Kristi’s (aka “Turtle’s”) Cancer Fight

UPDATE 12.26.24

Hi, everyone! Just thought I would give you a quick update since my last one.

Yesterday, Christmas day, was exactly one year since my diagnosis. Wow, how time flies!

I finished radiation in August and thought I would be ecstatic, but I dropped into a severe depression. It was the scariest depression I have ever experienced. MD Anderson set me up with a counselor at MDA and he has been wonderful. I see him once a week. I also got set up with a psychiatrist who is also super helpful. The depression lasted quite a while and really began to affect every aspect of my life, including my job.

Fast forward 3 months and I am much better. I still see both of my therapists and will continue to.

My treatment currently is I take the chemo pill for 2 weeks and off 1 week. I'm probably looking at this being something I will have to do for the rest of my life, but if that is the case, I will take it!

January 14 is my next scan day and January 15 I will get the results. Prayers are needed!

Please continue keeping me in your prayers as this tumor is not operable, so prayers are always welcome!

I love you all!

UPDATE 9.12.2024

Hi friends! Sorry for my delay in updating you on my cancer journey. It’s been a whirlwind.

On August 20th, I finished my last and final round of radiation. I went 25 days and received radiation and took the chemo pill. I rang the bell for the second time on August 20. I met with my oncologist after that and his plan for me is that I stop radiation and chemo pill for 2 months. Radiation, I learned from him, continues to work in my system for the next 2 months, so technically, I’m still receiving treatment and giving my system a chance to recover from chemo and radiation.

On September 30, I go in for blood work and a follow up with my oncologist. The plan currently is that after that, at the end of October, I will go in for scans. I’m very anxious about that as it’s been a while since I have had scans and I’m just ready to see where I’m at.

I have remained positive throughout my treatment, but sunk into a scary and deep depression once radiation was over. I reached out to my oncologist and they set me up with the supportive care team who then put me on Seroquel and set me up with a counselor. His name is Thomas and he’s been a lifesaver. He just has all the right words to say. He tells me this is somewhat common after being in the fight of my life since January. He says I go from being in treatment and constant appointments and constant doctor visits to nothing and it is just a scary feeling of feeling like you don’t have the security blanket of being seen. Thomas has really walked me through steps to getting back to some positive thinking and happy thoughts.

So once I see my oncologist on the 30th, I may have a better idea of where I am at and what the next steps are. I will continue keeping everyone posted. From what he has said before, I will be looking at the chemo pill and scans every 2 months for the rest of my life. What that means is that every year, I am also looking at having to come up with $6,000 for my insurance deductible. Ugh. Another yearly bill.

Thank you, everyone, for your prayers. Please keep praying as I will need them forever. Love you all!

UPDATE 7.11.24

Hi, Turtle Tribe! Just giving everyone an update lately. I completed 12 rounds of chemo and I had my last chemo on 6.19.21. I then had my CT Scan on July 2 and met with my oncologist the following day. My husband and brother and some of my Turtle Tribe attended this appointment with me as it was my first big milestone. I completed my first round of chemo; therefore, I was able to ring the bell! I was so excited to be able to have my hubby and brother and some of my closest girlfriends with me!!!

My scans were good and my oncologist was very pleased. My CA19-9 number dropped again from 51 to 34 (this blood test measures my cancer antigens - the lower the number., the better). I started this cancer journey with my CA19-9 number being in the 400s!

My next battle is radiation and the cancer pill. My oncologist is having me do 15 rounds of radiation along with the pill. My first appointment for radiation is Tuesday, July 16. I will go every single day, Monday - Friday, for 15 sessions. I will take the chemo pill on the same days as radiation, 2 pills in the morning and 3 pills in the evening. Once I complete all of this, I will go for another set of scans. Not sure what will happen after that. Just taking it one day at a time.

The radiation will cause fatigue and nausea. Not looking forward to that. The chemo pill can cause hands and feet to peel, along with fatigue and nausea as well. Ugh.

Please continue to keep me in your prayers. I still need them and they are working!!!!

I love you all!!!

