Tara’s and Cash’s journey with stage 4 cancer

Hi there, my name is Tara I am 38 years old and I am a single mom to the most amazing 15yr old son! To say a little about us it has always been him and I forever we’ve always had each other he is my rock and I am his rock. Cash, if you know him you know he is so bright and motivated, he challenges himself every day through his studies and sports. He just started his first year of high school and football has always been his sport. Before my diagnosis I was at every game and was that team mom that made ice towels with essential oils to wake the boys up at halftime. I truly enjoy doing the most and I just loved being a part of it all!

At 36 I was given the devastating news I have stage 4 metastatic breast cancer which had spread to my bones and unfortunately they found lesions throughout my whole body. I have lesions on my skull, ribs, spine, pelvic bones, hips and my right femur. I’ve had two surgeries removing most of my left breast and my ovaries to hopefully stop the estrogen from developing as much as possible.

I do not have the gene, it does not run in my family, I am just that 1 in 8 that gets it for no reason. My cancer is not curable and will require treatment for the rest of my life, until treatment no longer works. Doctors gave me 2-4 years from being diagnosed, but I am not focusing on that number I want to be here for as long as I can. I want to spend every moment I can with my son Cash and family and friends. I know I was meant to be a part of this world for a greater purpose, it’s so so hard but I know cancer does not define me. I’m praying for a miracle and hoping at the very least to see my son graduate high school.

This is so hard for me to ask for help, but so many have asked about a GoFundMe or how they can help. To be honest it has come to a point where I need to ask for help. It truly does take a village when you are battling stage 4 cancer. I am unable to work full time and currently on LTD receiving only 60% of my salary. My work family has been so supportive of my journey and have tried to help me however they can. I am trying to dig myself out of a financial hole with medical bills in addition to the increased cost of everyday expenses. I am struggling with everything.

In addition to getting my medical bills taken care of, there are also so many memories I am trying to create with my son while I am here on earth. More than anything I need prayers for strength, more pain free days and the endurance to fight this cancer so I can have many more years to spend with Cash. He literally is my world!

 

Friends and family have stepped up immensely holding down the fort on days I’m too sick to do anything by delivering food or picking up Cash to do something fun so he can have a break from how heavy this all weighs on him. Every moment we get on this earth is a blessing, and I honestly pray I get to share many more moments with you all.

Thank you in advance for ALL the support you have given me this past year and a half and that everyone continues to offer me.

Please do not feel obligated to help. Praying helps us tremendously and even sharing our story. If you prefer to donate outside of GoFundMe, below are a few additional options.

Zelle: Tara carnes 623-2O1-O892

Venmo: @Tarakcarnes