Melanie's Fight

Hi everyone,

Thank you in advance for taking the time to hear Mel's story.

Starting at the end of 2020 Mel began feeling unusually tired and after getting the flu in early 2021, she spent the next few months getting worse. Finally, in April of 2021, Mel’s doctors discovered her uterus was enlarged with atypical cells and that she was severely anemic. After receiving two units of blood, she began feeling better and waited patiently for her scheduled appointment in June with a gynecological oncologist in Canton, OH. After another biopsy, a full hysterectomy was recommended and scheduled for July 6th. Shortly before the surgery, the biopsy results confirmed that Mel had uterine cancer and that her lymph nodes would need tested during the surgery to see if the cancer had spread. After a successful surgery the first post-op appointment confirmed our fears, the lymph nodes tested positive for cancer as well. Mel’s team of doctors recommended genetic testing for Lynch syndrome and a CT scan, but unfortunately, this would be the first of many issues caused by her insurance provider. The insurance company refused to approve the testing and scan. They also began fighting with her over the already completed appointments and surgery. Upset, but ready to continue with treatment, Mel remained positive. Over the next weeks plans were put in place – a treatment center was chosen (The Hope Center) and chemotherapy was set to begin on August 18th with treatments every 3 weeks. However, after meeting with the Hope Center’s financial services center, Mel was informed that while the doctor appointments and port surgery were covered, chemotherapy and the actual use of a port would not be covered by her insurance. At this point, all appointments and treatments were postponed as Mel was forced to find new insurance. Thankfully, with the help of Stacey Lynn from Champion Insurance, Mel was able to get new insurance that started at the beginning of September 2021. Relieved and ready for her first chemo – Mel began treatment on September 15th. The first round was brutal and Mel’s exhaustion worsened. The following week was her worst yet and at a follow up appointment on September 22nd her oncology team sent her to the emergency room after listening to her lungs. Upon arriving at the ER Mel’s foot and leg begin to swell dramatically. The team at St. Joseph’s Hospital discover blood clots and believed that she was having a heart attack. A life flight was ordered to the Cleveland Clinic, but due to poor weather conditions a mobile med unit was called and drove her to Cleveland. The heart doctors successfully placed two stents and Mel began to stabilize. The following weeks confirmed numerous clots throughout her lungs and legs, most likely caused from the cancer. Furthermore, the appearance of a large tumor near the liver appeared on scans. Through the combined efforts of Mel’s oncology team, the Cleveland Clinics’ cardiac and oncology teams, medicines and treatments were prescribed and two weeks after arriving Mel was discharged to Hillside Rehabilitation Center for a week of occupational therapy and recovery. Since October of 2021 Mel has been able to resume treatments and is continuing her fight against Stage III cancer while recovering from her heart attack. During this entire process, Mel has been unable to work and was laid off in October. With more medical bills coming in, Mel is in need of help.

We thank you for taking the time to read about Mel’s journey and if you are in a position to donate, any and all help would be more than greatly appreciated.