Nerisa’s Breast Cancer Treatments

Hi, my name is Jennifer Goodwin. I am asking for help for the McQueen Family. Some of you may know her as a middle school lunch lady. Or the best mask maker ever during the pandemic. I know her as one of my dearest friends and my work wife. She loves fiercely. Her laugh is contagious. She is a beacon of joy to anyone who knows her.

Here is Nerisa’s story. “TW: Cancer

Well, the time has come. I think I’m finally ready to share. On 12/7 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Invasive ductal carcinoma or IDC to be exact. The last 2 weeks have been a blur, but overall, I’m in good spirits. Even after the stupid truck accident on 12/2 ‍♀️ Which is still not fixed. (If you missed that story, let me know. It’s a doozy!) The shop finally looked at it late last week and gave us an estimate. But, they can’t even start repairs till April. APRIL!! Next week I have a different shop looking at it and they said they can start repairs early January. (Yay!) I’m so glad we’re getting a second opinion because when Farris brought my truck home from the first shop today, he noticed some things inside the cab are no longer working, that the shop didn’t even list on the estimate. They just looked at the body. But anyways! December has been a shit show to say the least.

I had a zoom meeting this morning with a genetic testing specialist. Then met with my oncologist. On Wednesday we meet with my surgeon. Right now, the plan is to get my chemo port implanted, then start chemo on Jan 5th. (Davian’s 16th birthday ☹️) I will complete my chemo treatments, in an attempt to shrink the tumor, then surgery, then do radiation. This is all pending my breast MRI and EKG.

Part of my care team is a lady named Carrie who is my navigator, but I jokingly call her my “breast friend” She’s been an asset! She reached out and asked how I’m doing. Explained my results fully. Went over what to expect for treatment and what to expect from my team. Then proceeded to get me scheduled for this weeks appointments, which is a huge relief! It’s all happening so fast, but I’m grateful. I don’t want it to spread. And I’d rather get this going and over with! I have memories to make, dogs to pet and plants to care for

It’s strange. I have never wondered why me. Why me God? I don’t know. Maybe I’m meant to help someone else along the way by sharing my story. I’m not sure. But what does upset me is the stress it’s causing my family and friends. I’m also an independent woman and I hate asking for help. Even if it’s asking Farris to open the pickle jar So having to let them help me around the house is going to be a huge adjustment!

There is a very good possibility that my last day of work for awhile is Jan 4th. And that really bums me out. I love my job and I hate the strain it’s going to put on my coworkers. We’re already short staffed. But I know that I have to take care of myself before I can care for others. Just like on the airplane, when the airline stewardess explains the oxygen masks.

I know I didn’t have to share all this. But I didn’t want to shock all of you when I post a picture looking like G.I. Jane! Bald as a babies bottom! But best believe, I will be fighting like a girl though!

And ladies, do you monthly exams. Get those mammograms starting at 40 or sooner if you’re at risk. Be your own advocate!

Here we gooooo!!!”

She will have roughly 6 months of Chemo therapy treatments. Following that she will have surgery and radiation. They have asked instead of a meal train or meals being delivered they will accept gift cards or cash. Nerisa will be under careful watch because she will be Immuno compromised due to her treatments. Please consider making a donations if you can. Nerisa has a long road ahead, but she is a fighter. Let’s help her fight.