Hello World… In April 2025, I was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma (DCIS) a non-invasive form of breast cancer that develops in the milk ducts of the breast. 

After a mastectomy (removal of my left breast) my surgical oncologist visited me in my hospital room and explained to my family and I that during surgery she noticed some abnormal tissue that was thickened and very hard. She said she sent a sample off and it was determined to be cancerous. She told us that she sent off the lymph nodes that she removed and would advise the results once she received them. Those returned cancerous as well.

I was scheduled to start chemo on July 6, 2025 but that was slightly delayed after I was admitted into the hospital on June 28th. I was taken to the ER after experiencing extremely bad abdominal pain. Scans showed that I had a bowel obstruction that was caused by a tumor.
 

I had a biopsy done and I was told by my medical oncologist that the cancer had spread to my pelvic area. Because the cells were consistent with those found in the breast I am now Stage 4.

I have also been struggling with lymphedema and superficial blood clots throughout this journey so I have been in a doctor’s office 4-5 days out of the week since the beginning of the year when my symptoms first started.

With that being said, I have been unable to work. I have reached out to several different resources in attempt to get some type of financial relief. I received a $400 donation after my patient Navigator with Susan G Komen reached out to me and told me they are still on a pause but had received some funding and was able to submit a few applications for a small donation.  Others that I’ve reached out to was not accepting any applications for donations.

I was also in contact with a non profit organization in my area who is willing to assist with some bills, but they send all of their donated funds to the hospitals and the hospital disburse the funds. Unfortunately, the hospital that I am treated at requires a W9 to assist. What I thought would be simple, turned out to be a fight because companies are not willing to give me their W9. Although I’ve called repeatedly and spoke to several different reps and explained my situation they still refuse to send me their W9.

I have been stressing about getting my bills paid, not knowing if I’ll have a car after not being able to receive a W9 to get assisted, and just recently I realized one of the 3 storage units I had after having to move in February had been auctioned off.

I’m a single mother with a son that is a senior in college, an 8yr old and a 2yr old. My top priority is providing for them and with everything going on I lost track of time with that one particular storage.

I realized how much I’ve been stressing and I know it is not healthy for the healthiest person so I definitely know it’s not healthy for me. This is the reason I am seeking help. I’ve been working since the age of 15 and around the clock ever since I graduated high school. That’s all I know, hard work! And now that I’m not able to work I feel completely lost and like I’m losing everything.

I am asking for any help that you’re able to provide, even if it’s just sharing this!

Thank you in advance! Be blessed!