HAVING CANCER WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT THE COSTS - SURVIVOR STORY

I reported for my regular mammogram in August 2021 and later received a call from the breast center asking me to return for additional imaging. I returned 6 days later for another mammogram and was asked to wait while it was reviewed. They came and said I needed an ultrasound to investigate further. I asked if it would take long since I had another appointment elsewhere in the building. It didn’t occur to me that this could be serious; I was only concerned about getting to my next appointment on time.

After the ultrasound they asked me to come back the next day for a biopsy. I had a sense of God-given peace as I reported for the procedure, and it went smoothly. Mary, the breast navigator, called me Monday with the results. I had Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and Ductal Carcinoma in Situ. The tumor was very small – just 5 mm. I had shared all of this with my husband but not the rest of my family. My only concern was comforting them and assuring them that there was nothing to be concerned about. Everything was going to be alright. I’ll have a lumpectomy and depending on what they find from the lymph node biopsy, possibly some radiation. I began to think about the financial repercussions of a cancer diagnosis. But, again, I thought I’ll have the lumpectomy and any additional treatment before the end of the year without any cost to us. After all we had already met our deductible.

My husband and I met with the surgeon, and he told us the lymph node was negative for malignancy and he had removed the tumor with an acceptable clear margin around it. Great! Report to oncology and be done with it! It wasn’t until we met with the oncologist that I fully understood the extent of my cancer. Yes, my tumor was tiny, but it merited the highest (worst) grade in all three categories of assessment. I would be required to have extensive chemotherapy treatment along with radiation. My mind immediately went to the cost again. We had a $3000 deductible. We usually meet this during the year. One of these treatments would cost more than that! How would we pay for it?

When we went for the first treatment the social worker, Jessica, asked us about what we did for a living and our financial situation. She told us about Beyond Pink TEAM and said she would apply for a grant for us. A few weeks later we got notice that we would receive a $1500 grant

that we could use for medical bills. What a relief! I am sharing my story to say THANK YOU to all of you who donated money, time, and resources with Beyond Pink. Your generosity is overwhelming!

I am nearly done with treatment. I finished chemotherapy last May and radiation in June. I am still undergoing IV treatment until February 2023

due to the HER2+ status of my tumor but I am feeling well and doing well! Again, THANK YOU!

NOTE: Grants are available from the Beyond Pink Fund. Talk with your social worker, navigator, or check out BPT website, Beyondpinkteam.org/financial for more information.