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My Journey with Stage 4 Breast Cancer: A Story of Hope, Faith, and the Need for Help

In 2018, I received the news that no one ever wants to hear—my breast cancer had returned, and this time it was stage 4. I had already battled stage 2 breast cancer twice, thinking I had beaten it, but the disease came back with a vengeance. As I approach my 7-year anniversary since my diagnosis, I am acutely aware of how blessed I have been. Less than 30% of people with stage 4 breast cancer live past five years, yet here I am, defying the odds.

But my journey has not been easy. My health has taken a turn for the worse recently. The last two therapies that were meant to keep the cancer at bay have failed, and now I have multiple tumors on my liver. The prognosis is not good. With treatment, I might have two more years, but realistically, the future is uncertain. My life is in God’s hands, and I believe in His power to perform miracles, but I also have to prepare for the reality that lies ahead.

I have started on a new oral chemotherapy regimen, and it has been much rougher than the targeted therapies I was on before. Yet, I remain hopeful. My faith in God sustains me, along with the love and companionship of my heart dog, Emmylou. We just celebrated our 5-year gotcha day, a milestone that means so much to me because there were times I didn’t think I would live to see it.

In addition to battling cancer, I recently underwent a complex neck surgery to replace five of my cervical discs, which were then fused together. I’m also hoping to have surgery soon to repair my vocal cord. Radiation in my chest caused nerve compression, resulting in paralysis of my left vocal cord, making it extremely difficult for me to speak. It has been a challenging time, but I continue to hold on to hope.

Throughout this journey, I have been blessed by the support of my friends and my church, who have helped me with groceries and other essentials. However, my circumstances are becoming increasingly dire. As far as my financial situation goes, I do collect Social Security disability income, and I work remotely for a few hours a week for my former boss, who I worked full-time for before my incurable diagnosis. But unfortunately, over the years, my credit card debt has risen to a point where it is as much as my mortgage payment, and I see no way out of this situation but to ask for help. I am operating at a significant deficit each month, and without continued assistance, it will become nearly impossible for me to meet even my most basic needs.

I am reaching out to you, dear reader, in the hope that you might be able to help me in this difficult time. My heart’s desire is to stay in my home, surrounded by the memories and the comfort it brings, for whatever time I have left. Any contribution, no matter how small, would make a significant difference in my life and allow me to focus on what truly matters—spending time with my loved ones, including my beloved Emmylou, and finding peace in these final years.

But more than just raising funds, I want to share my journey to glorify God. My hope is that by telling my story, I can help others learn to live in the moment, to cherish every moment, and to not take for granted their health, their family, or their friends. Life is precious, and every day is a gift. Embrace life fully, trust that God will provide, and love with all your heart. I trust that whatever the future holds, God’s grace will see me through, and I pray that my story might inspire others to live with faith, hope, and love.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your kindness and generosity mean more to me than words can express. May God bless you for your compassion.