4 weeks after starting chemo, the “new normal” is here. Kristen describes what it feels like to have no hair and as the physical effects of chemo present new challenges, she realizes that breast cancer could be what ends her life.
Kristen’s ongoing determination to quickly learn as much as she can about her situation leads to weird facts about real hair vs. nylon wigs and practical information for navigating nonprofits to qualify for financial support.
Ever the Pollyanna, she remains hell bent on approaching each day with positivity and courage as the chemo wears her body down.
Breast Cancer Angels https://www.breastcancerangels.org/
Cancer Angels of San Diego https://www.cancerangelsofsandiego.org/contact
Co-Pay Relief program through the Patient Advocate Foundation https://www.patientadvocate.org/connect-with-services/copay-relief/
Silicone Popsicle Molds https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QJC6QKD/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_glt_fabc_64Z1WTVYSSE6GF1X45T8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Bamboo Sleep Caps for hair loss https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y37GH6B/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_glt_fabc_SQX4B4C5N3FTAEYV3A16?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Meet Kristen’s doctors:
Surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera
https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview
Hematologist and Oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali
https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview
Plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella
https://www.drpacella.com/
Radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu
https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview
https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu
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