Andrea's Battle Against Melanoma

My name is Andrea. I am 32 years old and I have metastatic melanoma. To those who know me and to those who don’t...I’m greatly humbled by all of your support throughout my battle. My journey started in 2009 when I was first diagnosed which led me to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Eight months of treatment and multiple surgeries, I was blessed to say I won the battle.

In October of 2013, it was time for another routine scan, only this time to be told that the cancer has returned to my lung and it is inoperable. I was able to enroll in a clinical trial which has shrunk my lung mass from 5 cm to 3.5 cm within a year. I was hopeful and positive for a speedy recovery. I have now been told that the melanoma has spread again to my lymph nodes. I will soon be undergoing more surgeries, Lymphectomy and insertion of a port in order to continue receiving the infusions every three weeks. This journey has given me ups and downs. My emotions have gotten the best of me. I’m only human but I will never give up the fight. I have to remind myself every day that God is watching over me and he only gives me what I can handle. I am a very blessed person to have so many caring people in my life.

Prayers and support will help me tremendously through my recovery. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Any donation will be greatly apprecaited. Financially, this takes every resource I have. Though I was lucky enough to enroll in the clinical trial the travel expenses and other medical bills continue to pile up. I will never give up and any donation is greatly appreciated as I go to war with this cancer.