Peggy's Medical Help
Donation protected
My story is difficult to tell. I have never asked for any help in my entire life...I was the one usually giving help. I am a mother, wife, sister, daughter, and what really defines me...a teacher.
In October of 2016, I was diagnosed with colonrectal cancer. It was a complete shock. My first concern was my family, then my students. How was I going to tell them or continue to do what I love, teaching?
I found a medical team who outlined 3 phases for my treatment. The first phase lasted 6 weeks. I was given chemo delivered in a pump and radiation each day. Luckily, I was able to teach during this time...making use of scarves to hide the port and a fannypack to hide the pump. Radiation was each day after school. I survived this first phase until I developed eutiritis and colitis from the radiaion. This lasted about 2 weeks until finally medication alleviated my symptoms.
My next phase is surgery to remove the tumor. Unfortunately, we just found out that the surgeon needs to remove my entire rectum. This was such devastating news. I will need to decide whether to have a permanent colostomy or a descending colon to replace the rectum. My quality of life will be dramatically changed. I will be hospitalized from 7-10 days and then at home recovering for up to 2 weeks after. I will not be able to work during this time.
Phase 3 is more chemo for 4-5 months, and I am not sure how I will work after that.
Medical bills have already come for the chemo and radiation from the first phase. We are not sure how to pay the hospital bills when they come. I am the primary breadwinner of my household and my only daughter is in college.
These funds will help pay the medical bills and my loss of income.
My goal is to fight this horrible cancer with ever fiber of my being. I feel so blessed having many people praying for me. This is still so sureal for me. I feel so out of character asking for help....but I desperately need it.
Thank you.
In October of 2016, I was diagnosed with colonrectal cancer. It was a complete shock. My first concern was my family, then my students. How was I going to tell them or continue to do what I love, teaching?
I found a medical team who outlined 3 phases for my treatment. The first phase lasted 6 weeks. I was given chemo delivered in a pump and radiation each day. Luckily, I was able to teach during this time...making use of scarves to hide the port and a fannypack to hide the pump. Radiation was each day after school. I survived this first phase until I developed eutiritis and colitis from the radiaion. This lasted about 2 weeks until finally medication alleviated my symptoms.
My next phase is surgery to remove the tumor. Unfortunately, we just found out that the surgeon needs to remove my entire rectum. This was such devastating news. I will need to decide whether to have a permanent colostomy or a descending colon to replace the rectum. My quality of life will be dramatically changed. I will be hospitalized from 7-10 days and then at home recovering for up to 2 weeks after. I will not be able to work during this time.
Phase 3 is more chemo for 4-5 months, and I am not sure how I will work after that.
Medical bills have already come for the chemo and radiation from the first phase. We are not sure how to pay the hospital bills when they come. I am the primary breadwinner of my household and my only daughter is in college.
These funds will help pay the medical bills and my loss of income.
My goal is to fight this horrible cancer with ever fiber of my being. I feel so blessed having many people praying for me. This is still so sureal for me. I feel so out of character asking for help....but I desperately need it.
Thank you.
Organizer
Peggy Koskan-Brody
Organizer
Jupiter, FL
