The Strength Through Her Endo Scars

Hi! Thank YOU for taking the time out to read a little (although it is lengthy) about my story. My name is Rebecca, I am 34 yo and a single mother to a wonderful 12 yo. After suffering with excruciating painful periods for the past 21 years, in August of 2022 I was finally but unfortunately diagnosed with an advanced case of Stage 4 Deeply Infiltrating Endometriosis, large Endometriomas and Adenomyosis.   

Endometriosis is endometrial-like tissue similar (not the same) to the tissue that lines a woman’s uterus and grows outside of the uterus (where it doesn’t belong) and can be found on any organ outside of the reproductive system. All in all, I bleed internally every month with the blood having no place to go. It is a whole body, incurable dis-ease. 

Endometriomas also know as “chocolate cyst” are cyst that vary in size and are filled with old menstrual blood that form on the surface or deeper within one or both ovaries. I have one on each ovary measuring at 7cm (as of May 2024). 

Adenomyosis is a condition that occurs when the lining of the uterus grows into the muscle walls of the uterus. 

As of May 2024, my condition has gotten worse as the Endometriosis has spread all throughout my reproductive organs causing “frozen pelvis” which basically means all of those organs which are suppose to be separate, are now stuck together. Endometriosis was also found on my rectum and cul-de-sac. This is only based off of MRI imaging, as the gold standard for Endometriosis diagnosis is laparoscopic surgery. My case is so severe that they didn’t even need to open me up to see the damages already caused by this crippling illness.

Due to the vast growth of these chocolate cyst that have now been pressing on everything for years, they have compromised my ureter, which is the tube that connects and carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. Unfortunately, this resulted in Mild Hydronephrosis. I am looking at a possible reconstruction of my ureter due to this damage caused by Endometriosis. In addition to these chocolate cyst pressing on everything, I was made aware that my nerves have also been impaired. In order to “wake up” the nerves, the surgeons first have to excise all of the Endometriosis. 

The reason for me creating this Go Fund Me is for assistance in paying for an out-of-pocket surgery, and any necessary holistic and medical supplies to help me get back on my feet.

I’ve seen about 15 different doctors just within these past 2 years and sat through majority of these appointments and testing alone. Some who did what their field required of them and some who just wanted to remove all reproductive organs with a hysterectomy as they told me this was my ONLY surgical option. Just to make you aware, a Hysterectomy is NOT a cure for Endometriosis, and neither is birth control. These are just bandaid “fixes” which can actually make things worse! This journey has not been an easy one and I have had some very unfortunate experiences with a lot of these doctors. 

Depending on the severity of Endometriosis, excising the lesions (including the hidden Endo), from the root gives an Endo warrior some months maybe even years of relief before it returns. EVERYONE is different! 

However, with the excision of Endo lesions, scar tissue, the proper lifestyle change, healing emotional trauma and so on, there is a possibility for longer remission.

In May 2024, I met with a Reproductive Endocrinologist Endometriosis Expert who works alongside two other surgeons, a Urologists and a Colorectal Surgeon. All 3 surgeons are needed in the operating room for my case. Each with their own individual fees including a fee for extra OR time which was confirmed that extra time will be needed. The amount went down drastically from the very first surgeon I had a consult with (which was $20k out-of-pocket), so I am very grateful for that and hopeful that I am able to raise this money with the help from all of you! Him and his entire team have all been exceptional! They’re really pushing for this surgery bc in their words, “time is of the essence for me”. 

However, I still don’t have enough funds to get this surgery that’s needed to save my organs and my life from the Endometriosis that is spreading and becoming worse. I have tried different avenues within this past year to try and obtain the funds needed without having to result back to GoFundMe. I did receive a $5k donation (outside of the GFM) last year from someone very close to my heart (ilysm), which I added $4,500 of it toward the goal. $500 of that was used toward a consultation with the Urologist. 

I was let go from my job in December of 2023 just two weeks before Christmas, due to this complex, unpredictable, and debilitating dis-ease. As a single mother and head of household you can only imagine the stress and anxiety this added on, as if I wasn’t already dealing with enough of that. I missed a lot of work that was unpaid due to using all of my PTO in the beginning of 2023 because of my mental state. I fell into a deep depression and my PCP demanded I take a week off. My boss was not at all happy about that which left me feeling more guilt as I didn’t want this, nor did I choose this to happen to me. It was out of my control. After being let go, I wasn’t sure at the moment what that meant for me and my family financially however, I was also highly relieved because I worked in an extremely toxic environment which added a lot of stress in itself and contributed badly to my pain.

I am a single mother to an absolutely amazing and helpful twelve year old daughter. Sadly, she has to witness me in debilitating pain 20+ days out of the month. She worries about my well being and feels helpless when she can’t do anything to help relieve the pain. She watches me squirm, cry and scream in pain with tears in her eyes and I can also feel her pain. No child should have to worry about losing their parent or taking care of their parent especially at this age. I am so grateful for her though and all of her help as she has taken on more responsibilities at home. 

This debilitating dis-ease has decreased my quality of life and has not only affected me physically, socially and financially but It has been mentally challenging as well as I fight through depression and high levels of anxiety on a day-to-day basis. It also affects my loved ones around me as they feel helpless and can’t bear to watch me in the amount of pain I am in most days out of the month. 

This isn’t just a reproductive issue, it’s actually a whole body disease & can affect other organs such as, but not limited to the diaphragm, kidney, lungs, liver, chest & in rare cases the brain and the eyes.

Currently, there is no known cure for this dis-ease and no treatment that is effective. This chronic dis-ease isn’t on the list for disability which is so unfortunate although every symptom of Endo is! This is why spreading awareness for Endometriosis is also so very important to me! 

My journey does not end after surgery, in fact, this is only the FIRST step! I look at this surgery as a fresh start as they excise the Endometriosis, remove the cysts, detach my reproductive organs, reconstruct my ureter and repair the nerve damage. My plan is to follow a holistic, plant-based lifestyle which I have already been working extremely hard at transitioning to since last year by eliminating certain foods (gluten, dairy, soy, processed, etc.). Alongside the help of a phenomenal Holistic Coach, I have been using natural herbs vs hard drugs that don’t work anyway. 

I no longer want to suffer in chronic, debilitating pain! I want to be able to show up for myself, my daughter (who needs me the most), my loved ones and to live a normal life or at least something close to it.

I understand that we all may not be in a position to help financially but I promise any amount, even as little as $5 or just spreading the word by sharing this link is greatly appreciated from the top of my heart ♥️ and brings me a step closer to living a healthy and pain free life.

For more information on MY Endo journey you can check out my IG @becca_cole08 . I also have a Highlight set up on there with my story and some information on Endo that you can check out. 

However, if you can, please do your own research on this complex condition because MANY do not know about It and It is as common as asthma and diabetes & has no age limit! Someone you know may be suffering in silence. Endometriosis needs more awareness! Together, we can make a difference so let’s spread the word.

Thank you in advance to everyone who has shared my link and those who have been able to donate. Prayers are also very much welcomed and appreciated! You are changing my life just by sharing this so please continue to do so. 

All is well✨

Thank you

**I do not own the rights to the cover photo used**