Support Nikki's Battle Against Stage 3 Cancer

Hey, most know me as Nikki or Nik! I'm a 42-year-old single mom who was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer! I recently had surgery to remove the tumor on my colon. About 18 inches of my colon has been removed. The tumor went through the bones and landed on the muscles. Now, the cancer is on 5 out of 25 of my lymph nodes and it surrounds other tissues, which makes me Stage 3. I have nodules on my lungs that are too small to say whether they're cancerous or not; we are just hoping with treatment they don't change. If so, then my treatment and diagnosis changes. Now I have to undergo 6 months of chemo treatments, a treatment called FulFox. As well as doing chemo in the clinic, I will be doing chemo at home.

I've been put out of work until next May (hopefully if all goes well) and even though short-term disability is offered, that still isn't enough for the out-of-pocket expenses for treatments, rent, utilities, etc. I have a child in college and I'm trying to get custody of my granddaughter. Me being diagnosed with colon cancer has been a lot in a short time period. Everything is moving so fast. A little stomach issue from last year and then being told it's cancer this year along with H. pylori threw me for a big loop. I am confused, lost, hurt, disappointed—all of the above.

I'm just asking for a little help so we can maintain our place and these other medical expenses while I go through chemo treatments and until I'm able to return to work. Anything helps and I truly appreciate all support!