3 Months ago I stepped in to the ER for what I thought was a minor abscess. After my first 10 day hospital stay filled with blood transfusions and endless test, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 terminal Rectal Cancer that has metastasized to my lungs. At 42 years of age I was not prepared to hear that my life would be incredibly shorter than I had planned. My cancer has been labeled terminal, but I am a fighter. I always have been. Over the past 3 months I have had 5 chemo treatments and 3 weeks of radiation. My treatment is aggressive since my cancer is very aggressive. I will be getting a PET Scan in a few weeks which will show if my treatment protocol is working or if the cancer is progressing. I went from being a very self sufficient woman to someone who now must allow others to be here for me. What I have been blown away with is how loved I truly am. The amount of support and strength you all have shown me has been the greatest blessing of this all. I don’t know how many days or years that I have left, but what I do know is I will feel loved each and every day that passes. This has been the gift that my diagnosis has given me. One of the many things that cancer has taken away from me at the moment is my ability to work a steady schedule. With every treatment that I get, my recovery time is longer and longer. It’s taking me longer to get back to work and longer to simply have stamina for anything. I struggle greatly with creating any white blood cells myself. Due to this I am receiving a life saving Booster Shot. I am grateful for this, but this shot lays me out for days at a time. Eventually I will get back to the job that I love, but for now the focus is all about saving my life. This gofund me is being set up so that we can continue to fight this fight. I have had many ups and downs in my life and this is just another mountain to climb, but with all of you by my side I believe we will come out on top! Thanks again for all of your love and support. My heart is full to the top everyday that I am fortunate enough to have another chance to live this beautiful life.

Cheryl