A message with updates from Jenn: 
 

SURGERY DATE (SCHEDULED) 

My surgery is scheduled for November 5th. I go in at 10:30 AM and should be able to leave by 6 PM that day. So far, I have a dear friend who will stay with me through November, minus Thanksgiving, when my mother will come down for the week to help care for me. I also have two or three other friends who’ve offered to come for extended weekends or longer to give my other caregivers a break. If this was you who offered please follow-up with me to schedule. I won’t have my biopsy results until likely November 10th, at which point I’ll know if I’ll be needing just one or two additional surgeries or whether radiation or chemotherapy is necessary. My second surgery could be scheduled as early as two weeks after the first, but no date will be set until we get the biopsy results. So that is still undecided. The best-case scenario is that all my treatments can be completed within 6 weeks starting November 5th, which means I could be cancer-free by my December 17th 50th birthday. I was hoping to celebrate by traveling outside the country for my 50th; however, since that’s no longer an option, I’ll take celebrating being cancer-free as my birthday gift this year. 

 

NEEDS (PROJECTED) 

I anticipate needing support from November 5th to December 15th, and possibly longer if more cancer is found. I may still need a place to stay in Nashville come December, which I’m discussing with a dear friend. I’ll need pet sitters for the days I have to be in the city for treatment. I will also need help around the house/land, prepared meals, companionship, and many reminders that I am loved! Having additional in-home care or rides to and from appointments may still be necessary, as I don’t want to rely solely on one person. Giving my caregiver breaks is really important. 

 

Lastly, I could use financial support, as my ability to work has significantly decreased due to bi-weekly appointments and all the time I spend on research, planning, and decision-making. Come November, my ability to work will be even more limited, and my expenses for alternative treatments (supplements, etc.), co-pays on doctor visits and treatments, and maintaining my animals/house/grounds have put me in a tight financial situation. 

 

I would be deeply grateful if you could help in any way. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Your support makes a difference! I’m Going to Survive Breast Cancer! 

 

Reminder of Optional Next Steps: 

Thank you to everyone who has already pitched in or offered to help! Love you all! 

 

You’re welcome to share points 2 and 3 with others. The rest can stay here. Thank you again.