Jennifer's Mastectomy
Donation protected
My Upcoming Mastectomy Story:
For the past few years my doctor has ended my annual check ups the same way, "Jennifer, when are you going to do genetic screening?" I have a family history of breast cancer and I've known for a while that breast cancer might be a risk for me. In the past, genetic testing has always been expensive and I put it off for several years. This year, however, I found a lab that did genetic testing for a reasonable price. I got the order from my doctor and sent off my sample without giving it too much thought. A few weeks later I got the call.
Positive for a BRCA2 gene mutation
I wasn’t prepared to hear a positive result, I mean I thought I would be. But I just wasn’t. I was full of questions, full of new worries. I am a single mom with a six year old son, what would this mean for him? The genetic counselor finished up the call by telling me to contact an oncologist to go over my options.
An oncologist? But I don’t have cancer….right?
Care for this type of diagnosis is confusing, you don’t automatically HAVE cancer. Because your chances of developing cancer are so high that standard of care dictates that you should meet with an Oncologist to discuss what type of monitoring and/or surgery you will need and what to look out for. Typically there are two options for a BRCA2 gene mutation. Monitor every 6 months with mammograms and MRI’s or a preventative mastectomy. This particular mutation also increases risk for developing other types of cancers besides breast so sometimes additional monitoring is needed.
After talking to an Oncologist, my OBGYN and a second genetic counselor it was decided that I am not a good candidate for monitoring. As a result, I have a mastectomy and reconstruction scheduled for September 20th, 2018 at Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in New Orleans.
Why New Orleans?
Do you have any allergies? Guess what I have an allergic reaction to after prolonged exposure? Silicone. And guess what usually harmless material is used in most breast reconstructions? You probably guessed it. However, there is one type of breast reconstruction, called a DIEP Flap reconstruction , where they use your own fatty tissue to remake your breast. No silicone! Awesome right? Unfortunately there are not many surgeons who are able to do this type of reconstruction and I have to travel.
How much will it cost?
· $8,000 Mastectomy and Reconstruction
· $1.900 Hospital Fees
· $3,265.19 Diagnostic Imaging
At this point you might be thinking, doesn't she have insurance? The answer is yes, I do have insurance. Let me explain to you a bit about how my plan works. Before my insurance pays ANYTHING I have to meet my deductible/out of pocket maximum. This includes things that are “covered” like my upcoming MRI. The MRI is a “covered expense” because of my diagnosis. However, since I have not yet met my deductible, I will need to pay 100% of the cost of the MRI ($930.60) myself. Still with me?
In Network vs. Out of Network:
It's also important to mention that my In Network deductible does NOT apply to my Out of Network deductible. The $4,000 I pay for In Network care (lab work ) will not apply towards the $8,000 for Out of Network care (surgeon).
How can you help?
I have some savings, I have some things I can sell but it won't be enough to cover most of the expenses. Any amount you are willing and able to donate is helpful. That being said, there are some benefits to show my gratitude. I want to keep it fun so you can choose which type reward you would like while I incorporate some of the things I love to do:
Option one: I will bake you something from scratch/ or make you pineapple-mango jam, your choice.
Option two: I will sketch/paint a superhero of your choice.
Option three: I will send you a signed Star Wars trading card of my screen accurate TK and a high resolution image of me as a storm trooper.
Option four: I will make you a random craft, my choice. This could be something sewn, crocheted, mod podged, etc.
Option five: I will send you a CD of three songs I recorded over 10 years ago. (This option comes with the added benefit of getting to mock me mercilessly.)
Option six: I will make you a 2019 calendar from the pictures I've taken of my cats. Trust me on this, they are particularly adorable cats.
I love you guys and I love my life. I want the best chance to keep on living it. Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
-Jennifer
For the past few years my doctor has ended my annual check ups the same way, "Jennifer, when are you going to do genetic screening?" I have a family history of breast cancer and I've known for a while that breast cancer might be a risk for me. In the past, genetic testing has always been expensive and I put it off for several years. This year, however, I found a lab that did genetic testing for a reasonable price. I got the order from my doctor and sent off my sample without giving it too much thought. A few weeks later I got the call.
Positive for a BRCA2 gene mutation
I wasn’t prepared to hear a positive result, I mean I thought I would be. But I just wasn’t. I was full of questions, full of new worries. I am a single mom with a six year old son, what would this mean for him? The genetic counselor finished up the call by telling me to contact an oncologist to go over my options.
An oncologist? But I don’t have cancer….right?
Care for this type of diagnosis is confusing, you don’t automatically HAVE cancer. Because your chances of developing cancer are so high that standard of care dictates that you should meet with an Oncologist to discuss what type of monitoring and/or surgery you will need and what to look out for. Typically there are two options for a BRCA2 gene mutation. Monitor every 6 months with mammograms and MRI’s or a preventative mastectomy. This particular mutation also increases risk for developing other types of cancers besides breast so sometimes additional monitoring is needed.
After talking to an Oncologist, my OBGYN and a second genetic counselor it was decided that I am not a good candidate for monitoring. As a result, I have a mastectomy and reconstruction scheduled for September 20th, 2018 at Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in New Orleans.
Why New Orleans?
Do you have any allergies? Guess what I have an allergic reaction to after prolonged exposure? Silicone. And guess what usually harmless material is used in most breast reconstructions? You probably guessed it. However, there is one type of breast reconstruction, called a DIEP Flap reconstruction , where they use your own fatty tissue to remake your breast. No silicone! Awesome right? Unfortunately there are not many surgeons who are able to do this type of reconstruction and I have to travel.
How much will it cost?
· $8,000 Mastectomy and Reconstruction
· $1.900 Hospital Fees
· $3,265.19 Diagnostic Imaging
At this point you might be thinking, doesn't she have insurance? The answer is yes, I do have insurance. Let me explain to you a bit about how my plan works. Before my insurance pays ANYTHING I have to meet my deductible/out of pocket maximum. This includes things that are “covered” like my upcoming MRI. The MRI is a “covered expense” because of my diagnosis. However, since I have not yet met my deductible, I will need to pay 100% of the cost of the MRI ($930.60) myself. Still with me?
In Network vs. Out of Network:
It's also important to mention that my In Network deductible does NOT apply to my Out of Network deductible. The $4,000 I pay for In Network care (lab work ) will not apply towards the $8,000 for Out of Network care (surgeon).
How can you help?
I have some savings, I have some things I can sell but it won't be enough to cover most of the expenses. Any amount you are willing and able to donate is helpful. That being said, there are some benefits to show my gratitude. I want to keep it fun so you can choose which type reward you would like while I incorporate some of the things I love to do:
Option one: I will bake you something from scratch/ or make you pineapple-mango jam, your choice.
Option two: I will sketch/paint a superhero of your choice.
Option three: I will send you a signed Star Wars trading card of my screen accurate TK and a high resolution image of me as a storm trooper.
Option four: I will make you a random craft, my choice. This could be something sewn, crocheted, mod podged, etc.
Option five: I will send you a CD of three songs I recorded over 10 years ago. (This option comes with the added benefit of getting to mock me mercilessly.)
Option six: I will make you a 2019 calendar from the pictures I've taken of my cats. Trust me on this, they are particularly adorable cats.
I love you guys and I love my life. I want the best chance to keep on living it. Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
-Jennifer
Organizer
Jennifer Hayman
Organizer
Cape Coral, FL