UPDATE 6.2.24

Hi, friends! I know it’s been a while since I’ve given an update. There has not been much of an update until I had scans about a month or so ago. My scans then showed continued improvements. My tumor had shrunk from 3.5 cm to 3.2 cm. All my numbers looked good and my oncologist was pleased. I have 2 more chemos to go and then more scans. After that, my oncologist will determine if I need more chemo, radiation or can manage with the chemo pill. PRAY FOR THE CHEMO PILL!

Since then, however, I found a lump in my left breast. I went yesterday to get a mammogram and ultrasound to see if they could see anything. The radiologist ended up coming in after my ultrasound and did additional testing. She said she thought the lump was benign, however, she said I had “skin thickening”. She said she was puzzled by it. It would have been caused, she said, from trauma. The more me and my friend Bonnie asked questions, the more confused we became because we got no answers. This radiologist repeatedly said “I can only tell you what I see and I need to stay in my own lane”. She did discuss me seeing a breast surgeon, but in the end, she set me up for a 3 month follow up. Needless to say, I was not pleased with that.

I immediately emailed my oncologist to explain what happened, and my clinical team is on it. I will hopefully know something Monday and maybe get in to see a breast surgeon who can look at my imaging and give me a better idea of what is going on.

So again I ask for continued prayers. This is not something I thought I would be dealing with all while still fighting pancreatic cancer, but here we are.

UPDATE 4.12.24

I am sorry I have not posted an update recently. The chemo exhaustion is no joke!

My March 27 chemo was good. My oncologist decreased the dosage of my chemo to minimize the side effects I was experiencing, specifically the extreme exhaustion, fatigue, cold sensitivity and neuropathy. The chemo definitely seemed easier as I really did not get many side effects like I have been previously. The fatigue was still present.

For about a week after chemo, outside of working, I am pretty darn useless. Thank God for my husband who cooks for me. Otherwise, I would be starving!

I just completed my 7th chemo yesterday, April 10. Again, same results so far. Usually the fatigue sets in by Sunday and is front and center until at least Wednesday. We will see how it goes.

I have one more chemo on April 24 and then will be scheduled to have my second CT scan on the following Monday, April 29, with results coming on Wednesday, May 1. PRAYERS ARE NEEDED FOR MORE SHRINKAGE OF MY TUMOR!!!!

I just have to say that prior to the big “C”, I did not always have the brightest outlook on life. I would never have called myself a optimist by any stretch of the imagination. Today, after the cancer diagnosis, after the initial shock and the first Hell week, I am definitely an optimist. Not sure where that came from, but I’m guessing my faith. I am happy and I know I’m going to beat this with every ounce of my being. But I’m not fighting this battle alone, and that also gives me strength.

My family is ALWAYS there for me. My cousin Andi has been by my side, literally, from Day 1. She goes with me to every appointment and if she can’t make it, I have a huge tribe of girls who pick a day to go with me. I have the absolute best family in the world and I never take any of them for granted. I know I’m a lucky girl.

But with that said, I have to also say this: My girlfriends have amazed me. My girlfriends have ALL stepped up to the plate for me in every way you could want. They have shown up for me in every single time of need I have had and they have CONSISTENTLY done this. Not one of them has faltered or waivered in their desire to be by my side. All of this has made this journey more than bearable and my family and friends have changed my pessimistic attitude to one of complete gratitude and optimism.

I can never repay my family and friends for the love they have given to me, but I can say I will always try and will always show up for them when the need arises.

Thank you all again for all of your thoughts and prayers. Please keep them coming!

Love, Turtle

xoxoxoxo

UPDATE 3.18.24

On Wednesday March 13, I had the first of my 2nd round of 4 chemos. Other than the usual neuropathy and cold sensitivity, it was uneventful until Friday, the day I went in for the pump disconnect.

So Friday morning I got up and went into the bathroom to take a shower, my normal routine. Except, I forgot that I had pinned the chemo pump cord to my pants. As I was changing clothes, I accidentally pulled apart the chemo cord. Blood start squirting everywhere. I kinda freaked out and tried to put it back together, but thought it was best that I close off the clamp and head to MD Anderson.

