My Journey
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As I sit here reflecting on my Journey with Breast Cancer, I realize that it began many years before my diagnosis. My Mom was first diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 2000, had a mastectomy of her left breast in March 2001, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. Because my Mother and I were very close, I went to Georgia and stayed for 10 months while she was undergoing treatment. She was cancer free for 15 years. She was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time in 2016 and was scheduled for a mastectomy of her right breast followed by chemo and radiation. So in 2016, I went back to Georgia and stayed several months so I would again be there for her treatments.
In January 2017, I went for my routine mammogram and had my physical in June of 2017. In July of 2017, while taking a shower, I found a large lump. I contacted my doctor and went in for an appointment. At that time, I was scheduled for mammogram and a diagnostic breast sonogram. On August 3rd, I was diagnosed with stage II Triple Negative breast cancer. In the same month, my Mother was diagnosed for a third time with the same type of breast cancer. However, her cancer had metastasized and had spread to her brain and lungs.
When she was admitted to the hospital, I was undergoing chemotherapy. With my doctor’s permission, I was only able to spend one week with her before I had to return home for my treatment. I called her everyday and continued to pray with her, even when she was no longer able to respond. On November 22, 2017, I called to talk to her and pray with her. As I ended our conversation with my daily proclamation, “I love you to the moon and beyond” she took her last breath. My heart broke into a million pieces. She was a Survivor and a fighter until the very end. I often wonder if she had to leave in order for me to stay.
Since then, I have had several biopsies, scans, iron infusion and five surgeries. When you hear breast cancer, you think it is only in the breast, but my cancer was also in my axillary tail and lymph nodes. The removal of my lymph nodes has caused severe swelling and pain in my left arm. I had eight rounds of chemotherapy and I am currently in physical therapy to gain full use of my arms in order to prepare for radiation. I will have my final surgery three to six months after I complete radiation.
The highlight of my journey was discovering that my PPO only covered 85 percent of my medical expenses. The doctors bills for my treatment have been overwhelming and I have tried to find ways to cover the expenses without asking for help. I now owe upwards of $18,000.
Friends and family have asked what they can do to help. The most immediate need I have is assistance with covering my medical expenses. Your donations would be very much appreciated. Thank you in advance for all of your support. I thank God for you!
In January 2017, I went for my routine mammogram and had my physical in June of 2017. In July of 2017, while taking a shower, I found a large lump. I contacted my doctor and went in for an appointment. At that time, I was scheduled for mammogram and a diagnostic breast sonogram. On August 3rd, I was diagnosed with stage II Triple Negative breast cancer. In the same month, my Mother was diagnosed for a third time with the same type of breast cancer. However, her cancer had metastasized and had spread to her brain and lungs.
When she was admitted to the hospital, I was undergoing chemotherapy. With my doctor’s permission, I was only able to spend one week with her before I had to return home for my treatment. I called her everyday and continued to pray with her, even when she was no longer able to respond. On November 22, 2017, I called to talk to her and pray with her. As I ended our conversation with my daily proclamation, “I love you to the moon and beyond” she took her last breath. My heart broke into a million pieces. She was a Survivor and a fighter until the very end. I often wonder if she had to leave in order for me to stay.
Since then, I have had several biopsies, scans, iron infusion and five surgeries. When you hear breast cancer, you think it is only in the breast, but my cancer was also in my axillary tail and lymph nodes. The removal of my lymph nodes has caused severe swelling and pain in my left arm. I had eight rounds of chemotherapy and I am currently in physical therapy to gain full use of my arms in order to prepare for radiation. I will have my final surgery three to six months after I complete radiation.
The highlight of my journey was discovering that my PPO only covered 85 percent of my medical expenses. The doctors bills for my treatment have been overwhelming and I have tried to find ways to cover the expenses without asking for help. I now owe upwards of $18,000.
Friends and family have asked what they can do to help. The most immediate need I have is assistance with covering my medical expenses. Your donations would be very much appreciated. Thank you in advance for all of your support. I thank God for you!
Organizer
Dinneen Beswick Wills
Organizer
Kettering, MD