Fight for Life

January 2019 started off like most new years.  I was working a lot, my two daughters were back to school from Christmas break, my two sons were working full time, my oldest daughter was enjoying life in Florida, the cold Minnesota air was wearing down on the rest of us but we were all feeling optimistic about a new year. 

However, our world changed on January 28, 2019, when I heard the three words that no one ever wants to hear uttered to them: You have cancer.

I hadn't been feeling well in the weeks leading up to the diagnosis but I never dreamed my trip to the hospital would reveal such life altering news. I had been severely exhausted and was experiencing sharp pains in my side and stomach. I figured I had been working too much and that was the main cause. I just knew I would go to the doctor, they would find a minor issue, give me some medication and send me on my way.  I was not expecting what life was about to throw my way. 

They diagnosed me with Stage 4 Breast Cancer.  The cancer had already spread from my left breast to the lymph nodes under my left armpit and my liver. There were, and still are, innumerable tumors in my liver.  I started several different chemotherapy treatments right away that have left me very tired, nauseated and coping with unpleasant side effects.  I am on disability leave from my 3rd shift full-time job but am still working my part-time day job. 

Every 3 weeks, I visit with my oncologist and after, an IV port infusion of the three different chemo treatments.  I have CT scans every 3 months to check if the cancer is growing, spreading or shrinking.  I also have an echocardiogram every 3 months since one of the chemos can cause heart damage. The wonderful news is the largest tumors have shrunk from the size of an egg to a large grape.  I am so grateful for this and continue to pray for good news. I will be in treatment for the rest of my life because there is no cure at this advanced stage.  The average survival rate is 3 years though I pray and plan to beat this statistic! I am a single mother of 5 trying to keep everything as normal as possible for my children. The cost of my medical bills keeps growing and I need help paying them.  Any amount would be so very appreciated. Many thanks to everyone who is able to help!