Rachelle Will Win This Fight!

My name is Mike Schlauder, husband of Rachelle and father of our six children. In July 2017, my then 42 year old wife was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy and they believed they removed the cancer. For the next year Rachelle underwent intensive treatment. Fast forward to September 2018 when Rachelle had her first seizure. She was taken to the hospital and testing confirmed that the cancer had metastasized to her brain and bones. She continued treatments until she went into heart failure on November of 2018. Her weight dropped to ninety pounds and she was immobile. At the suggestion of our doctor we decided to place her in a skilled nursing facility to help her gain weight and undergo rehabilitation. After two months she had put on forty pounds and was up and around again. We were so excited to have her back. Two months later, she complained of a persistent headache. We took her to the doctor and they found that her brain was filling with fluid as the body tried to deal with her brain tumors. At this point the physicians suggested hospice. Rachelle is now home with us and comfortable in hospice care. She is not alone. Rachelle's story mirrors that of so many young women who have valiantly fought this disease. Some are victorious and some are not, but they all fight, and, win or lose, are worthy of our admiration and love. God is in control and whatever happens to Rachelle is for His glory and Rachelle's good, even if we can't see it while on this side of heaven. One day we will look back and say to Christ, "What you did was perfect." I am humbled as I watch her fight for each new day. I serve her in ways I could scarcely have imagined but I have found a beauty in it. God's love shines the brightest when we help those who cannot help themselves. Our children, ranging in age from four to fifteen, see their mom fight everyday and they know what it means to give more than your best. I thought I was their hero, but I pale in comparison to her. I know that however God decides to work, all of this is for His glory and our good. We have support both from family and our local church and most importantly from Christ who strengthens us for each new day. The lesson that's been the hardest for me to learn is that I have to ask for help. I took care of Rachelle and the kids alone for a year and a half because I couldn't bring myself to show need. I realize now it was my pride that prevented me from reaching out for help. I have learned my lesson and I am asking now. Every time I ask, God provides. His provision shows itself as a friend dropping by to sit with Rachelle, or taking the kids to the park, or reading to my young ones. I mentioned to a good friend (yes, you, Alan!) that Rachelles treatments have exhausted our savings and the monthly bills consume most of our income. He suggested starting a GoFundMe account so here it is. I realized as I wrote this description that I still have emotions I haven't dealt with. I hope Rachelle's story blesses you as much as it has me. In the end, Rachelle WILL have victory over cancer!