For over a year, I have faced ongoing medical issues that have left me feeling unwell and searching for answers. After countless tests, blood work, MRIs, and CAT scans, I was finally referred to a GI doctor who truly listened to my concerns. Through more tests, including a colonoscopy and additional MRIs, doctors discovered a tumor in the tail of my pancreas. At first, it was small, but within a month, it began to grow rapidly. A procedure to remove fluid from the tumor revealed it was pre-cancerous, and I was quickly referred to an oncologist surgeon specializing in pancreatic cancer.

The news was overwhelming. I was told that if the tumor is not removed soon, it will develop into full-blown pancreatic cancer. The surgery I need is major, with an estimated recovery time of six weeks or more. If the tumor cannot be removed without taking part of my pancreas, they may also need to remove part of my stomach, which would mean a longer recovery, more complications, and a shorter life span. This surgery is critical for my survival, and the longer I wait, the more dangerous it becomes. My greatest fear is not being there for my children—they need me, and I need to do everything I can to be there for them.

During my recovery, I will be unable to work and will need help covering rent, supporting my kids, and managing living expenses. Anyone who knows me knows how hard it is for me to ask for help, but I cannot do this alone. I am reaching out to my community for support so I can focus on healing and being there for my family. Thank you for reading my story. If you could please share it, it will truly help my family.