Supporting April’s cancer journey

Dealing with the diagnosis of stage four cancer at the age of 45 was gut wrenching and life changing. I’ve had to dig deep and find purpose in this journey. Strength to show up to the fight when I didn’t want to and when I physically didn’t think I could any longer and it has not been easy. Everyone always says I “don’t look sick” and trust me, I’ve tried so hard to keep that facade but THIS IS HARD YA’LL! Physical and mentally hard, ALL. THE. WAY. HARD!! It SUCKS!! There are good days, bad days, worse days, better days. Chemotherapy makes you sick, tired, forgetful, weak, etc. The one thing that is consistent is that I WILL keep “showing up to the fight” even when I don”t want to!!! CANCER… has taken so much from me! And if/when I decide to stop standard treatment it’s because I’m choosing to live not just survive. I was diagnosed June 2020 (delayed thanks to COVID). Stage 3c initial diagnosis. July 2020: Had emergency life saving surgery to remove a large tumor that perforated my colon. 7 positive lymph nodes of 31 removed. Recovery was horrible. August 2020: now stage 4 with a single liver metastasis. Port-a-cath placed. Liver ablation done. Started Chemotherapy. February 2021: Finished 12 rounds of Chemotherapy!! Was praying that was the end. September 2021: lung metastasis. 2nd line chemotherapy started. August 2022: Finished radiation to 3 tumors in my right lung. Things were looking good. November 2022: Liver tumor grew, doubled in size quickly so proceeded with liver resection surgery to remove 7cm size tumor in my liver. It was rough!! August 2023: New metastasis in my liver and lungs. Started 3rd line chemotherapy. I was completely devastated!! See I had never even thought I wouldn’t beat this. I stopped working as this chemo was SO hard on me. February: Chemotherapy wasn’t tolerable and it wasn’t working. New scans show growth in the tumors in both my liver and lungs. I needed a break…. Or I was going to give up! At this point I got several other opinions and started seeking oncology trials. After multiple tests, scans, labs and consults NIH (National Institute of Health) in Maryland found me to be a “good candidate” for their TIL (tumor infiltrating leukocyte) therapy trial. ❤️ Currently I have 6 tumors in my right lung. 1 in my left. Numerous tumors in my liver. I have decided to move forward with my one shot at a miracle. This process WILL NOT be easy!! It IS intense! It will require me to bring my best mentally, physically, and spiritually!! It will require multiple trips to DC. I will have a lung resection to harvest tumors to create TIL therapy. Eventually followed by a month long hospital admission for chemotherapy that completely irradiates my immune system, blood transfusions, TIL therapy (which has a plethora of side effects). Probable ICU admission. In hopes to beat this crap! Then will have to go to NIH every 3 weeks for 8 visits. I am no longer employed by Piedmont which makes me so sad! I LOVED my team, my patients, the nurses and my profession! I miss it! But onward as “the patient” I go! I leave Sunday, August 4th for apheresis and my lung resection I’m scared!!! It will be painful. I get to find out what a chest tube feels like?!?! But I am hopeful!! Please pray that I find the strength to meet the challenges ahead and courage to face the trial. Send me good vibes, positive energy, and lots of prayers! This one is going to be tough! VERY TOUGH! Keep my kids in your thoughts! They are the best, the reason I fight, and NO part of me wants them to be on this earth without me!!! If you are able to donate to my journey I appreciate you and your support so very much! The funds will help me to navigate this process a bit easier. My journey doesn’t end at NIH. Ongoing oncology care and chemotherapy is INSANE! Cobra is INSANE! I am STRONG! I’m a girl-turned-WARRIOR! Trained by the King for the very battle that’s ahead. Surrounded by a loving family and top notch friends! #CancerWarrior #FckCancer #CancerSucks #Support #MentalHealth #Awareness #FightLikeAGirl #Journey #Motivation #Aspire2Inspire #coloncancerwarrior #embracethejourney