When I got to MDA, they were not able to flush the line, so they had to take the needle out of the port and reinsert the needle (chemo) into the port in order to flush. Once that was successfully accomplished, I was able to get the disconnect done. I also received another growth factor injection to help with my white and red blood cell count. I have noticed that I have been increasingly exhausted and overly tired. I try to rest when I feel like my body is telling me to rest. At times that is difficult because I feel lazy. The exhaustion is extreme. My husband looked it up and found out there is something called Cancer-Related Fatigue. It’s obvious that this round of chemo has kicked my booty and I am pretty sure that I am suffering from this.

I have slacked off on my daily exercise, so today my husband and I took our fur baby Duke for a walk. I will be better about taking more walks so I can get my body moving and get some sun. I will try to do something like this every day to combat this exhaustion. Wish me luck!

UPDATE 3.7.24:

So, today was the day we’ve been waiting for! Today I had my follow up with my oncologist to see what kind of progress we are making in fighting this %$#@. The CT scan I had on Monday was the first testing other than blood work that I have had since I started chemo in January. We were so anxious to find out the results…but also terrified. I’ve had conversations with my family and close friends about what to expect. It seems we were all pretty much on the same page. We have watched the numbers from blood work and worked hard on getting the side effects under control. We must be beating it!!!

I know y’all want me to get to the point but bear with me.

It seems like it took forever to get to MD Anderson today. My husband, brother and cousin Andi were all going with me to my appointment today. I’m not sure any of us said a word on the drive in. I think we were all in prayer mode and hopeful for good results.

My oncologist’s PA came in first and went over my blood work results. We went over the white blood cell count, which was very high this time. As a reminder, my white blood cell count was previously trending low and this past Friday, they gave me a growth factor injection to raise my blood cell count. Well, it clearly raised it!

But let’s be honest: what we are ALL waiting for is the CT scan results! Here it is!

I have a decrease in the size of the tumor. It decreased from 4.4 cm to 3.5cm. There is a decrease in the main pancreatic duct dilatation that went from 6 mm to 4mm. Hallelujah!!!!

The tumor has been wrapped around the artery that leads to my pancreas and is squeezing the artery. Now, since it has shrunk, he said that it has lessened the pressure around the artery! God is good!!!!!!

I could not have asked for better results from my first CT scan. Well, other than it to have disappeared completely! I was praying for at a minimum of no change, so I’m blessed beyond measure to have gotten results like this. Praise God!

Thank you, everyone, for your constant prayers and support for me during this time. I know it’s easy to forget and go on about your lives, but I appreciate each and every one of you. I am living proof of Answered Prayers!

FEBRUARY 28, 2024 UPDATE

This will be a short update, as not much has changed.

Yesterday I had my fourth chemo treatment. It started at 8 am with bloodwork, then a 10:40 am appointment with my oncologist. The appointment with the oncolcogist went well. They were happy with my bloodwork, but are keeping a close eye on my white blood cell count because it’s on a downward trend right now. They need this number to be good because it can delay me getting my next chemotherapy. So, this Friday when I go to get my chemo pump disconnected, they will be giving me a shot of growth factor which is supposed to help with that. Fingers crossed that they give me this shot through my port! I don’t like needles and having the port is super helpful for that reason.

I have been feeling okay lately. As always, just very tired after my chemo. I’m still having massive tummy issues that we can’t seem to get controlled.

Unlike the other chemos, I started feeling the cold sensitivity and neuropathy immediately while at MD Anderson. My oncologist said this would continue to get worse, so I guess that seems accurate.

I’m still so very thankful and blessed that I have the best family and friends to be with me through this ordeal. I’m not sure how I could get through it otherwise.

Stay tuned for next week’s report! As you may remember from my last update, I will be getting updated scans. I am hopeful that we will see positive results. I get scanned on Monday, March 4th, and should receive the results Wednesday, March 6th. Keep that prayer chain rocking for me!!!

UPDATE – FEBRUARY 14, 2024 - Happy Valentine’s Day.

I think I am making a habit of spending holidays in a hospital. I don’t like that trend!

