Cindy Gough

My name is Anita Schmeckpeper and my daughter Cindy was diagnosed with colon cancer 3 ½ years ago. This picture was taken in 2019, a few months after her diagnosis. She would like another picture with her family, hoping for a good day to have that taken.

When she was diagnosed, her oncologist said it was stage 3, going on stage 4, and her life expectancy was 4 or 5 years. She’s had several surgeries, including part of her colon removed, a hysterectomy, and the surgery included a colostomy. After several rounds of chemotherapy every 2 weeks, she experienced more bad than good days of the chemo effects. She has been in stage 4 for the past 1 ½ years, and has more and more pain, and fewer tolerable days.

About 3 or 4 days a week, the pain level is between 4 & 5. The other 3-4 days a week, the pain level is 6 or 7, some days 8. Lately, the pain is at a full blown 10 when she wakes up in the morning. She's taking oxycodone, valium, and morphine to ease the pain, and it does help. She is no longer on chemotherapy, as the cancer is spreading, slow but sure.

As of this week, she is receiving hospice care at home. At some point, the hospice nurse and doctor will recommend options for her end of life care.

Her husband Steve, daughters Amber, age 18 and Ava, age14, have been supportive and caring. They are trying to understand and, like everyone else, find it difficult to accept – including her mom, dad, and her sisters.

Her extended family and friends help as much as possible with encouragement on her dark days and laughter and companionship on those days when she can enjoy the company of others.

She is fortunate to have medical insurance, but 4 years of $5,000 annual deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses have caused a financial hardship. She owes over $15,000 in medical and medical related bills. This burden has also affected payment of the family’s other bills.

Any help is much appreciated, including prayers, long-distance hugs, and good vibes, not only for her but also for her husband and kids. She doesn't want them left in financial difficulty due to her medical bills. She will find it comforting to know some or all of these bills are paid before her death.