Help Amanda Fight her Cancer Battle

Hi, my names Amanda McKillip Miller. About a month ago on Sept 9th I went into the ER with severe rectal and vaginal pain from not being able to pass a bowel movement days prior and then started to uncontrollably go but with severe pain. Upon protocol I had bloodwork, a urine test and a CT scan done. Not ever thinking as I sat alone in the ER waiting room for the results that afternoon that the CT would come back with rectal wall thickening and malignancy possible . Upon entry I was admitted into Hershey Medical Center by the Colorectal surgery team on Sept 10th and would undergo a colonoscopy and possible mass removal or biopsy in the OR the next day on Sept 11th. Going into the OR that next day l was obviously thinking this mass would be able to be removed and would have good news once I was in recovery. Unfortunately my surgeon was unable to remove the mass and could only take biopsies which would take up to 10 days for pathology to come back because he was sure it was cancer. I underwent CT's of my pelvis/abdomen and chest for staging purposes and also an MRI as well. I was discharged pending my results with a follow up appointment in 2 weeks. Fast forward a few days on 9/15/21 I got the phone call no one wants to hear that my results were back from pathology. The day after my 36th birthday on 9/15/21 I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Anal Cancer. It not only was Anal cancer but it's Stage 4 because it spread to a vaginal lymph node. My heart hit floor, I felt like my life was shattered into a million pieces. I felt that I was being punished for something and after losing my Dad last year wasn't enough now I have cancer. But yet again, my Dr. explained that surgery is not an option at this point as if I were to remove the mass I would end up with a colostomy bag for the rest of my life. He said that chemotherapy infusion and radiation is my only option to cure this as of right now. Which my prognosis for treatment is good, and worst case scenario after 6 weeks of treatment I could end up having more treatment or surgery to remove the rest of the tumor and have a colostomy placed permanently but that is what will be if that time comes. After receiving this devastating news the next morning l woke up with severe vaginal pain and pressure, started throwing up and running a high fever. Rushing myself to the ER once again l was admitted for the second time a week later this time was from the tumor itself it had created a vaginal abscess making me very sick. I ended up being there from 9/16-9/20 masking the pain with pain medicine so they could get this infection under control with antibiotics and to get me better so I could make it to meet with my chemo and radiation Drs. that coming week so I could start my treatment process plan and have the tests done and images done prior to my 6 week treatment. This whole cycle has been one very emotionally and physically draining month for me and my family. I had issues with my insurance company not covering Hershey for my treatment, but went through an appeal process on which my Dr. had to speak on my behalf to the director of the insurance company explaining the seriousness of my cancer and that I need to be treated as soon as possible so this doesn't get any worse. Which I won the appeal so I could have my care continue on as it should. I've been off work since 9/16/21 and will be off for some time as I started my 6 week treatment of 28 radiation sessions, and 2 weeks of chemotherapy 10/11/21. Which as of today 10/22/21 I'm already 2 weeks in and I'm doing ok so far but it's rough physically and emotionally. Afterwards l will be undergoing surgery to have a complete hysterectomy because it's spread to my vaginal lymph node and they don't want to take any chances of the cancer cells being somewhere in my reproductive system and it possibly spreading more. Prayer has been on my side up until this point and continuously still.

But creating this GoFundMe is a lot for me personally. My friend Rachel who created this for me, let me write my story and explain what exactly I have gone through and currently am going through. I'm not a person to ask for help unless I absolutely need to. But with being off work and only getting so much from Short Term Disability and the savings I have it won't even come close to being able to handle medical expenses that I have coming my way for the 2 hospital stays that I have EOBs being processed for currently, followed by bills coming my way for Dr. visits, my 6 weeks treatment with radiation and chemotherapy with hopeful results after and a hysterectomy surgery along with recovery time as well from all of this . Being a single Mom supporting my daughter and l on a daily basis this unexpected diagnosis has put a huge financial burden in the works already and it's already starting to become overwhelming. I've had the generosity of a friend who set up a meal train 2 times a week through church where they've been delivering us meals for dinner and it's been very helpful to alleviate stress on that end of cooking everyday etc. since I started treatment. Personally, I don't want people to think I'm a charity case and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. It's something I'd never wish upon anybody but asking for help has been told me to by numerous people that I shouldn't be ashamed to ask for financially. Prayers to God and my Guardian angel my Dad watching over me in heaven have gotten me so far to stay strong for my daughter and for my family and friends that have been aware of this situation. My Mother has been a big help with taking FMLA leave and still working to get me to and from radiation at the cancer institute everyday. I'm very thankful for all the help I've had so far. But with the upcoming expenses I have coming in already and surgeries I will have I appreciate anything that you'd be willing to help me with. I am a true believer in prayer and I have come so far already through this battle that has just begun for me. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. Gods Speed!

Love always,

Amanda