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Melinda's Wish for Awareness & a Cure

By Melinda Walsh

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$19,973

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$50,000

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My Stage 3 Lobular Breast Cancer 'Journey'

Hi!

I have decided to share ‘the details’ of my breast cancer ‘journey’ in the hope that it will remind all adults (both men and women) to check their breasts every month! 

 

Also, for women to request regular breast ultrasounds in their 20’s and 30’s and request a mammogram and a biopsy if something does not look or feel normal, especially during or after pregnancy as hormones can be a contributing factor to breast cancer.  


Please do not wait until you are 40 to have a mammogram every 2 years.  I believe that the recommended age needs to be changed to at least 30, due to the huge number of women with breast cancer under the age of 30.


And most importantly, as in my case, if your scans come back normal, or report that it is 'just a breast returning to normal after breastfeeding' and you know it is not normal, insist on a biopsy, because if I did not have one when I did, I would be making memories now.

 

1 in 7 women and 1 in 675 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia.

 

Early detection is crucial to ensure it does not spread to organs.

 

So, I finished breastfeeding Lucy in December 2019. In January 2020 I felt a large section that had not returned to normal in Mrs Right. It felt like milk that had not let down. I had heard this could happen and a Dr can syringe it out. So off I went to see my GP who knew my breasts well as I have been seeing her for over 20 years for breast checks, with her referring me for ultrasounds and mammograms over the past 10 years due to having dense breasts.

 

My GP referred me for a mammogram and an ultrasound. Both reports said that they cannot see anything sinister, just a breast returning to normal after breastfeeding.

 

When Mrs Right had still not returned to normal in May 2020, I phoned my GP who referred me for another ultrasound. Once again the report said that they cannot see anything sinister and recommended another ultrasound in 3 months.

 

Thankfully my GP thought to refer me to a breast surgeon/oncologist who sent me for a biopsy as it is his protocol. He too thought it was just returning to normal after breastfeeding.

 

A week later came the phone call I will never forget. My surgeon telling me that I had Stage 3 Lobular Breast Cancer. Could James and I meet with him first thing the next morning.

 

Lobular makes up 20% of breast cancers, with the most common being ductal at 80%.

 

Ductal is clearly seen on a mammogram and ultrasound. It is a lump in the duct that can sometimes be felt, but not in all cases therefore regular mammograms are crucial.

 

Lobular is like looking at a cloud. It is extremely hard to detect on mammogram, ultrasound or by examination, especially in dense breasts. It is contained in the lobe.

 

Due to having Hugh, Isla and Lucy so close together, my breasts either felt like pregnant or breastfeeding breasts. They were checked by my Obstetrician and GP each pregnancy.

 

For the next week I felt PARALYZED not knowing if the cancer had spread to my organs. Not knowing how big a fight I had.

 

The week was filled with a bone scan, MRI, CT, ECG and bloods. I had many overwhelming tears that week as all I could think about was that this could not be it. I have a 15 month old, 3 year old and a 5 year old who need their Mum. That was my toughest week.

 

When James and I walked out of my surgeon’s room after him telling us that it had not spread to any organs, relief is an understatement! Smiling and laughing and breathing again! A moment etched in my memory forever. We were totally not phased that we had just been told I had to have a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and ovarian suppression drugs for 10 years!!!

 

The following week Mrs Right was removed in over 6 hours of surgery with 14 nights in hospital. The cancer was a huge 8.5x6.3x5.2cm YES CENTIMETRES! and had been there for a minimum of 3+ years. My surgeon said I felt the tip of the iceberg. Simply unbelievable.

 

Unfortunately, the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes with 21 out of the 24 removed being cancer. The removal has caused cording, numbness and loss of movement in my arm so I still have regular Physiotherapy sessions.

 

There are many different types and forms of chemotherapy. I have completed 4 x fortnightly intravenous sessions of Adriamycin and Cytoxan which made my hair fall out after the second dose, along with many other horrible side effects. If losing my hair was the only side effect, chemotherapy would be a breeze!

