Meet Eileen....
First, I want to thank you for visiting and taking the time to learn about our foundation. My story is not unlike many others, going merrily along in life and then one day.....being blindsided. In the fall of 2009, I was enjoying life, working full-time, just going through the regular daily routine. My only child was in college so I had lots of time to relax and get plenty of sleep. Then, out of nowhere that day came when I knew something wasn't right; I had a symptom that just couldn't be explained away. Oh I tried. In fact, I ignored it for three weeks pretending it was nothing and that it would go away. But, after a high fever, a trip to the emergency room, and some testing, I was admitted to the hospital. Four years prior to this, I had gone through a bout with endometriosis that caused excruciating pelvic pain and had gone in for a routine laparoscopic surgery to remove some cysts. When I woke from surgery I was told there were no cysts but that it was a very extreme case of endometriosis. My doctor had to perform a more invasive surgery to remove all of the endometriosis and scar tissue within the pelvic cavity and on neighboring organs. Now, four years later I was back in the hospital with some minor pelvic pain plus other symptoms I had not previously experienced. I realized, or at least admitted, for the first time in a month that something was indeed wrong. I believed that the endometriosis had come back and that it was taking over my organs again. I realized I would have to have another major surgery. After two days of pelvic exams, blood work and an ultrasound, I was released, saw my regular gynecologist, had a third pelvic exam, another ultrasound, and an MRI. My doctor also believed the endometriosis was back and could see from the MRI that it was involving part of my colon. Because of this, she wanted to bring in another surgeon since the operation would be more complicated. I went to meet with the new doctor, an oncologist, and during yet another pelvic exam I was surprised to hear her say "I need to perform a biopsy." I was not alarmed and still knew it had to be the endometriosis returning. After waiting a week over the Thanksgiving holiday, I received the news. "Eileen, it's cancer." Nothing can truly prepare you for such news. I just listened and for the most part was in shock...thinking they made a mistake. I got off the phone, got on my knees and prayed. I said, "Ok Lord, what do we do now?" I wasn't upset and I didn't even cry until I realized I would have to tell my mom and my daughter. These were going to be the hardest words I'd ever have to say. This news would be devastating and it brought tears streaming down my face to know the uncertainty they would soon have to face.
Surgery was performed within days of being diagnosed. The operation was very involved and included removing about 10 inches of my colon and 14 lymph nodes. My doctor said the cancer was only months old but very aggressive and was at least Stage 3. About two weeks later, still recovering from surgery, she told me the best possible news I could hear. The wash was clean, the margins were clean and the lymph nodes were clean. I was very relieved. In fact, I thought I would not be needing chemotherapy. However, that was not the case and I began chemotherapy in early January 2010, about 4 weeks after surgery. June 5, 2010 would mark the last of 16 chemo treatments and I could not wait to start recovering. However, in May, my doctor told me that I would have to undergo radiation treatments as well. Not the words I wanted to hear. In fact, I was somewhat angry and couldn't understand why it was necessary. But, I had to either trust her or not. And, eventually I did. I had daily radiation treatments for six weeks. I finished on August 13, 2010. It was the first day of my new life! My cancer type is called endometrioid adenocarcinoma arising from endometriosis. Many woman have endometriosis and it is very rare, <1% chance, of getting cancer from endometriosis. This experience has given me a whole new perspective on life. I could write a book on the wonderful life lessons I have realized through this journey. I have learned that no matter how down and out you may be, there are always blessings to be enjoyed every day! But the bottom line is this: The most important aspect of life is our relationship with others: our relationship with our spouse, our children, our friends, our parents, our neighbors, even strangers on the street....and most importantly for me, the relationship I have with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In this day and age, we possess so much 'stuff', and the truth is, it has no meaning about who we are as a person. How we treat others, how much time we invest in others, how much we care about our fellow man, this is the 'stuff' that truly matters and defines us as a human being. I met so many men and women battling cancer during my fight. For some, I could see the fear in their eyes, the sadness in their heart, and the hopelessness in their soul. I wanted to hug them, cheer them up and reassure them this was not necessarily the end. This was just a detour that we had to take, and instead of fighting against it and becoming scared, embittered, or hopeless, we really have no choice but to embrace it and take it as an opportunity to better ourselves, to love more and be loved. What else matters? This was the beginning of God developing the idea for EMF in my heart. The financial need for some was very obvious. Even with insurance, the out of pocket expenses for co-pays can put thousands of families across the nation into crisis mode. The primary goal of EMF is to help alleviate the financial burden that can arise for those diagnosed with cancer. I also wanted to offer programs that would provide encouragement, confidence, and inspiration on the emotional and spiritual levels. We pray our mission will be successful and that all who participate with our foundation, whether on the receiving end or the giving end, will be truly blessed. Sincerely,  |
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