Help Darlyn Fight to Live (Stage 4 - Cancer)

My name is Darlyn Odushkin. I’m here to share my story and ask for help in any way available.

My Love Story | I met the love of my life in 2013, through my then job, and needless to say, it was love at first site; we fell into one another. We knew starting a family would have some challenges due to some preexisting health conditions of mine, but against all odds, we had our beautiful baby boy in 2014. While starting our family, we were presented with what most people would view as a challenging diagnosis, for our son, as he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anxiety Disorder. We fought to get him in therapy, and we started intensive ABA, speech and other therapies almost daily for several years. Most of his challenges were social, emotional and speech related. At 12 months old he lost his speech and did not speak his first full sentence until 4.5 years old. For the past 9 years, we have been lucky enough to learn and better understand the autism spectrum, the challenges life may present to someone with that diagnosis, and we’ve been introduced to many supportive groups and resources. Through our son, we have seen him overcome so many obstacles and odds, bringing so much hope to us and others. To say these boys are my life, is an understatement. They are everything.

The Diagnosis | My entire life I have been burdened by unexpected illnesses and health issues, preventing me from obtaining life insurance, causing financial hardships and leaving me and my family with a mound of difficult decisions. Most health issues were considered odd or rare by specialists which means I was often not properly diagnosed and did not get a lot of answers. The medical conditions and treatments were never life threatening, so I just dealt with it. Issues ranged from having a huge tumor on my kidney and needing a full nephrectomy (kidney removal), tumor on my liver, cholecystectomy (removal of gallbladder), appendectomy (removal of appendix), several gastro surgeries, Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, debilitating migraines, PCOS, etc. When I met my husband, the first few years we spent together, I wasn’t sick anymore. I was the healthiest I had ever been. It was like my happiness had healed me.

In Nov 2020 I was first diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, and I went straight into having a lumpectomy to remove the tumor the following month. In efforts to get ahead of this and do everything I can do to live, we elected to move forward with a bilateral mastectomy in April 2021. Throughout the upcoming years, there were many complications resulting in a handful of corrective surgeries. The last surgery, in early 2023, ended with multiple ER and ICU trips, causing anaphylaxis and several severe medical complications. After roughly 50 doctors’ appointments, from allergists, dermatologists, family practice, oncology, etc. I started having severe, burning, chest pain and skin changes. Again, I was misdiagnosed and told it could not be the cancer returning, as that it would be “too rare”. I knew something was wrong, everything in me told me it was cancer again, so I kept pushing my team of doctors. I decided not to proceed with the next surgery which was needed to alleviate some of my pain, as something seemed wrong, my body was telling me I could not physically handle it. Sure enough, I was right, and I ended up in the ICU, terrified to proceed with anything else. I made it my mission to keep pushing for an answer. I told friends and family I think I have cancer again and I had a constant overwhelming feeling that cancer was back. After several months of fighting for an answer, I finally had an MRI. The cancer was detected immediately. It had metastasized to my chest wall, lymph nodes, sternum, pleura (tissue around lungs), tissue around heart, liver, and spine. It is Stage 4, terminal. My life expectancy will be given to me after my first few months of the treatment which starts Nov 2023.

My Fight | My fight does not stop here, it starts here. I have a lifetime of treatment in my future and I’m going to need help. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love to help others, but rarely ever ask for help in return. This is my plea, for myself and my family. I want to keep fighting. I want to explore all options. I need to. I need my son to know I did everything and not just relied on one treatment.

My Future | While no amount of time will be “enough time” to spend with my boys, I realize my future with them could be cut short. So, my fight is not only with this devastating sickness, it is also for their future.

Your generous support will help keep the financial burden off my family, as I will need treatment for the rest of my life. More specifically, it will provide:

In dedication of the overwhelming amount of love and support I have received through my friends, my family, my employer, Washington Alarm and Shannon Woodman specifically. I wanted to draw attention to this on a larger platform to express my gratitude. Thank you. Thank you for everything that has contributed to my fighting chance.