 

I have also completed 3 out of 12 weekly intravenous sessions of a different drug called Paclitaxel. Unfortunately, I was not able to complete the remaining 9 sessions due to developing Pneumonitis in my lungs as a side effect of Paclitaxel.  I had to take the steroid Dexamethasone for 6 weeks which caused insomnia, mood swings, fluid retention especially in my face, eating like a crazy women etc.  I also had to take an antibiotic called Septrin which caused an allergic reaction of a severe red rash over my body, so I had to cease taking it.

 

After several months and several lung function tests and lung CT’s, my lungs recovered.

 

I then started Radiation Therapy for 28 days in a row.  Another 8 days in a row of saline soaks and dressing changes due to severe radiation burns.


I had been so brave and so strong until this point and thought that I would be so happy to be almost finished treatment.  However, the opposite happened.  I started to unravel mentally and emotionally.  

 

My anxiety attacks started.  The realisation that I had Stage 3 breast cancer.  The realisation that I could die due to the cancer being in 21 lymph nodes.  The thought of leaving my 3 babies was heart shattering.

 

I am now receiving the help I need to get through the next stage of my ‘journey’.  I have started medication for anxiety and I have regular sessions with a psychologist at The Kinghorn Cancer Centre.

 

Mrs Left breast and my ovaries will be removed as a prevention as after genetic testing I found out I have the PALB2 gene. Similar to the BRACA2 gene, but it has only been tested since 2014. They will also remove the expander I have in Mrs Right to keep my skin stretched during treatment and put in an implant or tissue from my stomach. So, I will have a whole new set!

 

I have also started ovarian suppression therapy which entails a monthly injection into my stomach and a daily tablet for 10 years as the cancer is driven by hormones. My body has been put into instant menopause, which has been tough physically and emotionally considering it should be a natural gradual process!

 

All treatment is an insurance policy as I could have little cancer seeds in my body that do not show on scans so in the words of my surgeon he wants to do everything possible to get me another 40+ years. Yes you do Mr surgeon. Yes you do.

 

Just when life was meant to start getting easier for us after the 4 year struggle to have our babies and the chaos of 3 newborns! However, I am trying to look at this as glass half full.  If the cancer was found 3+ years ago we would not have our babies. If it was not found for another year, it would have spread to my organs. It has been found at the right time.

 

So, day by day I fight to ensure this insidious disease has left my body and never comes back! My mantra is ‘It is tough but I am tougher!!!’.


I will continue to raise money to fund research to find a cure.  If not for me, for our 3 babies who have a 50% chance of having the PALB2 gene.  Research is the only way to change the outcome for current and future generations to come. 


Please see the 'National Breast Cancer Foundation' website if you would like to learn more.  They have a lot of information.  Their goal is zero deaths by 2030. 

www.nbcf.org.au

#zeroby2030


Love & Light,

Melinda xx

My Updates

6 OCTOBER 2021 - AR$E KICKER

Tuesday 12th Oct
Cancer punched me in the breast so I KICKED IT IN THE AR$E!!!???

As my cancer was Stage 3C due to the large size of 8.5cm & it spreading to 21 of 23 lymph nodes removed, the protocol is only to scan if I have ‘symptoms’.

As cancer had spread to my lymph nodes, there could be little seeds anywhere in my body that chemo & radiation didn’t kill, meaning they could sprout at any time. This means it has metastasized into Stage 4. 

Depending where it is, you can try treatment again, but you are pretty much told to start making memories as the cancer is highly likely to keep sprouting elsewhere.

Knowing this, I requested a full body CT & bone scan prior to further surgery because I didn’t want to put myself or my family through preventative surgery if cancer had already spread. 

I was a total mess with anxiety having these scans as it took me straight back to the scans that diagnosed my cancer. They even took a breast biopsy, but thank god it was just fluid leftover from my mastectomy. Waiting for all of the results was just as debilitating as the first.

SCANS SHOW NO SIGN OF CANCER!!!

PATHOLOGY RESULTS FROM THE REMOVAL OF MY OVARIES, ORGAN WASHES & UTERUS BIOPSY SHOW NO SIGN OF CANCER!!!

I’m doing everything possible to prevent Stage 4 by having Mrs Right removed, chemo, radiation, ovaries removed and Mrs Left being removed as soon as Covid permits.

Plus I’m an extremely lucky 1 of 5000 people worldwide with Stage 3 breast cancer to be on a 3 year trial drug to see if it prevents Stage 4. Please God.

