UPDATE:

Mom has now received her newest diagnosis of Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. The cancer has spread to her liver. Her oncologist is unsure if the cancer originated from the stomach or was really from the pancreas all along. Given the numerous lesions in her liver, the cancer is no longer resectable. The reason we were looking forward to surgery, was because we were clutching on to hope for a cure for this disease. There is no cure. The prognosis is 1 year with treatment.

ORIGINAL POST:

August 11th, 2023, my mom, Alicia Weeks, was diagnosed with stage 3 gastric cancer.

Gastric cancer is a rare type of cancer. We were shocked…I think I am still in shock & in a state of denial... Mom is my rock & she is the glue to our family. She is generous to a fault (literally would give the shirt off her back to you), caring, compassionate, kind, resilient & intelligent. And overall, Mom is incredible healthy with no previous health issues. Stage 3 Gastric cancer diagnosis hit my family like a brick wall.

Five rounds of intensive chemotherapy have been completed. Mom is proceeding with an exploratory endoscopy with lesion aspiration along with a tissue biopsy Wednesday next week. This will help determine the spread of the cancer prior to proceeding with an extensive surgery to hopefully remove all cancer. Since the cancer has spread to her pancreas, likely the surgery will include total gastrectomy, removal of the spleen, & the tail of the pancreas. However, this will be determined after the endoscopy.

Just since Christmas, Mom began a temporary leave from her teaching career due to being immunocompromised & sick from chemo. Following surgery, it will be about 3 to 5 months of recovery. This has been incredibly challenging financially.

Anything you are able to contribute, no amount is too small, would be very helpful. Thank you for opening your hearts to our family. If you are unable to contribute financially, all the prayers that you can offer are worth their weight in gold. For He is forever in control & there is a purpose behind EVERY struggle.

Much love to everyone ❤️

Thank you for taking the time to read this!