June 2015

This is my Auntie. Her name is Anita. She is the best Auntie in the whole world!

She has Leiomyosarcoma. :’(

She has never smoked, she does not drink, she eats healthy and has always been the healthy, holistic one in the family.

In March 2005, she was diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma. They found a tumor outside of uterus that was about 4 lbs. She underwent surgery to have that tumor removed and also began Chemotherapy. She had to have a hysterectomy. The Chemotherapy really took a toll on her, physically and mentally. The recovery from the Chemo was long and hard, but she fought through it and finally was able to feel better.



She donated her hair before it all fell out. <3



In April 2014, they found a 2nd tumor on scar tissue of her colon that weighed over 4 lbs. This was a sad discovery after 9 years of being cancer free. We thought she was in the clear :( After the first experience with Chemo, she decided it was not something she wanted to endure or experience again. She chose surgery. They removed the tumor and part of her colon.



She's even more beautiful with short hair <3



Just this past April 2015, she was having stomach pain and thought she was just sore from exercising... Luckily, she decided to go to the Dr, just in case... This time, they found 4 small tumors on her colon. Unfortunately, she is not able to have surgery because she will not have enough colon left over and would end up with a colostomy. Reluctantly, she began Chemo again this May.

They emplanted a port in her chest. :(



Although she is not looking forward to this treatment, she has remained positive and keeping her head up.



My Auntie has never asked for anything. She and my Uncle have undergone all of these years of treatments and therapies with minimal insurance assistance and piles of bills. They never asked for help.



As if they have not had to deal with enough, only 2weeks ago, May 31, 2015, may Aunt and Uncle lost their son (my Aunts step-son), Johhny. And only 2 short years ago, they lost their daughter (step daughter), Lisa.





This is the last thing they should have to be worrying about at this time. My heart breaks for them!



First, and foremost, I would like to ask for healing thoughts and prayers their way. Secondly, I want to do whatever I can to help make this treatment as painless as possible, and since I do not have the funds to pay for her bills all alone, I have decided to open this account to do whatever I can to help make it easier on them through this treatment.... Dear GOD, please let this be her last!



If you are in a position to help, please do... Every little bit helps. If you are not, that is OK... You cna help by forwarding this message to friends and family.



Please help me help my Auntie! I love her so much and we need her in our life!



SHE IS THE BEST AUNTIE IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD! <3



(I love you, Auntie. Please don't be mad or embarassed that I made this for you. I love you and I want to help! XOXO)



A little about Leiomyosarcoma:

"Leiomyosarcoma is classified as a soft tissue sarcoma. Sarcomas are malignant tumors that arise from the connective tissue, which connects, supports and surrounds various structures and organs in the body. Uterine sarcomas are a type of uterine cancer."



The exact cause of leiomyosarcoma, including uterine leiomyosarcoma, is unknown.



Only about 5% of uterine cancers are uterine sarcomas, but they tend to have more aggressive clinical behavior and can spread quickly.



http://www.webmd.com/cancer/leiomyosarcoma-general

http://www.foundationforwomenscancer.org/types-of-gynecologic-cancers/uterine/



Update 6/24/16

I would first like to start this update by saying THANK YOU again to everyone who so generously donated to my Aunties cause last year. They were able to use that money to travel back and forth to Denver to see the specialist Dr's at the University of Colorado. Since then, Auntie has undergone aggressive therapies that have not worked. :( In that time, she continues to stay strong and positive! She is my Hero!



During this past year, the Dr's have stated that the Chemo wasn't effective and there was nothing else they could do in that regard. They then biopsied the tumor to see if it had a special protein for a different kind of Chemo. It did not. The tumor continues to grow. As a last resort, the Dr's sad there is a new shot she could try. She decided to give it a shot (No pun intended. LOL). There was quite a bit of push back from the ins company, but after some time and hassle, they finally got approved! YAY! She recently began these shots a few weeks ago. We continue to pray!



Because the tumor has continued to grow, my Auntie is often in pain and sleeps much of the day. But while awake, she stays positive and always seems to find the best in everything. She has been enjoying her new Great Niece! :D



Since there is so much traveling back and forth and she obviously cannot work anymore, I would like to try and raise a little more money to help with their bills, travels, and whatever little things she may enjoy in her life at this time to help keep a smile on her face.



Please help in any way you can. PRAY, SHARE this post with all of your friends, and/or DONATE if you are able!

Please help me help my Auntie the only way I know how.



She is fighting hard to beat this and needs as much support as she can get. It kills me that I am so far away and cannot be there to love on her, help her and support her.



I appreciate you all in advance!



Here's Auntie enjoying her new Great Niece



Auntie always manages to keep smiling! :D

Lounging around with her niece and great neice





Love at first sight!



Meeting her new great niece Sierra











