankful to be covered under Medi-Cal insurance for most of my treatment. However, there is a great deal that my insurance doesn't cover. My treatment schedule requires me to miss a substantial amount of work which will cause a financial hardship for me, especially since I am used to working 6 days a week as a hairstylist and have just begun to build up my clientele. It is very humbling since I have been working since I was 13 and have a hard time asking for help, but I know this is the time to lean on those that care about me.
My doctor has also recommended treating myself via holistic treatments, supplements, and to seek advice from a naturopath to heal the cancer/ combat the side effects of chemo as effectively as possible. These options are expensive and aren't covered by insurance at all, but I am looking forward to what I can learn in addition to my classes.
I am endlessly grateful for your support:financially, good vibes, or otherwise. My plan is to repay your kindness by sharing my healing journey and new found knowledge with others. Please know that anything you give is so deeply appreciated.
Love you all so much,
-Ellie
~~~
When Ellie told me she had cancer, her words didn't make sense to me. How could my best friend, at 31 and being the healthiest person I know, be faced with this? I was terrified. She has been my rock, my support, and the love of my life since we were kids.
After the shock passed, I felt better reminding myself that if anyone can overcome something like this, it is her. She is the bravest person I know and will come out of this stronger. Ellie is always thinking of ways to make her friends and family feel loved and special, and in ways to help others in need. I am excited to see her move past this and use the experience to help the lives of others. With all of our help we can get her on that path sooner.
I sincerely appreciate your generosity in helping my best friend.
- Kristen
Ellie is the sweetest and kindest person I know. Always optimistic and sees the best in people. A true ray of sunshine. She is also one of the most active and healthy people I know. It came as a big surprise when the results of her biopsy came back as positive for cancer. It has been a very scary roller coaster waiting and finding out the results to all her tests.
Ellie moved to long beach and became my roommate just one year before she found out this news. She helped me in a time I needed a friend, and I am happy to be there for her now as she needs it. During this time she needs to focus on healing and coming out of this as strong as possible. That's why we are asking you kind folks to alleviate some of the stress from the unknown. Ellie will be unable to work during her treatment and sometime into her recovery. With your help Ellie can be on the best road to heal.
Thank you,
-Michael
On October 1st I also learned of my next challenge. I have two forms of breast cancer. Invasive ductoral carcinoma, and ductoral carcinoma in situ. It is stage 2B and is an 8 out of 9 as far as how aggressive it is.
There is a lot that is unclear to me at the moment but what I do know is that I’m going to be fine. I’m only 31 years old and have a lot of life left to live.
Treatment plan that starts this week:
Step 1: 4 different kinds of chemotherapy drugs once every 3 weeks for 18 weeks
Step 2: surgery
Step 3: radiation every day for 8 weeks
Step 4: reconstruction surgery
Step 5: hormone therapy 5-10 years
Step 6: targeted therapy 2 years starts through out other treatment
I enrolled in online holistic health coaching school through Integrative Nutrition a week before finding out about my cancer. I am confident that I am on the right path and excited for all that I’m about to learn about myself, my health, and develop the tools I need to help others in the future. My start date for online classes is 11/11!!!! The same date as my first round of chemo is scheduled to start.
As of now I’m just focusing on what I can control and trying to continue my active and healthy lifestyle as much as possible. I’m so thankful to be covered under Medi-Cal insurance for most of my treatment. However, there is a great deal that my insurance doesn't cover. My treatment schedule requires me to miss a substantial amount of work which will cause a financial hardship for me, especially since I am used to working 6 days a week as a hairstylist and have just begun to build up my clientele. It is very humbling since I have been working since I was 13 and have a hard time asking for help, but I know this is the time to lean on those that care about me.
My doctor has also recommended treating myself via holistic treatments, supplements, and to seek advice from a naturopath to heal the cancer/ combat the side effects of chemo as effectively as possible. These options are expensive and aren't covered by insurance at all, but I am looking forward to what I can learn in addition to my classes.
I am endlessly grateful for your support:financially, good vibes, or otherwise. My plan is to repay your kindness by sharing my healing journey and new found knowledge with others. Please know that anything you give is so deeply appreciated.
Love you all so much,
-Ellie
~~~
When Ellie told me she had cancer, her words didn't make sense to me. How could my best friend, at 31 and being the healthiest person I know, be faced with this? I was terrified. She has been my rock, my support, and the love of my life since we were kids.
After the shock passed, I felt better reminding myself that if anyone can overcome something like this, it is her. She is the bravest person I know and will come out of this stronger. Ellie is always thinking of ways to make her friends and family feel loved and special, and in ways to help others in need. I am excited to see her move past this and use the experience to help the lives of others. With all of our help we can get her on that path sooner.
I sincerely appreciate your generosity in helping my best friend.
- Kristen
Ellie is the sweetest and kindest person I know. Always optimistic and sees the best in people. A true ray of sunshine. She is also one of the most active and healthy people I know. It came as a big surprise when the results of her biopsy came back as positive for cancer. It has been a very scary roller coaster waiting and finding out the results to all her tests.
Ellie moved to long beach and became my roommate just one year before she found out this news. She helped me in a time I needed a friend, and I am happy to be there for her now as she needs it. During this time she needs to focus on healing and coming out of this as strong as possible. That's why we are asking you kind folks to alleviate some of the stress from the unknown. Ellie will be unable to work during her treatment and sometime into her recovery. With your help Ellie can be on the best road to heal.
Thank you,
-Michael
Organizer
Ellie Marie Yderstad
Organizer
Long Beach, CA