Well, I had my third chemo today. I seemed to do okay overall, however, I did get stomach cramps again, on the one difficult chemo. When I got home, without touching anything cold, I suddenly got tingly. My hands, fingers, fingernails, toes, and feet all got tingly…. Well, hello neuropathy! Ugh! This is a side effect that my oncologist told me 100% of the people that take the kind of chemo I am on, and it will not get better until I am finished with chemo. They even said it would get worse, and even then, I could have residual issues long term. This is somewhat problematic as I need my hands and fingers to type, considering that is a major part of my livelihood.

Okay, so let’s talk about bloodwork. Anyone that has known someone that has been through chemotherapy knows you have to get blood drawn before each treatment. The doctors are looking to see what is being affected and whether you are able to receive the next scheduled treatment. It is not unusual to have treatments pushed out for a week or so because of low blood counts, etc.

My last set of bloodwork from Monday the 12th showed a decrease in white and red blood cells and showed that I am anemic. My liver enzymes were also a little elevated. This is the part where I have to be super careful with the number of people I come in contact with and germs! I can’t afford to miss any chemo visits due to sickness. My social life now consists of Happy Hour with my friends over Zoom where I enjoy KaChava instead of a glass of wine or champagne.

Going back to side effects, I must tell on myself. My forgetfulness is at an all-time high. I think there really is something to this “chemo-brain” that you hear so much about. I didn’t realize until this week that I will be getting 12 rounds of chemo! I thought all this time that I only had 8. Completely missed that.

Good things coming up soon. After my next treatment, I will get new CT scans to see what kind of progress I am making against this horrific diagnosis. I am lucky that I have now met my deductible so that helps, however, that starts over May 1st so it’s a little short lived, and I will have to redo the scans after the next 4 treatments again. That means I am looking at some rather large medical bills after April of this year. Trying to plan for that and not stress about it at the same time.

Going through something like this tends to put your life in a very different perspective. I’m just sitting here reminiscing about how life has gone over the last decade or so of my life. After sharing heart to heart talks with some of my family and friends, I realize there’s no point in asking why things happen, they just do. Let me catch you up on what I’m talking about.

My family is very close. We do everything together. Unfortunately, in recent years, we have been through a lot of tragedies.

• 2010: My family lost Uncle Tom after a lengthy battle with lung cancer that he got compliments of Agent Orange when he was in the Navy.

• 2015: In January, my dad passed away from liver disease he never knew had. He had pulmonary fibrosis from what he believes he got while farming all those years when he was younger and BEFORE they had closed in cabs for the tractors.

• 2016: My Uncle Jack passed away.

• 2020: My Mimi (my dad and Aunt Kathy's mama) passed away.

• 2020: My husband Jeff’s mother passed away.

• 2021: In December, my cousin Tommy (Uncle Tom’s son) passed away from glioblastoma.

• 2022: My mama moved to Houston in April to live with us. That same month I started my new job at Hartline Barger. In August my mom passed away from Congestive Heart failure, and in October, Jeff lost his job of 30 years due to a horribly toxic boss.

• 2023: Let’s chat…

With the events of 2022, I immersed myself in work 100%. During the 2023 year, we hired a legal secretary for me, who turned out to be my stalker. Threatened my life to the point I had to file a police report, had to have police surveillance on my house, and my work took every precaution possible to keep me and my co-workers safe. I spent the entire year in 2023 trying to find out answers to my back pain, had surgery in June to repair a hiatal hernia and remove my gall bladder, only to find out I still had massive back pain. Hospital stays began in November, went through December, and well, you now know the rest of that story.

• December 2023: My pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

It’s a lot, and honestly feels like I’ve been in a whirlwind of bad luck. This isn’t me throwing a pity party. It just puts things into perspective of how I have felt from day one of this diagnosis. At first, it was devastating, and it felt like another tragedy. People often say, “God never gives you more than you can handle”. A good friend of mine recently told me that is not true and what it really means when you feel like you are going through more than you can handle, is that God is pulling you to him and asking you to lean on him.

