Hello my name is Marilou and on November 11th I was told I have a large tumor in my left lung. After two biopsies I was given the devastating news that I have lung cancer. Further testing showed that it is contained to just the lung. What a blessing.
As a caregiver, I take care of women who are experiencing advanced dementia. I have worked for the same company for 7 years and I LOVE what I do! I am a giver, not a receiver. This whole situation has challenged me in ways I can’t describe adequately. After receiving the news I was so consumed by it I could no longer focus on everyday tasks or work. As a result I was given medical leave of absence. It’s a small company so I won’t be receiving pay while I go through the next several months. They however will hold my position for me. That’s a huge relief.
First there will be surgery on December 23rd, followed by Chemo Therapy. It will be 6-8 weeks that I’ll be out of work plus I’ll be bed bound for 2 weeks or more after surgery. So much to wrap my head around. There have been many copays just to get me to this point. They won’t be stopping. I am filing for state aide and hope that I qualify but in the interim I’m just not sure how I’ll survive. Asking for help is not something I’m used to doing but here I am. Giving to someone in need is such a joy, and I know that when this is past me I’ll be paying forward all the love and support I’ve been and will be receiving while I go through this. There will always be someone in need, someone who needs the help of a village.
I do have two loving roommates who will be taking care of me but financially they too have their limitations. As a Christian woman with a strong faith in God, I know he will see me through this. For now, I just need a little help to get by.