An Update:
Thank you all so much for your continued love, prayers, and generosity. I wanted to give you a quick update on my fight. This isn't the exact news we were hoping for, but we are staying incredibly positive.
Here is where things currently stand:
• We hoped my recent chemo would make surgery possible. It did successfully shrink things, but surgery is not an option right now.
• The main tumor is still there, and the cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes, which officially restages me to Stage IV.
• The silver lining: My major organs (like my liver and lungs) remain completely clear, and the chemo is actively doing its job to shrink the lymph nodes!
• The next step is restarting FOLFIRI chemo for 3 months, and then we will reevaluate with more scans.
Last year, when I was first diagnosed with stage 3b rectal cancer, we were terrified. Thanks to your generosity, I was able to use the funds raised to cover essential living expenses — things like groceries, gas, and household bills. That support allowed me to focus on treatment without constantly worrying about how to keep up with the day-to-day needs of my family. I will never forget the kindness shown to me — it carried me through some of the hardest months of my life.
Now I’m facing another big step in this journey: surgery in the new year. The type of surgery I’ll be having is called a colostomy, where part of my colon will be diverted to an opening in my abdomen. This means I’ll have to wear a bag on the outside of my body to collect waste. It’s a life-changing surgery, but it’s necessary to remove the cancer and give me the best chance at healing.
Day-to-day life with a colostomy will be a big adjustment. I’ll need to learn how to care for the stoma, change and empty the bag regularly, and manage the physical and emotional challenges that come with it. Things most people never think about — what I can eat, leaving the house for the day, or even just sleeping comfortably — will now take extra planning and care.
This also means I’ll be out of work again while I recover and adjust. As a mom, that weighs heavily on me. My kids don’t know the details, but they are my biggest motivation to keep going. Bryan has been by my side every step of the way, but I know this journey takes a toll on him too as he helps hold everything together at home.
I’m humbly asking for help once again. Any donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward groceries, bills, gas, and the everyday essentials we’ll need to get through recovery. Even sharing my story makes a huge difference.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for walking with me through this battle. Your love, prayers, and kindness mean more than I can ever express.
With love and gratitude,
Des
My sister-in-law, Desiree, is facing a huge challege in her life. She has recently been diagnosed with Rectal Cancer. She is under the age of 40 with two beautiful children, currently living with my brother-in-law in upstate NY. This journey is going to be long and difficult for Desiree and her family. She will need extra support taking care of the kids and things to keep the house/home stable and moving.
