Melissa’s fight against pancreatic cancer

On December 5, 2024 my cousin Melissa Clounch received the news that no one expects or wants to hear - a call from her GI doctor stating: "Melissa, you have Stage 4 pancreatic cancer that has metastasized to your liver, the lining of your stomach and a small portion of your colon. You have over 30 tumors in your liver. You must connect with an oncologist immediately."

Many have asked her, were you feeling bad before the diagnosis and if not, what made you reach out to the GI doctor? Melissa's answer: I was scheduled to have my 5 year routine colonoscopy on December 9. In November I thought I might be passing a kidney stone because I had pain in my back, but when I would take Advil/Tylenol combined, my pain went away. A few days later the pain shifted to right underneath my rib cage, and again the pain went away with meds. Then I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to contact my GI doctor and ask…should I be concerned with these symptoms and should we get them checked before my scheduled colonoscopy? My GI doctor agreed we needed to rule out anything before going through with the scheduled colonoscopy.

December 6, Melissa & Ray contacted their family doctor, Dr. Culpepper. He helped them navigate getting appointments with MD Anderson and UT Southwestern. Due to Christmas and New Years, getting appointments with anyone was a challenge. It was a God thing…MD Anderson in Houston was able to see us first, so that is the direction they decided to go. But with so many health issues hitting Melissa back to back, the MD Anderson oncologist encouraged them to move her care to UT Southwestern in Dallas to be close to home.

On January 13 she was admitted into the hospital for a severe case of jaundice. It ended up being a 28 days stay in the hospital due to many set backs with her health and the pain she was experiencing. She celebrated her 61st birthday at UT Southwestern in room 1161. We cannot say enough great things about UT Southwestern Oncology… who knew they had musical therapy and dog therapy! On her birthday, they sent in the musical therapist. Our family had a blast with Lindsay, the musical therapist. We mostly sang (mostly off key) but who cares…we were having some good belly laughs and enjoying our time together. Ray brought in Nothing Bunt cakes for the family and nurses so everyone could be part of the birthday celebration.

Saturday, February 8th, Melissa was healthy enough to be released to go home.

Thursday, February 13 she started round 2 of chemo. She is on a 14 day treatment plan. Day 1 is at the Infusion Center. At the end of day 1, they send her home with a 46-hour automatic IV Chemo pump.

She was admitted back into the hospital February 20 with a blood clot in her left bicep. Thank goodness it was only a 4 day stay. As of February 28 the swelling is going down which means the blood clot is dissolving.

So many family and friends are asking how they can help Melissa and Ray. Even though they have good health insurance, a 28 and 4 day hospitalization bill is daunting. We appreciate any financial assistance you are able to provide, but we will take all the prayers you are able to lift up on Melissa’s behalf. We are praying for a complete healing and that all cancer is destroyed from Melissa’s body.

Melissa says she serve a mighty God who is in the business of performing miracles and we as her family believe God is a miracle worker too! Melissa wants to be a walking billboard for Jesus.