It was a Friday afternoon and I was showering and while washing my right upper arm I just happened to feel a firmness to my right breast near my armpit. Immediately after getting out the shower I called to schedule a mammogram and as it happened they had an opening immediately. So with wet hair and no make-up I went and had a routine style mammogram. A few days later, on Monday I got the results that there was a suspicious mass that they wanted diagnostic images. So I went on Thursday of that week to have a diagnostic mammogram followed by a diagnostic ultrasound of my right breast.

I found out at this appointment that I had a 95-97% probability that the mass was cancerous. Then a needle biopsy of the mass was scheduled and then performed. It felt like a long time while waiting for the biopsy result because I was anxious about what the results were going to show.

The biopsy came back as positive for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, which was found to be Estrogen receptor positive, Progesterone receptor positive, and HER2 negative. Surgery was then scheduled for bilateral mastectomies.

I had bilateral mastectomies on August 21, 2025. I started chemo on Sept. 29th, however I had an anaphylactic reaction to Taxotere. I will begin another type of chemo starting on Oct. 6 which I will have once a week for 12 weeks. Once chemo is done I will begin 25 treatments of radiation. 

I am a single mom with two daughters still at home. My younger one is a senior in high school. While I've been on disability leave from work I have been doing my best at managing my household responsibilities, animal care, and yard work as I have been able while recuperating from surgery and going through my treatments. My chemo treatments went from being once every three weeks to once a week, and I am concerned whether I will be feeling well enough to be able to work during the next 6 months. I worry about my ability to provide for my family and maintain our home and not fall behind on my financial obligations during treatment and recovery.

The thought of this fundraiser being held for my family is very emotional for me. I thought I'd have to figure out cancer all by myself, but I have been proved wrong. USACS always finds ways to support each other during difficult times and I am humbled that my family was thought of and chosen to receive help during this difficult and very scary time.

Any gift we receive will be used for our monthly utility bills, house payment, car payment-including added expenses of gas and parking deck fees-as well as my additional nutritional needs and comfort items that make coping with side effects of treatment a bit easier. The gifts would allow me to focus on getting well instead of stressing myself and my body to rush back to work too soon in order to make ends meet. 

I am, by nature, a very motivated person and right now I'm extremely motivated by the desire to be here and healthy for my daughters and to hopefully be able to enjoy whatever the future holds for them.

Faith in the Lord gives me strength. I may not know the plans He has for me, but I do know He means good, not harm. Even if I don't have positive outcomes I will praise Him. Scriptures such as Romans 5:3-4, Hebrews 4:16, and 1 Peter 5:7 are close to my heart during this time. Family and friends keep me strong with all the support and love they've given.

Thank you in advance for your gracious gifts. I know the current times are difficult for everyone and it is very kind and generous that you have chosen to share with Emily, Avery, and me. Receiving a gift is a special and humbling feeling, and I look forward to a time that I will be able to bless someone else with the kindness that has been showered on my family.