Dying to Living: Fighting Cancer

I am an educator and someone that does not know how to ask for help.  I have always been independent and able to figure things out. I am one of those people who has always helped others.  Now, I am at a loss and cannot seem to figure out how to stay "afloat" financially as I fight cancer.  

In November of 2015 I was preparing for back surgery and during  the pre-op they discovered that my Hemaglobin levels were dangerously low at 6.9.  Before I could have the scheduled back surgery I needed to have a blood transfusion.  The suggestion was to go the ER to have the blood transfusion, before my scheduled surgery.  I arrived at the ER on November 21, 2015 for the blood transfusion,  and the ER doctors wanted to answer "Why does she need a blood transfusion?"  This led to the discovery of a large mass in my colon, which led to emergency surgery, 16 days in the hospital, and two months off work.  I was "officially" diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Colon Cancer in January of 2016, and  started Chemotherapy.  When my doctor wanted to tell me how long I had to live, I stopped him, because no one can determine how long anyone has to live.  I plan on beating this cancer and hopefully I can help find a cure for this one. 

I feel fortunate that I can continue to work at this time, and pray that I have many more years to facilitate learning in the classroom.  My work family and students give me the strength and positivity I need to face each day.  I am a teacher that loves what she does, however, when I have to leave the classroom for treatment I lose pay.  I work as much as possible, including extra duty, but it just doesn't seem to cover costs.  This has become a financial  struggle for me.  I have mounting medical bills, as treatment  is very expensive.   

Every two months I have a CT scan and two MRIs to track progress.  Chemotherapy is working, so far, as the spots on my liver, stomach lining, and peritoneal area are shrinking and they are not spreading.  I am allergic to two of the medications that help fight the cancer, so I pray that I am not allergic to any more of the meds.  I have received 14 treatments (as of September 2016).   Surgery has been ruled out (at this time) as I am not a candidate for surgery, as surgery could cause the cancer to spread quickly. The odds that surgery would help me at my current stage is very slim.  I am on a maintenance Chemo program.  This means that I continue to receive Chemo treatments twice per month, but at a lower dosage, for now.  I will continue to have a CT scan and MRIs every couple of months to monitor and track the cancer. 

I am no longer on a maintenance program, because it did not work for me. While on the maintenance program my cancer tumors became larger.  Now we know I cannot decrease dosage of the chemo drugs.  Surgery still is not an option for me, and it may never be.  As of right now, to keep the quality of life I have, I will receive Chemo treatments for the rest of my life.  I can deal with this as long as I can get up every day and continue to go to work.  I thank God for all the precious moments he has given me and continues to give me.

March 2017 I literally went from dying to living in April 2017. Doctors were preparing my husband for my death. He brought me home on Hospice and has nursed me back to health with the help of my oncologist and a new study drug.  This has not been easy for us emotionally or financially, as I have not worked since February 28, 2017 and will not return to work full time until July 31, 2017.  However, I will not receive a paycheck until September 29, as I am a teacher who is paid once per month. I do need help from the community so I do not become homeless.  Bless you for your contributions. 

All proceeds go towards offsetting medical bills, ongoing treatment, and associated expenses.