Maybe that is where I am now getting my strength. I do feel like things have taken a positive turn. I have belief, faith, whatever you want to call it; I will beat this cancer!

So now I want to share some happy, feel-good news. My bother Marc asked his girlfriend Jacqueline (Jaxxx) to marry him. She said YES!!! I’m so excited to be adding a sister to my family!! We absolutely love her! It’s a little unusual, but he proposed at the cemetery where my parents are buried. My cousin Andi, my parents and I got to witness the whole thing!

That about catches y’all up on the events in my world. Thanks to each one of you for the love and prayers. Please keep me on those prayer lists.

On a side note, we are putting in another Turtle Tribe shirt order, but we are short on our minimum order. If you want to place an order, the shirts are $15 and please provide your size.

Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers!

UPDATE FOR 2.1.24

I had my second chemo appointment today. Good news: I have gained about 8 pounds since my first chemo! Yay! This has been and will continue to be a big part of my fight. It is the main thing my cancer team has asked me to focus on. Gotta give a big thanks to my amazing husband Jeff for being my very own personal chef! Also to my cousin Andi who has taken the absolute BEST care of me. She not only helps with the cooking, but has been my chauffeur, driving me to/from appointments and anywhere else I need to go.

And last but not least, I have to thank Bonnie. There is NO WAY I could do this without her knowledge of having gone through and beat cancer herself, BUT also her expertise from being a firefighter and paramedic for the City of Houston. Without my family and friends, I would not be able to get through this. Love you all so much.

She and Bonnie have never missed an appointment with me. They have been my extra ears.

If you remember, with the first chemo, the only side effects I had were stomach cramping while receiving the treatment, and sleeplessness from the steroids. We fixed some of that with my doctor’s help. This time I had the extreme sensitivity to cold, both by touch and also by ingesting something cold. Before we left MD Anderson, I washed my hands in the sink, and I immediately felt tingly on my hands and underneath my fingernails. Weird. It progressed substantially on the drive home, and I started getting neuropathy in both hands and both legs. I know I will have challenges along the way, and I think I am prepared for most of the side effects my physicians have spoken to me about. I am working remotely while going through treatment of this #*%@, and I did have a tough time typing on the computer with stiff hands! What a blessing it has been to be able to work from home! I just pray that my symptoms remain manageable and that I will not have to use any more time off.

As this symptom was something new, Andi and I decided it was best to call MD Anderson. We spoke to my oncologist who did not seem alarmed but did tell us to keep an eye on it. After a few hours, the feeling subsided somewhat, but it is still there. My oncologist is working closely with me to ensure that the treatment I receive goes as smoothly as possible and has helped me avoid some of the negative symptoms that go along with chemotherapy.

Overall, I feel much stronger than I did after the first chemo treatment. I think we have worked out some of the kinks that come with fighting cancer. I needed an adjustment period to accept my diagnosis and wrap my head around everything that goes along with it. I am not just hopeful. But feel certain that I will beat this! But I need your support and prayers for help along the way!!

UPDATE FOR 1.26.2024:

Hello Friends! I am so sorry to be so late in updating everyone on my cancer journey. It’s been a

whirlwind lately, to say the least.

Before I go any further, I want to let y’all know about answered prayer! We finally have the pain under

control. Whether that is from pharmaceuticals or other alternative approaches…or just God giving me a

break, I will take any and all victories and praise God for each and every one of them.

The treatment I am receiving consists of 3 different types of chemotherapy. Two of the 3 are given in

the infusion center, and the third one goes home with me in a “fanny” pack! I had my first round on

January 17th . Before the treatment, I was given steroids, which I assume was to help minimize the side

effects and allow my body to handle the chemo. Shortly after I was given the first chemo that went

smoothly. Unfortunately, the second one had to be stopped twice to treat stomach cramps (a side effect

of this one). They also slowed down the rate at which the chemo was being delivered to allow for

completion of the treatment. I then left with the third chemo in a little purse that I kept with me until

Friday when I returned to MD Anderson to be disconnected.

