Jodi Mcdonald's Pursuit of Life

The Fight Isn't Over!

Well, here I am, still breathing, taking it one precious day at a time. I’ve been climbing the cancer mountain barefoot, alone and without a rope for almost six years - we don’t know how it’s going to end but we know where we’ve been. I continue to hold hope close, as I walk with the Lord. It is said that

“With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible” Matthew 19:26. And I do believe – because in 2018 I was given just 18 months to live. Today, it’s just me and my 14-year-old son Adam at home. We take care of each other. He is a great kid who is kind, generous, and a pleasure to be around.

My treatment decisions have always been about both my spiritual journey and as well as my quality of life. We are pushing to continue treatments at the Oasis of Hope Hospital in Mexico. They can use all the tools in the shed without being hindered by the often slow-moving approval process of the FDA here in the United States. The treatments given at Oasis of Hope are not covered by insurance but have been shown, time and again to extend life in Stage 4 cancers - mine, and others. I am set to go back for another round of treatments later this year for a personalized vaccine made for me from the cancers growing in my body. For me, it is a little more complicated because I have a different cancer in each breast. The vaccine is made by taking core samples from the primary tumors. Modern medicine is a miracle indeed.

The Carnage of Cancer

I share these photos with you so that you may understand where I’m at and what I’m going through. While to many I may look well, the battle I face every day is difficult to understand. Most of the tumors have been in my breast and on the surface of my skin, but the most recent CT scan shows that I now have multiple tumors in my liver as well. What is visible is awful and extremely painful, but I keep going and having hope thanks to the excellent treatment I’m receiving.

We are setting our goal at $30,000 as this will cover the expenses for what I call the super vaccine. I will be at the Oasis of Hope Hospital for several weeks and the requested funds will be for doctors, lab technicians, the production of the vaccine, supportive IVs, and treatments.

My life before…

And after…

Chemotherapy at Gunnison Valley Health

A homemade sling. I couldn't put my arm down because of the large tumor in the lymph gland.

I am truly grateful to all of you. I know that everyone who supported and donated to my previous campaigns is very much a part of my personal journey today. I take you with me every time I travel for care, or while I’m embracing the tedious and time-consuming daily regimen of meds, supplements, and bandages.

Particular thanks to my local cancer team and, especially, my awesome oncologist, Dr. P. Blanchet at Gunnison Valley Health. Also, the totally amazing team of doctors at Oasis of Hope in Mexico. Adam and I are beyond grateful for the love and support from our Church, friends, and the cancer support groups (Tough Enough to Wear Pink and Living Journeys) that always come through for us and keep us moving forward.

Thank you for reading.

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