Myssi Haglund Fund

**Update from Myssi - 12/3/23**

I am healing well. Nerves are coming to life, and having some pain. The worst pain after surgery was my armpit. Felt like they dug with a dull spoon to retrieve those lymph nodes-so glad that’s better. Also have a large seroma-picture a waterbed under your skin. Considering half my chest was lobbed off, recovery is going well.

I start chemo tomorrow. One drug I’ve had before and one is new. Every three weeks for four cycles. Still debating whether immunotherapy will follow. Taking the most aggressive actions to try and keep this disease from being metastatic. When possible I will have a left mastectomy and be done. I don’t think reconsteuction is in my future. Had too many complications and surgeries already, but that door is not entirely closed at this point.

Most of my recovery has been mental for me. Processing this recurrence so soon after everything that happened. It’s honestly been the most devastating news I’ve ever received. Trying not to focus on the what if’s has been debilitating and daunting for me. It’s been a struggle. I appreciate and am thankful for my life and those close to me, and hope this surgery and chemo can be the difference that is needed. I will always have risk for recurrence and metastatic disease but I am learning how to be present in the moment and focus on the things I can control.

Thank you so much for donating to me to help me out during this time off work. I am hoping to get back to work soon and am working things out to work from home during chemo. Ironic that I took a job (for insurance) but also to get out of the house, and now I will be back at home until this next stage is complete. Levi is going to be so happy, he is not a fan of me leaving home to work. Your donations have meant the world to me, and offered some hope and ease during this very difficult time. I also appreciate all the notes, texts, cards, kind regards and messages-just the pick me up I needed. Your kindness can never be forgotten and I appreciate it more than I can ever express. Much love.❤️

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As many of you know, in October of 2021 our good friend Myssi was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has undergone radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy completing her treatment in April of this year.

Unfortunately, this past October her doctors shared the news that she has had a recurrence of breast cancer and will need to have a single mastectomy. Surgery is scheduled for November 8. Breast cancer treatment is not a passive process. Of the many qualities one must possess, bravery and persistence are the two that come to mind as very important. We know that Myssi is brave because she chose to work in an emergency room when she graduated from nursing school, and we know she’s persistent because on top of being an excellent nurse, and an amazing mom she has fought hard over the last year to do what she has needed to do to keep going.

Most recently Myssi has taken a job triaging incoming patients to the hospital. This career change allows her the ability to focus on what matters the most, which is her family and health. Since she is still considered a new employee, she doesn’t have any paid leave time, and due to the aggressive nature of her breast cancer, postponing surgery is not an option.

Myssi’s surgeon let her know she will need to take 4-6 weeks off from work after her surgery to heal. We would love for her to be able to go into this surgery worry and anxiety free. Although this is an unrealistic goal, we know that being able to cover paying her mortgage, health insurance, and monthly bills for December would be a huge help. Please consider donating to help Myssi through this difficult time so she can focus her energy on healing. Thank you for considering.

Sheila Henry & Jill Laufenberg