We're here to support Kelli and Trish as Kelli starts her fight against cancer.

Here's what Trish sent me:

Kelli had been struggling for some time with a low appetite and lost at least 20 pounds. Over the last couple of months this began to progress pretty quickly to severe bloating, back pain and a feeling of being super full after only a couple of bites. With our move to CA, finding the right job took a couple attempts so health insurance was off and on. After many repeated nights of Kelli being in severe pain and not sleeping, on Oct 24th, we made the decision to go to the ER even though we didn't have medical insurance yet. The doctor ordered blood work, urinalysis and a CT scan. When he called us back to read the results of the CT scan he said very matter-of-factly, "There's really no other way to say this but to say it. You have cancer and your entire abdomen is full of it. You need to get to City of Hope right away.” Kelli and I just sat there in shock, asked several questions he couldn't answer, and he just kept saying you need to get to City of Hope.

Things have progressed rather quickly since that day. Kelli's pain in her abdomen was so severe due to fluid buildup, that we went again to the ER on Sunday, Nov. 3rd. and she was admitted to the hospital. We were fortunate to have the care of a wonderful ER doctor at San Antonio Hospital who ordered another CT scan, and that report showed them the same abdominal concerns, but also concerns in her uterus, ovaries, stomach and liver. She encouraged us to be admitted, so she could be evaluated by the oncologist. Over these last 4 days Kelli has had so many tests: endoscope, multiple biopsies, draining of fluid, MRI and a meta port placed. She has a wonderful team of oncologists, all with their specific specialties: surgical, gastric, gynecology and the lead oncologist who will determine her treatment plan.

Although today we don't quite know the primary source and if there is more than one, we do know she'll face chemo, possibly radiation and surgery. Once the biopsy results come back, we will learn the plan. So far, they’ve placed the port for chemo so she's ready to go for that to start soon, and will be most likely doing surgery in the very near future as well.

Kelli has amazing support behind her with family and friends, with many of them ready to come at the drop of a hat, but the truth is I will be her primary caretaker, and I wouldn't have it any other way! We know these next months will be a challenge financially with both she and I not able to work as we normally do. Kelli has already had to take 2+ weeks off work, from this recent hospital visit and being just shy of 2 months on her new job, there is very little sick pay accumulated. She should be able to get on state disability, but that won’t be until the beginning of next year. I, as a Real Estate Agent, have no income when I don't work so we will need help to get through this. We've set a goal of $40,000 to help get us caught up on medical bills already coming in, Kelli’s prescriptions, specialized diet, and help with household expenses for the next few months so we can focus on getting her through this.

Your help is so greatly appreciated!