Help Mom Beat Stage4 Ovarian Cancer

When I was eleven years old, my mother was diagnosed with Follicular Thyroid Cancer, and given a five year life expectancy. She did not take it lying down, and went through multiple other opinions until she found a doctor willing to fight for her. Twenty-six years later she has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. My mother wants to fight just like she did then, but due to the cost of supplemental insurance from her pre-existing conditions, she allowed it to lapse a few years ago. Unfortunately Medicare only covers 80% of her bills, and each chemotherapy appointment runs in excess of $3,000 alone. In the past two weeks alone, she has had to have three separate ER visits for emergency thoracentesis fluid removal from her lungs. Once chemotherapy is over, she will require surgery and an extended hospital stay. At her age, she lives on a fixed income, and there is only so much one person can do to help, and it feels like mere drops in an ever growing bucket. All grants and funding available to ovarian cancer patients has been exhausted.

I keep hearing Ovarian Cancer being labeled as "The Silent Killer". I finally understood this when she was diagnosed at Stage 4 immediately. My mother's specialists flat out told me that it is never caught before Stage 3.  Recent studies have indicated that one in 55 women would get the disease. It's mind blowing to me that what ultimately gave me my life, is trying to take my mother from me.

I have learned a lot about medicare and medicare advantage over the last few weeks. I have had many wonderful people advocating on my behalf, and educating me in the process. Those who know me personally, know that I am the primary caregiver to my mother in this country, with no other "family" support to speak of in the United States. As of January 1st, my mother with start with Medicare Advantage that will help moving forward with bills. The issue we face now is we can't hold off on chemotherapy, nor can we wait on surgery.

She misses having the energy to walk around and play with our two rescue dogs and three cats. She has always been very energetic and outgoing; very quick to volunteer or donate her time.

 
Our loved ones have been a great help, and we will not stop praying for a miracle. Unfortunately, during times like these you develop a sense of humbleness and humility, and are now asking all of those who are reading this to help her through this time, I want my mother focusing on getting better and not stressing about medical bills. My mom and all who love her are grateful for any amount, and if you cannot afford it, please share. That is the greatest generosity in itself. Thank you for keeping us both in your thoughts and prayers.