Niki Kicking Cancer's Butt Fund

Hello my name is Mandi Brown and this go fund me page is for one of my most favorite people in the world, Niki Collins! I was not given a sister by blood but I was given the privilege to choose friends in my life that became my "sisters."  One of them is Niki. Niki is a beautiful person inside and out and has so much to offer this world, so when hearing that she had cancer I was devastated. I held it together for her but alone I fell apart in selfishness wondering how I could ever make it in life without her if things came to that. But this is all about her and the life she still has left to live. She is strong and has proven that through this process of surgeries and doctors appointments. The hard part has not even began....she will start a year long intense program that will take a toll on her body and life but hopefully  it will have a great outcome. She is not one to ask for hand outs or help but pride has to take a back burner this time. She will be at many treatments that she will have to miss work for, she will become very sick do to treatments and miss work and she will need help with the medical costs and some living expenses through this time. Her family and friends want to thank everyone in advance for any donation given or even if you can't give any prayers for our Niki. She is about to begin this journey of kicking cancers butt and I have no doubt she will! I asked her to tell her story in her own words so that everyone can know the details of her journey.
Here is her story...
I've never thought much about receiving bad news from doctors. I've managed to live 33 years with only walking into a doctors office every few years for the occasional cold or a physical check-up. Quick in and out trips. When I had a spot on my back removed the beginning of February, I had no idea I'd start spending every week in a Dr's office with an added 2 surgery's, plus in a year long cancer treatment program. When the dermatologist called to tell me I had Melanoma, I still had no clue what that involved. As far I knew, Melanoma was a skin cancer and if he took it off of me already, what more could there be? I soon found out it's A LOT! I was told I needed an Oncologist and a Pet Scan. What?! For a mole removal? This is crazy! Those were the thoughts in my head. The more I researched Melanoma , the more I found out how the disease works and panic began to set in my thoughts. I found a great Oncologist who set me up with my scan and soon the appointments started rolling in. Bless Matt's heart, he's spent his days off for the last 2 months sitting with me at appointment after appointment. He is my rock, unfaltering, faithful and steadfast and I love him more than words express. In my case, my Pet Scan showed that the disease had already reached my lymph nodes in my armpits. When you sit and stare at a full body image of yourself and see brightly lit hot spots on yourself, it tends to suck the breath out of your lungs. To be blunt, for me it was a complete W.T.F moment. From there, I went to see the surgeon who would remove the bad spots. Before surgery they decided to do a sentinel node mapping test on me to make sure bad cells hadn't moved to other lymph nodes. I'm THANKFUL for the doctors diligence because that small test showed cells had indeed traveled to my right arm as well. I did the surgery and toughed my way through the healing process. My mother came and stayed with us and was a blessing and great support! My whole family has been a great support! Cancer not only effects you as the patient but all those who love you as well. This love can be a great power source as I've found out and I thank my lucky stars to have so many warriors in my corner! I begin my treatment on May 4th. I'm nervous, a little scared but most of all HOPEFUL! I believe in my healing and the restoration of my body. I believe in the power of the postive spoken word and I walk with my head held high. I will beat this disease and come out a champion! For all those who read this, let me take a second to preach the importance of checking your skin. I tell everyone now, if it looks the slightest off or weird, go to the doctor! Never hesitate or ignore! Your body will thank you! This is my story and journey and I appreciate every kind thought, prayer and message I've received. I couldn't imagine going this alone. Blessings to you all and here's to a bright future!!! Love Niki