My name is Michelle Barlow and I am 49 yrs old. I live with my husband and our 2 dogs. We also help care for our autistic grandson 2 days a week.

I worked in medical field for 22 yrs. When I left the field I was being treated for ptsd, depression and anxiety.  Also diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, and rheumatoid arthritis. I have since filed for disability. My husband is self employed.  Before my current diagnosis of breast cancer I was averaging 1-2 visits a week. Now with my cancer I have about 2-3 appointments a week. And I am about to start treatment for my breast cancer. It has caused a huge financial burden. We have slowly fallen behind on rent and utilities. Money raised will go directly to rent and utilities.  Now we are in holiday season and we have lost all spirit. 

My story begins in September of this year. We had just buried my mom's sister after her battle with lung cancer. I asked my mom to get a lung cancer. So she made a deal with me that if I did my mammogram she would do her lung scan. I made my appointment and was told I needed an ultrasound to examine 2 lumps in my left breast. I already knew about one of them so I was not worried. My husband dropped me off and waited in parking lot. It started off as a normal ultrasound until the end. The tech excused herself from the room and brought in radiologist. All of a sudden my anxiety picked up and I was taken back 29 yrs ago. See 29 yrs ago my son was 21 months old. We noticed an abnormal size difference in his testicle. The doctor ordered an ultrasound and when I was sitting there with my baby boy she excused herself from the room and brought in another person. They did a few more images and left the room. Finally after what seemed to be an eternity she reappeared and told me dr was on lunch and he wanted to see me. I went across the bridge to medical building and he explained to me that it was 12:30 and my son needed bloodwork and was scheduled for surgery at 3. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer. So now my head was spinning. The radiologist was explaining the next steps and I was 29 yrs ago. I got dressed and was directed to a room and was told to have my husband come in. The RN explained to both of us that I was a categor 5 and had cancer. She explained that everything was going to go very quickly.  As the weeks followed I had biopsy, MRI, scout placement,  chest xray, bloodwork,  genetic testing,  surgery, infection drained from under scar, met with radiology oncologist I have to have 6 weeks 5 days a week and tomorrow to meet with medical oncologist to see if I need chemotherapy. And I will need hormone deprivation therapy.

We appreciate any help that is given. The generosity of others is amazing. Thank you again. God bless.