It’s actually hard to celebrate these wins & ‘put pen to paper’ about them because I have the rest of my life to worry unless a cure is found ??? & I don’t want to jinx it, but I think it’s important to celebrate every little win because this road is dark. 

So HIP HIP HOORAY!!! 
FU@K YOU CANCER!!! 

Love & Light

23 SEPTEMBER 2021 - MY OVARIES

Tuesday 12th Oct
- Right mastectomy TICK
- Chemotherapy TICK
- Radiation Therapy TICK
- Ovaries removed
- Left mastectomy / Right expander removed / Double reconstruction 
- Portocath removed

This Thursday I get to TICK off another step on ‘my journey’ to putting what feels like a nightmare I can’t wake up from behind me and start rebuilding my life. 

As my breast cancer was hormone driven, my ovaries have to go. They were put to sleep by chemo and have remained asleep with a daily tablet and monthly injection into my stomach. I’ll be happy not to have the injection any more as it’s a beast of a needle that really hurts!!! 

I found out that I had a basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer) on my lower left leg prior to my breast cancer diagnosis.? Due to the location on my leg, it will require a skin graft and time off my leg so with 3 little kids I took the option of a cream, but unfortunately it didn’t kill it.  

So to kill 2 birds with 1 stone, my breast plastic surgeon is going to also attend Thursday’’s surgery and cut out 3 skin cancers - the other 2 are small ones on my face. 

I’m starting to feel like a bit of a patchwork quilt!!!

I’m dreading the anxiety that is building; saying bye to James and the kids; the same lift underground and the walk down the corridor to the waiting room I know well from my mastectomy and lung biopsy; waking up in recovery and feeling like I’ve been hit by a truck; the riggers I get after anaesthetic which is a feeling of being cold and my whole body shaking uncontrollably; the bed pan and the sadness of why I’m there. I’m dreading the pathology results.

I will continue to spread awareness, help fund research for a cure and keep on fighting! I will do whatever it takes to be here another 40 plus years!!! 

Have you done your breast check this month?!? 

Love & Light 

6 JULY 2021 - MY FRO

Sunday 22nd Aug
Embracing my FROOO!!! 

Sooo thick and Sooo curly!  Just what I have always wanted NOT!!!

Kids think it is hilarious!

25 JUNE 2021 - 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY - CANCER DIAGNOSIS

Sunday 22nd Aug
1 year ago tomorrow I was told that I have STAGE 3 lobular breast cancer.

And what a year it has been! Mastectomy, Chemotherapy, Pneumonitis, Radiation, Radiation burns, Anxiety attacks.

My medical team said that you are never the same person after a cancer diagnosis. My cancer has changed EVERYTHING and NOTHING.

I am still dealing with exhaustion and physical pain from the expander to the shrinkage of my muscles, ligaments and nerve pain from Radiation. My lungs have still not recovered. I have major joint pain.

However, my biggest challenge now is MENTAL.  I am struggling 24/7 that the cancer will spread.

I knew I needed to put my hand up for help when I started to unravel and have what I now know are anxiety attacks. I did not know what was happening to me. The scariest one was when I was driving and had all 3 kids in the car. I am now getting the help I need with an Oncology Psychologist as well as medication.

I am incredibly lucky to be 1 of only 5000 people worldwide to be taking part in a trial drug thanks to my Oncologist. The drug has had excellent results in patients where their cancer has spread. It has stopped the growth of some cancers and prolonged lives.

My trial is to see if the drug stops cancer from spreading. It is a simple 2 tablets a day for 3 years, but with intensive monitoring of bloods, ecg’s etc

Hoping and praying this little tablet is my savior, as well as saving the lives of generations to come. This is where your donations go. To fund research like this.

My fundraiser for the 'National Breast Cancer Foundation' is still active. I am so proud of raising $16,685.00!!!

If you would like to make a tax deductible donation before 30 June, please click on or copy and paste my link below. It would mean the world to me and my family.

https://fundraise.nbcf.org.au/fundraisers/fundraisenbcforgaufundraisermelindawalsh/melinda--s-brave-shave

9 MARCH 2021 - 1ST POST CHEMO HAIRCUT

Sunday 22nd Aug
After an extremely tough couple of weeks struggling with tiredness like I have never felt before and the enormity of the past 8 months catching up on me, I really needed some pampering!

