@ElysBucketListAdventure, A journey with cancer.

Hello lovely neighbors,

**SUMMARY: Our mom has stage IV cancer and a few days ago we were told there is nothing else they can do for her. She relapsed with Sepsis (Severe blood infection)  for the third time and doctors can no longer treat it. We were told she only has one maybe two weeks left so my siblings and I are doing everything possible to check off our moms bucket list. We are actively working on taking a road trip to Yosemite National Park for the entire family like she’s always wanted. Our parents originally planned to make this trip in the van they remodeled to live the “Van life” and travel to all the National Parks. Time is against us but we know God is with us! If God permits, we plan to document this journey and would love your support! We have added Social platforms and other forms of donation options at the bottom.**

 

My siblings and I have created this page for our mom Elizabeth to make her wishes come true. Here's a little back story on how everything unraveled. Our mom was diagnosed with Stage IV Adenocarcinoma in December 2021. Receiving this news was devastating for the entire family. We were lost and unsure of what to do next, so we let our faith in Adonai (God) guide us. Before this, she was the kind of woman that loved hiking, walking two miles every morning, finding new hobbies, cooking delicious foods, and most importantly, studying the word of Adonai (God) and sharing it with family.

 

Our aunt Miriam also had been fighting cancer for many years. She had such strong faith and reminded my mom and us that sometimes the only thing you can do is pray. Unfortunately, she passed on January 20, 2022, but I know she hugely impacted how my mom faced her condition and made her realize that death is something everyone has for sure. When Elohim (God) calls for you to come home, there is no fighting against it.

 

And with that, a few days later, my mom became septic in late January and spent three weeks fighting this horrible infection in the hospital. She recovered after losing complete mobility with very little physical therapy. Adonai (God) showed he was with her during that time more than ever, and she endured unimaginable pain throughout her joints and high fevers. She walked out of the hospital, appreciating the little things we forget about in our everyday lives like walking, eating, the outdoors, and family. After having to keep postponing her port access, she was finally able to set up her first Chemotherapy with Palliative care. She was frail, malnourished, and dehydrated from sepsis, so chemo hit her hard. We continued to pray for her, motivate her and encourage her.

 

In February, our aunt Gloria was also diagnosed with stage IV adenocarcinoma. Things have also been complicated for her, given she has her four grandchildren under her care. One thing we have learned to appreciate these past few months is having the support of your family through every step. Most importantly, have shalom (peace) and strong faith within your family. Our mom and aunt Gloria have accompanied each other through chemotherapy and consoled each other. My Sister and I worked together to help take care of them and make sure they made it to their appointments. The rest of our family contributed a lot to the help they received, and we have had each other's back when needed.

 

After almost two months of taking chemo, she made a vast improvement. She could walk for prolonged periods, quit taking her pain medications due to no more pain, maintain her weight, and even begin to drive again. Adonai (God) continues to be merciful and show us he is here with us.

 

Unexpectedly, last week, our mom relapsed again with Sepsis. We were told that the tumors in her liver are causing a blockage in her bile ducts, causing multiple mini abscesses to grow with infection. She spent almost two weeks in the hospital, giving it her best against this infection and cancer. Doctors admitted they could no longer do anything for her a few days ago, they suggested some risky procedures, but all had minimal positive outcomes. Our mom took the news joyfully and said, "No more chemo! No more poking me! No more hospitals!" She was ready to come home and be with us.

 

Here she is in front of us, dedicating her time to her family, resting, smiling and having an abundance of shalom (peace) within her. She reminds us how strong she is and Who has given her that strength. Doctors may have told her at max one to two weeks at best, but we put our faith in the Almighty, for he holds the last word. She faces death with open arms, for she knows that if it is her time, Adonai may have mercy on her, and he will bring her home. Death is no longer scary when one knows they're not perfect but has accepted the truth of YHWH (God) in their lives.

 

As we post this, we are in the works for a trip for our mom and dad. A couple of years ago, my parents made plans to make a road trip in a van together throughout the states. Our dad remodeled one to prepare for this adventure and promised each other one day to go to Yosemite, The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and many other places. They kept postponing it, but we want to make this possible for them. We want to document this journey and share it with everyone as a reminder to appreciate everyone and everything going on in your lives, whether it is good or not. Receive it with open arms and live with shalom, for Elohim is good and loves us.

 

 

*The goal amount is just what we could think of at the moment. Whatever funds not used for the trip will go to my mom's medical bills, she also wanted to donate to Hospice/Palliative, and if that day comes, the funds will go to our dad to help with funeral arrangements.

 

**As we mentioned, we will be documenting this trip, mainly for the family to look back on, but everyone is welcome to join and support us.

 

@ElysBucketListAdventure on Instagram, TikTok.

 

@ElysBListAdventure on Venmo, PayPal, CashApp 

 

We accept all prayers and donated words of encouragement for our mom to read!

 

ISAIAH 40:8-10 & PSALMS 23