Tests, tests and more tests
Crystal had ultrasounds, bone scan and xray on this past Tuesday to see if there are anymore cancer concerns as well as to get a baseline of her health for treatment. She then had a MUGA scan done on Friday to check her heart health/blood flow to get a baseline before chemo as some chemo drugs can affect the heart. This is to get a better treatment plan in place.
Meeting oncologist tomorrow
She also got a call to meet with oncologist on Monday (tomorrow). So we are feeling good knowing the treatment process will finally start soon but we are also nervous about the results of all the extra tests since this process was already delayed due to lab techs not signing off on her diagnostic biopsies a few weeks ago. The longer this goes, the scarier it gets. But we are also being more positive as we began researching more about breast cancers and feel more positive about it all.
Another kidney stone?
While she was pregnant with Sam, she had a kidney stone that completely blocked off her kidney and caused blood poisoning. She had to follow through rest of pregnancy with a kidney stent then had to have the stones removed and chipped away during surgery once she was in good health again to do the surgery. She got results back from a recent xray for it and it shows thickening. They are not sure what it is, if it is a kidney stone or just damage from the previous ordeal. We won't know for awhile but they do wish to do a cat-scan to get more information.
Sick building / need to move ASAP
Since the chemo will be hard on her immune system, Crystal will need to keep healthy and keep exposure to pathogens and whatnot to a minimum.
The issue we are facing is that the apartment we live in has issues that affect health. We have had leaks into the crawl spaces (and down into the bedrooms) during the winter that has caused a mildew smell in the building that we can't seem to get rid of (basement is wet and moldy, always has been). As well, leaky windows, inability to keep the room air conditioned in a cost-effective way due to the gabel ends being open year-round. Hornets, mice, etc. The owner is unwilling/unable to repair anything so we are looking for a CLEAN & SAFE 3-4 bedroom appartment or house to rent. There is also issues with the water. We don't drink it or cook with it as it changes color frequntly and stinks like chemicals and clay at other times. We are always stuffed up here and we worry how that will affect her during her chemo treatment.
Being a small town, apartments are not easy to find and when they are found, usually suffer from the same issues. Also, houses for rent right now all seem to be for sale. We can't risk an eviction mid-treatment due to house being sold.
If anyone has information on a 3-4 bedroom apt or house for rent, please let us know. If any home owners/renters trying to sell their homes are up for realtor contract renewals soon, we would love it if an owner could hold off a year or two on the sale so we could rent the home during her recovery without fear of having it sold out from under us (been there before).
We are even willing to rent-to-own but are unable to finance a loan at this time due to the treatments and my being self employed with no "proof" of income on paper until I am switched to payroll next month. Then, it will take a few years to build credit up.
Any information or direction on this would be greatly appreciated and bring a huge stress off our family.
This is our biggest worry right now because otherwise, we would have to move to Fredericton or Moncton to find a place at a much higher cost of living and we would be too far away from many people who offer support and help trough all of this. She wishes to stay close to her family, friends and support system.
The Kids
The children seem, so far, unaffected by anything. Sadie knows mommy is sick and may lose her hair before she can get better, but that's all for right now. Sam is too young to know any different.
Support
The support from friends, family and even strangers is amazing! We keep getting emails and messages from people we don't even know who are offering advice, words of encouragement and donations as well as from people we haven't heard from in ages. We appreciate ALL the help from everyone. Thank you very very much!
Share share share!
Please continue to share this fundraiser page on twitter/faceboook/tumblr/reddit/etc. The more exposure, the more people will know breast cancer does affect young women. This is the most important part about this fundraiser to us, is to raise awareness and if it saves just 1 family from this ordeal, our mission is a success!
I have contacted media outlets, but there's 0 interest. Unanswered emails. So, please forward this to them too, if you have the time. Lets put the pressure! We want people to know about this. Too many young families are dealing with this that shouldn't be, when a simple breast exam done often is all that is needed to catch things before is actual cancer. ALL lumps need checked. ALL changes in breast size, need checked, too! Young women should be getting yearly mammograms, period. There is NO excuse not to. Statistically, the risk is minimal for young women, but some as young as 13 have lost their lives to this and seems to be increasing in likelihood as the years go on. Years ago, it was an old-woman's disease, now its everyone's, males too!
Also, maybe with media exposure, we could get a line on a safer place for her recovery.
Thank you everyone for the support, we will update you all on the oncologist appointment either tomorrow or the following day. Again, thank you everyone for everything!
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