I was living in Connecticut when I felt a pinch in my left breast and instantly knew something wasn't right. After visiting my gynecologist I was sent for an ultrasound, then a mammogram and finally a biopsy. The very next day I was on a plane with my two year old son Isaac to visit my little sister Valerie in Las Vegas, I had no time to worry about my biopsy results as my little sister was placed in hospice care after her 4 year battle with brain cancer.
On May 3, 2011 while in vegas I recieved a phone call that I never saw coming. My doctor on the other end of the line asked where I was, what my surroundings were and if I was sitting down.. I began to shake as I recieved the news of having an extreamly aggressive cancer. I was told I needed to return back to conneticut as soon as possible, that night I left Vegas. My life changed in an instant. Not only was I trying to mourn Valerie, who had passed away two days after I was diagnosed I quickly began my own battle. I began with doctor appointments, blood work, a shot that puts me through menopause ( I am still on this shot) and endless scans. During that time I was sent to Yale Genetics in hopes of figuring out the cause of my cancer. Since there hadn't been any cases in my family besides my sister and I. I recieved news that I carried a gene that only a few cases are found in the Country. I have the P53 gene mutation. Because of this gene, radiation was not an option as it can trigger tumor growth therefore all scans were limited.
A mere two weeks after I was diagnosed May 26, 2011 I underwent a bilateral mastectomy. As a 21 year old you don't expect to go through such a personal violation of your body. It was unbelievably difficult to breath due to the pain in my chest. Within the first week of recovery from this major surgery I had my 22nd Birthday, a birthday I will never forget. By the end of june I began my chemotherapy. In the second week of chemo I began to lose my hair. I continued to smile as I still had my trooper strands so I called the few strands that didn't fall out.
The doctors continuously told me not to worry as I would be back to normal in no time. While I was going through treatment I was hospitalized for dehydration, heat stroke, bronchitis, tonsillitis, asthma, pneumonia, resulting in a collapsed lung. I also developed a servere allergic reaction to CAT-scan IV contrast which I was coded for in the ER. I also developed a severe allergic reaction to my anti-nausea medication (compazine) which caused lock jaw. After all these complications my doctors realized how wrong they were about me.
As I fought daily I would run into tough situations, being a single mother I still had to care of my son. I feared my blood counts would get too low and my immune system would be nothing. Months passed and I still hadn't mourn my sister nor did I get to comprehend the changes my body went through. Finally at the end of November 2011 it was here, my last chemotherapy treatment. All I could think of was starting my life, getting back on my feet, going to school for massage therapy, work, and putting my son in daycare. I'm ready!!
I realized I was still in a battle. After doing some research I found out Las Vegas didn't offer public preschool. I still have plenty of surgeries to come. After calling surgeon after surgeon I found most offices did not accept my insurance and I wasn't about to just take anybody. After all, I didn't ask for this, why shouldn't I get the best care possible? A little over a year I found my doctor, a doctor who is understanding and willing to help me..
After long nights of anxiety I finally accepted the fact that I needed help and I was ready to admit it. Eventually in your life you will need help, whether it's moving, getting a ride, emotional or even financial help. After everything I've been through I'm ready to get help from anybody who understands my position to live normal once again. I truly thank you in advance for your generous offer.
-Rayleene Cruz