Dec. 01--Being diagnosed with and going through treatment for breast cancer has left a lot of uncertainties for Stephanie Duncan and her son, Brantley.
Duncan was diagnosed with breast cancer last June and underwent a double mastectomy.
She started chemotherapy the week of Thanksgiving last year and finished in March.
Then, after starting the breast reconstruction process, she developed an infection that forced doctors to remove the implants.
She continued the reconstruction a couple of months ago but had to have surgery in October to have the implants removed again because of infection.
The SoonerCare Breast and Cervical Cancer program has covered the medical costs related to the cancer, but Duncan hasn't been able to return to work, she said.
"I'm a single mother without child support. I was getting alimony, but that's run out. I've got zero income whatsoever," she said.
Duncan said the ordeal has led to a lot of uncertainty, including whether they'll be able to stay in their home.
"I can't pay the rent, electricity, gas, water, everything with zero income," she said. "I've been stressing every day financially. I never know where I'm going to end up or what I'm going to do."
She said she's on the five-year cancer pill
and has been denied disability twice.
Duncan still hopes to try reconstruction again, despite the previous complications.
"I feel if I was older, I probably wouldn't care about not having breasts, but I'm only 33 and single. It's something I want to have," she said.
She said one of the toughest things has been not being able to get out and play with her son.
"If I'm getting up off the couch, he'll come in and say 'Mommy, I'll help you up,' " she said. "Since I've been sick, my favorite thing is laying and cuddling him instead of playing outside."
She said everything has been hard on her son, too.
"He knows Mommy has breast cancer, but he doesn't really know what it is, just that it made me really sick," Duncan said. "Last year I didn't get to have Thanksgiving or Christmas with him because of the chemotherapy. I just want to have a good Thanksgiving and Christmas with my son."
But even with a good holiday season, the uncertainties remain.
"It's very stressful, not knowing day to day," she said. "Every day I have to worry if we're going to have a home, if I'm going to be able to keep it up, if I can make it through."
About the Neediest Families Fund Drive
The Neediest Families Fund Drive was established in 1928 to help Tulsa's poorest families find some peace and comfort for the holidays and the coming year.
This year's goal is to raise $325,000 by Christmas Eve.
In 2009, the fund collected $320,977.
Each Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday through the holiday season, the Tulsa World will spotlight families chosen by The Salvation Army to receive assistance through this year's fund.
None of the money raised is used for administrative costs, and cash is not given directly to the families. Instead, The Salvation Army issues vouchers for specific needs.
To help families such as the one featured today, send a check or money order to the Neediest Families Fund Drive, in care of the Tulsa World, P.O. Box 21920, Tulsa, OK 74121-1920.
Donations are tax-deductible, and donors can be anonymous.
Mike Averill 581-8489
mike.averill@tulsaworld.com
-----
To see more of the Tulsa World, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.tulsaworld.com.
Copyright (c) 2010, Tulsa World, Okla.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com.