Ensure a Dignified Farewell for Mary Good

Hi my name is Mary Good.

My husband Michael & I are in need of help raising funds for my future funeral expenses since we both are on disability.

On October 14, 2022 I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. November 2022 I was given an ostomy. I had issues with the bags not staying on due to my skin being blistered. After attending a cancer seminar at our local senior center, Michael & I went to Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion, Illinois. It was there we were told I was stage 3. We were also told the reversible ostomy was unnecessary. My stools could have been liquefied. I began 3 months of wound care there at CTCA. I also did 8 rounds of chemo. We met with the surgeon and he refused to do my surgery. He claimed I was unfit, but didn't explain why I was unfit. After my chemo was done, I did 40 rounds of radiation along with 6 chemo pills daily.

After August 2024 finishing radiation we met with several surgeons. Also, I was told the cancer had spread to my uterus, so I would also require a complete hysterectomy.

My surgery was scheduled for December l3, 2023. However, because the surgeon got "butt hurt" because my husband questioned her experience, my surgery was canceled.

At the end of December 2023 our medical/state insurance was canceled. I was not informed of this until January 5, 2024. January 2, 2024 we had met with surgeon #12 in Chicago. So, all medical appointments, prescription drugs, ostomy supplies were not covered and had to be canceled.

Mid February 2024 after numerous phonecalls and reaching out to Congress and Senators who kept passing me off I was informed I had a spenddown of $747. Starting March 2024 I would have medical coverage.

In April my husband and I moved back to Iowa. I met with a new cancer doctor & underwent CT and mri scans. I was told my cancer had spread to the lining of my stomach. I met with surgeon #13. After reviewing my case he made the announcement surgery was no longer an option. That if surgery was done it would shorten my life span. We could try chemo and keep me comfortable. He also suggested beginning palliative care. I agreed with this plan.

My new Iowa insurance denied every scan the doctors were wanting to do. In June 2024 I was informed the insurance company had put Illinois as my residence instead of Iowa. Due to this error I was given a new insurance plan to start July 2024.

I had a medical situation come up in July. My blood sugar was 1600. Kidneys were not fully functioning. I had blood clots in both my lung and right leg. I spent 18 days in the hospital. First I was in ICU the transferred to a different unit and a few days later I was transferred to the cancer unit. While there I underwent a 2 hour chemo session then a 46 hour chemo session.

When I returned home I was set up with a new primary doctor, a new cancer doctor and next Tuesday I will restart chemo again. The cancer doctor said if I don't do chemo I would be lucky to have 6 months. If I do the chemo there is a chance I could live another year. I want as much time as possible with my husband since we've only been married 3 years. ( A month after our 1 year anniversary, I started having symptoms)

Yesterday, my husband and I contacted several funeral homes to start the process of organizing my funeral. My final wish is to be buried beside my husband. I have endured so much. I don't wish to be cremated. I would like to be buried here in Maquoketa, Iowa and have an additional burial plaque placed at Evergreen Gardens Cemetery in Gulfport, Mississippi in my plot.

Michael & I appreciate all the donations, shares, prayers, & support.