Valarie's Cancer Fight Fund
I’m Valarie, I have cancer... and I need your support and help!
July 28, 2018
Hello all... So much has happen since my last update. Some joy but as we know pain is there too.
My last PET scan in June showed progression. I have several small nodules in both my lungs. Growth along the incision line. A few small shots on my pelvis and my left common icilia lymph node hasn't dissipated. I had a mini break in treatment due to other medical issues. The side effect from chemo still prevents me from working. I'm still fighting to get my Social Security benefits that I've paid into...currently I receive SSI which I'm Grateful for it, but it's Not enough. I continue to apply to foundations and seek financial help where ever I can.
Any amount you are able to donate will be a help.
Thank you for taking the time to read my update.
Blessing,
November 29, 2017
I am still on this journey, and for that I am Grateful. This adventure in the cancer world has not been easy. I just completed round # 54 of chemo. This year has been extremely hard. My Mother passed on September 24, 2016, then I lost a brother on February 3, 2017. I wanted a break from infusion chemo and started taking Xeloda which is the pill form of FloFox. Not what my oncologist recommended, three months later I had a small new growth in July, a new hypennetabolic on my left common iliac lymph node. Not sure if this was due to the stress or the fact that I changed treatments. Along with the financial stress that I face each month and losing my mother and brother within months has been very hard on my healing abilities. As hard as I try not to worry in regards my ability to pay my rent, car insurance and payment, electric bill, and my cell bill each month is overwhelming at times.
Currently, my biggest issue is to pay rent. My property management has been very helpful, but the fact that I have late fees each month that's still outstanding, I'm facing a possibility of being evicted. I need your help.
I pray that if you are able that you will make a donation to my account. Any amount will help and it's appreciated.
As you know this is how this all begin...
I was 49 when I was diagnosed, I'm a divorced mother of a beautiful 22-year-old daughter, which I plan on being here for her. A lot has happened in the last year in-a-half, 27 rounds of chemo and elevated to stage IV. This has been a very hard time for me.
I am asking for your monetary assistance with my current and ongoing battle with stage IV colon cancer. On February 21, 2015, I went into the emergency room because I had pain in my stomach... only to find out that I needed a blood transfusion, emergency surgery to remove a bleeding mass on my colon that was diagnosed to be Cancer of the Colon stage 3b. I had a full hysterectomy, and my appendix removed, so that the surgeon could get to the colon.
I have been undergoing, chemotherapy and I'm currently on om my 34th treatment. First, it was FOLFOX (FOL = Leucovorin Calcium (Folinic Acid) F = Fluorouracil OX = Oxaliplatin.) now its FLOFRI with Avastin. This is a chemotherapy regimen of several different drugs and leucovorin. It is typically given through injection or IV into a port in the chest. I have a port.
I have not been able to return to work due to the side effects of chemo and the ongoing doctor's visits. I'm currently receiving SSI benefits.
Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the US. On average, the lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is about one in 20 (5%), however, this varies widely according to individual risk factors. People with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or offspring) who has colon cancer have two to three times the risk of developing the disease. My brother lost his battle in June of 2010, his was not detected in time.
Please, understand that your donations will help supplement my income and help me to continue to pay my existing bills and obligations. The cost of co-pays for office visits and medications, along with the weekly regimen of organic life-giving nutrients of vegetables, fruits, and supplements, is above what my income allows. The facts are there, eating properly and seeing my doctors, will help me stay healthy.
My financial obligations are still very apparent, the stress of my financial obligations can slow the process of my healing. With that being said any help will be a stress reliever and would allow me to focus on my health.
Thanking you in advance for taking the time to read this and for considering to make a donation, any amount will be greatly appreciated. I will, in turn, keep you posted on my progress.
You never know when something life-changing is going to happen. I'm grateful that God placed the best surgeons to perform the miracles that they did. My family and friends have been super supportive. I pray that with God and chemo I will stay cancer free!
Warm regards,
Valarie
