Martha Hurse

Earlier this year I experienced a few GI issues and a MRI discovered a possible mass on my pancreas. Subsequently, a scope was done and the doctor did not find a mass at that time. A biopsy was performed which also came back negative. The doctor suggested a repeat MRI, but after the favorable results and most of my GI symptoms gone - I decided to delay the repeat test and resumed my normal activities. I went back to my primary duties of caring for my massage clients, browsing TJ Maxx and Marshalls, playing the organ at Sunday services, and being GMa to Rion. In August and September, I had two acute strokes after what I assumed was just a minor dizzy spell and had two brief stays in the hospial. I've never had any issues with high blood pressure so the doctors at the hospital were not exactly sure  what caused the strokes.  One doctor mentioned that cancer in the body can sometimes cause your blood to thicken so I decided to go ahead and follow up on the repeat MRI from my issues earlier in the year. I was put on blood thinners and once again sought to resume my normal life. Late September, I began to experience the same GI issues as before i.e. nausea, digestive problems. However, this time I began to lose weight rapidly. On October 9th after exhausting all over the counter medicines and home remedies,  I went into my insurance urgent care center and a CT scan confirmed that I had stage four pancreatic cancer that had metasticized. Obviously, this was a huge blow to the gut literally and figuratively. Since being diagnosed, I've also had an occurence of pulminary embollism and a blockage to one of my bile ducts which was causing slight jaundice to my system. I was recently hospitalized and the doctors were able to complete another biospy as well as place a stent inside the duct to relieve the blockage. Despite my physical challenges, I am not in any pain. Weak from not being able to eat and all the hospital procedures - but no pain. Emotionally and mentally, I'm still the same Martha...still telling everyone what they should be doing with my same sense of humor. Spiritually, I stand on God's word and my faith is unwavering...I SHALL LIVE AND NOT DIE! 2 Kings 20:1-6 What's next? So in the next couple of weeks, I have upcoming appointments with an oncologist to discuss treatment options as well as pursing second opinions. I'm building my strength up to be able to endure the best treatment I can get. This has most definitely been the most humbling experience in my life. As I have always been a giver and caretaker myself, I'm learning the hard way to accept other's blessings by allowing God to use them to help me in my time of need. The out pouring of support to me and my family has been positively overwhelming and brings me to tears. However, your valid concerns have reached a point where it's now difficult to keep up and respond accordingly. Thus, the purpose of this page is to allow all of you to keep up with my status and my care while I focus on getting well and allow my family  to put all their efforts in supporting my healing. At this time, I ask that you keep phone calls and visits at a minimum.  Feel free to continue to send well wishes, thoughts, prayers via text. I will provide updates and victorious milestones as I can. How can you help? Initial inquiries have been made with MD Anderson in Houston Texas and Cancer Treatment of America. My insurance plan with Kaiser Permante will not permit me to seek treatment outside of  the network,  so I will have to pay out of pocket. The minimum amount needed for consultation is $10,000 and the total estimated cost is $215,000. I am seeking donations to help raise funds needed to meet this goal. No amount is too small! I look forward to getting back to my old self and enjoying life with all my wonderful friends and awesome family. Love, Martha