Hi, my name is Nicole and I have been battling Non-Hodgkin's B cell lymphoma for 19 years. It began in 2004 when I was hospitalized with a bleeding disorder. After many months of testing and biopsies, they found the lymphoma in my stomach and abdomen. It has been quite an uphill battle ever since. The cancer then metastasized to my left eye(conjunctiva) causing pain and serious issues with my sight. I've had multiple surgeries as well as radiation treatment and CyberKnife. This disease knows no bounds. It has no rhyme or reason. It can appear anywhere within my body they said. Diagnosed again with marginal B cell lymphoma of the left eye and now issues with my right eye as well. We call it "battling" our cancer because it is in fact a war we are fighting. Or so it seems. I've learned a lot over these 19 years, about life, about myself, about this disease we call Cancer. It took me a while, but I have finally learned to accept it. I've gotten over feeling sorry for myself and drowning in my sorrows and plan on doing something positive instead. Unfortunately, this disease has taken me from my career and my family and anyone I've ever been close to. I found myself isolated and alone. Cancer has a way of doing that to people. We don't want the ones we love to endure the pain so we try to endure it for them by keeping them at arm's length. Not my best plan. I'm working hard at changing my way of thinking. Talking to God everyday helps a lot.
I was a Veterinary Nurse for 26 years. It still breaks my heart to talk about my stolen career in the past tense. I miss my work so very much. I don't think there is a day that goes by that I don't think about it. I still had so much more to do. So much more to learn. But in a moment, that moment when you learn that life will never be as it was, you realize that this is and has controlled your life for far too long. One day you are waking up at 4 am to prepare for a busy day of surgeries, sick pups, emergencies, etc. You are running late for your first bus but you make it in and ready to go. As hectic as my job was, I loved it! I miss it so much. But that is all gone. With one letter and many Doctors signing it, it was over. It's a hard pill to swallow when someone or something chooses your fate. Lymphoma took my life. I want to get it back! I want to continue my education so I may teach others all of the things I have learned these 26 years in the Veterinary field. I want to prove all my Doctors are wrong. That I can beat this once and for all and return to my career...my life.
The reason I am reaching out asking for your help is because financially I am unable to pay the mounting medical bills that I receive almost daily. I have already gone through what little savings I had as well as my 401k and retirement. There is nothing left. And since I am unable to work, my supplemented income is not even close to enough to pay even the smallest amount monthly. I still have to undergo more treatments and another surgery. I'm hoping that with your help, I will be able to continue treatment and care without worrying about finances all of the time. I ask in earnest, please help if you can. Thank you. Much love to you all. Nicole.
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