Some of you may know that I have always had difficulty sleeping. Between Friday and Monday, I got

almost no sleep, and it affected me very negatively. I was exhausted during the day and constantly felt

like I needed a nap. I tried everything I could think of, but every time I tried to sleep, I just tossed and

turned. This really took its toll on me. I have been very weak from sleep deprivation and unfortunately

even lost some weight which is not good for someone who has been trying to gain weight so that I am

able to complete this treatment.

Monday finally came around. I was glad that I had video appointments already scheduled with the

doctors at MD Anderson. I was able to address the sleep issue and they prescribed me a sleeping

medication which was extremely helpful. I finally was able to get some solid sleep Monday and Tuesday

evening.

Today, Wednesday, the 24th , I seem to finally feel back to my normal self. I am still weak in my legs, but I

am working on it.

As much as I did not want to have to miss work, there was no way around it. I took FMLA this week and

I am so thankful I did. Even though FMLA is without pay, there would have been no way I could have

focused and concentrated on work, even if I tried.

Thank you to each of you who have donated to help me. I have tried so hard to not worry about bills

and money and the stress of what that brings, but my mental health is just as important.

UPDATE FOR 1.8.2024:

Today w

as my initial appointment at MD Anderson with the Oncology Surgeon, Pancreatic Oncologist and their teams. We went in there feeling great, ready to Kick Cancer’s Ass!!! One of my first questions to the surgeon was, “Has the cancer spread?”. She said it had not. I was ecstatic!!!! As the conversation continued, she explained that the tumor was wrapped completely around the artery to the pancreas (we understood from the previous hospital stay that it was not completely around the artery and more of a hook or candy cane shape). We were also told that the mass had invaded the pancreas…another misconception. I was shocked, scared, and sick to my stomach…what a gut punch! Next, we were told the tumor is inoperable and that I am Stage 3. So of course, the next most natural thing to ask… average survival rate. The surgeon was gentle, but said she believes in being direct. Mean numbers, somewhere around 18-24 months. WTH? I suddenly felt deflated and stunned. She stayed to answer all our questions, and then gave us time to try to come to grips with the information we just received.

After a little while, we met the Oncologist that I will see throughout my treatments. I think he could tell we were all devastated and had been crying. He looked right at me and told me his job was to not only help me improve my quality of life but to also prolong the quantity of life with this diagnosis. He told us he would stay as long as we needed him to and until all of our questions and concerns were answered. Many of our questions were about naturopathic/holistic adjuncts. He was not opposed and even said he would schedule appointments with the integrative medical team. Apparently, he has been involved in research studies that involve holistic care. Anyone that knows my husband Jeff, knows how passionate he is about natural treatments and holistic cures. Jeff and my friend Crissy, have been on top of their game with this from day 1. As my Aunt Jim later said,” God sent that particular doctor to care for you.” She had read his CV and knew his background and that we were open to that type of care.

Needless to say, today was exhausting. With the overabundance of new information, we are redirecting our path.

Now that we got through ALL of that, here’s what’s next.

Tomorrow I will see a Pain Management doctor. The plan is to give me a nerve block to help ease my back pain. This procedure works for about 50% of the patients that get it and should last up to 6 months.

Monday, January 15th, I will get my port. Wednesday, January 17th, is my first chemotherapy. I will receive 3 types of chemo with each treatment. 2 of the 3 will be delivered in the infusion center at MD Anderson and that will take 5-6 hours. Then I will go home with a pump that will deliver the 3rd type of chemo over a 2-day period. I go back Friday to have the pump disconnected, then no other treatment for 12 days. This will be the routine for at least the first 2 months. Apparently, with pancreatic cancer, many patients actually feel better once they start chemotherapy. I will have all the pharmaceuticals I need to help me deal with the side effects should I experience them.

The doctors at MD Anderson appear to be very compassionate and I truly did not feel like a number today.

Several of you have added me to your prayer list. I cannot thank you enough. We have a battle to fight, and I could not do this without your love and support.

She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. Proverbs 31:25

Thank you

for taking time to read the story of my cancer journey. As I reflect on 2023, I struggle to comprehend how we got to where we are today…

As many of you know, I have spent the majority of 2023 searching for answers to back pain. I have seen my Internal Medicine Doctor, a Chiropractor, Pain Management Doctors, Spine Specialists… I have had multiple tests including MRI’s, CT scans (with and without contrast).

