Can you help my sister out?

Back in October I shared that my older sister was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She has since had surgery and so far two hellish chemo treatments. I’m learning all sorts of things I never knew about going through cancer treatment.

After surgery it was a very short time before she started chemo. Chemo is five to six hour appointment every three weeks. I believe she will have a total of six before it is all over. The days that follow treatment are days of pure pain and vomiting all in the guise of healing.

About a week after the first chemo treatment she lost enough hair to decide to shave her head. Stop and think about that. You are in the midst of some heavy duty trauma and then we’ll throw in a little bit more to really nail your emotional state. I could sense her depression from 400 miles away.

Did you know there is a web site that caters to women undergoing cancer treatment? It is TLCdirect.org. They carry padded cap liners to help hats, caps, and turbans look more real. Who knew?

My sister has lost a lot of weight since this has begun so she is in need of some new clothes. Another expense for a family already facing this horrendous health issue without insurance.

On another note I also found out my younger sister’s doctor discovered a growth on her ovary the size of a cantaloupe.  This sister is about 1500 miles away. Thankfully, she had surgery (and has insurance) removing this and all her female organs but is cancer free. Yes. All of this has happened since the end of October.

Back to my older sister. I set-up a GoFundMe.com site to raise money to help off-set her living expenses. Would you consider helping a little? I figured if I could get a lot of people to do a little it would add up to a bunch! Join with me and let’s kick this cancer in the a$$!

Cancer Bites

Hey there friends! Hope all is well with you and yours. My world has been turned upside down in the last couple of weeks. About two weeks ago my sister was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and had surgery a few days later. I’m about four hundred miles away from her and unable to get down there. She’s home recovering.

Let me tell you a little bit about my older sister. We’re sixteen months apart and grew up doing everything together. She is the bold outspoken one. She is smart and giving. She’s married with four adult children and grandmother to eight. She was the one that was there to step-up and help our mom after dad died suddenly. Then a couple years later when mom’s health deteriorated she was there caring and making decisions on her behalf. I love her a lot.

Ladies, please take your health seriously. The signs and symptoms for ovarian cancer are vague at best and many times thought to be something else. Check out Mayo Clinic’s health information for symptoms and more. My sister doesn’t have health insurance so ignored many of the symptoms until her daughters strongly suggested she see her doctor. It was diagnosed rather quickly. Not sure what the future holds for her. We are praying for the best long-term outcome.

I also found out my cousin’s daughter is just completing chemo for ovarian cancer. Needless to say I went to the doctor to talk all this through. I ended up having the recommended screening, an ultrasound. The test showed no ovarian/uterine cancer. Gals, when was your last check-up? Please, please don’t wait or put it off–get in there!! And don’t ignore symptoms … please!

Cancer bites.