My name is Claudia Vela-Kechichian, I am a mother of 2 girls (4 yr. old/8 yr. old) and a school librarian with Magnolia ISD. At the end of this school year, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Triple Positive Breast Cancer. Since then the medical bills have added up quickly with additional testing, procedures, and eventually surgery. Radiation will also follow surgery. My husband works out of town and will need to take time off to help with my care at some point. I will also need to take an extended leave in the future due to my surgery and radiation (will be everyday for 4 weeks). My oncology nurse navigator shared that radiation will leave me feeling fatigued. I am worried about depleting my extended leave and ending up with no pay while still having to pay for my insurance to continue coverage during this time. I am hanging in there emotionally, but I am overwhelmed with the amount of financial burden on my family. Any funds donated will go directly to my medical expenses. Thank you for empowering me to fight this battle.
A personal message: Please do self-evaluations for breast cancer. I had a clear mammo and ultrasound last summer. Less than a year later, I found the cancerous lump. My general doctor, Dr. Paz, ordered a mammo and ultrasound which lead to a biospy and confirmed the suspicion. I believe that my self evaluation is the reason that we caught it at a stage 1.
The Silver Lining: I look for the blessings in everything. Yes, I was completely devestated when I recieved my diagnosis but once I knew that it was treatable I focused on being grateful. I am grateful that I live near the medical hub for cancer care. I am also grateful that I was divinely directed to compassionate doctors that helped me feel seen and cared for (Dr. Fiser and Dr. Shiang). I am grateful that we found this at a treatable stage and that I WILL survive this!