The MRI I had in May revealed a hiatal hernia. I thought, finally, we are getting somewhere. My physician scheduled me to have surgery in June. The hernia was repaired, and my gall bladder was also removed. I was so relieved to think this could be the answer to my back pain!

Sadly, it was not, and I was back to square one.

Since then, I have been going from doctor to doctor searching for answers for back pain and getting one diagnosis after another. I was told I had Osteoarthritis in my lumbar spine, and I could have bulging disks. Their treatment suggestion was multiple spinal injections, oh and hey let’s throw in some spinal traction…which I had as well, with zero relief. Throughout the duration of testing, poking, and prodding, I continued to have significant pain with no relief.

No prescription management of the pain and believe me I asked.

Sometime around August, I began having GI issues along with the back pain. I was having difficulty eating and keeping any food down. In 4 months, I lost over 40 pounds. I continued to seek medical advice. To say I was not feeling well is an understatement. I needed relief from the pain, and I didn’t know what to do anymore so, I went to the Emergency Room. They performed another MRI and CT scan and was told I had pancreatitis. I was admitted and spent 5 days there before being released.

In the middle of December, my back pain became worse, and again I sought care at an Emergency Room, this time in the Medical Center. They performed yet another MRI and CT scan and found a mass on my pancreas. This diagnosis led to me having 2 biopsies. I could never have imagined I would be leaving the hospital with a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Nothing prepared me for that.

My doctor gave me some pain meds and released me from the hospital with the agreement that I would return if the pain became uncontrollable. I decided to try to spend time with my family during the holidays. My husband Jeff and I were in Corpus Christi for family Christmas when my pain became unbearable. We left on Christmas Day and drove straight to the hospital where I was admitted until they could find a way to manage my pain and plan the next steps.

While in the hospital, I completed registration paperwork for MD Anderson. I was told someone would get back to me within 48 hours. About 3 hours later my phone rang and it was them calling to get additional information. They told me once they receive my discharge paperwork from the hospital, I was currently admitted to, we could move forward. Answered prayer!!!

I was able to get in and received an appointment. Since that call I have continued to get updates for one appointment after another. I am ecstatic about this!!!!!!! My first appointment with the surgeon and the pancreatic oncologist is January 8.

My tumor is 2.6cm. and as of today, has not spread. Apparently, there are 2 types of pancreatic cancer, and mine is the one that 80% of those with my diagnosis have. The other positive is that it has not invaded the pancreas. It is the shape of a candy cane and wrapped around the artery that feeds into the pancreas.

The previous treatment plan was to start with chemotherapy for 2 months, and then redo scans to see if the tumor had shrunk enough to do surgery. If not, then I would receive another 2 months and rescan again. I would need to complete a total of 6 months of chemotherapy with a treatment given every 2 weeks. I’m curious to see what will change, if anything, with Monday’s appointment at MD Anderson.

Here's the part of my story that I haven’t told you yet. Why am I on here, and now what?

Unfortunately, my insurance company did not cover the cost of many of the MRI’s and CT scans. Nor did they cover the injections. So, I had to pay for them out of pocket. I didn’t feel like there was any other alternative. I desperately needed answers and wanted to find the root of my pain.

I work as a paralegal, and I depend on my job for my livelihood. I know that I have a BIG fight ahead of me and am worried about missed days of work. I have exhausted my savings and my paid time off from work over the past year due to several hospital stays and continued testing. I have never taken any type of government assistance or asked others to help – I am desperate now. I do not want to have to sell my home in the middle of fighting the biggest battle of my life.

The funds would assist me in covering the costs of insurance co-pays, uncovered insurance expenses. and out of pocket expenses for fuel to get me back and forth to the medical center.

I wholeheartedly believe in the power of community, love, prayers, and unwavering hope. This is a God-sized problem, but to God, it's just another opportunity to showcase His miracles.

If you can find it in your heart to help me, your generosity would be sooooooo appreciated.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.