10/11/2022
After 16 rounds of chemo my tumor shrunk and made it safe to remove! About 2 weeks ago I got a double mastectomy to help reduce the % of reoccurrence! I decided to reconstruct my breast using my own skin and fat “DIEP FLAP” rather than the ONLY option that was given to me that would’ve been covered, expander & silicone reconstruction. I didn’t want a foreign object in my body nor did I want to settle for something that didn’t feel right to me. In my heart & gut I knew microsurgery was what I wanted and what would be safest for me in the long run, I knew it would come at a price as medical doesn’t cover this option. I truly hope this changes one day, & for insurance to cover all not just half! After such a hard battle women deserve to have options and alternatives without having to worry & stress about the cost!
I haven’t been able to work all year, I had to put my passion and business on hold. I have always been a hard worker! Being an immigrant child or “illegal” has never stopped me! I worked 3 jobs at one point with no days off, walking, taking the bus or asking for rides. No excuses! I’ve worked since I was 16. Disability and unemployment have continuously denied me.
At one point I felt it was easier to go for the easy option and do what would be covered, but I would be cheating myself! It’s been the hardest journey of my life, but I’m a fighter and I don’t fold easily! I’ve been my own advocate this whole journey & will continue to be even more so now as we all should be! I encourage you to read, learn, ask as a many questions as possible, look for other opinions & never settle for something that doesn’t feel right to you.
It takes a village to keep moving forward, we all have our own struggles but I know I could reach my goal by the end of this month. Thank you to these amazing DJs for taking the time & thank you guys for supporting me and loving me the way you do, it truly has been one of the most beautiful things I’ve experienced and felt!
This will also help as a reminder to get screened, get familiar with your body so you give yourself the opportunity to act fast when you or something doesn’t feel right. Get familiar with your family history.