I have also had some pretty bad radiation burns that required going back to Genesis for saline soaks, burn creams and dressing changes every day for another 8 days making it 36 days in a row!

Amazing how quickly my skin is now healing though and hopefully with the help of my medical team I will be able to get through the new debilitating mental challenges that have blindsided me, all very normal they said to occur once treatment ends.

Fun fun!!

Thank you to my beautiful friend Sharni for making me feel human today! @kazarihair

#postchemohaircut
#anxietyisreal
#cancersucks

18 FEBRUARY 2021 - RADIATION THERAPY DONE

Sunday 22nd Aug
28 days of RADIATION done and dusted!!!

Not popping the Champagne yet as I still have a few mountains to climb, but it does feel good to be finished chemo and radiation!!

It has made me tired and my skin is sore, red and blisters and will be worse in 2 weeks, but it will heal.  Compared to chemo, this is a walk in the park.

Praying they have both done their job.

10 JANUARY 2021 - DANCE IN THE RAIN

Sunday 22nd Aug
I start Radiation Therapy tomorrow, or ‘Batman’ as my Oncologist calls it.  Every day for 28 days (week days).

I have struggled a bit mentally for the first time the past few weeks.  Probably because I have felt disgusting on and tapering off the steroids. Muscle and joint pain, extreme tiredness, headaches, puffy etc.  My body also adjusting to ovary suppression medication.  Still recovering from chemo and Pneumonitis so more lung CT’s, lung function tests.  I am so exhausted from it all! #angryandemotional

I also heard that John Travolta’s wife Kelly Preston passed away back in July after a 2 year battle with breast cancer.  Even though the death statistics make me sad, hearing about someone I know of makes it real.

I came across this sign today from the lovely @eclectic.colour57 in Bathurst so this is my mantra to get through Radiation. Keep on dancing!

#danceintherain
#keepondancing

1 JANUARY 2021 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Sunday 22nd Aug
Thank you for your amazing love and support last year.

Such a tough year for so many people, for many different reasons.

We all wore our ‘Kind Is Cool’ t-shirts today to spread the kind vibe for 2021. I meant to get a family pic, but in the kid chaos I forgot so you get a puffy steroid cheeks selfie instead.  And yes I have hair again!  Eyelashes could hurry up a bit though!!!

Remember to be kind to yourself too and I love this advice from a Starfish.....

May this be your best year yet, filled with excellent health, laughter, happy days and dreams come true.

#kindiscool
#bekind
#bekindtoyourself
#advicefromastarfish
#happynewyear

6 SEPTEMBER 2020 - BRAVE SHAVE FINALE

Sunday 22nd Aug
When the funk starts to fall out, it is Hugh and Isla to the rescue!

Lucy slept through the whole action.

Thanks Daddy and Happy Father’s Day!

Thanks also to Aunty Heidz for the pics and Nanna cheering on from the sideline.

20 AUGUST 2020 - 1ST CHEMO

Sunday 22nd Aug
1st chemo almost done!
15 more to go!
Please do your job chemo, but please keep the side effects to yourself!!!

19 AUGUST 2020 - BRAVE SHAVE DONE

Wednesday 19th Aug
I did it!  We did it!  It was a team effort!
My hair is being donated to make wigs.
With all my heart thank you for your support.
My 1st chemo session is tomorrow. 5 months of chemo and then radiation.

A HUGE THANK YOU to the beautiful Sharni at 'Kazari Hair' in Surry Hills for being such a caring, wonderful support for this very scary moment and for donating my haircut and product to style the funk she has left on top. It will all fall out in about 3 weeks, but I am going to embrace my new look for now.

Thank you to my Supporters

$10k

Strap Theory

$1.01k

Anonymous

Bravest girl in the world

$1.01k

Craig P

$500

Anonymous

All that you’ve faced before has prepared you for this fight Melinda. You’re ready and we with you. Remember, You never know how strong you are until being strong is you’re only choice

$260

Donna Carr

United we stand! ?

$260

Andy

Thanks for sharing Melinda, you are such an inspiration, zero deaths by 2030 ???

