Help Melissa Overcome Health and Financial Struggles

Update from Melissa: August

Thank you all who have been able to contribute and your prayers! Please continue to pray and share this story with others.

After multiple appts at IU and Community Hospitals and many many prayers, I have decided to go with IU Swartz Cancer Center in Carmel for treatment. I really liked the breast surgeon and the team I will be working with. From the first appointment they have treated me as a participant in my care and have peace about this next step.

I have appt on Aug 22 at 1pm for pre surgical procedure to implant a “scout” in each of the tumors and then pre-op appt with nurse to discuss postoperative care and treatment.

Lumpectomy surgery is scheduled for Aug 30 at 8am. They are going to remove the 2 tumors/ductal carcinomas and the associated lymph nodes.

I do not know beyond that what I will do, but God has given me peace about this next step.

I was approved a week ago for short term disability through November based on the Sjogren’s and now the cancer diagnosis. I will get half of my regular pay. If I need to take more time after November, I will need to apply for long-term disability.

July- original post

At the beginning of June our friend was struck with debilitating pain in her joints and muscles. After testing and blood work she was diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome and started treatment for symptoms. (There is no current cure).

On Tuesday, July 2nd Melissa had a mammogram and ultrasound. There were 2 spots of concern in the right breast, so they scheduled needle biopsies for that Friday. Results came back on the following Tuesday as ductal carcinoma stage 1 spot/lump & stage 2 in the other, the cancer is back. She has an upcoming appointment with the surgeon to discuss next steps and options. However, in the meantime she has not been able to work and is not getting paid. Short term disability will pay for 2 weeks only. The medical bills are mounting already from all of the testing and she has not been able to stay current on her mortgage payments. Her home is in now foreclosure.

Friends, in the last 10 years Melissa has lost her mother, father and her husband. James 1:27 says “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

Melissa needs our help! She has not lost faith and says she has peace for whatever is to come. She is trusting in Jehovah Rapha, the Lord who heals and Jehovah Jireh, believing the Lord will provide.

Melissa has touched so many people serving in various ministries and with her story of perseverance and love for the Lord in the midst of life circumstances. We are believing for miracles and that His people are going to lift her up through prayers and provision in this time and the coming months.