Mary's Brain Tumor Medical Expenses

Hello everyone my name is Mary Terrazas I am a 22 year old female and I have a brain tumor. The tumor is located on my pituitary gland, at the base of the brain right behind the eyes. The pituitary gland is referred to as the “master gland” because it monitors and regulates many bodily functions through the hormones that it produces. Due to my brain tumor, which is believed to be a prolactinoma, (tumor that secretes too much of the hormone called prolactin) I am experiencing many side effects. I was diagnosed in January 2022 but for the longest time I knew something was wrong. I would get headaches every day and have struggled with vision issues, blurryness, double vision, lack of energy physically and mentally and for a very long time I thought I had depression because I lost my sense of self and interest in things I once enjoyed. After many doctors appts and missed menstruations since August 2020 (2years) an MRI result showed the 2.2 by 2.4cm mass. This tumor is hitting my optic nerve and there is a risk of permanent blindness and infertility if successful results are not met with the medicine. I have been on dostinex (Cabergoline) since my diagnosis but have had very little success shrinking the tumor/ lowering my prolactin. My doctors and I have been on a roller coaster trying to find the perfect dose and after 8 months have finally found one that seems to be lowering my prolactin. I will give it my all and if the medicine is not working surgery is my next option.

As many of those close to me know My father who was the bread winner of the home unexpectedly passed away in-front of me due to a massive heart attack when I was 13 and as soon as I was of age to get my DACA(deferred action for childhood arrival) permit (age 15) I did and have always been a hardworking and independent person but due to my legal status I have been denied health insurance, social security income or any SSI benefits, despite this being labeled as a disability. Due to having no insurance this surgery will cost about 100k due to it being a meticulous procedure performed by an experienced neurosurgeon. I will also need to be on multiple meds and have after care specialist appointments. I have to see 3 specialist- endocrinologist, optometrist, and neurologist. Each appointment cost me about $600, along with MRI’s that are 540. I am also paying for my medicine out of pocket. I am a daughter of an immigrant widow trying to raise the standards society puts us in.

For those who know me I decided to become a nail tech In October 2021 and I ran through all my savings, I am just starting my career as a nail tech. Shortly after I received the news of my diagnosis starting the new year so it was very unexpected. This year has brought upon many new chapters in my life, some I am very grateful for and others that have been very overwhelming. Its been very hard for me to accept the fact that this is indeed a diagnosis I will have to battle for the rest of my life, but with the help of my family and friends I have created this go fund me. With all my honesty, thank you to those that can help, share and donate.