Cancer Sucks!

***Cancer took Cody's life, and our future, away on Saturday, October 12th. I'm working on planning a memorial service in Tampa, probably the first Sunday of November. (I'll have all the details figured out very soon.) Everyone who loved Cody is invited.*** *** I'm also trying to plan a token of our appreciation for every nurse at TGH and Lifepath Hospice who treated Cody with infinite compassion.*** ***Thanks so much to my family, and to everyone who's been there for me and Cody throughout this nightmare.*** Hey everybody.  My fiance/best friend of over six years (Cody) has been fighting stage four cancer (adenocarcinoma) for a year now.  From day one, it's been a rollercoaster/nightmare of epic proportions. I always knew Cody was strong, but he's been unbelievably brave throughout this harsh process. I couldn't possibly be more proud of him. There's not a person on earth who could handle such a rough diagnosis and such painful treatments with the grace and good spirits that Cody has. Within a family, cancer sparks a domino effect of struggle. The financial strain of cancer is among the most constant and unforgiving.  Despite working overtime throughout this whole process, I'm drowning in bills and credit card debt. (Cody has been too sick to work since around Halloween of last year.) I adored having Cody home and I loved being his personal "nurse", chef, maid, masseuse, and Netflix operator. Cody has worked incredibly hard, long hours over the past decade or so to establish himself as one of the best chefs in Florida. So, despite the circumstances, and the awful side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, we loved having Cody home. I know it felt good to take a break from work for the first time in his adult life, and I'm grateful that Cody got the rest he so deserved. But, of course, the monthly bills and expenses continued to steadily rack up. A single-income household in 2019 is a challenge, even without the added bonus of a late stage cancer diagnosis. Cody is still fighting, in hospice care with family in Virginia.  (His family had him medically transported to at-home hospice in Virginia about a week ago.  Before that, we were at the ICU, and Lifepath Hospice at Tampa General Hospital.  *Shout out to all the amazing nurses/oncology staff there.)  I'm saving up for a trip to Virginia, so I can be back at Cody's side. Being apart is re-breaking my heart. Our wedding was originally scheduled for October 6th, so Cody and I wrote our wedding vows at home a few months ago. I would be grateful beyond belief to just hold Cody's hand again and snuggle with him. If I had the opportunity to read my vows to him, that'd be even more special. TLDR: Cancer is a nightmare. Overnight, Cody and I went from planning a future and family together, to battling a brutal disease. I've stayed somewhat afloat for a year now, thanks to my sweet fiance and my amazing family, but I could really use a little help.  Your love and kind words are the only thing keeping me sane at this point. Thank you all for the support that has made a hellish situation more manageable. I'm forever grateful!