Hello! My name is Shannon - most likely, if you're seeing this, you know that though. :)

I've had a lot of health issues over the last few years and have done my best to take care of it all myself. The biggest reason being "I'm a strong, independent, female with Millenial Guilt and Oh God, please don't make me ask for help."

Some might also just call me stubborn. Sadly, I don't think I can out-stubborn this most recent setback.

The Quick and Dirty Story So Far:

I've had chronic anemia for awhile. Back in June it had dipped to its lowest point and was considered "Critical". My doctor and I had been trying everything to get my Iron levels up and, after I had described some other symptoms I had been having, he referred me to a few specialists and wanted some images taken. At that point - we learned that some things looked very wrong with my reproductive organs. Fast forward a couple of months (It took FOREVER to get in to see an OB/GYN) and I was diagnosed with Endometrial Cancer and referred to an oncologist.

After speaking with the Oncologist, it was determined that we would need to do a Total Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-OOphorectomy. For those, like me, who are going "Wut??" - they opted to remove my entire reproductive system. The CAT scans had shown multiple cysts and the doctor felt this was my best option. At the time, we were under the belief that the total removal SHOULD catch all of the cancer and, if I was very lucky, I wouldn't have to undergo further treatment.

Sadly, that was not the case. During the surgery they also removed 5 lymph nodes for testing - 'to be sure and safe'.

What we learned was that 4 of those 5 lymph nodes presented for cancer and that some amount of the cancer had spread to the muscle wall. So, now, I will need to go undergo 6 chemo treatments (which will cover roughly 18 weeks) and then 2 boughts of radiation afterwards.

While I work for a fantastic company and do have insurance and some help via LOA - I'm going to need a little bit more help to get through this. And, while I am loathe to ask - I am going to. Every little bit can, and will help. And, if you can't help - I truly truly understand. Life is hard right now for everyone, its the holiday season, food prices have gone up - all of it.

I thank each of you, regardless, for your kind thoughts.

-Shannon <3