My Breast Cancer Journey

Hello, my name is Judy.

I am 67 years old and on June 2, 2023 I had a guided needle ultrasound biopsy of both of my breasts due to suspicious areas shown after my mammogram. I received the call on June 6, 2023 that I had cancer in both of my breasts. I live in a small town in New Mexico that has limited access to the care and treatment I need for my breast cancer. In the town I live; I am able to get the mammograms and MRI's needed for diagnosis. However, I will need to travel back and forth to Albuquerque NM; which is about a 4 hour drive one way for me. The facility I need to go to specailizes in breast cancer treatment and surgery which is where I need to go for the help I need to manage this cancer.

I do have health insurance which will cover some of the treatment but not all of the treatment/surgery because of high co-pays. Because of the drive and time needed to spend in Albuquerque, I will need hotel accomadations for myself, my husband & 2 dogs. I cannot leave my dogs at home to travel for a day or longer in order to get the treatment I need and also when the time comes for surgery. Therefore I will need hotel accomadations each time I need to travel to Albuquerque, which will be an expense that is unexpected as well.

I'm a proud person and do not like to ask for help; but I see no other option than to seek assistance. I am checking all resources around me in hopes that I will get a positive response soon on the ones I have reached out to.

My first appointment in Albuquerque is July 21, 2023 for a consultation with the the breast cancer surgeon to go over the results of the MRI I had July 7, 2023. She will tell me what my next steps are and probably schedule surgery at that time.

I am terrified of this journey I am beginning at this stage in my life.