Post Breast Cancer Reconstructive Surgery

Hello! I’m Rose, mother to seven beautiful children and wife to my wonderful, loving husband, Brig. We’ve had a pretty good life for the most part.
Two weeks after my 40th birthday I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my right breast. I started chemo in October 2017had a mastectomy in January 2018, then had five weeks of radiation in June of 2018.
Chemo just before Christmas. One year after the family photo above.
After my mastectomy surgery. And during radiation.

January of 2019 I had what was supposed to be my last surgery, reconstruction with silicon implants. 

The silicon implants have been extremely painful since the post surgical meds wore off. I’ve developed capsular contracture on both sides but pretty badly on the affected side. I have been on prescribed narcotics since surgery to deal with the pain. Ive also been dealing with situational depression mostly due to the pain.

 There is a reconstructive surgery called DIEP where they remove part of the lower belly and make it into “breasts.” The results are very often very natural looking and feeling as they are one’s own tissue. I wanted this rather than implants  from early in diagnosis but my cancer center didn’t offer it and I didn’t have the “fight” when the time for reconstruction came to look for surgeons or deal with insurance etc. My original plastic surgeon encouraged me over and over again to give them time. He left the cancer center and then I have searched and searched for the right surgery group and had four surgery dates. One in Jan 2020 cancelled because of insurance, one May 04 cancelled because of COVID-19, the beginning of July now moved to June 18, 2020. This surgery is happening in San Antonio, TX.  I have my part of the insurance ($2500 basically) for surgery. I am asking for help with travel, room and board while my husband and I are there. 

I’m pretty embarrassed to be asking for help but I need it. Thank you SO very much for getting this far if you have! ❤️❤️