Last month, my world was turned upside down when a sudden, intense pain landed me in the ER. I learned that an 18.2 cm tumor had taken root in my left buttock, creeping dangerously close to vital nerves and a major artery. It was terrifying to think how this mass was affecting my body, leaving me sleepless and wrestling with thoughts of the unknown.
Every night feels like an uphill battle. My shoulders, worn-down and needing replacements, add to the relentless discomfort. I can't lie on one side without succumbing to an aching reminder of how much has changed. My doctors have encouraged me to wait on shoulder surgeries, but each day feels like an eternity of managing pain.
Savannah, Georgia has always been my cherished home, where I've found joy in helping others. Now, for the first time, I'm the one stretching out my hand for support. I've been forced to cut back on work, down to two days each week, and even those days are filled with struggle.
The path forward involves a delicate surgery, with specialists at Emory who can offer hope. But reaching for this hope requires the help of my community, as I've been humbled by the costs and complexities ahead. I'm striving to gather the strength and resources to overcome this challenge and find my way back to the life I once knew.