$260

Michelle Dunn

Sending all my love & hugs. ‘The greater your storm the brighter your rainbow’ ❤️??

$260

Walsh

We have your back ??You got this ?? Love Steve, Juls and Ella

$208

Monaha

Sending you love and strength. You have got this!!! With love Tina & Liam H xxxx

$208

Cameron, Tess, Emily And Matthew

You will be in our thoughts and prayers- stay strong!

$200

David

Sending you all the love and strength that can be mustered to support you and your gorgeous family through this journey.

$200

Alexandria Early Education

Your strength is truly inspirational. We will be with you every step of the way. Sending positive thoughts & lots of love your way! - The AEE Team

$156.75

Solomou Family

You are so brave and strong Mel! Keep smiling ❤️

$156

Bender Family

Wonderful thing your doing Lindy, thinking of you?

$105.50

Belinda Clemesha

It is tough but you are tougher! Lots of love to you Mel x

$104

Braydon Barcham

Melinda - you are strong and even though you don’t need more strength, we are sending some from Singapore. You are not alone, and have many friends and family to help you through this. Stay strong, and all the best, Braydon and family.

$104

Tim Johnson

$104

Helen

What a brave and beautiful woman you are xoxox

$104

Patricia

So much love and prayers to you and the family as you enter a different phase of life! Your strength is already shining through!

$104

Bec, Tim, Ollie & Cora

Proud of you Mel and your amazing attitude x

$104

Dan Healey

With you all the way, Pokey. Go baldy power! Love Dan, Sisca, Jack & Ella

$104

Sally

???

$104

Bourke Family

We love you

$104

Jennie Healey

You are so brave My Darling !!! We will see this thing through and come out on top, stronger and cancer free .......????? ?????

$104

Peter & Teresa Natoli

❤️❤️

$104

Suzanne And Ray

? ?

$104

Michelle Mackay

I’m sending positive thoughts your way Melinda. Stay strong xx

$104

David Dunbar Homes

Sending loads of love beautiful. You’re amazing?

$104

Jo, Marcus, Lara, Josie And Lilly

Stay you!!! Your courage, strength and love will get you through??

$104

Melinda Walsh

$100

Belinda Clemesha

Love and strength to you Melinda xxx

$100

Leita Healey

Wishing you all the best with your treatment and good luck with your fundraising !!!?? ?? XxxX

$100

Nanda Wijaya

All love and prayers for you and family?. Kevin, Nanda and Elliot

$100

Heidz And Kyl

Love you and thinking of you! You rock the pixie cut and are such a strong and brave woman!

$100

Stuart Langeveldt

Hi Melinda, Your courage and bravery in the face of such a life changing event is truly inspiring. Sending you all my love and light x Stu

$84.40

The Management Agency

Still and always here for you Mel. Lots of love Antonio & Nelson.

$77

Anonymous

Dear Mel,you can do this!

$52.75

Nadia Belci

$52.75

Christine Bender

So proud of the way you’ve handled this journey Lindy, luv you 💖

$52

Jennifer Healey

? All power to you my beautiful Warrior daughter ?

$52

Greg Ric Woolmer Elliott

Wishing you well Melinda. Big hugs from us. Love ?

$52

Emilie Gillet

Sending you love, hugs and strength beautiful lady! ?

$52

Denise Davis

You are such a strong brave girl Melinda and I know your Mum is super proud of you, as we all are. I know you will find the strength to get through the next few months . Stay positive and strong and beat this horrible disease. My prayers and love are with you and all the family. Love always ❤️

$52

Sara Karpin

Good on you Mel for making the best out of an awful situation and raising funds and awareness . Wishing you all the best in the road ahead. You’re a brave and strong woman and will come out at the end better than ever . Sending love and strength xx

$52

Lauren Matthews

Sending you so much love and strength ❤️

$52

Sandra Leni And Edie

You are an amazing woman Mel ❤️

$52

Kimberley Minogue

We love you Red! Remember to bitch slap that beast every day! ?❤️

$52

Jenine Mcmahon

Thinking of you Mel xx Love & Prayers Always, Jen xx

$52

Joyce

Thinking of you Melinda and sending you much love.I ‘m sure with all the prayers being said for you and you’re great attitude you will be fine xx

$52

Kay Family

You smack that ugly beast down. We have your back in this fight. Sending love x

$52

Jamie & Tracy Stevens

Sending positive thoughts on your tough journey ahead.

