Fundraiser for Brenda’s Uterine Surgery

Hi there! Before I go into the details, I just want to thank you for taking the time to learn more about my fundraiser and why I need your help.

So, let's start from the beginning...

Over the past couple of years I had been experiencing pains in my side around the time of my periods. As I had issues with hormonal imbalance in the past, doctors assumed this was the cause. I had several blood and urinary tests conducted and a couple of physical exams, but nothing out of the ordinary was reported. However, in the past few months the pains and discomfort became more frequent during the time of ovulation. I read about Mittelschmerz and figured that must be the cause.

Then on the night of 21st January 2021, the unimaginable happened. My father suddenly passed away due to COVID related health complications. As such, the shock, stress and grief made my symptoms much worse. The pain and discomfort has been constant ever since. Clearly, something was wrong. So I decided to heed the advice of those I had confided in, and went to get it checked it out by a Gynaecologist. During a full examination, namely during an ultrasound, that's where the cause of the issue was discovered.

Last Monday (1st March), some MRI scans were conducted and showed that there is an abnormal mass on the right side of my pelvis, attached to my uterus. It has been confirmed that I do indeed have a 6.5cm tumour on the right side attached to the uterine wall. It's believed to be a Subserosal Fibroid, which is fairly common in women of reproductive age, otherwise known as a Leiomyoma.

However, due to the size, location and pressure it is placing on both my urinary tract and kidneys, I have to have the tumour surgically removed sooner rather than later. I will have to complete some blood tests this week in order to obtain the markers required to check for malignancy, though the likelihood of it being a Sarcoma is very low. However, during the removal operation, a biopsy will need to be conducted for further testing to rule it out entirely.

A specialist team will be conducting the operation called a laparoscopy. This is a form of key hole surgery where the tumour is broken down and safely removed from small incisions made in the abdomen. It is less invasive than some other procedures. As such, it provides a better recovery and reduces the likelihood of any complications, extensive blood loss or new tumours being formed. The expected recovery time with this surgery is only a week, so it really is my best option.

Of course, due to it being conducted by a specialist team and it being somewhat too time sensitive to wait for, if even possible, a referral through the public health system, there is a large cost involved which I am unable to cover by myself at this time.

This is where you can come in! If you would like to support me by helping me fund the surgery, please feel free to place a donation here. All of the donations are going straight to a savings account specifically for the surgery, biopsy, overnight stay and specialist team.

My appointments are being funded by myself, the scans and tests were partially covered by my national health insurance, unfortunately, it doesn't cover the surgery itself.

Even the smallest amount helps, so please don't feel like you need to donate a huge amount. Also, please only donate if you wish to and you are in the position where it's comfortable for you to do so. Any and all support is greatly appreciated, even if it's simply sharing my fundraising page.

Again, thank you so much for taking the time to read this. It's an unusual circumstance, and it's strange for me to share a health issue so publicly, but at this time it is necessary. I am being guided to do so, not just for monetary assistance, but also complete transparency on my part.

Sending you my love, warmth and full appreciation.
Brenda xo