Ronda's Cancer Battle

Hello, my name is Ronda Ballman. I was born in Sturgis, Michigan but have been living in the Charlotte/Potterville area for the last 30 years. I have two adult children and a grandchild that mean the world to me. I have been working as a nurse, specializing in special needs. Since 2019, I have been a extremely dedicated AFC Manager at Country Woods here in Potterville.

However, on April 14th, 2023 I recieved the news nobody wants to hear. I have stage 2 throat cancer. My issues began in November of 2022. My daughter came to visit and I was complaining about the pain I had in my throat. It was hard to swallow, talk and eat. She recommended I went to the ER as I may have a severe infection of the ear traveling down my neck. I had been experiencing this for several weeks but because I am so dedicated to work I didn't find time to take care of me. My daughter convinced me to go to the ER. I did. The results were just that a severe ear infection. I was prescribed antibiotics and sent on my way. After taking my prescription meds my throat still hurt and was still having the same complications. I went back to the ER several times for the same results. I was in so much pain there definitely has to be something more going on. Then finally after 3 emergency room visits, a MRI, a CT scan, a ear infection and tonsillitis diagnosis, I finally had found a doctor that would listen to me. I was then referred to a specialist in Jackson where they would do a biopsy on my throat/ tonsils. The results of that came back postive for cancer. I was immediately set up to have a PET scan done. The purpose of this is to see if the cancer had spread beyond my tonsils, at this time, it's just my tonsils. As of now I am scheduled on May 15th, in Detroit, to have the cancer removed and a feeding tube placed. I will be hospitalized for atleast three days. Depending on the results and further testing I may have to do chemo and/or radiation also. Doctor told me I will have going long road back to recovery. Recovery time being 6-8 weeks possibly longer.

As of April 28th, I have been off work. Doctor's wanted me to take time to rest up and keep free of any illnesses so I am able to have the surgery done. At this time, I am asking for any help to pay my monthly expenses and gas. With living in Potterville and my doctors being in Jackson and then surgery in Detroit. It's been rough trying to make sure I have the funds to make it on top of paying all my bills too. Asking for help is difficult for me, as I have always been able to provide for myself and the pride of helping others. Anything is appreciated even if it's just $5, a prayer or a share!

God Bless.

Thanks in advance! - Ronda