Story

This year straight out the gate started off with a bang as I spent a full 12 out of the 16 said days in the hospital. On my birthday I had an emergency procedure the day after I had three scans, four full body scans, my paperwork shows I had 20 various blood test, my entire stay in Penn landed me (insert drum roll) 75 test including blood work, on my birthday week it was also verified that inwardly was gastrointestinal hemorrhaging which required an emergency surgery in less than 48 hours. Fast forward I made it through that surgery … a removal of a 7cm tumor and the diagnosis of stage 2 colon cancer! God is so strategic in all that He allows to happen. Had I not fallen down my stairs at home the week of Christmas Eve I would have never been “pushed” to see a doctor on January 1st about the blood in my stool. THE FALL GOT ME HERE… because I wasn’t sick and have no signs, symptoms nor complications that look anything like the diagnosis and the tumor was growing quietly of which I would have never known because I’m not old enough to get a colonoscopy! I had just had a physical on December 31st that gave me a clean bill of health no indication and no elevated white blood cells, none of which happened until I got into the hospital. My blood count went from nine to six in the same day. The whole month was a blur! 75 test, blood transfusions, ER visits, removal of some of my colon, emergency surgery, emergency procedures, not being able to walk, stand, bend, not being able to drive, not being able to eat and a whole lot of anxiety and tears. The gift I received was MORE TIME! Please please listen to your body, please get your colonoscopy as my cancer was not hereditary so we know so far but came from a polyp that was not removed but had it been caught I wouldn’t have spent January this way! Get your mammograms and any other appointments you’ve been putting off while you try to save the world. Transparently it has been a little challenging being off work. Waiting on short term disability to approve me, waiting on back pay due to an input error with my job, all while bills pile up and responsibilities increase. My husband is carrying the family on his back alone at times which breaks my heart. So yes, financially there is a need, but the needs listed below are weightier for me moving forward.

Special Notes

My six months of treatment begins 2/28/25. Everyone has told me that this is my time to be poured back into, but I will be honest it's not easy for me because I am usually the help. I need help in making it through these next six months. **With that it has been very helpful when my husband for a change didn't have to worry about a meal for the both of us especially right out of the hospital because I wasn't able to prepare meals for us to give him a break. It would help me if that continued throughout the six months of treatment. My husband has a peanut allergy and since the surgery I have a few restrictions i.e. Fish and Chicken is easier to digest, mashed potatoes, and soups have become my best friend. When it comes to the go to supplies it has been grape juice, Welch's pineapple orange juice and apple juice, freeze pops, Pedialyte, ritz crackers, cream cheese, fresh fruit or fruit cups in 100% juice and protein shakes to keep my weight up. **One thing that got me through so much this year other than prayer, was being surrounded by my tribe and family. I was able to draw strength from everyone that took the time to visit, come sit and laugh with me and remind me who I was in all this, especially when I couldn't leave my home. I took a huge blow mentally and emotionally after all of this, so it was needed but I didn't know how to ask for it. I am aware that everyone has their own lives and a full plate of life happening. But to those who may have the time I would love to have either a pop-up visit during the week or on a Saturday or even a tea date over breakfast or lunch. Something to keep me occupied mentally and take my mind off everything for a moment. You can see the calendar option on this site to log your day or to see open times and availability. ** Lastly, I have a Wishlist on Amazon with various items that was suggested to help me while taking the medication. There are options to send a gift card, purchase right from the site or send a cash app via $mrscooper222.