Hi there! For those of you who don't know me my name is Jessie Womack and I have cancer. I rare skin cancer called dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). DFSP is a slow growing locally invasive cancer that has tree branch like tentacles that spread out. DFSP is curable, excision is the best treatment. It has an extremely high success rate if excised fully and an extremely high reoccurance rate as well if not. Great right? No. Not for me. My lesion is on my FACE. Left preauricular to be exact which is just in front of your left ear. The cancer is deep and wrapped around my facial nerves. We don't know exactly how deep yet....not until they get in there and start removing my flesh. I've had one botched surgery in November that has left me with some nerve damage and some deformity. The competent surgeon (I hope) explained to me that this is going to be a very large, very deep, very long recover time surgery. There is a chance of full and partial facial paralysis being as that my facial nerves are involved.

I'm terrified.

As a singer full or partial facial paralysis would be the end of my singing. The surgery could also effect my hearing which would be detrimental to my music and singing ability all together. I've been singing my entire life and to even think that this is a possibility makes me ill.

I've already incurred $10,000 in medical bills with appointments, CT scans and a bogus surgery. That's just the tip of the iceberg. There are multiple surgeries to come in the coming weeks that also include reconstructive and plastic surgery.

I'm terrified.

The surgeon said I would be out of work a minimum of 2 months. This is a high risk infection area. I've been working as a vet tech which is a pretty dirty job so 2 months isn't negotiable. To top it off my hours just got cut at work TREMENDOUSLY starting next week. I have no clue what I'm going to do. I can't even work side jobs playing music ....hence why I've started this gofundme. The stress level is high at home. The husband can't do all this by himself and neither can I. If you are in a position where you can help me out even just a little I'd greatly truly appreciate it. If not financially then please send me positive vibes into the universe or prayers (whichever you prefer) that I make it through this with my face and singing voice intact. I don't know what I'll do if I can't sing. Seriously.

Thank you guys for taking the time to read this.