I am 43 years old, and 3 weeks ago, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Back in December, I was told I have diabetes. I was 280 pounds and dropped to 220. I moved back home to be with family because I didn’t think I would make it so far away from them. So, the weekend before Christmas, my sister drove to South Carolina and picked me up. I was having stomach pains, but they went away after a couple of days and would always come back. Then the back pain started. I have been in and out of the ER and to see my doctor and urgent care. Nobody could figure out what was wrong. I was given meds and told to take Tylenol. The pain kept getting worse. Finally, on October 27th, I had an endoscopic ultrasound. They found cancer, Stage 1, so they caught it early. I can’t eat because of the pain, but I have to because of diabetes, so I’m down to 190 pounds.

Was told I’m going to need to take time off work for chemo and surgery and other doctors' appointments to get better.

My short-term disability doesn’t kick in for another 2 months, and I can’t keep taking time off for my illness or find a new job. I’m in need of help with this because I need to work but can’t because work is getting in the way of hospital visits that I need. Chemo starts in 2 weeks. From what I’ve been told, chemo is going to kick my butt. So I’m reaching out for help.