Support Rose's Battle Against Stage 4 Cancer

This is my story

On May 11th, 2024 my life changed in an instant! I was experiencing severe abdominal pain. The most terrifying spasmodic contracting pain I have ever experienced. The next morning I drove myself and my sister to the emergency room. They tended to me very swiftly. The ER doctor was incredible. She gave me meds immediately to help decrease the pain, spasmodic contractions and nausea. She ordered an abdominal CT Scan. I went to Radiology and about 15 min later I heard over the loud speaker calling the doctor that was treating me to report to Radiology. I looked at my sister and said to her….That call was for me and it’s not good! If it was a good result they wouldn’t have summoned her to Radiology. Sure enough I was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver. I felt for a min I couldn’t breathe. I saw my life flash before my very eyes. The doctor was incredibly empathetic and recommended to go to the hospital where my doctors work so I would feel more comfortable. The very next day I had to undergo an emergency ileostomy. Since my tumor is located on the ileum portion just before my colon. For those who don’t know what an ileostomy is, it’s a surgery where a portion of my small intestines is outside of my body and I need to empty my pouch on the average of of 4-5 times/day and change the entire pouch every 3 days. My life changed in an instant. I did my best to be brave and positive, which is how I try to live my life. It’s been an incredibly arduous process. I try to keep my faith, stay positive and do positive creative visualizations and affirmations. For some reason I was chosen to go through this process and I will do all that is in my power to do my best to survive. My surgeon and oncologist have been incredible to me. I was told the ileostomy had to be done so they could start my chemotherapy sooner than later. On June 2nd, I was deemed disabled since my work is very physical. In addition to going through all of the health issues, I haven’t been able to work since the middle of May. I have gone through all of my savings, getting help has been a monstrosity of a challenge. I haven’t received any income for 6 months. I am trying to keep a positive outlook, but I’m feeling like I’m at the end of my rope. I don’t have anything. I lost everything. I can’t do my job and I’m terrified on how I can combat this horrific challenge. I am a strong believer of prayer. I am blessed to have family and people around me who encourage me, motivate me and inspire me. In full disclosure, I have moments where I just break down and feel like I’m all alone in this. I’ve been told there is no cure for me, but I will do all I can to prove them wrong. This is the fight of my life. I never thought I would ever be in the situation I am in now. There are times I feel scared, but I know I’m not alone. They say that sometimes, we don’t know how strong we are until we have no other choice but to be strong. I’m a middle aged woman that was always active, vibrant, empowering, loving, giving and empathetic. The past 5 years have been the worst of my life. I went through a horrible last year of my marriage, then the divorce, then covid! Then unemployed and the worst of all, almost 3 years ago I lost my brother. He wasn’t just my brother, he was my best friend, always there to support and defend his little sister, he taught me all I know about sports. He was my confidant and my voice of reason. My heart was shattered!!! I looked up to him and admired him because he was a man of few words, but the words he spoke had significant weight! I’m the youngest in my family and have always been the feisty one. Now I have the biggest challenge of my life. If you can find it in your hearts, I know that life is difficult these days for everyone, if you can, your donations will not go unnoticed. I am fortunate to still be alive, but without income, it’s insult to injury. I just don’t know how I can navigate myself through this without feeling discouraged. I’ve taken care of patients in healthcare since I was 15 years old, now it’s my turn to get help, who thought it would be so difficult? For those who pray, I ask for your prayers. I hope one day, I will be able to pay this forward. Please know, this is the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to write about myself. Thank you all in advance. May you all be loved and blessed.

All the best,

Rose