I Survived Cancer—Now I'm Struggling to Survive Life After

Hi everyone,

Thank you for being here. I’m writing with an honest update on how things have been—and why I still need help.

In 2021, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in both breasts and tested BRCA2 positive. Since then, I’ve endured:

A full year of chemotherapy

33 rounds of radiation

A double mastectomy

Lymph node removal (resulting in lymphedema)

A bilateral oophorectomy (removal of ovaries) to reduce cancer risk

18 cycles of targeted therapy (Herceptin/Perjeta)

A failed trial of Nerlynx due to harsh side effects

Ongoing treatment with Arimidex

At just 33 years old, I’m now in surgical menopause—which is very different from natural menopause. My ovaries were removed suddenly, dropping my estrogen to zero overnight. That abrupt change has severely impacted my body and mind, causing:

Hot flashes and heat intolerance that are debilitating, especially in summer

Bone loss (osteopenia) that increases fracture risk

Chronic fatigue and insomnia

Joint pain and nerve damage (neuropathy)

Anxiety, mood swings, and memory issues

No access to hormone replacement therapy due to my cancer being hormone-positive

This isn’t the kind of menopause people expect in their 50s. I didn’t have time to prepare. There’s no roadmap for being thrust into it this young—especially while healing from cancer.

On top of all this, I was recently laid off. Because I made so little last year (due to treatment), I don’t qualify for unemployment. I’ve been applying for jobs all summer, but it’s been hard to find one while also managing these chronic side effects.

This fundraiser helps cover my essentials—transportation to appointments, medications, and basic living needs while I continue to recover. Even $5 or a share helps more than you know.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting me through this long, complicated road.

With gratitude,

Cindy