Fighting Mindy’s battle together

Hello! As a group of nurses we are fighting not only for a fellow nurse, but a person that is apart of our family, together. I would have to write a novel to explain this strong and selfless lady. She’s a momma that when you ask her how she is doing the first thing she responds with is how her daughters are doing, a nurse who is one of the most caring to not only her patients, but the nurses who are lucky enough to have her on our team. I want to make sure that she doesn’t have to worry about anything and to relieve any expenses during this time. We are so grateful for all the love and support from everyone Here is her story: My story - My name is Melinda “Mindy” Gerrish I am a mother of 17 year old twin daughters and I have Metastatic Breast Cancer. My story begins February 28, 2003 with the birth of my beautiful girls. God truly blessed me. In December 2003 I had a physical which included a mammogram. The tech came back in and said we needed a few more views and then the Radiologist came in and recommended a biopsy. December 12, 2003 I had my biopsy and December 17, 2003 I got my diagnosis of breast cancer. The next year was a complete blur of surgery, chemo, radiation, more chemo, and more surgery. The only thing I could think of was my twins. I have two beautiful little girls and I wanted to see them grow. This was my motivation for getting through this. And I did! Now my twins are 17. They and smart, caring and beautiful. We are in the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic, which has the entire world turned upside down. I started having pain in my lower back and hips that just kept getting worse. Finally I went into the doctor and they did an X-ray. The Doctor came in and said that I had some degenerative changes to my vertebrae. I am 51 years old, so I thought that Arthritis set in. That evening I received a call from the doctor who said that the Radiologist read the X-ray and recommended a MRI because there were some spots that we was concerned about. Even thought here was a huge fear in the back of my mind I tried to remain positive and not to just to conclusions. The day of the MRI came and went and waiting the two days for the results were long. My doctor gave me the news that the spots do look like MBC. I was referred to see my Oncologist to determine my next step and these last months have been a blur. After a PET scan I was told that it has spread to a majority of my bones and several lymph nodes in my chest area. Then with a painful biopsy it was determined that it was in fact the Breast Cancer that has spread to these areas. Because they are Hormone Receptor positive I was able to go on oral and intramuscular injections to help control the spread of the tumors and control the symptoms, pain, that I have. Due to the medications, the side effects and symptoms that I have I am unable to do my job. But yet that is not my biggest worry. There is no CURE to metastatic breast cancer. When I hear this my focus goes back to my twins. How long will I be here for them? Will I see them graduate HS then college? Will I see them get married? Will I get to see my grandchildren born? So many questions that I became overwhelmed. They have been a part of my journey from the beginning. I keep them posted about everything and answer questions that they have. I am so thankful to friends and family for being here for us, the girls and I). My Endoscopy work family has been so amazing. The support and care has meant the world to me. I will NEVER be able to thank or repay everyone for the love and support that they have shown. I hope that everyone knows how much this means to me. God works in mysterious ways. I do not know what his journey for me entails, however I will make the best of everyday that I am given. Thank you all! You are all HEROs in my eyes.