Cancer Can't Kill Unicorns

I'm here today to tell you my tale and beg again for assistance from loved ones and strangers alike.  

It's been quite a journey these last three years!  Some parts were tragic, some parts were magic, and some I was too doped up by the docs to remember, but I'll do my best

It all started in 2018 with a dull pain in my abdomen that just wouldn't go away, but the doctors couldn't diagnose.  Over the months I started losing weight rapidly and developed more (and yuckier) symptoms.  Eventually I was diagnosed at age 34 with stage 4 colon cancer that had metastasized to my liver, as well as Lynch syndrome.  (The super awesome genetic mutation that gave me the enviable ability to spawn highly aggressive, rapid growth cancers without any traditional warning signs, within select internal organs.  Yeah I'm a mutant!  You're jealous )

The doctors promised to do all they could and I promised to do all that I was told, but things weren't looking good.  My cancer had passed the point where we had any reasonable expectation of a cure, just the hope we could make me more comfortable and extend my life span a bit.

Obviously I told my oncologist I didn't have time to die just yet and let him know I'd be picking another option.  (I mean cancer can't kill Unicorns anyway, being as that it takes magic to kill magic of course, but it was still scary.)   Instead I embarked upon Plan B.  I entered the recommended clinical trial, followed all the rules and became nationally famous amongst the trial doctors for having both the fastest cancer die off rate and the wackiest side effects!  A cancer die off rate so fast that my body was actually unable to heal as rapidly as the cancer was dying - enter intestinal perforation, emergency surgery and waking up with a colostomy bag and the question "Who's in ICU" on my lips, but unable to speak it.  Huh?  Then I noticed...the tubes in my throat...the IV lines...the heart monitor...and I realized "Damnit!  I'M in ICU!  No wonder those two are speaking so kindly to each other "

I could write a small book at this point about 'My Mutant Adventures in a Belly Diaper' with chapters such as

Adhesive allergies and why they make stickers not stick.

If it itches don't scratch it!!!

There's POO in my SHOE! 

Sorry I stink, I need to change my bag.

You said I could swim in these!!  (Really glad this a lake and not a pool)

and so many more-

Well, clearly after that scare the clinical trial was no longer an option for me, but we did continue the standard chemotherapy treatment for my disease.  And it continued to work!!  The cancer wasn't dying as quickly, but it was still dying faster than I was, which was ultimately the goal.  A few more months of treatments on 4 out of every 14 days went by and all was going better than we could possibly have hoped under the circumstances.  Until one day I'm lounging in my recliner at the cancer center when my back starts to itch...then my arm...then BOOM!  Hives!  Everywhere!!!  My hands, the soles of my feet, my face, my abdomen, my full body top to bottom is covered in hives, just that fast.  My companion ran for my nurse and even faster I'm surrounded!  Nurses are everywhere!  Doctors are running into the room!  There's a crash cart and someone is readying the oxygen tank As it turned out, Oxaliplatin contains platinum and due to the high levels that had accumulated in my system, I'd just developed a deadly allergy to platinum.  We tried a few options to control the reaction with no success and were forced to discontinue the Oxaliplatin all together.  Which was how we discovered which drug was killing my cancer so efficiently.

So now the cancer that was dormant in all but one liver lesion had become uncontrolled again.  The dormant lesions became active and started growing again and the replacement drug were having no affect. Targeted radiation or surgery were the next options on the table.

It was March 3, 2020 when I went into the hospital for removal of 40% (the affected portions) of my liver as well as my gal bladder (the valve on the liver had to go, so the gal bladder had nowhere to connect).  Surgery was a complete success and I have officially shown no evidence of disease since May of 2020!!!

With no evidence of disease for over a year, my weight back up and being in otherwise great health, it's time for the first of the prophylactic surgeries to begin.  Despite all my body has been through already, due to my mutant status I am still at extreme risk for a smorgasbord of cancers that could pop up at any time.  The doctors have recommended the removal of those high risk organs that I don't actually need to survive, and I'm IN of course.  Anything to avoid another bout in the ring with super cancer!  Those heavy weights pack a hell of a punch!!!

I've got three teenagers already, so we are starting with a full hysterectomy and ovary removal.  Which means some pricey deductibles, 6+ weeks off work unpaid and my savings account that has not yet recovered from the first 2+ years I was forced to miss.

I haven't always been very good at asking for help, but I've had to learn these last few years I do really need the financial assistance in order to be able to continue with the steps necessary to prevent reoccurrence.  (As well as prayers, magic and positive energy vibrations!)  Anything at all you are able to offer would mean the world to me, my kiddos and all of those who love me!!! 

~With all the love and endless gratitude~

Miss Jessica