Fighting cancer LipariStrong
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My name is Emily Lipari. I am a mother of two teenagers, Matthew 16 and Mattie 15. I am the wife of Nathan Lipari. I am a daughter, a sister, a nurse and a survivor of Stage 3 Colon cancer.
In April of 2017, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon cancer. After months of undiagnosed pain , I finally convinced my Doctor that we were dealing with more than an upset stomach or a stomach virus. Following the colonoscopy, I was told that I had a 95 percent blockage in my sigmoid colon and it required immediate surgery. I had my first surgery to remove the cancer and create a colostomy and then a month later a second surgery to reverse the colostomy. Shortly after having time to heal, I started 6 months of chemotherapy. In November, I celebrated the completion of my treatments.
In January of 2018, I was finally well enough to return to my job as a nurse. At that point, I really believed I was doing well and I would be able to put this nightmare behind me. Anyone who has ever dealt with this dreaded disease, or has known anyone who has knows that after cancer you are monitored very closely. I had my first follow up CT scan in January that was clear. Slowly, I started noticing more and more abdominal pain. I had another CT scan in June and it was very different. I had two large hernias that would most definitely require more surgery. I thank God for those hernias because in addition to those showing up on my scan, there was also a very large tennis ball size tumor close to my ovary. I had to see a GYN Oncologist who told me that this was a no brainer. It had to come out. In addition to removing the tumor, I would also need a complete hysterectomy. So in July I had that complete hysterectomy and hernia repair. The tumor wasn't attached to anything so that was a big plus but, it was more colon cancer! The pathology report showed that it had in fact metasticized to one ovary and fallopian tube and had now progressed to Stage 4 colon cancer and would require more chemo.
Along with the mounting medical bills that seem to be flooding my mailbox, I am now unable to work again. Through this journey, I have a new outlook on life. The small things really don't matter. Family and close friends matter! I have learned to put my faith and trust in Christ. Also, it is very important to raise awareness to this ugly disease. My philosophy is if I can help one person or give hope to one person then it really has been worth it. Please keep my family in your prayers as this disease reaches its tentacles out to every aspect of one's life.
In April of 2017, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon cancer. After months of undiagnosed pain , I finally convinced my Doctor that we were dealing with more than an upset stomach or a stomach virus. Following the colonoscopy, I was told that I had a 95 percent blockage in my sigmoid colon and it required immediate surgery. I had my first surgery to remove the cancer and create a colostomy and then a month later a second surgery to reverse the colostomy. Shortly after having time to heal, I started 6 months of chemotherapy. In November, I celebrated the completion of my treatments.
In January of 2018, I was finally well enough to return to my job as a nurse. At that point, I really believed I was doing well and I would be able to put this nightmare behind me. Anyone who has ever dealt with this dreaded disease, or has known anyone who has knows that after cancer you are monitored very closely. I had my first follow up CT scan in January that was clear. Slowly, I started noticing more and more abdominal pain. I had another CT scan in June and it was very different. I had two large hernias that would most definitely require more surgery. I thank God for those hernias because in addition to those showing up on my scan, there was also a very large tennis ball size tumor close to my ovary. I had to see a GYN Oncologist who told me that this was a no brainer. It had to come out. In addition to removing the tumor, I would also need a complete hysterectomy. So in July I had that complete hysterectomy and hernia repair. The tumor wasn't attached to anything so that was a big plus but, it was more colon cancer! The pathology report showed that it had in fact metasticized to one ovary and fallopian tube and had now progressed to Stage 4 colon cancer and would require more chemo.
Along with the mounting medical bills that seem to be flooding my mailbox, I am now unable to work again. Through this journey, I have a new outlook on life. The small things really don't matter. Family and close friends matter! I have learned to put my faith and trust in Christ. Also, it is very important to raise awareness to this ugly disease. My philosophy is if I can help one person or give hope to one person then it really has been worth it. Please keep my family in your prayers as this disease reaches its tentacles out to every aspect of one's life.
Fundraising team: All in with Em (4)
Mary McCalmont
Organizer
Brookhaven, SC
Emily Lipari
Beneficiary
Jessi Parker Greene
Team member
Nathan Lipari
Team member
Kimberly Hart Wood
Team member
