Help Alicia (Horton) Strunk Through Her Medical Journey

Hello, my name is Alicia Strunk. Most know me as Alicia Horton (A-Ho). The end of August, I experienced numbness from head to toe on the left side of my body. I went to the ER and was evaluated for a stroke. Although tests were negative for a stroke, a 2cm pituitary tumor was found. A neurosurgeon consulted with me in the hospital and explained what this tumor was and what it could cause down the road. After discharge, I had a visit with another neurosurgeon in Pittsburgh who at that point recommended surgery due to the tumor size and the tumor touching the optic chiasm. I underwent surgery in Pittsburgh on Thurs, Sept 26th. They said my case was difficult because I had two different problems. Not only did I have the tumor but they discovered an arachnoid cyst which was leaking CSF. I was discharged home on Sept 28th. The following day, I started leaking fluid from my nose. I talked to the on call physician and was advised to go to ER asap. The fluid was tested and sure enough, it was positive for CSF. I was transported by ambulance back to Pittsburgh where I was seen in their ER. I needed to have a lumbar puncture with a drain in place and from the ER, I was transferred to ICU for 5 days. Recovery hasn't been the greatest. I have semi good days and then I have not-so-good days. My brain and body are tired!!! I was told with the series of events that has happened, I will have increased fatigue but it will get better in time.

I am a single mother of one and the sole provider of my home. I do not have short-term disability through my place of employment and have used up my PTO time this year. I have not worked since the day before my surgery and as of right now, I will not be returning until Mon Dec 2nd. The next paycheck I will see will be two weeks after that. With that being said, I am financially stressed. Personal donations and a dart benefit helped me through the month of October but now I need to get through November and part of December.I don't ask for much but any donation would be a great help for my son and I. Thank you in advance!!!