Medical & living expenses

Hi, I'm Michelle (or Apple, or Iris, or that bubbly happy bratty PITA, depending on where you know me from ).

I was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after getting my first mammogram in May. It was originally thought ne just an old injury that needed further inspection. Well 9 mammograms, 2 biopsies, 3 ultrasounds, and a slew of radiologists and doctors later, it was determined that I have advanced staged Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ.

10/25 I had a lumpectomy and reduction. Pathology reports came back that the cancer spread, but didnt leave my breast. My entire left breast had to be removed. Doctors are pushed for surgery before the end of the year so it wouldn't financially devastate me.

On 11/10 I had a full hystorectomy. It was not optional.

12/20 I had a complete mastectomy of my left breast and a tissue expander was put in. The insicion didnt heal, and developed a seroma. 2 weeks after surgery the doctor had to remove 100ml of fluid from the expander, and 100ml of fluid from the seroma. A week later my insicion filled back up and started leaking. 5 days later it burst open in my sleep, soaking my bed, shirt, and a pillow.

1/18 I had to undergo emergency surgery without any anesthesia (long story) to remove the tissue expander. Thank goodness I have zero feeling there and kept myself from moving around while he operated. The insicion was left open to drain.

It also means that I had to pay $2,000 of my max out of pocket fpr the year not even 3 weeks into the new year. That was exactly what everyone wastrying to avoid.

2/23 - the hole is still open, still draining, and I had to have it chemically cauterized because it started to develop a mild infection. It's closing, but extremely slowly.

My immune system is shot and busy trying to keep me from getting a massive infection. I work my day job from home, but still can't work my 2nd job, which is driving for Uber and Lyft. Itsahuge exposure risk, even when masked. Contracting any kind of cold, flu, or Covid would be catastrophic.

My second job is also what pays all my medical bills, plus extra living expenses. All the added bills are forcing me to return to working my second job far sooner than my body is ready to.

I had thyroid cancer in 2021 and had to have radiation treatment Dealing with 2 different cancers in 2 years is rough, and slowed my healing ability.

I'm so thankful for everyone that donated previously. It helped so much! And my daughter had a great Christmas !! Unfortunately I'm still not out of the woods yet, and it's coming to a point that I either significantly endanger myself, or start having utilities cut off and miss my mortgage payment.