So, as you can imagine, upon being rushed to the hospital, having emergency surgery, and waking up with a colostomy bag, and being diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer that things might be just a little... overwhelming.
Thoughts flood your brain with worry and confusion... CANCER??? Colostomy bag? Radiation therapy? Menopause? Chemotherapy? Surgery? Pain? Hollistic options? Healing? Medical bills? Red tape? The system? Rent? Work? School? Money? My kid? Life? Love? Happiness? Mortality?
Keep in mind that Vanessa and her 5-year old son live in the Bay Area CA and were only visiting family in Dallas TX for the holidays when she was rushed to the hospital. She was admitted to the same exact hospital that her father passed away in from Colon Cancer this past May, and sleeping in his same exact bed at her family's home. [Note: It was previously reported that Vanessa's father passed away from liver cancer.That was incorrect. For the record, her father, Anthony Smith, died from colon cancer.]
Under the strenuous circumstances you might imagine it being easy to just say yes to whatever the first opinion is telling you. After all, they're telling you how sick you are and that they're trying to save your life and time is of the essence. But the truth is, that you owe it to yourself to strive for that trusted second opinion. Because this is a matter of your life. It's your body. Your rules.
Well, this story of victory is one I'm going to have to chalk up to Vanessa's inner-circle of friends and healers and made possible by YOUR donations.
Vanessa's friends wouldn't let her settle for her first opinion which would have started her on Radiation weeks ago and effectively put her through menopause right now on top of everything. Despite all of the pressure that she was facing, Vanessa's friends urged her to to focus on a goal: "Get your ass to Houston and get that second opinion from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center."
For those unfamiliar, M. D. Anderson is ranked No. 1 in cancer care in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, they rank first in the number of National Cancer Institute grants and invested more than $510 million in research in 2009.
Under non-profit structure, M. D. Anderson, is focused on research of causes, treatments, and prevention of cancer, with the stated mission of "MAKING CANCER HISTORY." In 2009, more than 11,000 patients participated in therapeutic clinical research exploring novel treatments, making it the largest program of its kind in the United States.
Right now, I'll let you hear the victory news from Vanessa herself and I'll pick up again after the jump.
Here is Vanessa..
THIS IS GREAT NEWS!
M.D. Anderson is NOT RECOMMENDING RADIATION as was previously diagnosed at another facility in Dallas.
So, to keep things in perspective, Vanessa is still fighting cancer.
M.D. Anderson has diagnosed Vanessa with Colon Cancer NOT Colorectal Cancer.
The need for chemotherapy will be evaluated after Vanessa's surgery at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center currently scheduled for February 22nd, 2010.
Please keep Vanessa's wellness in your thoughts.
For now, I want to take the time to THANK YOU. Vanessa's Second Opinion was made possible by YOU! Your donations are what got Vanessa to M.D. Anderson in Houston in the first place. Vanessa still has a long road to travel but you helped her make her first step ONE GIANT LEAP..!
And I want to thank YOU, Vanessa's circle of friends and healers, (you know who you are) with all of your healing love, knowledge, gifts, and support. You are making all the difference in the world. You know this. Vanessa knows this. Keep doing what you do and keep that song in your heart. THANK YOU.
This is one helluva victory and all the more reason for all of us to celebrate together at Vanessa's BITCHASS BENEFIT this Friday Friday Friday the 5th of February at the Oakland Metro Operahouse: 630 3rd ST. at MLK near Jack London Square in Oakland.
BEATS ANTIQUE Special DJ Set featuring Zoe Jakes, Special Perfomances by Members of the YARD DOGS ROAD SHOW, EXTRA ACTION MARCHING BAND, THE TURKS, SUGAR BUTT TIGER, COWBOYGIRLS, D.J. JUNKDRAWER, and FLASH HOPKINS AS MC, plus THE BITCHASS RAFFLE!!!
$15 — $100 Sliding Scale at the Door.
Doors at 8pm SHow at 9pm.
ALL PROCEEDS GO TO VANESSA.
SEE YOU FRIDAY!!!
Stay Tuned and Thank You For Fighting:)
D.A. of Black Rock
(aka Dominic Tinio)
