Leah's Cancer Treatment
Donation protected
On March 22, 2021 I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
About 1 week prior, I noticed some skin changes on my breast that looked concerning. I immediately set up an appointment with my doctor, who found a lump on examination. I was sent for an ultrasound which showed a concerning mass. On March 18, I had a breast biopsy- four days later, the doctor called to tell me the pathology was positive for invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast.
I am 24 years old with no family history of breast cancer, so this came as a shock to everyone in my life. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to catch the skin changes when I did. I have estrogen receptor +, HER2+ invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. I will be requiring oral hormone-targeted medication, systemic chemotherapy, and surgery + radiation.
Due to my young age, I required some additional work up. So far, I have had:
~10 ultrasounds
breast biopsy
skin biopsy
lymph node biopsy
chest x-ray
mammogram
MRI
genetic testing
extensive blood work
fertility work-up and fertility preservation
PET scan
echocardiogram
I have an amazing team consisting of a surgical oncologist, medical oncologist, genetic counselor, and fertility specialist through Penn Medicine.
Unfortunately, because I require systemic chemotherapy, my ovarian function is at risk. There is a chance the chemotherapy will affect our ability to conceive naturally in the future. My doctors recommended I go through the process of IVF/fertility preservation. This process is time-consuming, expensive and not covered by insurance. My fiancée, Matt, and I have been together for 10 years this November and are getting married this October. Having a family has always been in our plans. This process takes about 2 weeks and has to be completed prior to starting chemotherapy on April 28th.
Due to my Her2 positivity and the cancer being in my lymph nodes, I will be receiving a four-drug regimen for chemotherapy. Two of the chemotherapies will cause hair loss. I have decided to use a therapy called ‘cold cap’ to hold onto as much hair as I can. This is also expensive and not covered by insurance.
I am closing in on finishing Physician Assistant school, a goal I have worked towards for 3 years. I am on track to graduate, but I will be unable to start my career due to the chemotherapy. Me and Matt are fortunate enough to have just bought our first home together, but because I will be unable to work, I will be unable to contribute to the bills.
My family and Matt have been supporting me through this process, but it pains me to have the financial burden fall on their shoulders. I find it very difficult to ask for help, especially financially. But we are talking about our future family and the financial burden of doctor’s appointments, treatment, and travel.
Please consider donating to help myself and my family during this time.
Thank you.
About 1 week prior, I noticed some skin changes on my breast that looked concerning. I immediately set up an appointment with my doctor, who found a lump on examination. I was sent for an ultrasound which showed a concerning mass. On March 18, I had a breast biopsy- four days later, the doctor called to tell me the pathology was positive for invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast.
I am 24 years old with no family history of breast cancer, so this came as a shock to everyone in my life. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to catch the skin changes when I did. I have estrogen receptor +, HER2+ invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. I will be requiring oral hormone-targeted medication, systemic chemotherapy, and surgery + radiation.
Due to my young age, I required some additional work up. So far, I have had:
~10 ultrasounds
breast biopsy
skin biopsy
lymph node biopsy
chest x-ray
mammogram
MRI
genetic testing
extensive blood work
fertility work-up and fertility preservation
PET scan
echocardiogram
I have an amazing team consisting of a surgical oncologist, medical oncologist, genetic counselor, and fertility specialist through Penn Medicine.
Unfortunately, because I require systemic chemotherapy, my ovarian function is at risk. There is a chance the chemotherapy will affect our ability to conceive naturally in the future. My doctors recommended I go through the process of IVF/fertility preservation. This process is time-consuming, expensive and not covered by insurance. My fiancée, Matt, and I have been together for 10 years this November and are getting married this October. Having a family has always been in our plans. This process takes about 2 weeks and has to be completed prior to starting chemotherapy on April 28th.
Due to my Her2 positivity and the cancer being in my lymph nodes, I will be receiving a four-drug regimen for chemotherapy. Two of the chemotherapies will cause hair loss. I have decided to use a therapy called ‘cold cap’ to hold onto as much hair as I can. This is also expensive and not covered by insurance.
I am closing in on finishing Physician Assistant school, a goal I have worked towards for 3 years. I am on track to graduate, but I will be unable to start my career due to the chemotherapy. Me and Matt are fortunate enough to have just bought our first home together, but because I will be unable to work, I will be unable to contribute to the bills.
My family and Matt have been supporting me through this process, but it pains me to have the financial burden fall on their shoulders. I find it very difficult to ask for help, especially financially. But we are talking about our future family and the financial burden of doctor’s appointments, treatment, and travel.
Please consider donating to help myself and my family during this time.
Thank you.
Organizer and beneficiary
Leah McDermott
Organizer
Sicklerville, NJ
Daniel McDermott
Beneficiary