My name is Katie. This is my 3 year long battle with cancer... It started out with a mole I named Mel that was ACTUALLY stage 3A metastatic melanoma that had spread to a lymphnode in my arm pit! After surgery to remove Mel (see pic of my poor tattoo) and 35 lymph nodes, I did a year of immunotherapy to help keep the cancer away. After a few scares and a couple biopsies over the next 2 years, I was ok! I was down to every 6 month routine scans! In August my scan was fine. Thinking my brain fog, forgetfulness, eye changes, headaches and just plain dumbness, were all just getting older symptoms, I went for my scan February 4th. Low and behold I didn't make it to the 3 year mark of the first diagnosis it was in my BRAIN... 2 tumors, 1 behind my right eye in the temporal lobe (thats why my memory sucks) and one on the top right. I am now battling stage 4 metastatic melanoma with metastasis in the brain! I've already gone to the Mayo clinic and had a procedure called Gamma knife radiosurgery. I've begun a tough round (for the next year) of 2 chemo medications. If I didn't have insurance and get assistance they'd cost almost $30k a month (insane!) I've been known to say, "can't afford to live but don't wanna die!"
I also say "I'm a strong independent woman"and I've never been one to ask for help! My family has been sooo supportive and helped when they can while struggling through there own medical issues! But being out of work and yes I am on short term disability for now, but things add up! Medical bills, regular bills, supporting my son and I, travel expenses, medicines... So now I bow my head and say I need a little help please ☹️ any little bit would make a great impact! I have to travel back to Mayo next month for follow-ups and if there's anything new, I'll have the same Gamma knife radiosurgery again. It's gunna be a long, tough year but I got 3 beautiful kids and 3 gorgeous grandkids to fight for! I appreciate all the love and support! Prayers are needed also!
Thank you everyone!
Katie ❤️
Also can use venmo...