Otilia's Breast Cancer Treatment "Go Fund Me"
Sometimes we float through life without appreciating what we already have until it fades. Yes, even as the dew at dawn that we never stopped to observe, evaporates with the heat of the sun. (Aveces flotamos por la vida sin apreciarlo que ya temenos asta que se desvanece. Si, hasta como el Rocio del amanecer que nunca nos detuvimos a observer, se evapora con el calor del sol.) Never in a million years thought that I would make “go fund me,” especially now when times are rough, and life is harder. Here is a glimpse of what my last 4 years have been like after diagnosed with breast cancer:
March 26, 2018 surgery for a left mastectomy without reconstruction, 6 week of recovery.
Chemotherapy every 3 weeks for 5 months.
October, Radiation for 38 days .
Chemotherapy for “maintenance” for two years.
April 8, 2019 surgery on left side of head to remove tumor in my brain, 6 weeks of recovery.
Radiation on my head for 10 days.
June 29, 2020 surgery on my right mastectomy without reconstruction, 6 weeks of recovery.
Chemotherapy Abraxane, for 6 months first treatment was on September 11, 2020.
November 3, 20201, Kidneys attack that night.
November 10, 2020 I got tested for COVID-19 and I was positive, sick for over 3 weeks.
December 21- 28 total for 5 rounds radiation for right breast, 4 weeks of recovery.
February 1, 2021 continue chemotherapy Abraxane, 3 weeks of treatments and 1 week off until April 7.
March 26, and April 11, 2021 I end up in the ER room; I have an infection under my skin and the nerves; side effects of the chemotherapy.
“If you want a rainbow you have to handle the rain.” I say this because going through all of the above, I still have a little more to add. On March 17, I was with the oncologist’s office and the conversation went like this.
He says, “so, I heard you want to go into hospice. You called to request that?” I said, “I’m sorry. Where did you hear that from? I only called to cancel an appointment for Friday.” He went on to say, “my partner told me you requested hospice.” I said, “you guys must’ve misunderstood my message,” and I insisted that was not me. I had no idea of what he was talking about. He finally said “Ok, ok there was miscommunication completely.” I said, “You, think????” He continued with the appointment and checked my heart and my lungs. The most basic check-up, just like if I had a common cold. Then he said, “well I highly recommend you to continue with the treatment because talking to me and the nurses about eating right foods or exercising will not cure your cancer and the only way that you can beat this cancer is by poisoning it with the chemotherapy that I have for you.” I turn and said, “are we done here?” I got up and walked away. I put my life in the doctor’s hands that has been an oncologist for more than 25 years of experiences. After reviewing the result from the hospital March 26, and April 11, 2021 in the last appointment, he said that he thinks the treatment is not working. I have an infection under my skin and the nerves. He thinks it’s cancer and not an infection. A pet scan has been done, and I’m just waiting for results.
Sometimes I forget that even another breath is a blessing from my Heavenly Father, so I put up a smile every day keep my spirits up and as a reminder for myself. I can and will do this for my seven little angels in my life and my whole family. Regardless what a doctor says. I want to stay alive for another 20-30 years if God’s willing, so I must advocate for myself and take another road. I decided to do an alternative IV-Vitamin C for treatments the next 3-5 years or whatever it takes but unfortunately, this kind of treatment is not covered by my insurance. If you find it your kind heart to help me through this crazy journey called life, I would really appreciate it. Thank you in advance! I have faith and I will put my life in God hands so He can guide me through these decisions, which are not easily made. Thank you for taking the time to read and May God bless you all. Otilia P. Arias