We’re in this Together

Im going to start with Cancer Sucks! It’s one of those things that you know exists, but it doesn’t affect your family...until it does. I remember joking with my sister about mammograms and how we couldn’t figure out what all the fuss was about because they aren’t THAT bad. When she told me they took a biopsy at that appointment I had an icky feeling in my stomach. I tried to stay optimistic and told her I was glad she got it checked and we will just wait the 24-48 hours to get the results. She text me the next day - “it’s not good”. Wait, what?! How do you know? What does that mean? So many questions that I couldn’t keep up. She said it was cancer. My eyes immediately filled with tears. NO! This was not happening. Not to somebody I know. Not to my own family. Not to my sister. But it did happen and everything has moved so quickly since her diagnosis just a few short months ago at the young age of 34. It’s not fair. Life’s not fair. And don’t you dare tell her everything happens for a reason or how strong she will be when it’s all done because she WILL punch you in the face. Cancer or no cancer, I’m afraid of her! Shes been poked and prodded, appointment after appointment, double mastectomy, pain, purchasing a wig, hair falling out, and that’s not to mention the anxiety, sadness, fear, depression, the unknown that all goes along with this. We can all be there for her but we truly do not know what she is feeling or going through. She’s had 3 chemo treatments and several more to go. It will be sometime this fall before things are finished. This girl is such a fighter that she recently went back to work! Cancer? Chemo? Back to work? I didn’t think that was possible but she’s shown us that it is. Along with having a smile on her face, still doing fun things, and most importantly continuing to be the awesome rockstar that her 3 1/2 year old daughter Finley thinks she is! She does take a few days off for chemo treatments and depending on how she is feeling perhaps a half day here or there. What made me REALLY want to do this for her was our discussion today...she told me she was leaving early because yesterday kicked her butt. She’s an occupational therapist and had a long day. I told her I was glad she was listening to her body and to go home and rest. (She just had a treatment last Thursday) Later I checked in and asked how she was doing and if she got a nap. She said she slept a little and is hoping tomorrow will be better. I told her to not be afraid to call in if she can’t do it. If she pushes it her body can’t fight. Her response was “but then I don’t get paid”. Ok people, money is the LAST thing this girl needs to be worrying about right now. She needs to know she can call in for feeling like poop and it will be ok; that a roof will remain over her head, food on the table for her family, etc. I want her body to rest when it needs to so she can continue to fight this ridiculous disease. And starting in July - she goes to weekly treatments and “might” only be able to work a few days a week. She is going to stress about money and I don’t want that for her. I’ve told her many times that she has a village fighting right along side her - she’s been swarmed with prayers, cards, care packages, and so much more. I would love to swarm her with funds! I put the goal at $5000. With weekly treatments just around the corner this amount will help with mortgage expenses as well as medical bills that have started rolling in. Honestly ANY amount counts. I know people have heard that a million times but truly any amount counts. I’m not judging and nobody else should be either. $1, $5, it truly does add up. Donate anonymously if you don’t want anyone to know. We will be thankful no matter what. And if you can’t donate, that is ok too. I don’t want anyone to break the bank over this. BUT I do ask you to share the shit out of this thing! Let’s get her story heard! She’s more than Jackie Sands - she’s a wife, mom, daughter, sister, daughter in law, sister in law, friend, co-worker, and so much more! And PLEASE continue to pray for her. The power of prayer is truly amazing and so far those prayers are working! I can’t thank you enough for the prayers. Let’s keep it going