Melissa's Celebration of Life

On Friday December 13th, my mom was admitted into UC for what we thought were complications from a blood clot. After a week of questions, around the clock blood work, multiple exams, and a few scares in between, we found out more than anyone could prepare for. As a result of the blood clots, mom suffered a type of mini stroke, and lost partial vision in her right eye. The vision may not return, but mom is already getting used it, and there was no other harm found thus far from the clot. They did find what they call a "vegetation" on mom's heart, and after multiple tests they believe this is a heart disease that is not something we need to worry about immediately. All of this aside mom is strong, and she is healthy. Which is why I say she is ready to fight what we also learned that week. The doctors confirmed today that mom has Non-Small Cell Adenocarcinoma lung cancer. We have heard stage 2, and stage 3. We will not know a definite answer until a PET scan is done. The doctor has placed mom in front of the surgeon board to be reviewed as he would like to remove the spot, and affected lymph nodes, if she is denied it will be chemo and radiation. We should hear more about this Wednesday or Thursday, and will hopefully have a more solid plan soon after. I say "hopefully" and "soon after" because we are running into financial roadblocks. We are doing all of this without insurance, and the PET scan cannot be completed until we pay in full, or get financial assistance. Financial assistance is looking hopeful, but unfortunately it is not a quick process, so we are unsure of when the further testing needed will be scheduled. We are getting there, but as too many know, cancer is nothing anyone can prepare for. This has hit us all like a ton of bricks. And for those of you who don't know this beautiful lady pictured in purple is , please keep reading and be inspired to help, reach out, pray, offer advice, send good vibes, or simply keep us in your thoughts.

My mom is the type of person to not only give you the shirt off of her back, but that shirt could have been her last and she would still do it. She cares for those around her with her whole heart, and shows more strength than I could ever dream of having. Most importantly, she is the definition of momma bear. She has always kept myself and my brother as priority number one. She worked hard as a single mother raising me, and she continues to still raise my younger brother. She worked ungodly hours to make sure her babies had what they needed, and it didn't stop even as I reached adulthood. She is strong beyond belief, and never loses her smile. She inspires me everyday and the way she is ready to fight this fight inspires me the most.

So today I ask not only for donations, but for advice, guidance, prayers, good vibes, reach out and raise my momma up, support groups, anything... Everything helps. 

MOST IMPORTANTLY HELP ME CHEER OUR MOM ON WHILE SHE KICKS CANCER'S ASS!!!!!!