On my knees, the paralyzing fear.... this is not the end...

Never would I imagine writing this... the words my mom has CANCER...

9 years ago my mom was beside my hospital bed when I was receiving chemotherapy... and now the tables (hospital beds) are turned.

In late April, my mom (Melisa) fell very ill... she needed major surgery of her uterus. She was supposed to have her surgery in late May, but she was rushed to the ER and needed to have the surgery earlier. The surgery day was very stressful, the doctor removed several tumors and one was the actual size of a basketball (doctor gave us pictures). They sent the masses to pathology and it returned 3 weeks later with the news that NO ONE ever wants to receive... it was CANCER... a rare and aggressive Sarcoma. The plan was to receive chemotherapy in August in the Valley, but her blood counts significantly dropped and dad rushed her to hospital and drove her MD ANDERSON in Houston the next day.

The last 25 days have taken a profound toll on all of us, especially my mom. For those that know her, she is always on the go and one step ahead of others when it comes to helping others. Melisa (my wonderful mother) goes above and beyond for everyone in her life. We have been through a roller coaster of emotions. Things have gotten ugly, and we don't wish this upon anyone. My mother does not deserve this diagnosis, this pain, this trauma, this miserable situation.

My dad has not left her side and gives her all the support (physically, mentally and spiritually). My brother, sister-in-law, husband and I are doing everything possible to

be available to help mom and dad.

We appreciate everyone who has lent us a helping hand, prayers, a meal, etc. My parents have always found a way to work and provide for themselves and their children. But a serious condition always places a deep burden financially.

My mom has had over 7 ER visits, major surgery, over 25 blood and platelet blood transfusions, and three rounds of chemo so far, and she is on her way to enduring over six more months of her treatment, at least possibly a year. This is a very aggressive and rare sarcoma, cancer and the doctors can only hope the chemotherapy will be effective. But we are sure our FATHER, OUR GOD, will be HEALED, and HER LIFE will be a WITNESS to HIS LOVE, peace and hope.

It's a rough road ahead of us, but we would greatly appreciate any donation that can help make my mom more comfortable. Her treatment plan requires being in and out of hospitals, traveling back and forth for treatments. Staying in the houston area for her blood transfusions and chemotherpay plan. For example, she was in the hospital for 20 days, received chemo, suffered all the ugly side effects, blood counts went significantly low, was treated and then on day 21 at 8pm she was released but the very next morning she had to travel back to MD Anderson to receive more blood and was admitted until the next day late afternoon. The next morning had to go back to MD Anderson for lab draws. This journey is not easy; she feels weak, exhausted, nauseous, hard to breathe, defeated, overwhelmed. We are not afraid to share her journey because she has helped so many and does not expect anything in return. She always does everything she can wholeheartedly. She is truly the best mother in the world, and I wish I would make this illness and pain disappear.

Any donation, no matter how small, can greatly help my mom at this time. Above all, my mom is asking for prayers and well wishes. We are all in this fight with her, and any donation will go directly to her and all her travel, medicine and hospital visits.