$52

Creature Speak- Mardi

You've got this brave lady. Kick Cancer's arse and show them what you're made of! Xx

$52

Lorraine Mascarenhas

Miss seeing all your smiling faces in the hallway! Thinking of you all. Paul, Lorraine, Issy and Stella

$52

Paula And Cooper Payne

Thinking of you as you go through your treatment. You are wonderful to shave your head to help raise funds. Love to you and you me family from Cooper and I.

$52

Carlie Fountain

Love and light beautiful friend! x

$52

Tami Seaman

3 little souls to fight for girl. Supporting you the whole way. George and I are thinking of you. Xx

$52

Bianca Young

You will rock bald, blond, whatever you choose ❤️

$52

Emma Brodie

$52

Kathryn Cariamis

I love you Mell

$52

Gisele

Thinking of you Melinda! You will rock the new hairstyle! ?

$52

Kirst S

love you min! You are an inspiration x

$52

Julia, Tony, Olivia & Samuel Vecchio

We’re with you all the way Melind - big hug and kiss

$52

Alex Elibank Murray

Blondes, red, brunette - I reckon baldies are the bravest ? Sending love x

$52

Anonymous

$52

Jackie Bando

Sending love & strength & can’t wait for the day we can not worry about Covid & get together & reminisce about the gold old RWDB days xox

$52

Katie Egan

Our thoughts are with you and your family x Love the Beeds

$52

Emma Hoynes

$52

Anonymous

Love your new look??‍♀️

$52

Kathleen Kennedy Myers

Sending you lots of love and strength❤️

$52

The Management Agency

With you on this journey- all the way xoxo

$52

Kylie Cronin

Mel what an inspiration you are to all of us, sending you love and strength xx

$52

Helen Coops

$52

Enguerran Gillet

$52

Donna Davis

Sending you huge hugs xx

$50

Kim Mcguiness

Legend

$50

Erin

I want you to know that I’m thinking about you at this hard time and sending you lots of reiki

$50

Paula Johnson

Thoughts and prayers to you and your family over the coming months.

$50

Blaze

You’ve got this Melinda ??? Xoxo

$50

Michel & Colleen Levy

$50

Annabel Wykamp

All our love and support. You've got this xx

$50

Wendy Favorito

We love you Mel!!!

$50

Alexis And Gaye Bendun

Sending love, gentle hugs and strength over the coming months. You've got this!! ?? PS: Redheads are always the best and the bravest.

$36.40

Kellie Oshea

You got this Min ? and when you kick cancers ass we will go and hit the old tennis ball ? for old times sake ! Love you ?

$36.40

Nisha

Go kick some cancer butt...

$36.40

Wayne Miller

Love always Melinda

$36.40

Liddell Kaarina

You are brave we love you xxx

$36.40

Sonya Sewell

With you every step of the way warrior ?

$36.40

Justine Hughes

$36.40

Lee Wildgoose

Sending positive energy all the way from Sheffield, england ! ... you can smash the big C straight int kite lady ? lots of love from lee and bex xx

$36.40

Sarah Cowan

Thinking of you Min, kick it's arse ?

$36.40

Ingrid Maack

Sending sunshine and strength for road ahead Mel. Thinking of you and your family. From Brett, Ingrid, Archie and Caleb xx

$36.40

Natalie

You are amazing Mel. You got this!

$36.40

Jesse Pants

??? ❣️?❣️

$36.40

Jenny Byrne

$35

Felicity Matthews

You are in my thoughts! X

$35

Anonymous

Loving the short hair? Keep smiling! Keep Strong!

$26

Lisa Doran

You are so awesome!!

$26

Ashcroft Family

love strength hope ?

$20.80

Sara Savic

You are so strong! I pray you recover from the side effects quickly and all this is behind you very soon! xx

$20.80

Cullen Family

Sending strength to you and your family. Lauren and I had some fun times growing up.

$10.40

Lepa

❤

$10.40

Danielle

$10.40

Anonymous

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