Help Lisa Battle Cancer
Late last year, I started not feeling like myself; having headaches, stomach problems, and severe fatigue. Reluctantly I paid a visit my primary care physician. I had no idea of the unforeseen troubles ahead. Two days before Christmas, I was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer (now stage IV). I also had a spot on my lung that Doctors worried about.
My head was spinning and my heart was broken, but even in that moment I knew I would make it through this and that there was a purpose for this happening to my life. I had no idea my life and my body would change forever. After meeting my whole team of doctors, I received the worse news yet; I was informed that I would never be able to be a mother. I couldn't have children on my own. I was broken hearted to say the least however, I knew God would not give me more than I could bear.
Taking weeks to process all that was coming my way I was devastated and with every new doctor visit there was more bad news at every turn. As I started this battle, I prayed and I stayed strong and optimistic about my future. I knew that somewhere in my faith that I was going to be ok and that whatever was thrown my way, I would get thru it. I really have lived these past few months with the motto "Just get it over with". And I would get thru one hurdle and think ok, what's next? My thoughts have always been on the end result, which is to kick cancers ass!
Treatment Plan..
Ok, the doctors have a plan for treatment, so let's get started. I decided to go ahead with IVF to save some eggs and to have a surgery called an Ovariopexy, an operation of elevating and fixing an ovary to the abdominal wall to move ovaries out of radiation zone in hopes that radiation wouldn't shut them down. I was lucky enough to have gotten 28 mature eggs, but the Ovariopexy did not go as well and it seems I am entering early menopause. My treatment plan consist of 5 weeks radiation concurrent with 6 chemo pills a day, a 10 week break, colon surgery, 4 week recovery time, temporary colostomy bag and then 4 months of intravenous chemotherapy.
I’ve always been very independent. I baffled my doctors being able to work through radiation and chemo and although some days I didn't think I had the strength to make it through the day, it made it so worth it being able to be around people at work and carry on as though everything was normal.
Where I need help!
Initially in the beginning thought I would be able to make it thru this battle financially with working as much as possible and the savings that I had, That lasted until the first surgery, and since then I have not been able to work. The bills have piled up over the months and things took a turn for the worse when the spot on my lung was growing, confirming that it spread. I now need help more than ever. The donations will go toward my medical expenses and paying for living expenses. I am blessed to have health insurance but with huge deductibles and co-pays and the expense of keeping a roof over my head, the struggle is something I cannot maintain alone. Any amount big or small will help. Prayers are needed as well!
