Nicole as she battles HER2 Positive Breast Cancer

Hi,

My name is Nicole and I am a wife, and mother of 3. My journey started on Wednesday, September 13th. I found a lump in my right breast. 2 days later, I went to see my primary care doctor. She sent me for a Diagnostic Ultrasound and Mammogram at the Duke Breast Cancer Center. Due to the shape and size of the lump, they wanted to do a biopsy to see if it was Cancerous. The results came back 2 days later that I have HER2 Positive, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.

I have started my Chemotherapy treatments. I have been having a lot of side effects. I have experienced flu like symptoms, sever dehydration and diarrhea, chemo rash, headaches, body aches and fatigue. Some of them have been so debilitating that I have not been able to get out of bed, eat or drink. I have been to the ER and the Cancer Center several times to get medication and hydration.

My career has been taking care of elderly patients in their home providing assistance and support. I love my job, and providing care for the 3 clients I have is a passion that I truly love. However, with my current condition, I am not able to work and help support my family. My husband and family have been by my side as we travel this road. My husband has missed over a month of unpaid time at work as he takes me to the hospital and cancer center and helps me work with the doctors to even out my symptoms and stabilize my body.

My medical bills are starting to come in and although our insurance is providing some assistance, there are substantial amounts of expenses starting to come in that we need assistance with. I humbly ask for your support. Your generosity would make a world of difference as my family and I navigate this journey.

Thank you, for your thoughts and prayers. I appreciate you coming along on this journey and supporting me during this tough time.

Nicole