Paula's Plight - Stage 4 Metastasized Lung Cancer

Hi, I'm Paula and I have stage 4 small cell lung cancer that has metastasized throughout my body and brain.

Time, is something I never really thought about. I always thought it was something I always had more of or something I could make as if it were a cake. I'll make the time, there's always tomorrow. Right now I'm living on borrowed time. Who I've borrowed it from I don't know, but I cherish every second.

I never really thought about my health either. Sure I was aging, but my grandkids couldn't keep up with me. What did I have to worry about? If there were something wrong I'd feel sick right? All of those medicare commercials. That stuff is for old people who go to the doctor because they stub a toe. That's not me. So, I opted for the bare minimum. Not realizing the consequence.

When I was told I have cancer, I couldn't believe my ears. That's something other people get. Shouldn’t I feel sick? Or be in pain? It had silently invaded my body like weeds in a garden. Choking the life out of me. It grew from one 3-centimeter mass on my lung to completely engulfing it. As if it were the appetizer and every other organ were its meal and it spread to them all in a matter of weeks.

Weeks I spent waiting for appointments that we’re scheduled weeks and some even months away. Time wasted because Intermountain Healthcare refuses a cancer patient radiation that could stop the growth and prevent it from advancing. Treatment the doctor was prepared to begun the next day. They did approve chemotherapy, probably because I was required to pay $1000 for before they would even call my name to go into the back.

I’m a fighter, but I need help winning this battle. This is more than I can handle. Not only am I fighting for my life I'm fighting for life-saving treatments, fighting for appointments faster than the growth of my cancer.

I've decided to seek treatment in Mexico. It's costly, but at least I am not wasting time. That gives me hope.

Unfortunately, my savings have been depleted... unless I can raise more money for my next round of treatment all will be for naught.

Thank you all in advance for anything you can contribute to helping me win this fight.