Peggy Werthmann (McKinsey) Breast Cancer Journey

Going from pregnancy with a small concern in one breast to having a baby 5 months ago, raising a 3yr old, and having to deal with mastitis will make any mom want to cry. Finding out you have breast cancer after an ultrasound is finally preformed is another thing entirely. When we hear the “C” word every part of the brain shuts down. Your eyes don’t focus, your hearing is muffled, your heart races, and every joy in your heart is put on pause. So many what if’s and so many whys. The “small” concern becomes the biggest one you’ll face. I am making this fundraiser for my dear friend, Peggy, who has just recently been diagnosed with breast cancer (invasive ductal carcinoma and DCIS). From the very beginning I have told her “it’s fine its mastitis the doc will help”, then all her friends and family saying “it’s a biopsy, they will find it’s ok and everything is fine.” Shortly after biopsy the doctors decide to remove the tumor. We assure her it’s going to come back benign and this will soon be over. More tests, more biopsies. Unfortunately, here we are now, it is cancer. It is in both sides and lymph nodes. So now we begin a new journey and a new plan needs set. With this comes expenses, lose of work, and stress among so many other things. Peggy would never ask for help and was even a little unsure when I asked her if I could start this. However, if help is ever needed it most certainly is at a time like this. I have known Peggy for 12yrs, we met working at Dean McGee Eye Surgery Center. Where Peggy is still employed today as a surgical technician. She is a kind, caring, hard working woman who brings joy to everyone around her. She is married to Shelby and together they are raising two beautiful kids, Mckinsey and Kasen. McKinsey just turned 3 and Kasen is 5 months old. The hardest part after having a new baby should be going back to work from maternity leave, not worrying about Breast Cancer. Peggy is set to begin 6 months of chemotherapy on February 23rd. Once completed she will undergo a double mastectomy followed by radiation and a reconstructive surgery. Finally another 6 months of monoclonal antibody treatments with the hopes of being clear this time next year! With just finishing maternity leave all of her PTO has been used. Shelby owns his own business, and will be taking off as much as needed to help her through this time. This means both of them will be missing work/paychecks for her treatments, surgery, and care. They are the type to put family above all else. They work hard to give their kids everything they want and need. They make sure they have time set aside to spend with their families and friends. They always make the effort to involve their loved ones in all the big things. It hurts my heart that this next big thing is going to be an especially stressful one. I am asking for donations to help with medical bills and other expenses that comes with this long journey. If you’re not able to donate please share the link and just pray for our sweet Peggy! Pegs has a wonderful support system who love her dearly. We know she will get through this and be a stronger woman for it. This is our way of helping her get there. Thank you all